Musharraf senses 'winds of change' in Pakistan
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KARACHI: Former president and military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday that he can sense ‘winds of change' blowing in Pakistan.
Musharraf, appearing via video conference wearing a traditional Sindhi Ajrak shawl on his shoulders, was speaking to workers of his All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) in Karachi.
“I can sense winds of change blowing in Pakistan. The demonstrators are within their right to protest; my sympathies are with them," he said.
Musharraf was referring to the anti-government protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and firebrand cleric Dr Allama Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).
The PTI has been protesting against the government over allegations of rigging in the 2013 general elections, while Qadri has rallied supporters against what he calls Pakistan’s ‘flawed’ political system.
Some analysts say the demonstrations – which have been ongoing for almost 50 days now – have been ‘scripted’ by the country’s powerful military establishment.
Both parties are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who swept to power in the 2013 polls.
Speaking to supporters, Musharraf – who is also facing high treason charges and a number of other legal cases – said that he had returned to contest polls and bring political change to Pakistan.
Also read: Musharraf ECL case: Govt plea indefinitely adjourned
“Pakistan was in dire need of political change in the 2013 elections: a third force capable of good governance and able to steer the country to safer waters. This is why, despite all hurdles i decided to come back to Pakistan," he said.
But he added that the legal and security threats he faced after his return were far greater than what he had anticipated. Musharraf said that even after five years since he stepped down, things had barely changed.
"It was the same system and same people," he said.
"If you look at the current situation, you will see that the country is racing towards destruction. What we need is free and fair elections without any form of rigging. First we need electoral reforms before elections in Pakistan," he added.
The former military ruler said that he had ‘unconstitutionally’ been banned from contesting elections. He said that he would continue to defend himself in court against the treason charges and other legal cases until justice is served.
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Comments (145) Closed
Oct 01, 2014 06:30pm
Yes, currently there is definitely a wind of change in the "land of the pure." Nevertheless, the ex commando general Musharraf has nothing to do with it and has absolutely no role to play in it directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly, knowingly or unknowingly.
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Oct 01, 2014 06:39pm
What the individual who held the fake "referendum" to appoint himself dictator, and then held the 2002 elections where he stacked the parliament with mullahs with whom he had a "deal", and who then killed scores of peaceful demonstrators who stood up against his demands to become lifetime President and thus deny Pakistanis their right to elect their leaders now says he is in favor of "elections that are not rigged"! If three individuals deserve to be punished in Pakistan, they are Musharraf, Imran Khan and Mullah Qadri.
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Oct 01, 2014 06:42pm
Who else is expected to be supportive of the protesters but Musharraf!
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Oct 01, 2014 06:43pm
I remember during Musharraf era Pakistanis were really respected around the world, and the Pakistani economy was moving on the right direction. There were few things he did which may not be the correct, however, all and all he was the best we ever have in Pakistan. I think now Imran Khan is our hope, but saying something is easy and actually implementing it is hard work.
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Oct 01, 2014 06:44pm
Well Mr. Mushi you spotted it after 7 years finally. You were quite the same in dealing with issues like Balochistan and lawyers' movement.
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Oct 01, 2014 06:48pm
Dream on Sir. You are not going any where.
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Oct 01, 2014 06:49pm
Sooner the political change, better for Pakistan. People are fedup with PML(N) and PPP governments. The reputation of the country is going down and down alongwith business, foreign exchange etc. These parties are not interested for the betterment of the country or the poor people. All qualified people are leaving the country. Law and order situation is very bad and corruption is every where.
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Oct 01, 2014 06:49pm
Yes winds of change are blowing but opposite to his perceptions. First time all political parties came togather to defend
democratic system in Pakistan. And Establishment stooges failed to rescue him, that is first time too!
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Oct 01, 2014 06:51pm
Yawn!!!!!
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Oct 01, 2014 06:57pm
He made a lot of mistakes but he was still a million miles better than Sharif and Zardari. In the USA he was earning £100,000 for after dinner speeches and university lectures same rate as Bill Clinton and Tony Blair.
Can you imagine a western university paying for Sharif or Zardari to do a speech. If they did it would be for a comedy.
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Oct 01, 2014 06:58pm
Very true
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Oct 01, 2014 06:58pm
Good honest person without any corruption charges.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:01pm
We luv you Musharff
You were the best Pakistani President Pakistan ever had
Pakistan First
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Oct 01, 2014 07:02pm
Musharraf may be bad from Indian point of view. I think he did his best from Pakistan's perspective. Was it Nawaj's biggest mistake to pick up an un-just fight with him?
