The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Turmoil in Pakistan

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Thursday, Nov 08, 2007
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Turmoil in Pakistan

The declaration of Emergency in Pakistan has put an abrupt end to the Pervez Musharraf government’s policy of enlightened moderation. It is the last piece in the bag of lies that Gen. Musharraf has been fooling everyone with. The Emergency reinforces that a military dictator cannot tolerate democratic institutions and ideals. Immediate elections and the restoration of democracy are the urgent need of the hour in the democracy-deprived nation.

Rumi Roy,

New Delhi

* * *

Ever since its inception on August 14, 1947, Pakistan has been under democratic rule for only a brief period. For eight years, Gen. Musharraf has ruled the country in uniform — which is as good as military rule. Fearing a Supreme Court ruling against the presidential election, the General proclaimed Emergency. The U.S.’ proposal to review aid to Pakistan should be taken with a pinch of salt. The United Nations should intervene and bring peace to the country at the earliest.

Tripunithura S.N. Panicker,

Kochi

* * *

The U.S. which is wedded to democracy seems helpless in dealing with the situation in Pakistan. Evidently, it is the U.S. which is more dependent on Pakistan and not vice versa.

It is perhaps this changing equation that is driving the U.S. to push its nuclear treaty with India forward.

J. Eden Alexander,

Thanjavur

* * *

Under pressure from the U.S., Gen. Musharraf raided suspected Taliban hideouts in the NWFP and earned the wrath of the ultra conservative fundamentalists. The suspension of Iftikar Chaudhary, former Chief Justice, by him irked the legal community, citizens and the media of Pakistan. His decision to contest the elections in uniform alienated him from the political establishment and the judiciary that was likely to pronounce a verdict against him.

Things were not helped much when a large number of soldiers were taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists in Swat, where the government’s writ just cannot be enforced. The growing resentment to his rule left Gen. Musharraf with no option other than declaring an Emergency.

Aravind Sridhar,

New Delhi

* * *

In Pakistan, lawyers are being beaten up, rights activists are being arrested, and the media are being gagged. All this is being done in the name of restoring stability. There is no doubt that Gen. Musharraf has led Pakistan into a morass just to save his skin.

Ritesh Ranlan,

New Delhi

* * *

Whoever has ruled Pakistan in the last 60 years has done it for building personal empires and family fortunes. The power of personal cult is so strong that nothing on the part of rulers ever leads to their permanent ban from public life. But so passionate are people about supporting their leaders that they are willing to risk even their lives. Who would have imagined Benazir Bhutto in the role of Pakistan’s messiah? Pakistanis have been enslaved by their own inability to create a political structure that can guarantee democracy.

Deepak Joshi,

Mumbai

* * *

Gen. Musharraf, who denied the presence of religious extremists in Pakistan till a few years ago, today cites it as the prime reason for imposing the Emergency. America should ensure that Pakistan does not move away from democracy.

D. Moorthy,

Coimbatore

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