Outstanding questions overshadow former dictator’s return plans
“I am arriving in Pakistan on March 24th. I need your support,” former President Pervez Musharraf announced via his Facebook page on early Monday. “A senate resolution adopted in January last year is very clear that he should be arrested and prosecuted,” was the response of Senator Raza Rabbani from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). “It is the expression of the will of the lawmakers.” Such is the repulse with which the guardians of Pakistan’s democracy look at the former dictator that Musharraf has been forced to announce dates of return and then subsequently withdraw them many times over. The above mentioned resolution adopted unanimously by the upper house demanded Musharraf’s arrest and the initiation of a treason case against the former dictator who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999. The maximum penalty for Musharraf, if charged, is hanging. For once, however, it appears that the former commando is sticking to his guns – perhaps thinking that the caretaker government will be more amenable to his arrival.
But of course he appears to have forgotten that another increasingly strong player in the country: the judiciary, which he so attempted to dispose, and which is a dark horse which has given sufficient hints to suggest that it will issue arrest orders for Musharraf in one of the many cases against him lying before it. One of these is the Lal Masjid Enquiry Commission before which Musharraf has refused to appear. The commission has the power to issue his arrest warrants or seize his properties – meaning that even if he escapes arrest, his party may be decapitated with a lock down of its funds. All that said and done, Musharraf’s party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) has announced plans for a ‘historic welcome’ for the deposed leader next Sunday in Karachi. “The people of Karachi will receive the APML chief in an unprecedented manner,” a APML apparatchik told a party delegation in Hyderabad. Maybe the APML believes that it can pull of the unexpected.
People’s memories in Pakistan do tend to be short. But the fact is that the country and its people are still suffering the effects of Musharraf’s policies. His consumption-oriented economic policies, relying on trickle down, failed badly. The power crisis, increased corruption in politics, the worsening of the situation in Balochistan and the increase in terrorism, all trace their origins to the Musharraf era. While Musharraf still retains a democratic right to take part in the elections, he must be tried in the cases registered against him. Moreover, it is still hard to answer the question: what is Musharraf returning for? Perhaps, the former dictator shall furnish an answer once he arrives.
What is Musharraf coming for?? To save the country, you stupid.
The writer of this piece seems divorced from reality; at least that is what the caption suggests. Suffice to say that, Yes people have short memories but they do remember the progressive and proud Pakistan under Musharraf.
to save us alllll from people like you who wrote this article as well as from Zardari & nawaz & that Imran
Please come sooon n save us & what is left of this Pakistan
you were so right Sir we miss u & want U back
whoever has writeen this article, he is either out of his mind or taking money from Musharraf's opponent. This stupid guy does not understand what happened to the country during last 5 years. EVen in last day of government, they did corruption and loot maar openly, keep the banks open for transfer of illegal funds…. I think the writer is also the part of this corruption.,
What Rash said.
Hello Pakistani AWAM, Please wake up and get your heads out of your asses. The dictator is coming back. He is the parson who planted the seeds of more corruption, bomb attacks and load shedding or no gas and inflation. Listen to his speech in which he promised elections in 90 days and he stayed there for years. I am not saying the civil govts are perfect but no military or dictator ruled countries will ever prosper. Pakistan has been eaten alive by the military since its birth. Military,s job is the defence of the country and helping the civil authorities when required. I can keep writing and provide many examples, Please look around the world and get educated.
@ Idress …… suggest you re-read the definition of "Dictator" and see if it suits Musharraf or the politicians we have seen in power. Secondly, power is not just usurped at gun point; it is done at the ballot box also as has been the norm in Pakistan.
Idrees! Just love for being so right. This Mushy guy is a military man totally divorced from the tenets of democracy & theocracy. He only understands authoritarianism and perpetuate the same. I am sure Mushy has not learnt any lesson since he has this misplaced complex that he is the God-chosen, most intelligent person who ever walked the land of Pakistan. Rubbish! He is. However, he will flee as a petty-criminal once he knows finds that he would be a big loser in the forthcoming election that too if he is not in Jail.
@ Analyst ………… Democracy and Theocracy; what rubbish are you talking about? this is Pakistan where fake degrees get you into assemblies.
Cobrajock Sirji! Aap theek kahtey hain. Nevrtheless, Mushy, even if assumed that he has some genuine degrees, must be kept away from holding any important post in Pakistan since it is very clear that he will only impose what he deems fit and not what fits better for Pakistan. Mushy is simply incapable of being a rational, impartial leader needed for this great country.
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