It is an unfortunate reflection on the shallowness of thinking of the Pakistani media as well as politicians that the mere possibility of postponement of General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf’s return to Pakistan is being interpreted as a sign of weakness.
The fact is that, as per his press talk in London on January 19, he has not even finally decided about postponing the date of his return. Even if he does so, it will be a strategic move on his part and obviously anyone has the right to exercise such freedom.
Actually, these frivolous reactions coming from various quarters represent the inner desire of many people who are scared and who want that the former president should not return at all. They know that once he is back on the national scene, he will expose many of those champions of democracy who have been hiding behind the screen of public ignorance – and they don’t want people to know the facts.
All right thinking Pakistanis who have had enough of those who presently hold the reins of power in Pakistan feel that the country needs a leader who understands their problems and is willing to do something about them.
The present government has given the nation nothing but lawlessness, corruption, price rises and destruction of public entities that were once the country’s pride, such as Pakistan Steel Mills, PIA and Pakistan Railways.
The people want a leadership that has given positive results in the past and who is better than General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf to deliver this, especially now that he has formally entered politics and is ready and willing to play his due role in national affairs.
MUHAMMAD YAHYA ASIF
Karachi