Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Well done

The most significant outcome of the Pakistan elections is the overwhelming rejection of the dictatorial regime (editorial “Inspiring outcome,” Feb. 20). Pervez Musharraf might have gained the desperately sought legitimacy for his regime by making the transition to democracy through the elections but it is the people of Pakistan who deserve praise for risking their lives amid fears of violence, and participating in the elections.

By routing out the fundamentalist forces, the people have strongly asserted that there is no place for religious extremism in politics.

B. Jayanna Krupakar,

Surathkal

Congratulations to the people of Pakistan on convincingly voting out a military dictator, his brand of democracy via the PML(Q), and the religious coalition of fundamentalist forces.

Going forward would mean the two major political parties joining hands to run a government. The task will be as challenging, significant and eagerly awaited as the elections were.

Let us hope the PPP and the PML(N) will not squander away a historic opportunity to reinstate the judiciary and other temples of democracy, and restrict the army to the barracks.

L. Santhosh,

Bangalore

The people of Pakistan have given an exemplary verdict. They have made it clear that Pakistan should neither remain a bastion of fundamentalist forces nor be at the beck and call of the U.S. One hopes the new government will fulfil the people’s aspirations.

V. Ilancheliyan,

Coimbatore

The results are a setback to President Musharraf and the terrorist groups whose writ runs large in many provinces of Pakistan. The country which was slipping into anarchy can retrieve its lost glory if the PPP and the PML(N) work together for the restoration of democracy.

A.S. Farida,

Kancheepuram

The mandate reflects the Pakistanis’ desire for democracy. The PPP and the PML(N) should respect the people’s verdict. They should set aside their differences through constructive dialogues and form a government based on democratic values.

Lukose Thomas,

Erode

Although President Musharraf has kept his promise of conducting the polls, it is to be seen whether he and the army will keep away from active politics. The people of Pakistan have done themselves proud by delivering a landmark verdict. It is now for the PPP and the PML(N) to together build their mulk as the world is watching them.

Narayan B. Iyer,

Mumbai

Only a month ago, it looked as though Pakistan had slipped into anarchy, never to recover. Light has emanated from deep down the abyss into which the masses in Pakistan had fallen in the past because of trusting corrupt political leaders. They have voted judiciously this time. Any coalition that is formed will have to rule by consensus unlike the earlier governments of Benazir and Nawaz Sharif.

President Musharraf needs to be complimented for making good his promise of free, fair and peaceful polls. This achievement will restore his credibility to an extent. But with the rout of the King’s Party, his days as President are numbered. The elections have proved to be the General’s Waterloo.

Shahabuddin Nadeem,

Bangalore

The people of Pakistan deserve to be congratulated on their successful struggle to establish democracy against heavy odds. Their greatest achievement is that they have reduced the forces of religious extremism to almost non-entities. The two main political parties will contribute further to democracy if they restore the due status of the judiciary, which played a great role in triggering the people’s democratic imagination.

Kasim Sait,

Chennai The writing on the wall is clear. Gen. Musharraf’s innings is over and a new chapter in the history of Pakistan is about to be written. The PPP and the PML(N) should sink their differences and join hands to oust the military legacy, restore the judiciary to its pristine position, throw out unilateral or manipulated constitutional amendments, check the rise of fundamentalist hydra, secure the country against internal and external terrorism, mend fences with neighbours and stop being puppets in the hands of western manipulators. Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari can usher in a new dawn provided they do not stand on egos or false prestige.

Col. (retd) Ram Gulrajani,

Chennai

Amid speculation of wide-scale rigging and violence, the Pakistan elections concluded in a free and fair manner. President Musharraf kept his promise, albeit under pressure from the international community. It is time for political reconciliation. All parties should come together to form a democratic, stable and peaceful Pakistan.

L. Sreeram,

Coimbatore

The people of Pakistan courageously discharged their duty of restoring democracy, by voting against a military dictator. Religious fundamentalists should realise that they are unwanted. One hopes the wrongs done to the country’s judiciary will be corrected soon. And as democracy is at work, high inflation, acute food shortage and other problems faced by Pakistan should be addressed by the leaders.

Y. Jagannatham,

Vijayawada

The media are jubilant over Pakistan’s election results as the world looks forward to another period of civilian rule in that country. For India, it is worth remembering that Pakistan’s attitude towards it has never been friendly, whatever the form of government. It was during Nawaz Sharif’s last stint as Prime Minister that the Kargil intrusion took place. Benazir Bhutto was none-too-friendly with India.

New Delhi must continue to exercise the same, or higher degree of, caution with this belligerent neighbour, aided, abetted and armed to the teeth by the U.S. There is a possibility of the new regime being more aggressive towards India if only to pacify the fundamentalists in Pakistan.

C.N.N. Nair,

Mumbai

Despite Pakistan being in a mess and the sudden death of Benazir Bhutto casting a shadow of uncertainty on the smooth conduct of the polls, they went off peacefully. All credit for this should go to the people. In the past, governance by the political class has been lax and steeped in corruption. At least now, the PPP and the PML(N) should work together to usher in stability and peace.

K.R. Srinivasan,

Hyderabad

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