Musharraf says his was Pakistan’s golden era

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday lamented the country's conditions, saying they were getting worse with each passing day, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to Ex-Servicemen of Pakistan-First Forum, Musharraf said that when he was stepping down from power, a dollar amounted to 61 rupees.

Declaring his term a golden era for Pakistan, the former army strongman said all he did during his rule was aimed at ensuring the interests of the country.

Today was the first time Musharraf spoke to a gathering after securing bail in the criminal cases against him.

Musharraf said the cases against him had no foundation, adding that he would brave all the difficulties in his path.

He has denounced the treason charges against him as a “vendetta”, and has claimed that he continues to enjoy the backing of the country's powerful army.

Musharraf has also alleged that the “whole army” has been upset with the treason allegations.

The treason charges are the latest and potentially most serious in a flurry of criminal cases relating to Musharraf's nine-year rule that he has faced since returning to Pakistan in March.

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Altaf Qureishi

Dec 31, 2013 05:12pm

Yes, thats true. When you compare it to Zardari and Sharif's time in office, it was much better than golden.

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Sajjad

Dec 31, 2013 05:17pm

And he's right! Bring him back!n

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taak

Dec 31, 2013 05:18pm

It was, full of hope and optimism with a feeling that we can achieve anything if we sincerely want to.

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Taseer Ahmad Siddiqui

Dec 31, 2013 05:30pm

Pakistan has been sobotaged for the past 6 years. Look at the economy. Rupee has devalued from 60 to almost 110 against the dollar. It's a conspiracy as well as getting a revenge and making it even by the non-performing leaders since more than 25-30 years and even beyond. It's a clear conspiracy to divide the army, politicians, people to nothing but weaken Pakistan. Pakistan was going upwards towards development during 1999 to 2007. Since we were born, have never seen stability in pakistan except corruption, bungling, misuse of power, lawlessness, injustices, hatred, terrorism, and on and on and on. The list is BIG. Wake up Pakistan.

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fida sayani

Dec 31, 2013 05:30pm

All dictators are alike, Ayub, Zia, Musharaf, Gamal Nasser, Saddam Hussain, Ghaddafi and the list is endless, because they see the world through their dark glasses and through the eyes of their sycophant admirers. In the end they just end up in disgrace.

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Taseer Ahmad Siddiqui

Dec 31, 2013 05:35pm

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shiraz

Dec 31, 2013 05:37pm

Other than allowing US to enter Pakistan. Yes, he is right!

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Naeem Syed

Dec 31, 2013 06:02pm

No doubt about that.

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Dec 31, 2013 06:02pm

Legend in his own mind. Yes it was good up until 2004. After that it was giving Taliban a free hand. An era where 200 armed Pakistani soldiers were kidnapped in their own country by militants and not to mention relentless suicide bombings.

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Ashfaque

Dec 31, 2013 06:34pm

Mashraff, Zinabad, The 100 or so media channels were set up during his tenure. There was no shortageof power. Pakistans ecomomy was the highest in the subcontinent. Power and decisions were passed to the common man through union concils at ground , village , mala level. Only the Blind do not see this.

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Khawar T khyam

Dec 31, 2013 06:37pm

The best thing happened was freedom for media. The worst thing was you sold the country to USA. Mr Musharraf you did not discriminate the men or women in selling as terrorists. Unfortunately most of them were innocent.

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Sheraz

Dec 31, 2013 07:02pm

110% he is right no doubt! I am pretty sure that Pakistani who got positive mind set would agree on this.

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adil

Dec 31, 2013 07:17pm

No doubt, in my life time the two best times Pakistan has seen is Ayub Khan time and Musharaf time. Pakistan progressed and people were happy. Unfortunately our politicians especially Zardari and Nawaz 1st priority is taking care of themselves and their party and country's welfare is the last priority.

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waseem

Dec 31, 2013 07:26pm

What Ex-Servicemen society? The society which consists of retired generals who are available on rent to any media house? No doubt during Musharraf's era we were doing 7 % GDP which these democratic governments even cannot dream of..In last 5 years of democracy, we have borrowed $ US 35 Billion.....Can any one name one national project done with that money? No flood relief's.. we know here in UK, only the money sent to Army was correctly used, rest all was looted away by these politicians. Does anyone know that Bilawal Bhutto has bought a palace in UAE for 100 million, which was given to him by Farzana Raja from 'Benazir' Income support.........Who has permitted them to name our zakat as Benazir income support? Why only Musharraf is being questioned? Why not all these politicians? Where is the Suo Moto of Chief Justice? WIth his son getting properties in Milan and other places around the globe......how Suo motto will be taken?