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Oct 01, 2014 07:04pm
Imran Khan is bringing about a change in Pakistan which is compatible with Musharraf's thinking. I hope that Imran and Musharraf can work together and solve the problems of Pakistan. Their ideas are the same, but the problem could be their egos. If they can set aside their egos and work together, Pakistan can be changed into a completely different country in 10 years - economy, education, jobs, citizen rights and dignity, law and order, eradication of corruption.
The educated people in Pakistan and overseas very much wish that to happen. Having lived in USA for 50 years, I fully understand the problems and the solutions of Pakistan. My dear Imran Khan, and Musharraf, please do this favor to Pakistan. We are all wishing you well and willing to help you in any way possible.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:04pm
He was my favourite leader before we had even better choice then him.imran khan
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Oct 01, 2014 07:09pm
Things were so bad under Musharrafs rule, we did not have champions democracy, such as Zardari and NS in charge. We did not have looters as big as them, we only had small time looters.
Everyday corruption wasn't as prevalent as today. How bad things were under Musharraf.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:11pm
musharaf we want you back...
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Oct 01, 2014 07:14pm
Clutching at straws! History will record that he was the biggest enemy of Pakistan
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Oct 01, 2014 07:16pm
hahaha see who is sensing wot... if you were not a Retd Gen no 1 knew who you are.... dictator can smell only 1 thing and thats on Marshal Law but i must tell you that now no 1 even Raheel Sharif Dont want marshal Law becoz army is busy ins cleaning the mess ( TTP) you created for them in this country so you better try to sense when they gonna allow you to get out of this country.... Pakistan army zindabad .... Dhranay Murdabad
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Oct 01, 2014 07:17pm
This is the guy behind a lot turmoil that is going on in Pakistan right now. He is bad news for Pakistan. He has no real support except may be in Karachi and in Canttonments of various cities. Nawaz Sharif should have left him alone.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:21pm
Long live Musharraf! Miss him.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:22pm
Well Trust me buddy, This wind is change is not calling for you.. so just don't mess up our messed up country anymore.. We need a Leader who is for people for country.. not for creating their palace all over the world...
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Oct 01, 2014 07:23pm
I am very much upset, I was very fond of reading Dawn since Sixties and thinking as one of the most reliable English News Paper of Pakistan when I read the above news addressing Our Ex President as The former dictator, who give you the right to address Mr. Musharraf as Dictator?
You must certainly avoid such a provocative language while address a Ex President of Pakistan, It does not suit you. In fact, he is still one of popular and honest leader with NO CORRUPTION CHARGES
A disappointed Reader
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Oct 01, 2014 07:25pm
You are great person but the only thing I dont like is a step of NRO. Which reflects your selfishness. Where was your slogan "Sabsay phehlay pakistan" then gone.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:26pm
The Dictator is always a Dictator. It is a mind set and very difficult to change your thinking. Musharaaf is hungry for power.
I doubt if people will accept him any more.
I believe he did lot of damage to our country and this nation will never forgive him. He violated his oath as an Army Chief
and over through the elected Govt. of Pakistan. Now, I hope that he is convicted under article 6 and punished so that
in future no body should dare to over through the Legitimate Govt.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:29pm
@Khurram - You seem to be naive and have no sense of Pakistan's well being. Stop supporting personalities. Your nick-naming Musharraf is a reflection of your civility.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:29pm
one of the best leaders we have had --- treason charges should be brought Aitzaz Ahsan and CJ Chaudhry.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:30pm
Not corrupt but perhaps incompetent; the proposed leadership of new Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:35pm
A great honest and sincere leader. What he did or said during his time, has proved its legitimacy. He banned and expelled all anti state forces. At that time there were protests, but now majority accepts that. Salute you Sir and wish to see you again in power InshAllah.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:40pm
We are transitioning from monsoon to winter, so winds do change.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:41pm
Amen to that general
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Oct 01, 2014 07:42pm
Very glad Mr. Musharraf that you finally spoke up on this issue. the Sharif's are doing everything possible to take their personal revenge, I salute you for standing up to them. Thank you for your great service to Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:46pm
If he thinks he was unconstutionally bared from contesting elections he is blaming the higher courts now. Who sir is best suited to judge the constitutionality ? A dictator ? A head of the Armed Forces ? Or an officer who reneged on his solumn oath of office ?
