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It wasn’t me
BY PADRAIG BELTON ON 02 18TH, 2010 | COMMENTS (185) Search
For the briefest of moments, again within the ambit of

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power politics, Citizen Pervez Musharraf told (two) jokes,
set out his stall to succeed Asif Zardari, and proposed a Couldn’t she just find a nice Indian boy? (944)
Shaggy reading of Pakistani history: It Wasn’t Me. All this
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while speaking at Chatham House and the Georgian St
James’s townhouse where once lived Gladstone and Pitt Goodbye International Cricket in Pakistan (619)
the Elder. We shall overrun (474)
The phoenix flops (444)

It is one of a pair of engagements, for a general on a
visitor’s visa whose London residence was meant to be A tale of two calls (432)
short. Next Tuesday, he follows his July parliamentary
Holy SMS (382)
appearance in the House of Commons with a sequel, in
the Lords, as guest of Conservative life peer Lord Sheikh. Paradox republic (350)
Pakistan’s New Media Dictionary (341)

On Monday, when Musharraf spoke, the overflow room was overflowing. To say that the audience was fawning
would be inaccurate – it was along the spectrum between ‘obsequious’ and ‘obeisant’. Speaking for an hour from The froth of Khan (326)
infrequently consulted handwritten notes, the talk seemed like an interview for two positions: the one he has
already held, and Pundit-Supreme interpreting Pakistan to Anglo-America.
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Musharraf was always going to be described as the Pakistan Army’s ambassador to London. Now, though, he can
flesh this penchant into a political theory and justification of (past and prospective) rule. Democratically elected
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governments, he says, have been failing to perform the objectives of government, offering good governance, and
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ensuring the well-being of the people. If these aren’t being achieved, governments, whether democratic or military,
must be changed.
dawn.com Pakistan’s
Compared with civilians, Musharraf adds, the military are possessed of “better trained minds, and better ascension to the T20 semifinal has been a
administrative capacity.” But the general concedes that the civilian government must learn to perform. Musharraf
story of failure, desperation, and
kismet else we wouldn't have it any other
has no doubt – he does not seem a man much given to self-doubt – that Pakistan’s way forward lies in the
way!
“integration of the political forces, political parties, army, and bureaucracy,” and “unity of thought” between these
entities. The Dawn Blog » Blog
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the party
And then he sets out his wares: “Clearly, I love my country. I would do anything for my country. I took an oath blog.dawn.com
when I passed out of the military academy to go anywhere when ordered to serve Pakistan, even at threat to my Many critics and fans
life.” The ungenerous might see a nod at Benazir Bhutto in that comment. “I want for the people of Pakistan to alike may term
Pakistan’s backdoor
understand – I am a civilian now, I am not a military man. I cannot take over anything.” There is laughter, then the route into the semifinals
pay-off: “Electorally, I think I will have that legitimacy I never had. Then if one unites army and bureaucracy, with of the Twenty20 World
legitimacy of political process … that is for the people of Pakistan to decide.” Cup as a travesty of
justice, a lucky break, a
gross coincidence of
In Musharrafland, perhaps it all seems possible. He did, after all, encourage nazims facing the unemployment errors, maybe even a
queue in Zardari’s local government reforms to visit him abroad last year, declaring he would advocate for their cardinal sin. ...
continuance in office. It may be telling that he traces Afghanistan’s bloodshed to the elimination of its monarch, a 2 hours ago
glue that held an ethnically fractious people together. 16,065 people like dawn.com.
In general, the West ought to have listened to the general: “In 2003, when I was going down a political path, all the
West said I was double-crossing and double-dealing.” They still have their chance to hear Musharraf out, with him
now conveniently in London. He trots out his credentials for punditry: Afghanistan and the tribal regions of Ahmed Shahroz Mian Nando Sa'adi
Pakistan are the centre of gravity for all extremism and radical thought, from the Maghreb to Somalia and Yemen
to western China. British and American telly viewers can come aboard, says Muhsarraf, inviting you to (and here
his second joke) “the most happening place in the world, where there’s never a dull moment.”
Qasim Mansoor Sunny Waqas Ali
Without such a sound local guide as him, he tut-tuts, western adventurers will make blunders; for example, treating
all Pathans as Taliban – “I always said there was a need for a policy change.” His prescription for Afghanistan dawn.com on Facebook
betrays a presumption that there is only one sector to an economy: the military. He advocates for the arming of
lashkars and building up of the Afghan National Army, underneath a government more responsive to Pathans, and ADVERTISEMENT
buttressed by an Anglo-American military commitment tied to results rather than timeframe. “When we create
lashkars and the ANA,” he says, “we create jobs – these people need jobs.”
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Kashmir, meanwhile, is a hat-trick: Musharraf demonstrates first-name affability with a world leader (complimenting
Manmohan Singh on his vision and sincerity), states he was close to resolving the long-standing dispute, and (in a
http://blog.dawn.com/2010/02/18/it-wasn’t-me/ Page 1 of 11
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Pakistan at its lead.” In September, the Guardian’s Declan Walsh profiled Musharraf in his “unassuming three-
bedroom flat” beside Edgware Road’s shisha bars and kebab joints. It seems the former general has now made it
to Westminster.
Pádraig Belton is a London-based journalist who has lived in Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar,
and is now finishing a doctorate at Oxford.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
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185 Responses to “It wasn’t me”
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Newer Comments »
4. Language that is offensive to any race, religion, ethnicity, gender or nationality is not permitted.
Ali says:
5. Avoid posting comments in ALL CAPS. Commenters are also encouraged to avoid text contractions like 'u r.'
March 6, 2010 at 9:57
6.Long live Sir Musharaf Long live Pakistan!

