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05-17-2007, 04:17 AM
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Islamists the least of Pakistan's problems
Quote:
Islamists the least of Pakistan's problems
By Isambard Wilkinson
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 16/05/2007
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Worldstage
Karachi
Pakistan's President, Gen Pervez Musharraf, addressed a large crowd in the capital, Islamabad, at the weekend. "The people of Pakistan are with me," he declared from behind a bullet-proof screen.
It was a bold assertion. Pakistan is in the throes of a ruthless power struggle. The question on most Pakistani lips is whether or not the bluff former commando will survive the most serious challenge to his eight-year rule. As he crowed about his popularity, Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, was in the grip of the worst bout of violence it had suffered for more than a decade.
Armed gunmen from the city's thuggish ruling party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a coalition ally of Musharraf, had blocked an anti-government rally, corralled the city and opened fire on protesters. More than 40 people were killed, some were executed, as clashes erupted between rival political and ethnic groups.
It was the government's way of welcoming the suspended chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who had planned to stage a rally. The head of the judiciary, with opposition parties closely tucked in behind him, has fronted a burgeoning anti-government campaign since Musharraf attempted to sack him in March.
Musharraf had been rattled by a rally led by the chief justice a week earlier, which had gathered huge popular support in Pakistan's politically pivotal Punjab.
The MQM's leader, the self-exiled Altaf Hussain who lives in London, and Musharraf both knew the consequences of holding a "counter-rally" in a city with a history of violent ethnic clashes.
The general, as he often says in the context of a low-intensity insurgency in Balochistan province, had clearly determined to "keerush the miscreants". From his podium in the purpose-built capital, Musharraf said that the MQM's "rally" in Karachi had been another example of "people's power".
In the manner of many Mogul rulers, Musharraf appears to have become cocooned from reality by the sycophants of his court. Since the publication of his bombastic biography last year, he has displayed a hubris of the type that presages a fall.
Not only was his attempt to sack the chief justice ill-advised, so was the manner of its execution. When he was asked during a TV interview why he wore his uniform when he sacked the chief justice, he replied: "Should I have been in sports kit?"
It was not the answer to give at a time when Mr Chaudhry's suspension had further eroded the democratic façade and mobilised civil society at a time when Musharraf was looking increasingly isolated.
The general's gaffes have proved that the only person powerful enough to topple the military ruler is the general himself.
People are wondering whether Uncle Sam is looking over his head at the next in line. Previously, when asked about what Musharraf refers to coyly as his "uniform issue", American officials said it was an internal matter. No longer. The last word from America on the subject of Pakistan was an expression of "deep concern".
Musharraf, who took power in a coup in 1999 when the prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, attempted to have him removed as military chief, was once a beacon of hope for many Pakistanis. His camp is now scrabbling about for ways to retain power.
In the year in which he hopes to have himself re-elected as president and to stay on as military chief, he has few options. He can declare an emergency to prolong his grip on power; strike a power-sharing deal with opposition politicians to gain the needed two thirds majority to change the constitution; or doff his uniform, as did a previous military ruler, Ayub Khan, who managed to cling on to power for a further six years.
The chief justice controversy and the Karachi debacle have strengthened the hand of the country's opposition leaders, in particular the exiled head of Pakistan's People's Party (PPP), Benazir Bhutto. It is depressing to remember that both Ms Bhutto and Mr Sharif, who wanted to declare himself amir-ul-mominim, commander of the faithful, were both discredited by allegations of corruption.
When asked whether he will doff his uniform by the end of the year, in accordance with a constitutional amendment that he introduced, Musharraf replied: "It is enough for the nation to know that we will follow the constitution."
In recent months, his unwillingness to tackle girls armed with sticks in an Islamabad madrassa have raised old accusations that he is playing the "militant card" to persuade the West that, without him, Pakistan will fall to the Islamic extremists.
But who needs Islamic devils when it is Pakistan's secular forces, be it a general clinging to power or the previous civilian premiers, that appear to be intent on tearing up the country.
