Many might call him a dictator, but Pervez Musharraf brought prosperity, development and stability to the country and that is why we have arrived at Bagh-e-Jinnah today, opined most of the participants of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) rally on Sunday. Muhammad Ali, a resident of Block 13-D of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, told Pakistan Today that he loves Musharraf’s concept of enlightened moderation. “Pakistan grew during the tenure of Musharraf. There was prosperity, economic development and foreign investment was flowing into the country because investors considered Pakistan a safe place,” he said.
“I finished BCom from the University of Karachi privately and got a job in amultinational firm, but the company shutdown its business after the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led government came into power,” he added. “Now I am jobless. I believe that if he [Musharraf] comes back to Pakistan, foreign investment and job opportunities would also return.”
Ishrat Hussain, a resident of Malir 15, said there was prosperity in Pakistan when the man, who people call a dictator, was ruling the country. “When I compare Pakistan under the leadership of President Zardari and Musharraf, I feel that there is a vast difference,” he said.
“There is no political stability during the tenure of the current government. The prices of essential commodities are sky-rocketing and people are unemployed as foreign investment has been pulled out. The country is again asking the International Monetary Fund for loans,” he added.
Muhammad Salman, a leader of the Bengali-origin population of the city, said Musharraf was the first person who recognised Bengali immigrants as citizens of Pakistan.
“He had also announced issuance of computerised national identity cards and passport to us. Musharraf is the true leader of Bengalis in Pakistan,” he added.“We have made sacrifices for Pakistan and we have a right to avail every benefit that is enjoyed by the others in the country.”
Mohsin Abbas, who hailed from Chitral, recalled how a tunnel was built in his native area during Musharraf’s tenure that allowed trade to flourish there.
“The people of Chitral hope Musharraf contests the next elections from Chitral,” he said. “Musharraf connected Chitral with Gilgit-Baltistan and Skardu with the tunnel. He is the only person who is sincere,” he added.
I share your nostalgia! Of course under dictatorship the trains run on time, the planes fly as schudeled and people come to job at time. There is illusion of stability but there is no blueprint for future! The future lies in our hands and when we are given the right to vote we use our heart rather than our head. The same discredited elite is back!
There are 4 ways we can make a new Pakistan.Give the pakistani,s the following(Security, justice, freedom of choice, lowtaxes) there will be no need for corruption. The country will progress leeps and bounds. Am i looking for a pie in the sky? No i am daydreaming( my wife,s comments!)
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