Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Unceremonious exit

President Pervez Musharraf’s unceremonious departure from the helm of Pakistan’s affairs comes as no surprise. It was only a question of ‘when’ for the retired General who resorted to despotic and unscrupulous means to defend his indefensible presidency. Although the people of Pakistan have genuine reasons to celebrate the long-awaited triumph of democracy over dictatorship, they can ill-afford to be euphoric. The real challenge for the political dispensation is to amend and improve the structural as well as behavioural profile of Pakistan’s politico-administrative set-up in the best traditions of democracy.

Sajjan Singh,

Jaipur

From the reactions of Pakistanis, it is clear that they are happier now. Every dictator has to ultimately face the hatred of his people. Gen. Musharraf was never a friend of India. It is unlikely that Nawaz Sharif will forgive him for the way in which he treated him when he returned to Pakistan in 2007.

K. Shankar,

Thiruvananthapuram

Gen. Musharraf spent his years at the helm helping to perpetrate terror and, at the same time, portraying Pakistan as a victim of terror. He was instrumental in the resurgence of the Taliban in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border regions. He systematically decimated all the democratic institutions in his country. Although the will of the people has prevailed, it is unfortunate that the political class which revels in Gen. Musharraf’s ouster is corrupt, opportunistic and more dangerous.

K. Anilkumar,

Tirupur

For the retired General, attempting to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds became too adventurous and excruciating. Fortunately, he departs in a bloodless political coup of sorts, albeit unceremoniously, in much the same way he usurped power in 1999. The political stooges of the U.S. have always been the victim of circumstances of their own making everywhere, every time.

Bichu Muttathara,

Pune

The editorial “End of Musharraf era” (Aug. 19) has aptly concluded that Gen. Musharraf’s lasting contribution was the India-Pakistan peace process aimed at stabilising and improving bilateral ties. It remains to be seen whether the civilian coalition will carry forward the détente, which is in the interests of both countries.

G. Jagannathan,

Dharmapuri

As pointed out in the editorial, the real credit for Gen. Musharraf’s resignation should go to the people of Pakistan, their political parties, an alert and vigilant news media and civil society. The dramatic political developments in two neighbouring countries of India — Pakistan and Nepal — will not only ensure the success and survival of democracy in South Asia but also strengthen the process of peace across the border.

P.V.N. Nambiar,

Kannur

Gen. Musharraf remained oblivious to the writing on the wall. The sacking of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, the imposition of Emergency and the decision to continue as President even after his opponents won the general election sealed his fate. One can only hope that Gen. Musharraf’s departure will bring some political stability to the strife-torn nation.

Vani Venkat,

Lucknow

More than politicians, it is the civil society and the legal community of Pakistan that deserve the credit for Gen. Musharraf’s exit. They were uncompromising and relentless in their struggle against the military dictator.

P.C Hamza,

Mannarkkad

President Musharraf’s reign did more harm than good to Pakistan. During his nine-year rule, Pakistan was on the brink of being termed a failed state and lost its international image. History will be written describing him as just another dictator in a long list to rule Pakistan.

B. Kaushik,

Atlanta

The retired General deserves praise for swallowing his pride and asking his people to excuse him for any mistake he might have committed. True, he shackled the judiciary but he was no despot. He did pave the way for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. And the Indo-Pakistan LoC was much quieter during his presidency.

C.G. Senthilkumar,

Sunnyvale

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Payback time in Jharkhand
Merging public sector banks
Martyred for the cause of hatred
Pakistan, India and the flawed legacy of Musharraf
Social well-being a striking aspect of life in modern Tibet
Kaczynski and Sarkozy — war and peace
Corrections and clarifications
Unceremonious exit
Shabana’s remark

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu