Compilation of Opinions on the Military Takeover in Pakistan

Dear TariqLodi

I am very much in Pakistan and alive. People who betray their country`s constitution, cannot be patriots. And that`s what we learn from history. India has gone through worst security risks than Pakistan, one time their sitting PM (Indira Ghandi) was murdered; second time, during Kargil conflict, their government lost to a vote of no confidence, and they went through re-election process. But their army had been always loyal to their constitution. Iran no matter rain or sunshine, have elected governments. Here we have generals, who conquer and re-conquer their own country again and again. These generals, like Yayaha Khan the boozer, lost half of Pakistan. This time it has to end in a different fashion, unless the traitors to the constitution of Pakistan are hanged to death by neck, they will continue to show us the re-plays of 1958, 1969, 1977 and 1999 miltary coups. This should now end. Government is for the people of Pakistan and not an intermediate pass(2nd Division) general of the army, who revolts when dismissed. They better spend their energies to defend the country rather than running political affairs of the country.

Disappointment has already started in the masses after announcement of the members of NSC and cabinet. Allah have mercy on us, this is the same group of ``Banarasi Tugs``.

Rahat

MQ-RAHAT #:3

How right Mr. MQ-Rahat would have been had he been writing these lines from earth. Probably he is speaking from a fools paradise, or riding somebody elses shoulders. Perhaps also he has never put his foot on Pakistani soil and does not know History and Geography of Pakistan. If any body believes that M/s. Z.A. Bhutto, Ziaul haq, Muhammad Khan Junejo, Benazir and Nawazsharif and then again Benazir and Nawaz sharif were enthroned in Pakistan by popular majority vote of the PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN,the SILENCED MAJORITY, he certainly is mistaken. This silenced majority has only been celebrating ushering in of a new government in a wan hope that this might prove a better one than the previous. This hoping is the only contribution they make. They neither cause the governments installation nor their removal.

Come down and try doing it.

Tariqlodi.

In response to UR (Reply #: 44):

Dear UR:

I was expecting a response from you. I also thought that you would be able to cast some light on this issue. I must admit that my comment was based on hearsay combined with the way government machinery actually works in Pakistan. In fact, a close friend of mine who claims to have access to a lot of such information made claims about F-16 purchase to implicate someone who was a part of Benazir Bhutto`s regime. I asked him several critical questions and challenged him to provide me concrete evidence. He never replied, though I understand his difficulty.

The purchase of F-16s is a great riddle. In such deals a lot of important officials from ``both`` sides are involved, and the deal is treated as highly classified both on paper and otherwise. Under normal conditions, you can never find the truth. And, those who have access to some information never fully reveal it in view its adverse consequences to individuals (including themselves), institutions, and countries. In a country, where most people of position are corrupt, the whole picture becomes much more intricate. Another source of difficulty is the lack of accountability due to the nature of social networks among the people of power. In Pakistan, there are always ways to save the skin (if you belong to the ruling elite).

Sincerely, Bilal Ahmad

bahmad #41: You stated, ``However, on the highest level, those engaged in corrupt practices also find excuses to justify their actions (such as kickbacks for the purchase of submarines or F-16s).`` Would you happen to have any furthur information on kickbacks on the purchase of F-16s. I have heard a lot of people mention it over the years, yet the only proof they have been able to provide is second-hand information from their friends. I would be very interested in this, if you have any solid information.

Thanks,

UR

Mr krashid:

In response to your comment : army has raped Pakistan :

u can go to hell.

i aint got no objections for using the sentence.

i m in a bit of hurry. got a presentation tomorrow. will reply in detail sometime later.

bye all

take care

Long Live Pak Armed Forces.

Long Live Pakistan.

In response to RoohiAD (Reply #: 40):

Dear Roohi:

Let us hope that accountability does not become a buzz word and is scoffed at in due course of time.

In Pakistan, the ruling elite have produced a system that has slowly and gradually become more and more corrupt. We have reached to a point in our history where corruption has penetrated deeply in our society. In general, those who are corrupt do not care about corruption. They may occasionally talk about corruption to give the impression that they are not corrupt. Corruption has several levels. At the lowest level, almost everyone engages in it. For example, reproducing copyright material by photocopying it. Most of us do not consider this as corruption. However, on the highest level, those engaged in corrupt practices also find excuses to justify their actions (such as kickbacks for the purchase of submarines or F-16s). Did we ever ask our government to explain why the American government was so reluctant to return our money that we paid for the F-16s (whatever the story)? Do ever try to understand why the Western nations occasionally treat our countries so badly and so crudely?