He is some one who needs psychic help.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:51pm
I love imran but for me he second best
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Oct 01, 2014 07:54pm
One thing about General Musharaf is certain that he is honest and not corrupt, like people in the government and the one who was ruling us before.He might have made some mistakes but he wasn't the only one in the government.Other people were either wrongly or rightly advising him.He didn't steal public money and he hasn't got millions tucked away in Swiss banks etc.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:55pm
The man is living in a fool's paradise; who am I to object, let him stay there in peace. What did this self- righteous man do with the elections of 2002? Let an irrelevant man, Rashid Tully, let this man know that he is irrelevant as well.
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Oct 01, 2014 07:56pm
Musharraf senses is true Pakistani sens.....
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Oct 01, 2014 07:57pm
You ruled for 10 years and ruined us. Now u are again getting ready for killing balouchis and those people who stand against you.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:00pm
i am student of electrical engineering my heartly support for u r such great leader of pakistan survival of pakistan only in ur hand i want that u become ruler of pakistan for pakistan
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Oct 01, 2014 08:01pm
Worst leader, who spoke with guns and ammunition rather than tongue against baloch people. This year balochistan celebrated the anniversary of akbar bugti, meaning the people are united against musharraf.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:05pm
Birds of feather, flock together!!!!!
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Oct 01, 2014 08:09pm
The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.
Hang in there one day this nation will remember you. At the moment we are just use to corrupt leaders only
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Oct 01, 2014 08:12pm
I hope the winds of change will take him behind bars where he deserves to be
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Oct 01, 2014 08:12pm
There's a lot of room and opportunity for good politicians to practice politics and deliver good governance in Pakistan. Musharraf's party should be allowed to contest in elections.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:18pm
Musharraf was the best leader since Jinnah. Based on Pakistan's record progress in so many areas, given the dismal condition Pakistan was in 1999. He is still the most sensible out of the current lot. If you were to take IK and Musharraf as individuals, I would still go for Musharraf, because of IK's leanings towards extremist and habit of accusing others without proof. So far IK has proved to be a big talker who is good at burning bridges.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:21pm
He senses "Winds of change"? I sense a lot of hot air.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:29pm
... and his subsequent release from all cases and his flying out of the country on the wings of change.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:30pm
well at least he's better than King Sharif!
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Oct 01, 2014 08:31pm
The followers of Musharraf and Imran Khan have so much in common. By the way dreaming costs nothing.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:34pm
Best Leader after Jinnah I say. If he was in power for another 10 years, Pakistan would have been in much better shape. But Alas our corrupt political system didn't let him survive. Anything good in Pakistan doesn't last for long. That goes for pretty much anything.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:36pm
I'm surprised why people are against Musharaf? All he did was good for Pakistan. He didn't do good things for politicians, but does that affect the average person. It just goes to show that even educated people are so naïve that they let politicians convince them to think against him and not against the corruption.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:46pm
Yes a 3rd force is needed for change in Pakistan. But it WONT be YOU Musharaf. You were just a puppet dictator picked by higher forces.
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Oct 01, 2014 08:48pm
@Mustafa ahmedzai - And what have the Baloch leaders done for Balochistan in the last 67 years? Except for loot and plunder the resources, oppress the people and fight against each other...your state of affairs will never change unless you realize the problems lie within!
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Oct 01, 2014 08:55pm
was Pakistan better under Musharraf or is it better today Under PML-N or PPP (previous 5 years). Ask yourselves this question and you will get the answer.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:01pm
Musharraf should join forces with Imran to topple the current system once and for all. They are both honest guys, and brave patriots who have sacrificed for their country. This revenge activity by the PPP and PMLN needs to stop. It paints Pakistan in a bad light to prosecute leaders for faithfully prosecuting a sensible strategy.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:04pm
@Blithe what a senseless statement.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:09pm
Well the protesters want a "pure form of the constitution" and let us remind everyone who continually broke that constitution? None other than Musharref. The hypocrisy and shamelessness of Mullah Qadri, Imran and Musharref know no bounds!
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Oct 01, 2014 09:11pm
Sir, silence is a better option.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:12pm
Musharraf arch enemy Nawab Sharif got him almost killed, wants him to be ousted from power.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:12pm
Change will only come when there will be justice of all and I mean all. Even the corrupt PTI leaders should not be spared . PMLQ leaders and and their Sons. Bureaucrat's, Ex Generals and the millions they made while they were in power with the land grabbing and leading positions. No one should be left out only than there will be a wind of change. Right now everyone is testing the waters and the blame is based on personal hatred that is why so many others are not mentioned.