What began as policemen beating black-suited lawyers with bamboo canes has now become a murderous intrigue.
On Monday, four gunmen entered the house of a senior supreme court official and shot him in front of his family. His widow blames the government and intelligence agencies. His friends claimed he had come under pressure to testify against the chief justice.
Pity Pakistan.
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Comments
Good finally we see another C130 in flames as west has more or less used and Mussharraf is a spent force.its the west responsible for the bruetality of this retired general who is drinking the blood of innocent people.
Posted by Zahid ali on May 16, 2007 7:54 PM
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Pls keep in mind that when the USSR invaded Afghanistan, it was Pakistan that hosted nearly 6 million Afghans, and it was the Americans with their British poodles who created the Taliban and pumped billions of dollars of weapons into the region just to teach the Russions a lesson, cripplingly damaging Pakistan in the process. It is the West that has a direct hand in the creation of the kind of problems that we have right now.
Posted by Adnan Masood on May 16, 2007 7:39 PM
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Dear Respected Editor,
Your article over Altaf Hussain 'Controlling Karachi - from London' (MQM leader) and Pity Pakistan was a Brilliant eye opener for general public in UK, who are not informed about how British government has provided a base and logistics to a terrorist who periodically launches attack on innocent people in Karachi from the comfort of his home in London.
The diplomat you interviewed in your previour article said we cannot deport Altaf Hussain as "He has not committed a crime on British soil."
It makes one wonder, how about all those arrested in Pakistan for carrying out terrorist activity against western world, they haven’t committed any crime on Pakistani soil, they should all be set free. Altaf Hussain should be arrested; there is more then enough evidence to keep him in jail for life. New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, BBC, declared incidence of May 12 as not only as pre-planned but held MQM responsible. BBC went on to say that Musharraf has to clarify in future that he is not using MQM as weapon against his opponents.
The British diplomat obviously knows about all Altaf Hussain terrorist activities but are reluctant to act because of pressure from Pakistani Government. 12 May, 2007 incidents in Karachi, everyone including media, government and opposition have made it obvious it was MQM's doing.
I think you next article should be ‘British have blood on their hands - 48 dead, 150 injured and still counting. ’ or ' Giving asylum to terrorists' by providing a safe haven to Altaf Hussain (MQM Leader) and Dr. Isratul Ibad (Current Governor of Sindh, Pakistan) another respected British citizen for their crime against innocent people in Karachi, Pakistan.
Concerned Pakistani Citizen
Posted by Asif on May 16, 2007 7:04 PM
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Always the news about Pakistan is bad. Bob Woolmer. Forced marriages. Endless links to UK terrorism. Who is to blame for this? The media...or Pakistan and its people?
Posted by frank mccallister on May 16, 2007 6:54 PM
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IT GIVES GOOD INSIGHT INTO THE HIDDEN CONFLICTS IN THE PAKISTANI SOCEITY AND ITS POWER PLAYING CHARACTERS.
who are THOSE CITY THUGS?
THEY ARE INDIAN MUSLIM REFUGEES WHO USED TO FIGHT WITH HINDUS AND WHEN THEY MIGRATED HERE THEY HAVE BEEN FIGHTING /TERRORISING THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE ON THEIR LANDS FOR CENTURIES:
THEY ARE THE SAME SORT OF THANKLESS PERSONS WHO LIVE AND ENJOY THE UK LIFE BUT PLAN TERROR ATTACKS:
SO THEY ALSO DO THE SAME THING LIVING HERE IN KARACHI,THE HEART OF SINDH:
WHEN THEY WERE LIVING IN INDIA THEY NEVER RESPECTED THT LAND AS THIER MOTHER-LAND:THEY DONT KNOW HOW TO LOVE WHERE LIVE.
WHEN THEY MIGRATED FROM INDIA NAD SINDHI PEOPLE BEING SOFT AND PEACE LOVING ALLOWED THEM TO LIVE ON THIER LANDS THEY TURNED THEIR GUNS ON THEM.