Do not cross-post comments across multiple blog entries.
True leader after Quaid.
7. Any comments posted to a blog entry should be relevant to the topic or discussion.
8.Dr.
DoNoor
not spam thesays:
comment section.
Khan
March 6, 2010 at 7:36
Mr. Musharraf says that ” I love my country. I would do anything for my country”. My advice is that he mobilizes
resources from abroad particularly from West and Middle East to establish world class universities and hospitals
in Tribals of NWFP and Baluchistan and in the rest of Pakistan. This will help to minimize the root causes of the
terrorism and other socio-economic problems. Note: This advice is also for those who have Mr. Musharraf type
energies and situations.
Aamir Ali says:

March 5, 2010 at 20:38
Musharraf was a superb leader who put Pakistan on the path of economic growth, enlightenment and fighting
terrorism. However it will take Pakistanis a decade to accept that these policies were actually good for Pakistan.
Zaidi, Ali says:

March 5, 2010 at 18:59
Can anyone define (comprehensively) the meanings of DEMOCRACY in the context of the Pakistani society based
on Islam????
Expat Indian says:

March 4, 2010 at 2:08
All those who are praising Mush have no clue how damaging he was to the well-being of Pakistan. Above all he
was a self-promoter par excellence. Pakistan today is on the verge of bankruptcy due to his policies of
mortgaging Pakistan’s future to an unaffordable army.
He negotiated with India directly himself and got outfoxed when he should have left that to professional
diplomatic negotiators. Now Pakistan cannot survive without American aid and has to do whatever Americans ask
them.
Mush was a disaster, second only to Zia ul-Haq.
Global Citixen says:

March 4, 2010 at 1:24
As an Indian I believe Musharraf was a way better leader for Pakistan than the current ones. He gave Pakistan a
good face, economic growth, peace, stability and most importantly a future prospect. He and Manmohan Singh
was just on the brink of solving Kashmir issue. And I believe had he been in power for few more years he and his
counter part would have solved the issue.
And do not forget that in any nation (India, China, America) all the above mentioned goods comes at a price. So
stop blaming him no one is perfect. He was not pro-west, he was just not against the west.
The only mistake he made that he was born as a common man and wore his army uniform while serving.
I don’t believe Pakistan needs any civil revolution like Iran or France to get back on track. All it needs to do is call
Musharraf back and tell him to start from where he left …
cafeclifton says:
March 3, 2010 at 23:17
For a faster evolving democratic culture, Pakistan needs regular elections, TERM LIMITS, no one can serve more
than twice in any election position, so that the youth (which is 60 percent of the country) can be encouraged to
get in line to run the affairs of the state.
A basic bill of rights containing the essence of democracy taught to all alike from the inception would cultivate a
shared political culture and breed tolerance.
Mushrraf made deals with the Taliban, and convinced the West that he was the only sane person in the govt. that
all else were radicalized, meanwhile under his rule is the only time religious parties got any traction.
He must be tried under article 6 of the Pakistani Constitution. I hope he is paying taxes to Pakistan with all the
money he is earning on the lecture circuit, selling out Pakistan yet again.
saud vaheed says:

March 3, 2010 at 22:31
musharraf must be stopped to deliever any lecture or interview which come up to security of the country.
Mohsin Syed says:

