Whatever the change, we need a change. Musharraf's domestic and international enemies have managed to taint his image to such an extent that he's no longer the right kind of leader to do what must be done to control the FATA.
We need a change to restore a fairly elected democractic, completely civilian national leadership without formal links to the army; in order to allow the Army to be unleashed on the FATA without risk of being labelled as an oppressing force of its own oppressive government.
The campaign against Pro-Taliban tribal rebels must only be framed as what it is - a campaign against anti-democratic rebels by the armed forces of a government whose electorate wants democratic choice and not extremism. Musharraf's image is now so badly tainted that he cannot serve that role. I'm frankly not convinced that Nawaz Sharif would take any action against the FATA rebels given his lack of statements against extremist elements; that leaves just Benazir Bhutto. As much as I dislike her immensely, I believe that for the sake of the campaign against extremism in our society.... Pakistan now needs Benazir. :(
After Imran's comments and position during the Lal Masjid Rebellion, I don't think he has the will to do what needs to be done. Amongst the opposition, only Benazir took a firm stance on not tolerating extremism.
We should change Musharraff because his image is tainted? Action against FATA won't come unless people say no to MMA and their sympathizers, the reason militants have safe heaven in Pakistan is because of political support rather inaction by government. When you have personalities openly supporting these people on national TV, we can understand why it is happening. It took us 20 years to be in this position, it won't go away overnight.
After Imran's comments and position during the Lal Masjid Rebellion, I don't think he has the will to do what needs to be done. Amongst the opposition, only Benazir took a firm stance on not tolerating extremism.
She has no credibility, being fully in league with those who supported Pakistan's policy of strategic depth.
Her only option to contain extremist movements is to employ and patronize them...and that means restarting campaigns in India or Afghanistan. Not a wise move.
Otherwise, her political opposition would sooner side with the extremists than her. Until, of course, it's their turn to rule.
Imran is better, as he is new blood...and more than a nigh-impossible- to- implement solution, Pakistan needs a change.
Whatever the change, we need a change. Musharraf's domestic and international enemies have managed to taint his image to such an extent that he's no longer the right kind of leader to do what must be done to control the FATA.
We need a change to restore a fairly elected democractic, completely civilian national leadership without formal links to the army; in order to allow the Army to be unleashed on the FATA without risk of being labelled as an oppressing force of its own oppressive government.
The campaign against Pro-Taliban tribal rebels must only be framed as what it is - a campaign against anti-democratic rebels by the armed forces of a government whose electorate wants democratic choice and not extremism. Musharraf's image is now so badly tainted that he cannot serve that role. I'm frankly not convinced that Nawaz Sharif would take any action against the FATA rebels given his lack of statements against extremist elements; that leaves just Benazir Bhutto. As much as I dislike her immensely, I believe that for the sake of the campaign against extremism in our society.... Pakistan now needs Benazir. :(
Maddy, your points are quite agreeable, but the fact remains, any civil govt will be nothing other than BB or Nawaz based, and there is no doubt that they will have their own survival and political as well as looting and self perpetuating dynamics as top most priority like twice before, and that would always make them prone to 'deals' and 'understandings' with the enemies of Pakistan. Unfortunately the same way this govt is being reduced to, ironically just for survival through fair-play inspite of having great justifications for a knockout performance of a dictatorial regime that it is so often blamed of. If it be in the interest of political parties, BB, NS, to not interfere in the Fata/Tribal areas and their politics it wouldn't matter to them what Pakistan's interest might be, and the Army ready and under political cover and validation for its actions would once again stay out unused.
I think this govt needs to and should finish off a lot of half-baked tasks; but the irony is they have such heavy currents against them they cant even do well what they want to with extremely good intentions. Pakistan's loss each time. To the gain of Mian-BB. If, and it's my bizarre wishful thinking, a civil govt other than the twice tried & rejected or the always-in-opposition-good-for-nothing faces can be formed; I'd be all for retirement of Gen Mush and this govt.
yeah so lets keep the army in power for 40 years even if they were the ones who pumped up the nation and help open (foreign-funded) madrassahs in every corner
Army killed any hopes of a leader by removing ZAB’s civilian government and created a leadership vacuum resulting in nation selecting sons and daughters of the leaders even if they are [EMAIL=“dumb@sses”]dumb@sses just because of the ‘brand-name’ now. Army has again killed any chances of leadership emerging by controlling country for yet another 8 years. No leadership can emerge until we let the democracy take its due process and time. Immediately we will have langra loola leaders and we might suffer for few years but with accountability, strong judiciary and media will get there :insha:
^^ Do you seriously believe that a person like Bhutto would have allowed "demo ratsy" in his party at any cost? I mean he and later mujeeb were both dictators and got bloody coups in the end..