INSTEAD OF RESPECTING THE LAND AND CULTURE THEY STARTED THEIR AGENDA:
THEY STARTED MOVEMENT AGAINST THE DEMOCRATIC GOV IN 1977 FOR ESTABLISHING THE ISLAMIC LAW IN THE COUNTRY.THEY WERE THE CREATION OF THEN THEN DICTATOR:HE HELPED THEM SO THT HE CAN DIVIDE THE DEMOCRATIC VOICE AND STRUGGLE OF THE PEOPLE.
THEY ALSO PLAYED ROLES IN DIFFERENT TIMES TO DESTABLIZE THE DEMOCRATIC GOVTS. AND TODAY THEY ARE PLAYING THE SAME ROLE:INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING THE MOVEMENT FOR THE RULE OF LAW THEY ARE HELPING THE PRESENT DICTATOR.
YES,IMMIGRANTS DESTBLIZE THE SOCIETIES SO THOSE MUSLIM REFUGEES FROM INDIA HAS CONVERTED THIS LAND OF LOVE AND PEACE TO HELL:
KARACHI WAS PEACEFUL WHEN HINDUS WERE LIVING HERE:
Posted by jam on May 16, 2007 6:23 PM
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I lament the day that the British, in order to appease that egotistical dandy Jinnah agreed to the partition of India. We can see the results today - two wretched excuses for a nation: Pakistan and Bangladesh.
I cannot help but feel that had partition not occurred the peoples of Pakistan today would be better off in almost every conceivable regard. Does anyone seriously think otherwise?
Pakistan today is a byword for barbarism, corruption, religious bigotry, persecution of minorites and the oppression of women and the harbourer and inciter of religious terrorism and intolerance.
The only good thing to say for Pakistan is that they can still cook a mean biryani!!
Posted by AZAM on May 16, 2007 5:55 PM
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"Pakistan and Pakistanis have brought us corrupt Banks (BCCI), export of nuclear weapons, honor killings, suicide bombers and mayhem on our streets. And still the Politically correct ruling class allow their continuing migration into UK. Amazing.
Posted by d.wilkins"
Mr Wilkins. I'm British of Pakistani decent. I've just completed a PhD at Cambridge and won a job at a city investment bank. My sister is a corporate lawyer at a magic circle firm, and has been now for 8 years. My parents have built 3 hotels. They employ about 110 British people. I think it's been good for both us and for Britain that my parent came. Agree?
Posted by Mohammed on May 16, 2007 5:25 PM
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Just as long as Britain doesn't get a flood of 1000's of pakistanis wanting to come here if things go wrong
Posted by ed lancey on May 16, 2007 4:31 PM
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Mr Wilkinson discusses Pakistani politics in the nuanced terms that might be appropriate to an analysis of power struggles in Paris or Westminster. It is a degree of subtlety not relevant in this instance. Rather, it is the broader picture that matters: Pakistan is the safe-haven of civilisations most heinous enemies, the place which foments war on the west, trains our own citizens to wage war against us and itself is in possession of nuclear weapons. General Musharref as a reluctant puppet of the U.S. is the only thing stopping these two things, the Islamo-fascists and the Pakistani nuclear arsenal coming together. Imagine what might happen if he goes!
We are in a war that dare not speak its name ( apologies to Wilde ) but someone like Mr Wilkinson should know this and refrain from sponsoring notions that we might look to Pakistani citizens enjoying the same freedom to challenge their leader as we do in Paris or Westminster. Irrespective of what it means for Pakistani citizens, we must support Musharraf and refrain from propogandising against him.
Posted by Tom Dicxon on May 16, 2007 3:20 PM
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If you think that Islamists are the least of Pakistan's problems then you must remember that these are the bunch of madcaps who have been training terrorists everywhere from Kashmir to Afghanistan to London to New York. Add to that the fact that they have nuclear weapons and a missile delivery system and the prospect of Islamists coming to power becomes too terrifying to contemplate. We need to neutralise Pakistan's nuclear capabilities before the Islamists come to power, as is becoming increasingly likely. Or else no place or earth is going to remain safe from nuclear tipped missiles.