I am afraid when justice comes you can not only select the once you want it will have to go trough every one or change will remain a dream .
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Oct 01, 2014 09:13pm
It will be better for both MQM and Pervaiz Musharaf if he joins MQM. Musharaf needs a party with street power and MQM needs a good organiser.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:16pm
He did the job professionally. Now we have dictators!
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Oct 01, 2014 09:22pm
We need you back. You brought prosperity in Pakistan and kept corrupt chief justice away from power we know you made some serious mistake by listening to corrupt adviser and this what I am worried about Imran Khan . You and Imran we need to bring Pakistan back to prosperity with social justice and equality for all and bring back the looted wealth of Pakistan to pay off the debt and begin a new Pakistan as dreamed by my parents and grand parents when they migrated to Pakistan in 1947.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:25pm
For me, Musharraf's (and Pasha's) biggest crime is what he did to the Baloch and Balochistan, grossly violating the Constitution of Pakistan. The notorious retired general's instant supporters who mostly are obviously MQM-Imran-t.Tahiri affiliates have to choose one: Musharraf or Balochistan remaining in the Federation of Pakistan. They cannot have both. (Malek Towghi / Tauqee, Ph.D., Liaison, Baloch Human Rights International)
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Oct 01, 2014 09:28pm
There is saying that "What you say is right but how do you say is wrong", The protest is the legitimate right of the people but at the cost of what? At the cost of Economy, disgrace of Pakistan, Civil disobedience. Dhawa, attacking Parliament, taking law in hand? Sir! you have spent the most disciplined and dignified life as Army Chief of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the in charge of the Nuclear Arsenals of Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif might be suspect but is he the convicted criminal? Let us put our efforts to bring the life within law and order and uplift Pakistan. Regards. Awaiting your reply please.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:28pm
@Pakistani
Please speak for yourself and therefore I suggest the instead of "we", use "I". He is the man who sold the fatherland to USA via Colin Powell. He installed the NRO and then managed to put Zardari on the throne. In my opinion the constitution of a country is a very sacred document and any one man destroying it must be fully punished according to law.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:28pm
What is this Dharna about? Removing Nawaz Shaiff from power .. If people start removing elected leaders using Dharnas & mob then why do we need Laws and why do we need elections!! Let’s assume that there was rigging in last election still this is not the way to go about it ... Pakistan will become a law less land if these Dharnas succeed.
* Reform & Strengthen election commission. Involve foreign monitors for free and fair elections.
* Be patient, country will not get fixed in few years , it will take long and sustained effort.
* It requires lot of time & effort to create & nurture new political parties that can compete with well established ones like PPP & PML(N). So don't be in a hurry for power (Mr.Imran.. wait for your turn)
* Its easy to get frustrated and go to dictatorship, Pakistan should avoid temptation for Generals..
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Oct 01, 2014 09:42pm
Only one who can run the Pakistan currently on pakistan soil
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Oct 01, 2014 09:43pm
Deserve seat in National Assembly. Call him dictator , strange, first need to end party dictatorship, Mr Nawaz and Mr Zardari.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:45pm
@NINO - The choice was then that they were going to "bomb us to stone age" as the Americans then said. Would you have preferred that?
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Oct 01, 2014 09:49pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Really? While I do NOT support military involvement credit goes LARGELY to this general for having established the free press etc that has made the 'winds of change possible'. The general should be allowed to contest elections until his case is adjudicated.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:51pm
Even the presence of Musharraf and Imran in the country, how these thugs (zardari, nawaz) are capable of do corruption. It means people of Pakistan never wanted CHANGE. But now time has changed and new generation is not like that.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:51pm
Musharaaf has proven leadership qualities. We always felt proud, when he was in Power, whether he was visiting west or answering any questions to any western media or confronting India. He has always made us proud.
People of Pakistan need to look beyond their prejudice and ethnic preference, we should try to be one nation, sectarian and religious divide is killing Pakistan. Wake up Pakistan. Musharaf, Imran and Qadri are future of great Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:54pm
Kargil Kid... stagging comeback.
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Oct 01, 2014 09:55pm
There was no single Pakistani, ambassador or prime minster, president who can face western media like Musharaf did. Long live Musharaf.
