Musharraf’s attitude

Still undemocratic

Former dictator General Pervez Musharraf had it pretty easy as long as he had a semblance of power but it doesn’t take long to change the tide, and that’s what politics is all about. And more than that, it normally makes a dictator taste his own medicine. Musharraf was no different; he was booed off the political stage by lawyers, judiciary and civil society, with a bit of support from political parties.

Things took an interesting turn when the retired general announced to enter politics by launching his own party. His own former supporters couldn’t do much to assuage the situation as the government, first the PPP’s and now the PML-N’s, dragged him to court to answer for his so many attacks on democracy, denial of fundamental rights and abuses of power. After he was released on bail in all the court cases recently, he has appeared in an interview with a controversial anchorperson, detailing how what he did was all done in the best interest of the country, and that he never intentionally did anything wrong. Still he tendered an apology if anyone considered him guilty. First things first: his apology means nothing for he doesn’t yet fathom the gravity of what he did to the fledgling democracy in 1999, nor does he regret his actions. His attitude isn’t apologetic, rather sheepish and wants to be given another chance for which he has announced his intentions: he would do the same if he had to all over again. That he still sees a democratic dispensation not worth governing the state is indicative of his mindset. He even egged on military to support him, something only a non-political leader would do. During his government the country saw a fake economic growth that never trickled down to the public. He was quick to judge the PML-N government but conveniently forgot to mention how he created no jobs, how he was unable to launch a single mega hydropower project, and how he risked country’s sovereignty by submitting to USA’s demands of cooperation in the war on terror without any discussion in the parliament. Musharraf was no saint; his attempts at getting a clean slate now should be dealt with on merit.

The former military strongman also claimed that he liberated media in the country, something that is not entirely true. Yes, he did allow private channels to operate in the country but it wasn’t him made it all happen. The efforts were already afoot as it was a global trend at that time. It was bound to happen, sooner or later. His reversal of heart now is nothing but an attempt at grabbing power once more. He shouldn’t be allowed to do that, at least not till justice has taken its course and he has got what he deserves, be it forgiveness or condemnation.