Posted by D Roy on May 16, 2007 3:08 PM
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I always find it funny, whenever there is any article about Pakistan, we get ill-informed comment back from people who view everything through the prism of their own prejudice
So over the weekend we had clashes between two secularist polical parties - comments back on Pakistan not being a reliable ally in the war on terror
So over the weekend we had clashes between two secularist polical parties - comments back on the islamic fundamentalism
So over the weekend we had clashes between two secularist polical parties - comments back on nuclear proliferation
So over the weekend we had clashes between two secularist polical parties- comment back on how Pakistan should be included in the axis of evil
So over the weekend we had clashes between two secularist polical parties - comments back on partition and how India should take over Pakistan
Posted by Ali on May 16, 2007 2:25 PM
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Musharraf is today the West's darling dictator just like Saddam was during the Iraq/Iran war. Altaf Hussain is the godfather of Karachi. Can someone not take notice in the Home office and kick him out please. Otherwise Pakistan will be the next launch pad for another 9/11. Please remember this.
Posted by Dr Izhar Khan on May 16, 2007 1:42 PM
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So there's a good possibility of Pakistan becoming Zimbabwe part 2 and the fallout from that will mean we might as well call London 'New Pakistan' as the immigrants flood in. Something to look forward to...!
Secularism isn't such a bad thing in Pakistan, Musharraf may no longer be the answer but this is a country that was outraged when he tried to make it illegal to rape women. If he is replaced with a radical leader what then, a new state simliar to that run by the taliban?
Posted by John B on May 16, 2007 1:28 PM
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Shermeen Butt 1018 AM:
"Judd: 9.17 am: Rather than make tedious sweeping statements I suggest you read up on recent world history."
Eppur si muove.
Posted by Graham on May 16, 2007 1:24 PM
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Tony Blair pointed out last week that we must pity anyone who is not British. More stories like this and we begin to understand why.
Posted by Ken Miller on May 16, 2007 1:18 PM
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Pakistan and Pakistanis have brought us corrupt Banks (BCCI), export of nuclear weapons, honor killings, suicide bombers and mayhem on our streets.
And still the Politically correct ruling class allow their continuing migration into UK.
Amazing.
Posted by d.wilkins on May 16, 2007 1:05 PM
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MQM are the terrorists.They should be banned controlling terrorist activities from UK. UK governmnet should take a serious notice of this.
Posted by Asif on May 16, 2007 12:53 PM
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no one has the real understanding knowledge of Pakistan, what every person said just as it was told by the media. keep in mind Pakistan joined democratic US in 1947 and india joined USSR. in 80s Pakistan fought democratic US war against USSR, this philosopy of Jihad holy war was right and US supported Taliban (then they have diffrent names).when ever there are free and fair election pakistanis had elected libral parties i.e Peoples party. what this all is rubbish just for a dictator to get sport of west and US.
Posted by Javed Nazir on May 16, 2007 12:38 PM
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Its quite sad to read the state of affairs in Pakistan but its more alarming to read the comments posted by the readers! Yes, Pakistan has a lot of problems because of corrupt leadership it has got but is all this “islamiazation” and radicalism 'cos of internal issues in Pakistan? No, this has more to do with Americans fighting Russians in Afghanistan that left behind the heroin and Kalashnikov culture to haunt Pakistan for ever. Isn’t it that the America’s blind support to the military rule created a political vacuum in Pakistan where moderate political parties (though corrupt) were forced to run and “mullahs” got the highest vote counts they would never have dreamt otherwise? Much of the chaos Pakistan has, can be attributed to the changing western and especially American interests in the region where they were expected to side with the democratic rules, though they chose convenience. Its easy to blame Pakistan for its failures but it appears that its hard to read between the lines and understand politics that has been played with Pakistan while being hand in glove with the corrupt leadership. Probably this tells us that we must be against any injustice before it turns nasty.