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Oct 01, 2014 10:02pm
Yeah yeah Musharraf. So long as you benefit yourself, you're happy to say anything.
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Oct 01, 2014 10:03pm
MUsharraf is a like a man who is taking last breath before dying. Don't listen to him!
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Oct 01, 2014 10:11pm
Obviously it suits the General to attack Nawaz Sharif which adds pressure on Sharif to ease up and let him go.
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Oct 01, 2014 10:25pm
I am fully agreed with Musharaf sb that "Change is coming". But I must say Change has came... when i see the people of Pakistan talking about the rigging in Elections 2013. They are really worried about their "Vote" in next election. They became aware from the precious value of their "Vote".
Those days are not far away when Pakistanis will live with very high living standard.. Inshallah
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Oct 01, 2014 10:30pm
If only he had not issued NRO, which he did for his personal gain, hoping that he would stay as president & Benazir would become prime minister. It did not work that way. He brought them (Sharifs & Zardari) back, now he is criticizing them?
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Oct 01, 2014 10:33pm
completely irrelevant to this news-
can somebody please provide me link to download song of mehdi hassan-tu meri zindagi hai from movie mohabbat mar nahi sakti?
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Oct 01, 2014 10:55pm
@ahmed
He could not take pressure from Bush, a C level leader. You must be his brother living in USA. - :)
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Oct 01, 2014 11:04pm
Look, who is talking?
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Oct 01, 2014 11:06pm
Despite his faults, Musharraf's rule was 100 times better than the current lot's. Two, the media - that has helped tremendously in waking the Pakistani nation up - and without whose honest role, the current winds of change would be a far cry; was made 'free' in Musharraf's era.
So we can call him a dictator all we want but in truth, he gave Pakistanis (at least in his initial years - before he fell victim to too much power) one essential pillar of freedom - an independent media! If nothing else, that, for ever, will remain a lasting legacy.
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Oct 01, 2014 11:11pm
I want to clarify first that I am with none of the many parties claiming to have 'qaum ka dard' in their mind, hearts and every where else. I fail to understand as to why these people can't serve their countrymen "without being in cover". A clear case in point is Mr Eidhi who I guess is more respected by people of Pakistan than all these so called leaders put together.
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Oct 01, 2014 11:22pm
Musharraf is a sincere and honest man but honestly we have better options now. Pakistan is ready for bigger changes than Musharraf can stomach. He let Zardari, Nawaz and Benazir escape because he didn't have the resolve of General Zia. We need Zia's resolve and Musharraf's enlightenment in one person and that is Imran Khan. Thanks general sahib for your services but the winds of change are now past you, besides only a son of the soil can bring radical changes to this country and if the soil is irrigated by five rivers it is a strong plus.
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Oct 01, 2014 11:33pm
@Khurram the worst thing about being a noora leaguey is the amount of ignorance potrayed in their comments.. like mr khurram here.. completely senseless and extrememly shameful statement.. even after killing 20 or odd people in protests and injuring countless others.. gasing political leaders.. guys like you who are on the payroll of the mian's have the audacity to say such abhorrent things..
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Oct 01, 2014 11:35pm
What we need are midterm elections. Basically the provincial assembly legislators will face the same voters whom they keep forgetting after only 2 or 3 years. The exercise strengthens democracy by reminding the elected who elected them.
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Oct 01, 2014 11:56pm
But we truly need a leader like him. Love Musharaff.
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Oct 02, 2014 12:05am
@ Ahmed, I agree with you 100%-- "If three individuals deserve to be punished in Pakistan, they are Musharraf, Imran Khan and Mullah Qadri"
I think Imran khan is trying to outperform Musharraf..
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Oct 02, 2014 12:11am
@Ahmer I did not say that
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Oct 02, 2014 12:18am
My Bhaijan Gen Musharraf is as high as sky but very much ironically he is implicated falsely in some cases by PM Nawaz for no reason and rhyme. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
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Oct 02, 2014 12:27am
@Pakistani , people fall for wheeler dealer, good at gap type of politicians.
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Oct 02, 2014 12:39am
@chaudry ADIL
This dacoit of democracy just become ruler of u, and not ruler of Pakistan!
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Oct 02, 2014 12:40am
Imran and Qadri Revolutions could not have happened without the General liberating the Media.
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Oct 02, 2014 12:44am
@MGA
You need to take some continuing education class so you can learn the meaning of dictator. Musahrraf was not onlya dictator, he was also a dacoit of democracy.