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Chaudhry

Dec 31, 2013 07:30pm

Best time we have seen in the last 60 years.

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Dec 31, 2013 07:30pm

Lets have a look at wha the did; He allowed private media channels, a revolutionary change in Pakistan. Created regulatory authorities PEMRA & NAB Created NADRA and computerized the out dated manual systems in all govt departments Tourism Development was earning mega money for Pakistan National Debt was almost finished.. Ruppee had strengthend Pakistan had gained respect around the world Salaries increased across the board in line with inflation Real estate boom AND HE FOUGHT FOR PAKISTAN !! All this was making Pakistan prosper! There is nothing on my post to dislike - there are hundreds of thousands of people who got jobs due to these initiatives. Credit where its due!

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akhtar

Dec 31, 2013 07:45pm

Yes. It may be true that Pakistan progressed during Musharraf's time. Unfortunately his assertion of involving military, implying Pak Military may intervene !!!! is foolish, self-centred and pathetic. It is sad. He is lossing his credibility and respect. He should be allowed to leave country with whatever diginity and respect he has. Pakistani leaders should move on to solve other pressing issues for the common people. Best wishes for 2014- a challenging year for Pakistan

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mariya K

Dec 31, 2013 07:50pm

I was gonna say "LOL" to this at first but then I compared it to the years that followed his 'rule' and I am doubting my earlier cynical stance.

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adnan

Dec 31, 2013 08:07pm

numbers speak for itself.....his worst enemies will agree that country was much better under him as compared to what we have seen in zardari era and now the sharif's kingdom

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Dr AH

Dec 31, 2013 08:26pm

No doubt about his golden era. Then came looters, who passed on the art of looting to others. PPP has been saying all along: the people of Pakistan should give the party full 5 years before they judge their achievements. Now PML-N is saying the same. God save Pakistan! We hope the Judiciary in Pakistan will be able to save some of what is left of Pakistan.

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raj

Dec 31, 2013 09:14pm

If all the political parties are united against Musharraf then the army should also support Musharraf and become united for the sake of army's unification.

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Agha Ata

Dec 31, 2013 09:37pm

If Musharraf has some understanding with the USA, he might even come back. Besides, he is only one between the civil governemnt and the army.

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Ismail Suleman

Dec 31, 2013 09:43pm

Indeed his era was considered as a golden period for Pakistan. Pakistan should once again prosper under the leadership of Musharraf.

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Ahmad Rotara

Dec 31, 2013 10:09pm

One may not like this general but looking back, we obviously see a Pakistan that was doing better. I wish, if he had eliminated Taliban as we know lota politicians of any brand can not take hard decisions. A Pakistan without Taliban can progress and only a strong action by a strong government can eliminate this threat.

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Syed Ahmed

Dec 31, 2013 10:11pm

No doubt Gen Musharraf's period was one of the best, the best of all was Gen Ayub Khans period where the country witnessed immense growth, never seen thereafter. Gen Musharraf elevated Pakistan form a virtually failed state and soon Pakistan became one of the four fastest growing economies in the Asian region during 2000-07 with its growth averaging 8.3 per cent per year for most of this period. Both the Generals got in to trouble when the started sharing power with the corrupt politicians. Country witnessed worst periods during civilian rule - "catch me if you can"

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Naveed

Dec 31, 2013 10:28pm

It would be wise for the current government to end this political non-sense and move forward. Regardless, how you feel about (R) Gen. Musharraf, this not the way to treat a Pakistani warrior who spent his life serving this Nation.

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Janikhel

Dec 31, 2013 10:44pm

General Musharraf's biggest mistake was that he did not bring down the corrupt political mafias and finish off this taliban nuaseance once and for all. How can politically selected judiciary be impartial, they are running Kangroo courts and it will remain as such until the next Martial Law is enforced.

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Mohidin

Dec 31, 2013 10:52pm

yes after the golden era of Late Gen. Ayoub khan

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ladies and gentlemen

Dec 31, 2013 11:07pm

Our memories are witness to the economic conditions of the Musharraf era when people were investing in Pakistan. There was optimism and progress was tangible in all areas of public interest. Mr. Musharraf is absolutely right in claiming the facts, and is the best of the Pakistani leaders to date. By the same token we remember the dismal performance of the past era of the PML-N (Ishaaq Dar) economy of 1998 and its like Deja vu all over again with the economy and dollar value at 110 Rps now. People and the military should stop this vendetta against a true leader Musharraf. The courts are biased and being used for political vendettas by a group of corrupt family political dynasties and mullahs. Insha Allah Mr. Musharraf will come out of this (charade of a treason case) as a true hero and soldier that he is.

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Roxana R

Dec 31, 2013 11:14pm

I cannot pretend to be knowledgeable about Pakistan under this man's rule, but certainly Pakistan has lost a lot of ground since, has it not?

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ishrat salim

Dec 31, 2013 11:45pm

The first chapter of MOU signed by the last govt and IMF is a testament of this fact....and it is a fact that the period of Gen M was golden period compared to what the people have braved during the last 5 years and 8 months of democratic rule.....it will further prove if people on the street are asked to compare if they are happy today or during Gen M period....

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Shah

Jan 01, 2014 12:26am

This man had the power to do so much and so little!

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aamir

Jan 01, 2014 12:44am

No doubt his era was golden and people were in much better condition..

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Naheed

Jan 01, 2014 01:02am

Musharaf period - economy was booming people were happy. Then came Zardari period - everything started going down. Then comes Nawaz period - country continues to further go down.

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Hyder

Jan 01, 2014 01:32am

For the general public, Musharaf time was the best. For corrupts Zardari and Nawaz time is the best.

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nazir

Jan 01, 2014 01:49am

Every one knows that Musharaf time was the best.

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Mohammad Syed Husain

Jan 01, 2014 01:54am

Musharraf could have done a lot when at the helm but his time was spent in establishing a permanence by placating the military through various inducements to ensure no trouble from that quarter. He set up a supervisory body of service officers over civilians who did not deliver and tried to bring justification to his rule which is never possible after a military coup d'etat. All military leaders have persisted in converting their rule into a democratic show piece, and all have failed. Maybe because of his military background in authoritarianism, he did not carry the masses with him and took decisions on their behalf without their support.The fallout from Kargil brought him to power and his removal from the various appeasements incorporated by him to sustain his rule.

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akram

Jan 01, 2014 02:56am

It's true dictators are out of touch. He needs his head examined. If we all loved musharraf why did no one turn up at the airport? He is responsible for most of the mess in Pakistan, from balochistan, to the taliban, to the power crisis. But he is oblivious to all the mess he made. It's always someone else's fault.

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Rizwan

Jan 01, 2014 03:00am

Musharaf is right to say that his era was the Golden age for Pakistan. Economy was at its best, Joblessness was low. Foreign investment was increasing. Law and order situation was in control. Inflation was low and hence the price for common people was in control. Living standard was rising. Above all Pakistan's image and position in the World was getting better and better every day. He did what ever was in the interest of the country. His action is less severe or less damaging than most politicians have done or are doing.

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jehangir

Jan 01, 2014 03:05am

But Zardari and Nawaz gave us more rupees for a dollar?

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Mir

Jan 01, 2014 03:06am

Not according to some of the talk show host in the media who are paid by the political party.

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sslmoshy

Jan 01, 2014 03:18am

so may be he chose the wrong route to come to power but no one is more right than him when it comes to patriotism. Being an overseas Pakistani everytime when I visited motherland and asked the people whether they are happy under his rule or whether they feel secure. The answer was always YES. It was the rich, landlords and politicians who hated him.

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Yemeen Zuberi

Jan 01, 2014 04:06am

@Taseer Ahmad Siddiqui: Will someone tell us, what was the rupee rate before Musharraf?

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asim

Jan 01, 2014 04:08am

@fida sayani: Absolutely right! Take the speeches, promises and claims. All are exactly same. They have same excuses and arguments . Finally, meet the same fate in history. Mush is no different and has no different end.

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M. Siddique

Jan 01, 2014 04:28am

@Taseer Ahmad Siddiqui: Do you what you are saying. Usually people who try to make case for army rule, ramble their way with poor narration.

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M. Siddique

Jan 01, 2014 04:29am

@fida sayani: You missed Yahya, who did the ultimate damage followed by Zia.

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Khalid

Jan 01, 2014 04:36am

What the "Pakistanis" need constantly is someone with a "big stick" to keep them in "check" Likes of Dear Musharraf, who did a "splendid job" unlike the "thieves" who are back in power.

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nash

Jan 01, 2014 04:57am

Just prove one corruption case against Musharraf, there is none open your eyes Pakistanis. Don't go with media they are sold out just listen to your heart and soul

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Sarwat

Jan 01, 2014 04:58am

He is absolutely right! All our so called civilian governments has so far done what? Nothing! beside creating more corruption. They had no focus on building the infrastructure of the country, no betterment of the masses in any respect. The country only regresses when they are in the office.

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Sidster

Jan 01, 2014 05:11am

@shiraz: There were 4 Drone attacks while President Musharraf was in Government. Now with Democratic Government in power, Drone attack reach to 400+.

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AdnanA

Jan 01, 2014 05:33am

Musharraf is the one who allowed Benazir to return and in the end allowed PPP government to loot the country. During his tenure , every general who should have retired from the Army was put in ministries to loot and many benefited more than Zia's regime. I can start naming people who are all those. His period was golden for beneficiaries and normal Pakistanis never benefited at all. In fact it was darker period for the country and became darker from their. During his period so many political targeting happened without any evidence and many cases to date have been thrown out of courts. Musharraf is a punk who should be made example for everyone.

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Shehz

Jan 01, 2014 05:43am

I never doubted it even for a minute, no one can dispute his achievements. Not a single corruption or nepotism charge can be attributed to him; it was definitely the golden era of Pakistan. Life was darn good! I don't even blame him for the drones nor the NRO, he did it in the best interest of Pakistan. I do blame him for the mess we are in today, and no one can refute it. He was president and he abandoned all of us and resigned. He fought with judges, with Americans, with terrorists, but cowardly walked away when we needed him the most. Knowingly that a wretched person will take over he left and abandoned all of us, at a time that was very precarious to Pakistan and Pakistanis. I blame him for the mess of the last 6 years, he deliberately let it all happen - our captain abandoned ship without warning us.

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Ibrahim

Jan 01, 2014 06:41am

Indeed it was! General (Retd) Musharraf's period of governing Pakistan, was a breath of fresh air, compared to the tenures of the corrupt leaders preceding, and following him. Today, we miss (Late) Field Marshal Ayub Khan and the magnificent progress Pakistan made during his rule. It is still not too late. If the two gentlemen, Imran Khan and Musharraf join hands, the country will be back on a path to progress. There is tremendous potential in Pakistanis, what is lacking is dynamic, transparent leadership. We have to give these two a chance!

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tariq

Jan 01, 2014 07:21am

For him it was the golden era

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saeed

Jan 01, 2014 07:28am

@shiraz: Once someone asked Gen. Zia that who would stop russian if they had entered pakistan on tanks, Zia replied that no one would be able to stop them they come in jeeps. So my question is who could stop US? Zardari? Nawaz Shareef? You got to be kidding me. They smoked out 24 soldiers, what did we do? They entered pakistan, killed bin laden and what we did. Musharraf was long gone by that time.

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saeed

Jan 01, 2014 07:31am

@fida sayani: Yes, and in flaud democracy like ours, "awam" end up in disgrace.

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Hussain Naqvi

Jan 01, 2014 07:46am

He is true to his commitment and was the best as against the possession of heavy mandated politicians who are aimed to make hostage the nation. We curse such democracy which is for the preveliged class only.

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Sachbol

Jan 01, 2014 11:42am

No brainier......he is far better than any of these corrupt politicians!

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Asif Ali

Jan 01, 2014 11:49am

You are absolutely Right Mr. Musharraf. I damn care if it was dictatorship or democracy or whatever, but people were having a wonderful life with money in their pockets, job situation so better, automobile industry at its peak and so was real estate sector. Value added exports at its best. Law and order situation much much better. Common man doesnt care if its democracy or dictatorship. If democracy has given us such miserable/pathetic situation in last 6 years, we are better off with dictatorships of Ayub Khan and Musharraf.