Posted by Aun on May 16, 2007 12:23 PM
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MQM are real terrorists in Pakistan, and apaullingly they are very well organised. My personal experience comes back from 1997, when I refused to donate goat hyde to them on Eid ul Adha. They snatched my car and wallet on gunpoint. Brittain Government must allow its so called leader Altaf to act from this country.
Posted by Muhammad on May 16, 2007 12:01 PM
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We watched with horror and deep sorrow the events which were unfolding in Karachi on 12th May under the nose of so-called law enforcement agencies. The Chief Justice was left stranded with his lawyers and all the routes were blocked so that they could not proceed to the venue where thousands of lawyers were waiting to listen to him.
Irony is that right at that time disciples of MQM Fuehrer were given all the assistance by the state machinery to assemble at one place to listen to the hysterical address of their beloved leader. When this man was making his speech from here in London and portraying his organisation as ‘peaceful’ one, then right at that time his gunmen were given full liberty to pump bullets on their opponents. One could not but condemn Altaf Hussain’s hypocrisy during his speech. He was reciting verses of holy Quran as if he was a great Islamic scholar but his words did not match his deeds.
We were really ashamed, when we were watching here on electronic media, MQM thugs murdering their opponents. The print media of the UK is replete with stories from their correspondents and interesting thing is all of them have stated that it was MQM which was responsible for the mayhem in Karachi on that day. Every day comments and editorials are being published in leading newspapers from London and they are worth reading. It is shameful for Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz to come openly in favour of murderous MQM.
It boils our blood when we see MQM Governor and, Farooq Sattar who could be described as Goebbels, have the audacity to lie before the media that MQM was a peaceful organisation and have , true to their character, thrown the blame on their opponents.
Well, I think these events have thoroughly exposed this organisation who have held city of Karachi at ransom. The days of their reckoning have come. Musharraf has committed political suicide by insulting the chief justice of the highest court and now another mistake of getting cover from an ethnic linguistic organisation. As there is a saying that habits die hard. Mohajir Qaumi movement may have changed its name to Mutahida Qaumi movement but deep in them they are still an intolerant ethnic organisation who have thoroughly looted Sindh. How can Altaf Hussain live in luxury in London. Who is funding him. I think Pakistani press should discuss these facts.
Posted by B.A. Solangi on May 16, 2007 11:52 AM
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I agree with the good comment by Khawar Mehdi.
Pakistan actually needs Musharraf now to create stability for economic growth (and they probably need him for about 6 more years). Economic growth is what will bring Pakistan into the 21st century and remove alot of these Islamist threats.
India is by far the most economically, technologically, and militarily advanced country in the region - and probably soon the world - they are not going to let Pakistan (or ME one trick oil ponies) threaten that.
Posted by Colm Conneely on May 16, 2007 11:52 AM
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Pakistan is not a colonial creation. It was only at the request of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. As such Britain does not have any responsibility for this country's borders.
It used to be thought of by Indians, that the division of India was a terrible tragedy. Frankly, most Indians thank their lucky stars that a Muslim state was created, separate from India. The building the two thousand mile border fence will try and keep Pakistanis out, but unfortunately not their nuclear bombs.
Now we dread the day when Pakistan will come up with some pretext to use their weapons.
Posted by MonsoonBoy on May 16, 2007 11:16 AM
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Simon Coulter 8.54 am: Your opening comment about ‘us’ considering the merits of Gen. Musharraf vs. the mullah connotes as if it is up to us to decide who to keep and who to dump. On second thoughts, I should not get so agitated because lets face it; it has been us, or rather our ‘superior’ cousins who have been the puppeteers in control of the strings of power in Pakistan for a very long time.
Judd: 9.17 am: Rather than make tedious sweeping statements I suggest you read up on recent world history.
Posted by Shermeen Butt on May 16, 2007 10:18 AM
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Pakistan was never created by 'us'but at the insistence of the Mulim leader who wanted an independent Muslim country which he got.The problems there have been imported to Britain and the only way to deal with their problems is to ensure all of them who may be a danger leave and return otherwise we will never be safe.