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Oct 02, 2014 12:47am
Mushy, it has nothing to do with you. Average Pakistanis are finding out what Military, Mullahs and Feudals have done to them in 67 years. Another 67 years these people will be kicked out.
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Oct 02, 2014 01:05am
What non sens
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Oct 02, 2014 01:26am
Yes General and self appointed leader of Pakistan. No pone ever elected you so watch what you say.
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Oct 02, 2014 01:26am
We definitely needs Musharraf alike if we need to move forward with better approach.
Natho khairy won,t do any good to this great country, who surviving the cruel brutality of Dummies since his birth.
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Oct 02, 2014 01:34am
Musharraf is the biggest culprit. He could have done so much in terms of real reforms while he was in power. But he blew it! He was no leader, as he pretended. He is not a leader now. Remember, he forgave all the looter politicians, Zardari and Nawaz Sharif with his NRO, instaed of prosecuting them and returning their loot to the people of Pakistan. Musharraf is nothing but a mediocre and self-centered person.
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Oct 02, 2014 02:12am
Under Musharraf things were more stable. He was also a great statesman and commanded a great deal of respect around the world. Nawaz made avert big mistake in trying to take revenge against him.
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Oct 02, 2014 02:36am
Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif must resign till a high-powered Investigation Commission adjudicates on the matter of rigged 2013 general and provincial elections. This is the only solution of this political impasse.
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Oct 02, 2014 02:40am
Look at the China protest for winds of change and pro democracy demands. What's happening in Islamabad is a political power stunt and struggle.
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Oct 02, 2014 02:51am
The best way forward for ex-President Musharraf to try and reconnect with people of Pakistan is to start talking more about the mistakes he made and start apologizing rather than find faults with others or pointing fingers elsewhere. Let others do this. Honesty is the best policy. Pakistanis are tired of listening to lies and fabrications from the power hungry politicians for the last 60+ years.
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Oct 02, 2014 02:53am
@MGA Where does it say dictator? ?'Former president and military ruler Gen (retd) '.
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Oct 02, 2014 03:07am
We have not forgotten your 9 years rule. A dictator, butcher and puppet of western powers. You need to go in hibernation, my friend and ex-general.
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Oct 02, 2014 03:13am
@Danish Luv ya Danish
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Oct 02, 2014 03:29am
A former Dictator senses " WIND OF CHANGE " and sympathise with demonstrators. He must be joking. A man who admitted himself that his government handed over Pakistani nationals to USA and collected bounty, such a ruthless man should be tried and punished for the crimes he had committed. Pity the establishment has not fulfilled there responsibility and let this man continue to live in luxury.
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Oct 02, 2014 03:54am
Mr. Mush...winds of change are not for you...You toyed with the constitution....you should be ready to face the music...so that no General in future will do what you did!
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Oct 02, 2014 04:28am
It is ridiculous to believe that economy was booming when Musharraf was around. Migratory dollars came and left when situation changed. What significant foundation was laid by Musharraf when he had no reason to be head of he state in the first place? He caved in to American pressure because he had no mandate. He kidnapped and sold citizens for dollars. His crime list is too long to be ignored. I am surprised to see him come back with hope of another stint. Ten years of rule should have been enough but he is still hungry. I advise Imran Khan to keep distance.
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Oct 02, 2014 04:29am
@MSAlvi
I 100% agree with you and in my opinion as well Imran khan and Gen Musharaf will be a good choice if they can put their egos aside and do something for the motherland Pakistan.
Asif, New York
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Oct 02, 2014 05:54am
Look who is talking ? Mush says that "....even after 5 years since he stepped down, things have barely changed...... country is racing towards destruction...." You were at the helm of affairs for more than a decade, it means if the things haven't changed, and the country is racing towards destruction, you caused it. This was the whole reason to change you.
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Oct 02, 2014 06:10am
Miss you sir. Hope you had never let these people back into the country. It was the downfall of everything :(
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Oct 02, 2014 06:13am
this mans lust for power is that of a true megalomaniac. he will stop at nothing to rein it in. ten to one he is behind the scenes with imran to dethrone sharif. cant help but agree with you ahmed
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Oct 02, 2014 06:42am
@uet, If democracy means plutocracy, fudalism, tribalism, nepotism, etc, then you are absolutely right.
