Ahmed R Alam October 30, 1999

Tags: Coup , Nuclear , Government , Military , Democracy

About the author: 24, Pakistani, studying for the Bar in London

href="/tag/government">government. A system like democracy needs to work out it's own checks and balances. And while I must strongly protest any allegations of being pro-Nawaz, I must state that his removal is ILLEGAL; and two wrongs cannot make a right.

Our country has already suffered enough, both at the hands of generals and the scourge thrown upon us by a politcised judiciary: The Doctrine of Necessity.

Still, I cannot but think this time as one of opportunity. What is sad is that Pakistan's state of affairs has run a course so low that we can with ease state that a military coup is for the good. This is not so, and despite what people may say about the necessity of "saving Pakistan," we should ask ourselves what it is we are saving ourselves from: The bankrupting policies of a incompetent government, or the chimera we call "institutions" set up after a military government (as an example: I give you Pakistan, post 1985). We are, as you can see, between a rock and very hard place.

Really, what a farce we run, and how silly to think this action for the good. At best we must treat this de-facto coup with some suspicion, and hope those in command have the strength and foresight to do what is necessary. I shan't spell out what that is, for with our varying backgounds we may disagree on a path, but I'm certain out motives are the same.

A thought on Musharraf: A journalist friend of mine, having seen some live footage of this man, gives us the folowing insight on his personality: At base camp below Kargil(12,000 ft), while on live feed to international news agencies, Musharraf takes out a cigarette, looks at the cameras, and then asks an aide: "Shall I smoke?"

The nervous reply: "I don't think so, sir."

The General puts the cigarette to his lips, and says: "I think I'll smoke anyway."

In his hands rests the future of 126 million. The IMF and donor countries will only keep us on life support if He can convice them the evil you know (military takeover) is better than the evil you don't (hyperinflation, chaos).