If as I suspect will happen the Islamist take over we will be faced with an ever more serious threat this time armed with nuclear weapons.Islam is about spreading their minds and we must face the very real possibility that this islamic nation will threaten us all here and will at some point have to be dealt with.
I see the opposition leader ran away years ago and leads his people from somewhere in England.He has been awarded 'British' nationality whatever that is, and leads over the phone.Madness.
Posted by David Albion on May 16, 2007 10:06 AM
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invade pakistan now?
John Bolton where are you?
Posted by ali on May 16, 2007 9:52 AM
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This is the country which has contributed more to nuclear profliferation than any other. North Korea, Iran and Libeya and who knows who else. They have supported the taliban and the lawless tribes in the north, they are a narco state built on heroin. There involvement in 7/7?
We should have listened to the Indians who have questioned western support for decades. I feel no pity
Posted by J Fraser on May 16, 2007 9:34 AM
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Perhaps John Bolton would like to invade Pakistan too, so the US may impose democracy upon them?
Posted by Hamish on May 16, 2007 9:17 AM
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Wherever you find islam you will find unrest.
Posted by judd on May 16, 2007 9:17 AM
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The headline will seem rather sick, to say the least if the true believers in the purity of the religion that significantly calls iself "submission" take over.
I agree that Musharraf is really bad, but there are worse things.
A taliban-controlled, nuclear-armed Pakistan really does not bear thinking about, especially if you are Indian or Israeli, or even anything other than a muslim ......
Posted by G. Tingey on May 16, 2007 9:08 AM
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Musharraf is hardly radiating democratic vibes so we have then to consider whether his regime is one we like - because it is surely blocking one we won't like - amongst the various scenarios as to what might follow were he to fall from power.
Democracy should prevail? I'm not sure whether that is even possible in Pakistan at the moment.
There is a coherent opposition - even one which the West might prefer - but Musharraf operates from strength and certain backing factions - including it has to be said some sort of unwelcome tacit understanding with extremist Islam at his northern borders where he is most certainly not 'in' power.
Take the President-General out of the equation and these factions are not going to stand idly by while Miss Bhutto and others form a civilian government shorn of teeth.
Destabilisation of Pakistan would be a very unwelcome development in the region. You can just smell war coming in those parts.
Posted by simon coulter on May 16, 2007 8:54 AM
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Point 1: The antonym of secular is religious not Islamic. One would have thought several times, and then dismissed, before tapping the keyboard for the term ‘Christian devils’ when referring to, lets say, the IRA. So let’s be just as guarded about coining a phrase like ‘Islamic devils’. Let’s not dispense ill repute so casually to this much maligned religion by default.
Point 2: You paint a very accurate however dismal a picture of the current state of affairs in the land of my birth. It really is teetering very close to a chasm. Thing is, when you dole out injustice upon injustice, when you go so off the mark of the written rules, when you allow the curtailment of the rights of some to hideous limits, not only does nemesis come to haunt you, it’s torrent leaves disaster in its wake. Yet, power of office must be so corrupting that man has not learnt one bit from the incalculable examples of the mighty falling to depths from time immemorial.
It happens in crude, deadly, ‘in your face’ mode in some places while it happens in a rather duplicitous, hollow but outwardly ‘civilised’ manner in other.
Posted by Shermeen Butt on May 16, 2007 7:55 AM
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Pakistan should have been included in G.Bush axis of evil.This country has a lot to answer for.
Posted by banachech on May 16, 2007 7:46 AM
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Pakistan is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. There is much worse to come.
Posted by rajah shenshe on May 16, 2007 7:41 AM
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You are right. I am a Pakistani living in the U.S. and I just hope that one day I will read the news and Pakistan will be in it and there will be something positive...nothing about bombs, crooked politicians, extremism, American slavery, whatever...
Musharraf is nothing more than a snake hovering the treasure (an analogy, or may be not)...just like the snakes before him...