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Oct 02, 2014 06:54am
@Harmony
Your question proves my point. He never was a good soldier nor he ever became a politician of any significance. Wise leaders go into oblivion; irrelevance produces Musharrafs. Incidentally, I have been a part of fight for freedom in 1947 and therefore refuse to accept and reject leaders on the basis of the language
they speak. God bless.
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Oct 02, 2014 07:00am
What type of reforms he is talking. After overthrowing elected Govt, he promised seven point reform agenda that was never implemented . However he promoted corrupt politicians like Chaudhrys through rigged elections and depriving true leadership to lead nation. Dictator is dictator. Even Hitler and Mausolini had supporters and that is how things go wrong. Dictators and their agents never allow political Govts to implement their reform agenda as IK and TQ are sabotaging not only constitution but also economy and supporters are retired power hungry people like mush.
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Oct 02, 2014 07:24am
Dear Dictator: Before your rule GNP was 4.6%. You pushed it up to 8.96%. In 2013, after you, it was brought down to 4.10%. Export increased to $18 billions, an increase of 125% in 5 years. You opened 20,800 adult literary centers; in punjab all state schools got free text books for students, in South punjab where school girls drop out was highest in Pakistan, your policies reduced drop out to negligible level. in fact girls out performed boys.You started Virtual University programme linking 57 international universities. Sardars who were biting the country were handled appropriately; one committed suicide in a cave. When confronted " with us or not",
You saved our land turning into Tura Bora ( place in Afghanistan razed to ground by the U.S. jets)
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Oct 02, 2014 07:25am
Did he agree with demonstrations at his time? I am not sure if demonstrations were even allowed at his time!!
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Oct 02, 2014 08:10am
@Gaz I wonder what they were paying him back for?
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Oct 02, 2014 08:12am
@MSAlvi logic defies how living in US for 50 years qualifies someone for commenting on Pakistan.
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Oct 02, 2014 08:46am
The script titled "Winds of change has been" exposed. The winds have been taken out of "Winds of Change."
The commando and the Cricketer are old partners! They are trying a new script and failing again!
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Oct 02, 2014 09:04am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad - If there is a wind of change in Pakistan, with which you seem to agree, what is wrong if Musharraf also says that? He may not have any thing to do with this change at this time, but he agrees with what is happening now. I liked his statement.
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Oct 02, 2014 09:20am
@Harmony
Your question merely proves my point. If only he was a real commando or a politician, he wold not have made a cheap deal with USA mainly for his own perpetuation and not the slightest in the country's interests.
Incidentally, I took part in the Azadi Movement in 1947, I would never like to extol or condemn anyone because of the language he speaks. It is not a Sharif's matter, he betrayed the very oath he had taken to uphold the sacred document.
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Oct 02, 2014 09:22am
@Ahmed - I hear you say that, but majority of educated Pakistani's in Pakistan and abroad disagree with you. Pakistanis abroad, particularly in USA, canada, Europe, Japan,and other advanced countries understand the problems (and solutions) of Pakistan better. They judge the issues by comparison with other countries where they live. People in Pakistan are not in a position to compare; they are complacent. Also, they judge every thing on merit and have no party affiliations or personal interests to pursue in Pakistan.
Almost 100 percent of Pakistani's abroad like Musharraf and Imran. On what basis would you say they are wrong?
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Oct 02, 2014 10:32am
@Observer : I feel Pakistan is at crossroads. Once they make a call on where to head, they can focus on development , growth and other aspects. But need to resolve it fast
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Oct 02, 2014 11:11am
Dear Readers............
Lets have a debate on Economic Indicators (for reliable independent source WB/ADB):
1977-88
1989-98
1999-07
2008-13
2014-To-date
Then decide who has been / would be good for Pakistan.
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Oct 02, 2014 11:23am
Ironic........if he had done what he SHOULD AND COULD have done during his 8 long years in power we would not be in the mess we are in today.
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Oct 02, 2014 12:48pm
@Tanveer A general politico and not corrupt?
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Oct 02, 2014 12:48pm
Look who is talking? One of our three or four dictators!!
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Oct 02, 2014 02:02pm
@NINO - "He never was a good soldier". If so, then isn't it an enigma how he became a general? Then there is something seriously wrong - in your thinking perhaps! Because Army is not a mickey mouse institution and you should know it better if you are from 1947.
Anyway my question was would you have preferred to get Pakistan pulped by American bombing then?
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Oct 02, 2014 02:14pm
@aslam minhas - Does "general politico" make someone automatically corrupt? Suspicions are beliefs...very logical!