March 3, 2010 at 21:37
Many people are of the opinion that in Mushy’s time media, judiciary, politicians, nothing was free or
independent.
They must not forget that a powerful media group was barred from printing by halting the paper supply to them.
The Supreme Court was hijacked by the than government in 1998 for acting against government. Politicians were
arrested by them. One of the biggest ship breaking industry in the world was brought to a halt because the than
govt. had a stake in steel business and wanted all the transactions through the entity. How worse can it get? The
current CJ of Pakistan was one of the few judges who took oath under PCO to hold there seats in 1999.
No one is clean and pure. What Mushy did was the need of time not the need of self. Our media, as Times
magazine has recently described it as “Wild one” or in Urdu I would say “Awara” should try to remain in limits.
Yes Lal-Masjid incident was a mishap. But if everything put on left side as Lal-Masjid on the right, left one would
still out weight it.
I thank Musharraf that two professions which were thought to be for the losers are attracting one of the best
human resource, namely Journalism and Teaching.
Instead of blaming someone for such big events, one should always know the scenarios and the actual events
that were going on. This surely helps us in gaining insight and makes us judge the things better.
Safdar Shah says:

March 3, 2010 at 21:19
There is a saying; worst democracy is better then best dictatorship. Let’s not forget by supporting Musharraf you
all are supporting dictatorship, and then you wonder Pakistan is not progressing. Empty slogan “Long Live
Pakistan” needs a reality check.
King Maker says:
March 11, 2010 at 1:33
This definition was given by the west.
ecky says:
March 3, 2010 at 21:18
Dear all, Good leaders and bad leaders will come and go. What is important for a country in democracy….why
democracy? Democracy means strong constitution, systems and institutions. That ensures credibility in business
community and investors. That creates jobs helps in economic development. Let the common people of a
country decide who should lead the country.
Zafar Malik says:

March 3, 2010 at 21:06
Musharraf was more democratic and capable than our selfish and opportunistic politicians. All countries of far
eastern Asia also known as Asian Tigers serve as a good model for us. Capable military rulers like General Park
of South Korea pulled them out of miserable economic backwardness, poverty and illiteracy and once the
countries were industrialized and literate, democracy was established. Democracy is plant which needs a certain
economic social and cultural ground to grow. Western democracy cannot be established in a feudal, tribal and
agrarian society with no tradition of democracy. At this stage of Pakistan’s socio-economic development,
western style democracy will always remain a dream. Musharraf was really heading in the right direction. First we
have to create the right socio-economic conditions and only after that democracy will come. Pakistan is trying
for the last 63 years to put cart in front of the horse. Please study the recent history of the Asian tigers, South
Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Indonesia and even China.
Syed Chishti says:

March 3, 2010 at 19:51
Dear All
I think this continued discussion is a useless dialogue; General Pervez Musharraf is now story of the past. If he
was so good or bad, why he had to be humbled and forced out of power. We all know the story of his being in
power since 1999. The doves and the hawks were all instrumental in power politics, its ups and down. General
Pervez Musharraf knew very well; he was not a dove, he had become arrogant and self centered; he did not want
to listen to those who were the doves around or away from him.
Let’s forget about his good or bad deeds and look forward to coming days, months and years ahead of us with or
without him. If he has to come back, through what gate, if he is one of those Mughal’s who had his turn and
could not go down in the history as a peace loving ruler; by gone is by gone, lets move on; bring some youthful
educated, and cultured people in the Pakistani political system at the fore front; for basic changes by the
Pakistani, for the Pakistani; and what its society needs.
Sixty years plus, we have not moved forward in most important fields of economic and social development etc.
How much more of useless love and hate stories; wake-up Pakistani’s, rise and shine and smell the air of world
politics and remember we are living in first world order. There is still time to fix our follies and get back to
reconstruction of what the Nation of Pakistan and its political system has destroyed with its own hands.
Reconstruct it now; not in 2020, it will be too late by that time.
Imran Jiwani says:

March 3, 2010 at 19:09
Hi.
Dont the army people have to swear that they will not participate in any political activity before they recruit in
army????
Zaidi, Ali says:

March 5, 2010 at 18:58
And they also should swear that they will also defend their motherland from the enemy within!!!
saghir mughal says:

February 28, 2010 at 22:57
Hi there,
I don’t know what the democracy gives to the people of Pakistan that they fight for the democracy in country,
what is wrong with Military if they manage the country, they will do all the things in good manners at least, look
the politicians press conferences as they are in hoards/animals.
Yes you are thinking that I don’t know about the foreign aids if there is military, but tell me where you want to
use that money if there is no peace/confidence in public.
Do all in good organized manners then look its fruits in public.
At the end, Do reforms in Police and enjoy to live in Great Pakistan.
regards.
Saghir Mughal, LONDON.
Saghir Mughal, LONDON.
shirazi says:
February 25, 2010 at 10:40
It was not me either. Question is who is?
Amir Khan Gubodoer says:

February 25, 2010 at 9:40
All we can say is that Pakistan and Musharaf always hang together. Musharaf sacrificed, suffered and stretched a
lot to protect getting Pakistan clipped by Indians or Americans. Pakistan can use Musharraf again to facilitate
Americans pleasure to further its interests.
Faisal K. says:
By passing NRO, Musharraf legalized corruption. I would accept a corrupt elected president over a dictator, that
is what Musharraf was.
Maria says:
I agree. I think Pakistani people can call a spade a spade. It’s one thing to have a bad political leader who can
be voted out but to have a bad dictator who takes over illegally is far worse. Right now there is a military take
over in Niger and the country is made to look like a basket case. Sad to say, Musharraf’s army take over
made Pakistan look like a basket case too. Let’s all grow up and work for the creation of a system of
governance in Pakistan within whatever constitution we have. In the long run we’ll be better off than with
dictators who come and go after hurting the nation.
Saad says:
March 4, 2010 at 0:39
Totally agree.
Political systems takes time to evolve and unfortunately the lack of good democratic leaders today in
Pakistan is a blessing of military dictatorships we have had over the years.
Zaidi, Ali says:

March 3, 2010 at 22:38
I would prefer an honest, patriotic leader over a bad, corrupt political leader in our country. With all his
flaws Musharaf was/is an honest patriot of Pakistan. It is like living in a fool’s paradise to even fancy than
a corrupt elected leader can be voted out in Pakistan. The election commission is not autonomous,
meaning the corrupt politician will always be voted in whether the public wants it or not. The so-called
democratic politicians in Pakistan (the Nawazs and Bhuttos) took turns undemocratically for good about
10 years. Their parties are not even democratic; at best they have SHAM democracy. Alas, all we could do
after ousting Musharraf was to bring back the same culprits who in any other serious professional
corporate or company would have been FIRED for the mistakes they committed (not once but TWICE) in
the past. Wow what a democracy in Pakistan!?
Please wake up and first understand democracy and acquire the capability to reconcile it with your roots
and then talk about democracy in Pakistan.
hansa says:
February 23, 2010 at 20:54
The vital ingredient that makes democracy works are transparency and accountability. Transparency works when
there is a collective unity of purpose. Accountability lays down a mechanism of checks and balances to achieve
those purposes. Our love and hate relationship between democracy and dictatorship lies exactly in our inability
to unify our people to achieve a collective purpose. Therefore unable to achieve collectively we understandably
start achieving for our own selves, which in turn creates a situation where we become accountable to our own
definitions and interpretations of rights and wrongs.
S. A. M. says:
February 23, 2010 at 15:33
We have to see what sort of leaders we have. Are the fit to be called democratic leaders. They are fit to be called
feudal lords as the majority of them come from big families.
Musharaf was someone coming from the people who struggled to make their world. We have respect for him
because in his time there was much hope and peace. If anybody thinks that the present govt. is any better than
the Musharraf regime they should see the devaluation in our rate of exchange. In Musharraf’s time we used to
get 16 or 17 or maximum 18 Pak rupee for 1 UAE Dirham but now we get 23 plus. although it is beneficial for us
but we do not want such benefits which can cause so many problems for our country.
but we do not want such benefits which can cause so many problems for our country.
I believe democracy is suitable for countries where there is more education but in countries like ours where
corruption prevails in all departments dictatorship is best.
Mawali says:
February 23, 2010 at 19:56
Thank you!
Latif Khan says:

February 23, 2010 at 14:08
My advice is simple. Musharaf has good experience and he is out spoken and can speak on our prevailing
situation internally and externally. He can be used as an asset of the nation and utilised in this capacity. In other
countries, people like him (experts) are taken on non party or religion basis and make them to serve under any
government. We should not waste him.
Arsalan Vohra says:

February 23, 2010 at 11:52
Excellent write-up by Mr. Belton. I think, his (Mr. Musharraf’s) only mistake, possibly is his efforts of
reconciliation (at the worst of times). Shouldn’t have done it. No sir, you shouldn’t have. Admit it its a mistake of
the highest order. The country wants to live as a fractious state. The feudalistic mindset is still a present day
reality and will only go, God knows when will it go. My advise would be, sir; you please stay away and keep
yourself relevant for the coming times. Try to organize yourself and a strong economic and administrative team
(A Think tank of sort), and try to operate as a consultant and/ or a lobbyist to or for the Pakistan Government.
Your experience is priceless, for the country and this region. I know at the moment it’s unthinkable to even
suggest something like this. But, see how much has changed in two years. Realization is building-up a sense of
understanding (even tolerance) for you in peoples’ heart. The only ones now denying your good work or at-least
a sincere endeavor to do good, are either the politicians (not all by the way) or the people who had taken a
maximum list position during your last days at the presidency. Understandable, it is difficult for them to come
out with acknowledgment for any of your work. But being a realist, I know that you know this. I sincerely believe
a couple of more years of your presidency would have really made a lot of difference in the socio-political
landscape of the country. But then, as a staunch believer in the fact that, what Allah (SWT) does it is for our own
good. And this may yet bring something else about you, which would be beneficial for the people here. Just hang
in there sir, this country might be calling you back sooner than you think.
Asif Jah says:

March 6, 2010 at 9:36
Very wise and well said Arsalan, people who inclined for their own benefits and wishes can not judge or
comment wisely on what Mr Musharraf did for our country. Only time will prove, and for his opponent I
would only say “enjoy this democracy”.
dervaish says:
February 23, 2010 at 11:19
Musharraf had his chance for over 8 years. What exactly did he accomplished? nothing but corruption, Terrorism
and lawlessness. He can say anything he want now but he did zilch when he was is power. Pakistan is in this
mess partially because of his decisions as President and head of armed forces.
Danish says:
March 3, 2010 at 23:27
Mr. Dervaish, I beg to differ. During his 8 years of rule Pakistan’s economy was among the fastest growing, it
does not matter if one calls it just American aid that brought it up, the truth to the matter is the economy
was at its best in the last 60 or so years of our existence. Prior to Musharraf and his education reform, none
of our universities stood among the top 500 universities of the world. After his reform and formation of
Higher Education Commission (HEC), two universities are now among top 500 (Karachi University and NUST).
Rate of college graduates has increased in just 4 years by about 2%, though its not much but a step in
positive direction considering we never focused on education through out our history. He created the city
government system, I don’t know about other cities but the progress Karachi has seen, is unprecedented.
Finally we have the media and press freedom no one ever thought of having in Pakistan. No democratic
government has ever given that kind of freedom to press and media in our country. Yes he made mistakes
and we all know about them but he made far more positive things in our country than the negative ones.
Credit should be given where it’s due.
aLi says:
February 23, 2010 at 22:33
So whats new! we are still living with these characteristics in present regime, and Mr. Musharraf has got them
from previous government. I do not see him doing any more worse. As for the author, he is basing his
comments on a limited scope and ignoring the other positive attributes.
aLi
Syed Mohammad Husain says:

I have never heard even from General Musharraf’s political opponents that he enriched himself or his family while
in the capacity of the head of the Government of Pakistan. The author may make fun of his lodgings at Edgeware
Road in London but probably that is all he can afford. It is a quality to be emulated by succeeding leaders in
Pakistan.
While he may have erred in handling the political situation at some point, his removal from office through
agitation and unrest and also at the behest of America, leads one to some thinking that he outwitted them in his
loyalty to the country and thus lost his job.
His one contribution, largely ignored, which none of the preceding governments brought into Pakistan society
was an almost free media and press. This was unheard of before.
Bob says:
Musharraf was a charismatic leader. The world wanted to talk to him, listen to him due to his straight
forwardness and charisma. The president leaders in Pakistan lack the charisma a leader is supposed to have.
Another leader people of all views listen to, is Imran Khan. Musharraf made many good choices and few bad
choices. He was successful 90 percent of the time. He failed miserably in the last ten to twenty percent of his 8
years due to few of his bad decisions, we all know about. He turned the economic conditions and flourished after
911 until the crises began for him in the last one years or so of his rule. Pakistan topped the list of fastest
growing countries along with Indian around the same time. Economist consistently listed Pakistan close to
highest in the last three of its pages. Musharraf actually believed the Pakistani politicians were not smart enough
to sustain the democracy & progress he had put the country on. And now we see it is true. The leaders are not
smart enough, do not have a vision for success. Many are still buried in the past, not able to look forward. Many
in power try to by pass the accountability they owe to the country, and not respecting institutions. They have not
been able to define success clearly. They don’t understand the strategic depth like General Kiyan & the military
brass understands. I saw General Kiyani making the statements making the position’s position clear on its policy
with respect to the strategic depth, which is the fulcrum of Pakistan’s foreign policy. General Kiyani spoke
effectively, while the political figureheads spoke like the parrot is able to repeat with no depth. Pakistan needs
well trained, disciplined, leaders with track record, leaders with integrity, leaders with competence, intellectual
capacity to understand the strategy at the high level, and indepth analysis in all spheres of requirements,
including economics, national security.
Silent Citizen says:

February 22, 2010 at 16:35
Musharaf has said last sentence in his last speech “Pakistan ka Allah Hafiz” & mess created by democracy lovers &
that’s what being observed by the Pakistani’s since he left, come back sir.
Raja Aftab says:

February 22, 2010 at 13:55
I Love Sir Musharraf.
capricorian313 says:
February 21, 2010 at 10:36
It’s a common irony that we always appreciate and misses the individuals who left us either by completing their
term or life.
I remember I casted my ever first vote to Mr. Pervaiz Musharraf because of his 7 point agenda according to which
the all looted money were to be bringing back etc.
What happened in later years? Nawaz Shareef was given a safe exit….Why he was not trialed?
Then 9/11 occurred and he claimed “Pakistan first” (Sab Se Pehley Pakistan) and became the ally of US and its
collated forces yields which can be seen in the shape of Drone attacks and numerous Taliban groups…
He started Pak-Army operations on NWFP that aggravated and helped ignite the anger… What have we achieved?
…more Taliban!
As per his own written book “In the Line of Fire” he handed over around 750 Pakistanis to US…why?
He started new vision “Enlightened Moderation” or “Moderate Islam”… which means to open our streams,
ideology and be more flexible. More importantly he announced this agenda in invitation by American Jewish
Congress in Sept 2005.
The world famous NRO… where 7 point agenda has gone?
The only problem lies within us as we have forgotten our values and become more selfish or self centered.
According to a saying by a philosopher that “masses memories are short term”.
I can bet, if Mr. Zardari completes his tenure then Mr. Pervaiz Musharraf would become a super hero of this
country.
Muhammad Shujja says:

Pervez Musharraf the Chief of Army Staff & President of Pakistan. After a heroic act of serving the nation, now
abandoned it. leaving for oversea. This person should never be allowed to travel abroad as being the president &
chief of army staff, this person have gone through all the classified and confidential document of Pakistan, which
could include the capacity of Pakistan Army, Its nuclear weapons.
All these things in the wrong hand would endanger National Security of Pakistan, Musharraf would be utilize
against Pakistan.
I personally believe that there should be a constitution in Pakistan, that should put an end to this trend
performed by the leaders that is serving the nation, being patriot, and later leaving the country with wealth &
riches.
All the leaders should be confined within the limit of Pakistan, As they can create a major threat to the National
Security and these people talk about being patriot.! “Patriotism” is unquestioned service to the nation and its
people even not holding a place (being president or Prime Minister) in the government.
saud vaheed says:

March 3, 2010 at 22:24
There must be law in place that no retired bureaucrat and military personnel ,who have served more than
25 years in government service be allowed to travel abroad for delivering lectures and giving interviews and
publishing his or her past experiences,which tantamount to the security of the country.
Bob says:
February 22, 2010 at 23:42
America is second home, or may be the only one for many, to most of the military top brass & other higher
ups of Pakistan due to various reasons like the children or family members who have migrated. How many of
them are we going to stop?
How many of them who once held critical positions can be stopped from living abroad or making frequent
visits?
It appears families of the armed forces, bureaucrats, businessmen, and other professionals tend to move to
the US.
We cannot blame Musharraf for spending his retirement years in England. There are millions of other doing
the same.
AKHLAQ A.QURESHI says:

Discipline, Confidence, Motivation, Leadership on doubt was there during the period of Musharraf. There were
sounds of affiliations within general public. People forget the past, the days when he was appreciated. There
were problems created in later stage by vested interests.
We have democracy now, it is good, whoever wants to come now, give program what to do? Motivate the people,
welcome rather be alienate to one party. This is fast advanced stage of communication. We want better, effective,
accountable government and confident leadership. Lets do our best for the nation and one PAKISTAN FIRST
approach.
Bob from Texas says:

If we look around ourselves, hardly any leader has made the best or ideal choices.
Leaders make unintentional mistakes.
We should not hold them accountable, if the decision was properly made in the national interest, not for
personal gain or for other fanatical reasons.
Almost all the time, no one is able to fully anticipate the consequences of the decisions or choices made.
A leader deserves blame for bad outcome only if the choice was made under the influence of special interests,
like the choice made to destroy Iraq, the choices being made to suppress Palestinians.
Musharraf did not make choices to side with America for personal gains.
He made the choice to save Pakistan.
It was a strategic decision by Musharraf, because Pakistani military understands the national strategy more than
the politicians.
Musharraf made few bad choices because the outcomes have been bad, not because violated the national
interests making the decision. He complied with the national defense requirements making all decisions,
including the one in Baluchistan.
Fahad Saleem says:

Musharaf was (and is) definitely a better individual to lead Pakistan.
Latif Khan says:

February 23, 2010 at 13:49
I think Musharaf should be given a position to advise the present government on internal and foreign affairs.
He is a useful, well spoken, experienced and can handle negociations very well at all levels.
In other countries people like Musharaf are taken into government to carry out important responsibilities,
irrespective of one’s politcal or religious beliefs. Why can’t Pakistan do it?
Nadine says:
Musharraf is an ex-dictator who did nothing to strengthen institutions in Pakistan. His worst act as a dictator
was to dismantle the legitimate judiciary of Pakistan.
Nadine says:
Musharraf either took orders or gave orders. How can he even know what democracy is?
He thinks the concept of democracy is alien to Pakistan. He is wrong.
Bob from Texas says:

Things must be really bad in Pakistan, that majority of the comments on this forum favor the last administration
over the present one. The numbers again, is a proof, that the last administration is better than the present one.
Zaid Khan says:

February 20, 2010 at 23:43
Truley the Leader of Leaders – come back sir and sort the mess created by these democracy lovers.
Faheem Mohamedi says:

February 20, 2010 at 22:46
Musharraf, was very loyal to Pakistan and loved Pakistan. I think he saved Pakistan from being put back 400+
years. We all need to learn to keep our countries interest first. I love Pakistan and always will it is my birth place.
AJK, USA says:

February 20, 2010 at 22:26
After reading the opinions of all readers, it clear there is consensus that Pakistan needs strong institutions rather
personalities. But look at the history, individuals have always been at the helms of institutions to build and
strengthen them. As an individual, President Musharraf honestly and sincerely tried to bring back his country
from the brink of a “failed state”. When he left, Pakistan was economically and financially a viable state of
southeast Asia. Politically, Pakistan was again on the map of respected nations. It is unfortunate that he came
from a military background, had he come through a democratic system, he was the hero. Still I believe he is a
hero of Pakistan because of the tremendous job he did for his nation, for a common man, for his armed forces
since he always kept the interest of Pakistan first. He is so courageous that one day he will go back to Pakistan
and again serve his nation, because we all need an honest person. Many believe that he was not a democratic
person, but look what he did, a few of his land mark achievements are freedom to media, economic uplift of a
common man, overall industrial and agricultural growth, spreading education, uplift of women, freedom from
World Bank loans and the Local Government System. If our so called politicians continue his policies, Pakistan
can still sustain.
SIDDIQ MOHAMMED says:

February 20, 2010 at 22:23
I have seen in the history of Pakistan that Army Rules is the best Rule for Pakistan, we lost East Pakistan
due to election and we did not give power to brother of majority party who win the election and Zulfkar
Ali Bhutto is responsible for that. It is now time some one from army need to take the country in wright
direction and arrange sugar, flour, oil and gas to the citizen of Pakistan with re bounce of economic etc.
Kara Swart says:
February 20, 2010 at 21:31
There is an old saying- ‘People get the rulers they deserve.’ They, after all, are products of our society. A clean,
uncorrupt society gets clean, uncorrupt leaders. There is a reason why great countries like Denmark, Sweden,
Norway etc. get clean, efficient leaders who function without throwing their weight around. I admire countries
whose leaders names I cannot recall. This means that these societies have become strong. Weak countries and
societies need strong leaders.
Salman says:
March 16, 2010 at 11:56
I agree with you 100%.
m. akhtar says:
February 20, 2010 at 21:09
I can say that General Musharraf was the only person who gave freedom to media, And so for no one has come
forward with accusation that he stashed billions of dollars in foreign accounts, like others.
Naveed Lotia says:

February 20, 2010 at 19:07
I don’t think Musharraf was a bad guy, though he certainly made lots of mistakes and blunders.
However, I think the debate around Musharraf should really be focused around the role the army has played in
the country’s destiny. The army as well as the bureaucracy, however well intentioned, have ultimately done far
more damage to this country than the politicians have.
It is time Pakistanis wake up this fact. There is a lot of analysis and research out there that supports this
conclusion.
sidd says:
February 20, 2010 at 18:13
Every one thinks of changing the world but no one thinks of changing ownself, We have to change our mindset,
stop blaming the politicians, Corruption is a big curse in our country which needs to be finished somehow by
now before its too late.
Adil says:
February 20, 2010 at 14:59
Pervez Musharaf is much better then all Pakistani Politicians.
Sajjad says:
February 20, 2010 at 14:10
Mr. Cowasjee once said about Musharraf, “He is is the best in the worst lot”. This explains a lot, Musharraf took
media seriously, he was always responding to their questions. Benazir was a good leader but she should have
stayed away. We have this chaos because of her. she died and that developed a same old complex in sindh and
what worst we could get was zardari taking over. The results are of that single step that BB took. her come back
was bad for her and us.
Jhaman Hirani says:

February 20, 2010 at 13:43
Pakistan’s economy did get remarkable boost in terms of foreign investment. The era has also given good
increase to the technology. It was also the time country was able to creating good relationship with international
communities. However, some mistakes has also been committed during the regime. If one keeps on comparing
the current Government with the one of Musharraf’s than the present one is really supposed and expected to
perform better and come out handling things at broader perspective for the sake of real development.
vankirk says:
I don’t think that there was real development during dictatorship. If anything the country was crumbling due
to the instability that dictatorship brought. When people speak of investment under Musharraf, I wonder how
much more investment we could have had under a democratic rule since people in developed countries take
a dim view of dictatorships. The whole world was experiencing economic growth, including US in the era of
Bush and Musharraf- even the US didn’t know it was about to collapse economically. Then the recession and
collapse came. The investment and the growth is an illusion that was never there. The terrorism and
instability that dictatorship gave us real and that’s all Musharraf left us. That’s why I don’t think Pakistanis
want Musharraf back. We have matured as a nation with the judiciary’s independence and strength as an
institution.
Boxing Gloves manufacturer says:

February 20, 2010 at 13:23
Sorry to say all politician are corrupt and also Musharraf was not a perfect politician but he did a lot more of this
country than any democratically elected. He was a man the stood for education and in his time supported
building schools in rural regions. Our stock market and economy was the best performing and fastest growing in
Asia, respectively. If anything this extremist crisis was being handled in a more professional way. There were less
drone attacks and he was not at all afraid of addressing the West and clarifying their “Lack of Support” in the
matter. More than anything, he is someone that has served this country rather than serving a jail sentence.
regards,
Zubair mehar
Javed Sani says:

February 20, 2010 at 13:07
Mushararf, At least we can name a person in this era who is loyal to Pakistan. “Sab se Pahley Pakistan” he really
means to it… In his era Pakistan is one of the fastest growing economy is South Asia. Our economy is stable,
investment is coming especially in Banking and communication sector are the leading one. Although he had
made some mistake but the question is what we get from current democracy. Only corruption, is the fastest
growing sector in Pakistan now a days. Wow.
Moeed says:
February 20, 2010 at 13:07
Well. For me as a Pakistani, Musharraf was a great strategist and a leader. Otherwise it is hard to survive in
Pakistan’s politics for 8 long years. His 8-year rule has witnessed many ups and downs. Healthy Increase in
Economic Conditions etc. We were going on a path of success as a Pakistan, however, now the drive is opposite. I
pray that something good should happen to Pakistan in order regain momentum.
BB>K.Mathur says:
February 20, 2010 at 13:04
I think it is high time Pakistan thinks in terms of Democracy Vs. Dictatorship rather than having a personality
specific discussion. Results of several dictators have been very well seen by Pakistan over the years and every
body can analyze the same. Similarly results of democratic rulers if I understand correctly are not very
encouraging. What a country should in such a situation? I think it is wiser to choose a governing system which
can provide long term solutions, should not depends on individuals and personalities and finally should have
continuous scope of improvement and continuity. Democracy fits the bill rather than a dictatorship. There can
always be a situation that a dictator has performed better than a democratic ruler, but then does it help country
in the long run? I think the answer is No and every Dictator who fails in this question is not fit to rule the
country. Democratic ruler at times are very poor performer or corrupt all across the world but there is still a hope
and scope of improvement with strong democratic institutions.
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The Dawn Blog » Blog Archive » It wasn’t me 12/05/2010 11:21

Cheap Calls To Pakistan Listen To Arabic Music

« Awards night Whiter shade of pale » RSS Feeds Comments RSS

For the briefest of moments, again within the ambit of

the Elder. We shall overrun (474)

The phoenix flops (444)

Pakistan’s New Media Dictionary (341)

6.Long live Sir Musharaf Long live Pakistan!

Aamir Ali says:

Zaidi, Ali says:

Expat Indian says:

Mush was a disaster, second only to Zia ul-Haq.

Global Citixen says:

saud vaheed says:

Mohsin Syed says:

Safdar Shah says:

King Maker says:

March 11, 2010 at 1:33

This definition was given by the west.

Zafar Malik says:

Syed Chishti says:

Imran Jiwani says:

Zaidi, Ali says:

saghir mughal says:

Saghir Mughal, LONDON.

It was not me either. Question is who is?

Amir Khan Gubodoer says:

Zaidi, Ali says:

Latif Khan says:

Arsalan Vohra says:

Asif Jah says:

Syed Mohammad Husain says:

Silent Citizen says:

Raja Aftab says:

I Love Sir Musharraf.

The world famous NRO… where 7 point agenda has gone?

Muhammad Shujja says:

saud vaheed says:

AKHLAQ A.QURESHI says:

Bob from Texas says:

Fahad Saleem says:

Musharaf was (and is) definitely a better individual to lead Pakistan.

Latif Khan says:

Bob from Texas says:

Zaid Khan says:

Faheem Mohamedi says:

AJK, USA says:

SIDDIQ MOHAMMED says:

Kara Swart says:

February 20, 2010 at 21:31

I agree with you 100%.

Naveed Lotia says:

Pervez Musharaf is much better then all Pakistani Politicians.

Jhaman Hirani says:

Boxing Gloves manufacturer says:

Javed Sani says:

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