Posted by Muhammad Sheikh on May 16, 2007 7:35 AM
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Pity Pakistan? These people have the nuclear bomb - pity us!
This country is a hot-bed of intrigue, counter-intrigue, religious fervour and exported terrorism. It hosts young nutters from, inter alia, the UK, to train as terrorists and sends them back to cause mayhem.
The contrast with India could not be greater - no wonder the Indians maintain their borders with such rigour.
Posted by Graham King on May 16, 2007 7:34 AM
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When a government begins to attack it's own legal institutions and kill it's own people it is not long before other countries are pulled in or the aggression is displaced to an external source.
We should not forget that pakistan has a nuculer bomb and still disputes Kashmir.
Speak to any Indian and they will make it plain where they believe the next nuculer tension is likely to erupt.
Posted by james rea on May 16, 2007 7:20 AM
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Why did the British ever create Pakistan ? Without it India would have the border with Afghanistan and we would not need to be stuck in an area we decolonised 60 years ago
Posted by Observer on May 16, 2007 6:29 AM
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Musharaf, a former commando has cocooned himself.
I Wilkinson's story,"Islamists,the least of Pakistan's problem" is reflective of his indepth study,analytical evaluation of prevailing scenario and the role of all the key actors,more than the most of political leaders even political analysts of Pakistan. His inferences are indicative of his deep insight, candid and bold enunciation. In fact the title of his story is also descriptive of his inference that when Pakistan's ruling leaders like Musharaf,former commando,cocooned by coterie of sychophants keeping him oblivious of objective realities,like previous rulers,Benazir and Nawaz Sharif ,having met their fate on similar account, appear to be enough to precipitate the evantuality through their self centeredness,over egoistic,over confident and myopic frame mind,nodoubt with this background,Islamists are the least problem of Pakistan. May God bless the hapless nation.
Posted by M Saleem Chaudhry on May 16, 2007 5:55 AM
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The recent carnage in Karachi as reported by Telegraph is a very sad reflection of the ugly reality brewing in the political echelons of the politicians not in power.
The power through vote is being relegated to the backburners, when devious short cuts such as the current chaos can provide quicker alternatives without any real political constituency or mandate.
Irrespective of the fact that Gneeral Pervez Musharraf has committed mistakes in the execution of the judicial reference and an equally sloppy attempt in rescuing it, his intentions in cleaning the country of religious extermism, ethnic tensions and corruption are indeed yielding results and put Pakistan back on the track.
The fact is that the biggest losers out of the current situation would be President Pervez Musharraf and his allied party in Sindh and the biggest winners would be the combined political opposition (esp. Jamat e Islami & PPP) if the tense situation escalates any further.
Karachi within the last 1 year under the young Mayor has done a tremendous job of reviving the city financially, socially and the mass development projects that are visible on the streets of Karachi. The city alone has attracted over US $ 1 Billion in FDI (on ground and inline) versus US $ 6 Billion invested in the entire country in 2006.
This phenomenal reposition of trust by the foreignh investors and the return of normalcy to the hub of Pakistan’s economic activity has of late proved to be a sore to many an opportunist and thoso who lost miserably on the political front.
One does not have to be an analyst or political pundit to underatnd that this chaos is being orchestrated and managed by the combined vested and political interests to clear way to change in power at the cost of Karachi,its peace and wonderful diversity.
Posted by Khawar Mehdi on May 16, 2007 5:52 AM
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It is not the secular forces, or previous civilian leaders that are going to tear up the country, and reduce it to anarchy, but the radical islamic forces, just waiting to rise from the ashes of a destroyed country.
Posted by Zebuzee on May 16, 2007 4:49 AM
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Yes, pity Pakistan but also pity the world. This is the world we live in. If the problems are not in my area, then it is not my problem. When will the world learn?
If the world would unite as humanity and stopped spending so much money on making weapons and mischief around the world, we could all live a better life. But that would not be good for the powerful defense industry(s) or others that benefit from trouble and strife.