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asif

Jan 01, 2014 06:30pm

Dont be so naive. Economy was good because of a global real estate boom which ended in 2008. people were getting rich quick and spending money. the dollar was at 60 because of record number of dollars coming in as war aid. musharraf wouldnt be able to do anything magical if he came to power today.

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bkh

Jan 01, 2014 09:20pm

What Musharraf says does not matter. What the public say matters. Pakistan society is silent pain enduring and shy a way's from supporting the "right" at the time of moments fearful of the backlash from the government. It happened to former president Ayub and the history is repeating in case of President Musharraf. What a shame

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NASR

Jan 01, 2014 11:03pm

@akram: Your assesment is quite flawed.

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NASR

Jan 01, 2014 11:06pm

It is an irony that every military tenure has been the best for Pakistan

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rafiq

Jan 02, 2014 02:15am

Look at past 60 years and everybody knows what years were good and bad for the people of Pakistan.

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gilani

Jan 02, 2014 02:16am

Last 6 years have been a paradise for us in Pakistan?

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Zaidi

Jan 02, 2014 07:13am

Did Musharaf alone is responsible or the whole Army when he landed in the plane he did.

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Bilal

Jan 02, 2014 07:21am

Why is the Army Chief quiet while their ex chief is being humiliated?

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Ahmed

Jan 02, 2014 10:27am

No doubt it was a golden era. Bugti case, Lal Mosque issue, Rise of Pakistani Taliban, Cheif Justice case and last but not the least world famous NRO...these are hall marks of your tenure.

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Ahmed

Jan 02, 2014 10:28am

@AdnanA: Adnan you are just showing mirror, spot on.

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Mustafa

Jan 02, 2014 11:22am

People hate military rule but they hate hunger even more.

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Asif Ali Gilgiti

Jan 02, 2014 02:05pm

Yes,! His era was the golden era of the History of Pakistan ...

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Ismat

Jan 02, 2014 07:37pm

@Ibrahim: Had Musharraf ruled Pakistan for another 5 years , the the Pakistani economy would have been in much better shape , less dependent on so called foreign aid , stronger Pakistani currency, happier people and much much more .

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Abdullah

Jan 02, 2014 08:10pm

Where is the media which became independent in Musharaf time. Why are they not fair and independent and at least talk about majority of the good things Musharaf did. Are political parties still taking care of the the pockets of some media people like before when the news came out with names. Pakistan will only succeed when the media and judiciary is clean.

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Amin Muhammad

Jan 02, 2014 08:40pm

@NASR: Only a corrupt politician or political worker can say this.

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Ram

Jan 02, 2014 10:11pm

Then why did he leave and settled in UK like most dictators and senior army men

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Ravi

Jan 03, 2014 01:04pm

Even India prospered in Musharaff's time Indian rupee was Jan 2, 2008 - 39.40 Rs. for a dollar Today Jan 2, 2014 - 62.40 Rs. for a dollar

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saint

Jan 03, 2014 01:05pm

the army does not own the country it serves the tax payer and civilian govt. no matter how his era was he should be tried for declaring marshal law.

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Kabir

Jan 03, 2014 04:00pm

@saint: then ask your PM to institute a suit for this

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Kabir

Jan 03, 2014 04:06pm

@Ahmed: Musharraf was the ture leader he dealt with criminals like Bugti, Ghazi Rashid of Lal Masjid fame like a brave leader furhter Taliban were created by Ms. Benazir Bhutto (please see recording of interview of Gen Naseer Ullah) and last but not least if NRO was done then PPP & PML(N) would have been out of politics forever

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Kabir

Jan 03, 2014 04:14pm

@asif: Please do not distort the history please see first three years of Musharraf how he stabilized the economy without out side help and as regard foreign aid the politicals governments are getting more from America on the pretext that they are democratically elected governments please update your information and do not rely on your biases only

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Kabir

Jan 03, 2014 04:22pm

@AdnanA: Mr. Adnan, according to many, even here, it was (PPP) a democartically elected government

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Chaudhry

Jan 03, 2014 07:21pm

Pakistanis have always liked corrupt politicians.

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