I think the Ayub marshal law was the major dent in the Pakistan's political future along with that "doctrine of necessity" by justice muneer ! Had he nipped the idea in its bud, then Pakistan wouldn't have had such sorry politics as it has today.
^^ Do you seriously believe that a person like Bhutto would have allowed "demo ratsy" in his party at any cost? I mean he and later mujeeb were both dictators and got bloody coups in the end..
I am not an advocate of Bhutto at all, only citing case of some leadership skills.
[quote]
I think the Ayub marshal law was the major dent in the Pakistan's political future along with that "doctrine of necessity" by justice muneer ! Had he nipped the idea in its bud, then Pakistan wouldn't have had such sorry politics as it has today.
[/quote]
We can keep blaming our past for our present all our lives or we can make a difference and let not future generations blame us. We can still do it, are we sincere with ourselves?
It will take a very long time for Benazir to be give way to a more capable PPP leader. The PPP selected her to be leader for life - she's not that old yet, she still have several decades of political life left in her.
Similarly with the PML-N - they never removed Nawaz from being their overall political leader.
Pakistan's personality based democracy means that political parties end up with leaders for life, never promote fresh talent, always put up the same old faces for election and power.
Our political culture makes it impossible for newer, better leaders to ever step up.
Benazir and Nawaz have been the leaders of their parties longer than any political leader from any country with a successful democracy.
It will take a very long time for Benazir to be give way to a more capable PPP leader. The PPP selected her to be leader for life - she's not that old yet, she still have several decades of political life left in her.
Similarly with the PML-N - they never removed Nawaz from being their overall political leader.
Pakistan's personality based democracy means that political parties end up with leaders for life, never promote fresh talent, always put up the same old faces for election and power.
Our political culture makes it impossible for newer, better leaders to ever step up.
Benazir and Nawaz have been the leaders of their parties longer than any political leader from any country with a successful democracy.
If the stupid commando can stick to his rules (no 3rd time premier) then it wouldn't matter if BB is PPP-chief or not, someone else will need to be nominated for premiership.
Benazir and Nawaz have been the leaders of their parties longer than any political leader from any country with a successful democracy.
Except India. BTW, I agree with your point. We will never have democracy until we get rid of these crooks. That why I think we need term limits. Not just for twice elected PMs, but MPs and senators as well. That the only way we can have true democracy like in developed world.
If the stupid commando can stick to his rules (no 3rd time premier) then it wouldn't matter if BB is PPP-chief or not, someone else will need to be nominated for premiership.
So long as the party owes its loyalty to BB, it makes no difference if the Prime Minister is someone else. He will know that if he doesn't do what BB wants, BB could get the party members to vote no confidence against him.
In other words, the Prime Minster would just be a BB puppet so long as she's alive and out political culture is the way it is.
Except India. BTW, I agree with your point. We will never have democracy until we get rid of these crooks. That why I think we need term limits. Not just for twice elected PMs, but MPs and senators as well. That the only way we can have true democracy like in developed world.
Even India has recently become good at changing the faces on the political scene. Pakistan and Bangladesh lag far behind India and Sri Lanka. Our politics are no longer about issues but instead about personalities.
We need laws that exclude and indeed criminalise involvement in politics beyond a total of 12 years (to prevent a BB or NS-like person from continuing to pull strongs using influence after officially leaving office). I'm not saying that we should imprison violators; rather, hefty fines should discourage long-term political careers and always ensure a healthy turnover of faces in politics.
Of course.... this will never happen because all the parties will unite against such measure. From PML-Q to MMA to PPP to PML-N to MQM.... Pakistani parties are all unite in their incredible nepotism and self-protectionism.
Pakistani parties are all unite in their incredible nepotism and self-protectionism.
Its b/c Pakistani politics are about making money & not serving the country or the people. So, political parties are like cooperations and self-protectionism is a natural thing for them.
This is why we need the presidential sytem more than ever. At least we will have one check [opposition party coming in and a different party president]. You might even get independent candidates that aren't allowed to grow in the party.
PS The only big downfall could be that here, like before, all the parties collude to make a corrupt system! :D
No need for snap elections. You can also get your wish to vote for whoever you want. Parliamentary system only has two pillars [executive-legislature, judiciary].