At the end, yes, each nation should be responsible. But if there are outside interests (or disinterests) then it can be difficult if not impossible to "fix" ones house.
Posted by zafar amin on May 16, 2007 4:26 AM
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WOW! a major western publication has decided to finally question Pakistan's enlightened moderate military dictator! Better late than never, though it would be great if one day the western media were to stop referring to every dictator and general as a savior of the little brown people who cannot rule themselves...
Posted by omar on May 16, 2007 4:09 AM
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We do pity Pakistan a lot,however, are you saying that we should begin to pity the USA who's only ally in the region is Gen.Musharraf?
Speak clearly,pls.
Posted by nondog32 on May 16, 2007 3:41 AM
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Britain has to share responsibility for this, why are they harbouring MQM head who is involved in so much killing is beyond me.
Posted by Bilal on May 16, 2007 3:16 AM
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Irony is that leader of thugish party, MQM is conveniently residing in London.
He is responsible for throwing match to powder keg. Living a life of luxury under the protection of British law, he is immune to any prosecution.In a way, Tony Blair's government is providing shelter to a rabble rouser.As long as Musharraf is in power, Altaf Hussain can get away with the murder.
Posted by Azam Jan Shahalamkhel on May 16, 2007 2:11 AM
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Islamists the least of Pakistan's problems | Dt Opinion | Opinion | Telegraph
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I have posted the article along with the comments.
Interesting for debate!
Who is responsible for the ills of Pakistan?
The Islamists, Musharraf, MQM, 'Hindu' India, the US or the good old British?
__________________
"Some have learnt many Tricks of sly Evasion, Instead of Truth they use Equivocation, And eke it out with mental Reservation, Which is to good Men an Abomination."
I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.
HAKUNA MATATA
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05-17-2007, 04:30 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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Postmaster General
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One of the comments states it the MQM, who are refugees from India are hand in glove with 'Hindu' India bent on dismembering Pak.
I wouldn't be surprised. After all, India put the good old Delhi boy, the RAW agent into the chair of President.
Unable to face reality, it is extraordinary how people can get hyper stupid!
Last edited by Ray : 05-17-2007 at 04:35 AM.
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05-17-2007, 06:57 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Regular
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Sir,
I always found it very strange about the the way Pakistanis go about dealing with issues related to their nation.
On a personal note I would say they look very confused.
For example they blame the Afghan war,Russian and Zia for the drug and gun culture,but are very proud about plunging their nation in to the Afghan conflict in the first place!
They are okay with American aid and want American weapons,even though they hate Americans and support attacks on American interest! The biggest example is F-16's.
They are okay with dictatorship(everytime!) but then after few years carryout street rallies complaining about absence of democracy!(This one is a never ending cycle)
They are okay with CJ's being installed by Mushraff(who legitimised Mushraff's coup) and then carry out street battles against Mushraff in Karachi when Mushraff removes him!
They are more concerned about the well being of Indian muslims rather then their own population!
They sure are an interesting lot!
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05-17-2007, 07:13 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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My best wishes to the people of Pakistan they have a rough road ahead of them. I have a hunch that when Gen. Musharraf takes his place in history we will once again hear the media dogs in the US howling how the US was wrong to have ever treated him as an ally. Just as they did with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Saddam Hussein and Oh the list can go on and on.
IMO We the people are responsible for the things our Governments do whether we like them or not and the sad truth is that while Musharraf is in power the US as every other nation has to make the best of it.
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05-17-2007, 07:30 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Regular
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One of the comments above was "if Pakistan was not created".
Wonder if India had shared the borders with Afghanistan.
Would there been a Afghan conflict ?
Would there been OBL planning 9/11?
This might be diverting the thread,but just had a sudden thought.
Very interesting scenario though.
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05-17-2007, 17:59 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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There are three countries which no doubt are coming up with contingency plans for a "if islamists come to power in pakistan" scenario: India, Israel, Iran.
Odd bedfellows.
__________________
"Of all the manifestations of power, restraint impresses men the most." - Thucydides
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