We need to restructure our society (both people and institutions). I agree with you that accountability should be carried out across the board, starting with the people of power and state institutions (including the army). the army is the most privileged state institution in Pakistan. It is also believed to be the only institution that is working, and working effectively. This institution also claims to be the savior of Pakistan. So, this institution definitely needs to be spotless. You say: ``We are witness to the fact that many generals, who have passed away and their children are very much present before us and they also contest elections. They do not work and are millionaires. The nation will like to know how come they amass such wealth, and Pakistani`s demand for their accountability first.`` If that is the situation, which I also consider to be true, the process of accountability should first start from the Army. I am sorry to say that this will never materialize without a lot of bloodshed in Pakistan. So, what is the second best (though unfair) solution? Perhaps an uneven process of accountability: punish relatively weak and save relatively powerful and resourceful. Perhaps this is the best that the government will be able to do.

I think there is another question, that is more important than the issue of accountability: how much power should the people grant to the government? This key question is linked with another question: how could the people of Pakistan empower themselves such that the governments (leaders; ruling elite; and state institutions) dare not violate their fundamental citizenship and human rights? Some people would argue for democracy, but we have seen the kind of democracy we have had in Pakistan (even recently). I think the empowerment of common people is a solution to many intricate problems of Pakistan. How could we empower them? For this, we need to examine the way common people have gained power (in a democratic sense) and changed their destiny in some other parts of the world.

Sincerely, Bilal Ahamd

Pakistan army has destroyed every institute of the nation. The general has committed high treason. He should go back to where he belongs and let people decide their own fate.

Down with Military Takeover

Down with Pakistan Army!

ARMY IS ACCOUNTABLE TOO, AS SO ARE GENERALS

For a fair and across the board accountability, the institution of army should also be included in the process of accountability. If accountability is to be carried out then accountability should be of all the institutions including the army. We are witness to the fact that many generals, who have passed away and their children are very much present before us and they also contest elections. They do not work and are millionaires. The nation will like to know how come they amass such wealth, and Pakistani’s demand for their accountability first. Defense expenditure in our budget is never debated in the assemblies. The Nation had just taken a short step in the direction of democracy and we had to go quite further. But the way in which a dictatorial rule came in, we cannot expect that an open and formal debate can be held on anything...........Now, who would carry out accountability? Accountability can be done only if we have independent institutions, if there is need of anything in the country then it is to make the law and justice institutions independent and also strengthen them. The way in which slogans of accountability are being chanted it is ridiculous because what has been known, seen and now read, the people who embezzled the most are raising the slogans of accountability in the highest tone. As a matter of fact it is difficult to talk about human rights because in a country where there is no constitution, no law and no institution then apparently the trampling of human rights is inevitable. Dismissed general Musharraf may be a very nice person but he has not come into power with the support of people`s vote and a military government is a military government, no matter who runs it. The top priority of the new administration should be the restoration of the democratic process at its earliest.Any government which does not come into power with the opinion of the people and has no links with the people cannot discharge its obligations a popular fashion. Dismissed general Musharraf has seized power in vengeance, which is a treason as per the constitution of Pakistan, a crime punishable by death penalty.

Roohi

In response to Basit (Reply # 37):

Dear Basit:

I was/am also opposed to Nawaz Sharif and his attempts to consolidate power. He was a source of a lot of unhappiness to a large number of people in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi. I want him to be tried in a ``just`` court of law and punished (not killed) if proved guilty. Yet, I will never call him a ----. Please refrain. I believe, you have a kind heart and a sensible mind too.

Sincerely, Bilal Ahmad

Democracy more or less?

why is everyone apologetic about the military takeover when in fact even the politicians were clamouring for it. when ever a govt wheter it is ppp or pml becomes despotic and and corrupt (and this is always part of their agenda) its opponents the ``democrats`` look to the army to pull the chess nuts out of the fire. bb says that democracy died the day she was dismissed (altho she did get re-elected by hopefully a democratic process)& the pml says there was never any democracy during any of ppp`s rule and i have no reason to doubt the allegations of these political parties since they ruled over us so deficiently. now people cautiously praise the army and wish for return to their beloved democracy which is such an alluring opportunity to do those wonderful things like becoming defaulters getting kickbacks promoting money taking schemes using power to fix up opponents and a thousand other misdoings.

Dear Chowkwallas:

Many Pakistanis are currently engaged in an internal critique of Pakistan`s problems. This is a healthy sign. Critique, both internal and external, is always helpful. External critique, however, must be avoided if it leads to misunderstanding and further widening of existing gulf.

Sincerely, Bilal Ahmad

I share a general feeling with my countrymen that General Musharraf has liberated this nation from a ruthless and inhuman choke of the Sharif goverment. After a protracted despondency the people have experienced a ray of hope. They are enthusiastic, in high spirits and ready to take a new start. At at this point everybody seems to have great faith in the General and are backing him with their prayers (though for the General actions speak louder than the words). But at the same time many are harbouring their fears. `The army take-over may turn out to be fluke, just a begining of another fearsome painful era`. I strongly and firmly believe that Allah Almighty has sent the man we had been waiting for and praying for during the last fifty years. I know that it is not going to be a smooth sailing for the next few years but atleast I see a new dawn, if not for myself atleast for my next generation. My only request to the General is: Please do not let us down this time.

SYED SHAHAB QUTUB

Lahore

There is every chance that chowk will become the exalted discussion forum for the pakistanis, at last some one has spoken the unspeakable, the ultimate taboo. Having spent so much money on the pak army, how good is it, it has buckeled under threat and sent NS to the US to save pakistan. This is revolutionary perspective, thamk god it s not mine, it is internal criticism, pakistanis can read.

The post i am refering to start with an invocation of god, a few below.

I hope that what ever happens will be for the good of Pakistan. It`s so easy to critizise without giving any other alternatives. I believe that if one should cirtisize then one should come with constructive critisizm.

May Allah be with Pakistan (ameen)

The news that a dismissed general of Pakistan army

namely Pervaz Musharraf overthrows an elected prime

minister of Pakistan,Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, came

as a shock to all members of my family. The events in

Pakistan are reflective of the complete lack of honour

and respect that the politicians have been able to

gain from the people of Pakistan and from its armed

forces. That a constitutional government could be

thrown out as easily as by occupying a TV station goes

to show the moral strength of the leaders. That the

nation is not shedding tears on the disgrace of the

leader it had convincingly elected a few years back

goes to show that the politicians do not have any

roots among the people. Its a no-win situation for

Pakistan. I find it hard to believe that people some

people think that the military`s intervention could be

positive. It is not and it could not have been. The

first thing that a country like Pakistan needs is

democracy. If the Pakistani people voted the wrong guy

then maybe they should stick with him for the whole

term in order to be more careful the next time. As for

the rest of the world, no one can feel safe when

nuclear weapons are controlled by dictators.

GO AWAY ARMY DICTATORS

Unfortunately, from the reaction of the media, it

looks like the west is ready to accept whatever

solution the military imposes, as long as it can be

presentable and that is sad. This is absolutely

ridiculous: 25 out of 52 years, we have been ruled by

the Army. Pakistan has never been a truly democratic

country, it`s always been ruled by corrupt feudal

politicians and the army. We strongly condemn army

action supported by fuedals. Down with fuedals, down

with traitors. GO AWAY ARMY DICTATORS.

ALLAH HAVE MERCY ON US: WE WILL SEE THEIR FATE, INSALLAH.

The way military in Pakistan has demonstrated solidarity with their general Musharraf, I wish the military high command had shown the same respect and given same strong support to the elected government. This would have resulted into a lot more stronger, properous and world widely respected Pakistan than what we are now. But what Musharraf`s men did was teachrous: (1) They started the Kargil operation without Nawaz`s permission or knowledge (2) When Kargil was in full swing, became a common knowledge for everyone in the world, so then Nawaz was briefed by generals (3) India got infuriated, so it gathered its forces at Pak borders and issued an ultimatum to Pakistan to stop at Kargil in 48 hours elsewise face consequences like blockage of Karachi sea route and air routes (4) Following this, in a high level defense meeting, Nawaz was then briefed by Pak army that if India does so, we will only be able to sustain fighting against India for 18-21 days, based on oil stocks and local oil production (5) It was a grave situation for the country, Nawaz decided to risk his political career, went to USA, met Clinton and saved his country (6) But yet military in Pakistan continued with its pre-determined aggenda, that is to defame the elected government and pave way for themselves, as Benazir was already convicted. I firmly beleive what I have written is true, and sooner or later the whole nation is going to expose these cowards, so called generals like Musharraf and others. And the economy which has hit rock bottom is not only because of corrupt politicians nor buracrates, but main reason is that we had been spending our major parts of the earning on a this army for past 25 years; an army that cannot defend us against India but is always eager to take control at home in Pakistan. And that we had funded our proud nuclear program, for which no budgetary provision was ever made in the national budget. These miltary people are not telling the truth. Please mind that Musharraf revolted against Nawaz after he was fired by a ligitimate, democratically elected government. We should have the courage to say what is wrong, and is wrong. AND WE SHALL ALL SEE THEIR FATE, INSALLAH. After that, Pakistan will become a truely independent and democartic country.