NEW YORK, March 25: The New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristoff who single handedly made Mukhtaran Mai a household name in the United States, has now taken up the cause of Begum Amina Masood Janjua whose husband disappeared two years ago, allegedly picked up by Pakistani security agents.

In an op-ed article titled ‘The General and the Housewife,’ Kristoff asserts “General Musharraf is facing angry street demonstrations around the country in the most serious crisis of his presidency –and that’s partly because he picked a fight with a middle-class housewife who is proving tougher and shrewder than he is.”

While saying it’s impossible to predict the outcome of the demonstration and unrest in Pakistan, he believes that behind it all is the saga of Begum Janjua who is desperately trying to find her husband.

“The nation is ready to rise up, there’s revolution behind me,” Begum Janjua told Kristoff.

In the column, Kristoff writes that the disappearances in the wake of the war on terror, Musharraf “began using the war as a cover to eliminate troublesome nationalities, religious activists and human rights organisers.”

Kristoff says: “Mrs. Janjua’s husband Masood Janjua may have been picked up because of ties to a Muslim organisation, but there is no indication he had broken any law.”

Despite assurances from President Musharraf, Masood Janjua was not found so Mrs. Janjua –who Kristoff quotes as saying “from the queen of my house to a leader of revolution” – she sued the government over the disappearances. “To everyone’s astonishment, the Pakistani supreme court took up the case and ordered the government to account for those who are missing,” says Kristoff.

Mr. Kristoff also asks “Where is the US? Noting that the Bush administration has stuck more solidly with Mr. Musharraf (“a solid friend” is the current State Department formulation) than with its principles. President Bush needs to make clear that US sides with Pakistan’s democratic future, not its autocratic past.”

Not mincing any words Mr. Kristoff notes: “Mr. Musharraf’s contribution to Pakistan are enormous—he rescued Pakistan’s economy, fostered seven per cent growth rates, promoting education, nurtured the expanding middle class. But those same accomplishments are now raising aspirations for genuine democracy rather than sham he offers.”

However, he warns that General Musharraf’s replacement could be worse, noting that Pakistan has been one of the worst-ruled nations over the last 50 years and Mr. Musharraf is better than his predecessors.”