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Oct 02, 2014 03:13pm
@Harmony
If he was a general or a politician worth his salt, he would have chosen a more dignified role and certainly consulted , even a wall, the parliament and political parties to find a way out. He had no authority whatever to take a decision by himself. There have been moments in history of nations when real and worse dangers were met with dignity and sacrifice. There is a purpose to maintain an army and if he capitulated within minutes of one call from Powell, then the dictator let down the country and the people. Iran is a very recent example of producing men who could tackle far more grevious threats of a united western world; that country has not been raised to the ground! But then I am comparing men of courage and dignity with a sheep in sheep's clothing !!
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Oct 02, 2014 03:50pm
@NINO - "he capitulated within minutes". Afghanistan didn't, so they started bombing them and their army is still there to this day. India joined 'war on terror' even before us and were waiting on the borders for an American nod after an attack on their parliament. USA had called Pakistan an "axis of evil' out of three. When you mess with a Mast Elephant intoxicated with power gets into rage, the consequences are fatal. You have forgotten the sequence of events - memories are short.
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Oct 03, 2014 07:05am
@Ahmed . I agree with you completely. Here is a man who over threw a civilian governemnt and declared the emergency rule twice during his time.He removed the supreme count justices who did not agree with his unconstitutional actions. He wanted to be a life time president and recognize Israel even though they are still occupying the Palestinian land through aggression. He has been day dreaming that PTI/PAT will remove the current government and he will be free to go out of the country. All his focus during his dictatorship was to stay in power. The US governemnt of President George Bush forced him to choose between CNC office or the presidency, he unwillingly accepted the presidency and eventually got forced out. I hope he gets the justice for his actions so that future military officers stay away from country's politics.
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Oct 03, 2014 07:30am
The constitution of Pakistan may be amended to accommodate Mid-Term Polls,or Quarter-Term Polls,or to avert impasse like today.People of Pakistan are missing 58(2)B today.There should be a safety valve to release such high pressures.Or the politicians should be so mature to resolve crisis by themselves .Overseas Pakistanis are immensely uncomfortable about the prevailing news.
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Oct 03, 2014 07:34am
@Pakistani just relax.
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Oct 03, 2014 08:46am
As long as the military plays puppet master and manipulates the bureaucracy and the body politic, no real revolution will take place.
Every revolution evaporates and leaves behind only the slime of a new bureaucracy.
Franz Kafka
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Oct 03, 2014 09:24am
Gen. Musharraf is respected the world over, even today. This is evident when one compares him to the last three do nothing mega corruption self serving and self appointed "leaders" which destroyed Pakistan and are still doing a fine job of taking it down a path of mayhem and destruction.
For those accusing Gen. Musharraf of "dictatorship" rule, please educate yourselves especially those spouting false and idiotic nonsense about both his terms. The first term took place only when Gen. Musharraf was REQUESTED by Pakistan's senior admins and defense apparatus to take over the leadership and kick Nawaz out of the country. Gen. Musharraf's second term was a result of free and fair DEMOCRATIC elections which he won by a wide margin.
In the end, too many people wanted a corrupt, greedy, and power egomaniac as a leader which Gen. Musharraf was NOT.
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Oct 03, 2014 12:49pm
Has anybody visited him other than Pagarha? When his money runs out, his attorneys will also leave him. Poor guy. He should have gone back to that haveli where he was born.
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Oct 03, 2014 08:58pm
Come Musharraf come. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
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Oct 04, 2014 07:59am
@Zain Ullah Khan
He stashed away millions in his relative's business empire, which extends from Pakistan, UAE all the way to the US.
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Oct 06, 2014 08:30am
@SHAZIA Believe me no body respects dictators any where in the world including Pakistan. This man has done more harm to the country than you can imagine. Do you think the load shedding happened all of a sudden out of the blue? During his watch, no major power plant was built to generate electricity. All his efforts were focused on staying in power, arresting innocent people and turning them over to CIA and getting paid. Dr Afia was picked up in Karachi by security agents during his time and handed over to US authorities.He sent Pakistani troops to capture Kargil posts during the winter without the the approval of PM and GHQ. He lied to the nation that they were Kashmiri Mujahadeen and put the country on the brink of a nuclear disaster in the sub continent. It was US President Bill Clinton who facilitated the withdrawal and saved the country from mutual nuclear destruction. Please read the books written by his fellow military generals and journalists to find out the truth which you may not be able to handle.
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