Former president and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday slammed what he called the "martial mindset", holding it responsible for the slow pace of development in Pakistan as compared to other countries.
Zardari, addressing a political convention in Dadu held to mark the 40th anniversary of Gen Ziaul-Haq's 1977 military coup against the then PPP-led government, maintained that Pakistan had been unable to progress at par with China and other countries over the last 70 years because it had been governed by a "martial mindset" for 40 years.
Comparing civilian and military governments throughout Pakistan's history, the former president was of the opinion that the "martial mindset" lacked continuity, whereas a "democratic mindset" facilitated it.
"We do not think about the next five years. Instead, we plan while keeping the next 150 to 200 years in mind," he claimed, adding that his party would continue fighting for the survival of democracy in the country.
Terming the PML-N a minor evil, Zardari claimed that had the PPP not empowered the parliament, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would have attempted to become president for life as "no case can be filed against the president."
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Comments (29) Closed
Jul 05, 2017 04:43pm
My dear Zardari Sahib
You have no idea how to grow a country.
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Jul 05, 2017 04:47pm
150 year plan to loot the country more by his children and children's children.
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Jul 05, 2017 04:52pm
The greatest plunderer speak out.
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Jul 05, 2017 04:53pm
"keeping the next 150 to 200 years in mind".
WOW!!! this guy is really amazing, he is making the plans for next 150-200 years.
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Jul 05, 2017 05:08pm
Regardless whether you like him or not, regardless if what he said made you feel uncomfortable, there is quite a bit of truth in what he is saying.
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Jul 05, 2017 05:14pm
Growth and accumulation of GDP but only for Mr Zardari and his Swiss accounts
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Jul 05, 2017 05:27pm
like the sindh ordanance that needs to take place for equality and recognition of land rights and parcelling, ?
democracy at its best !
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Jul 05, 2017 05:31pm
@Sami The problem is not what he is saying..the problem is who is saying...take a picture of current situation of Thar..
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Jul 05, 2017 05:31pm
A moment of relief for Mr. Nawaz Sharif.
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Jul 05, 2017 05:50pm
Right Words From wrong person
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Jul 05, 2017 05:55pm
People don't know the difference between martial law and democracy as they need only necessities of life. Only those cry for democracy who snatch the rights of civilians.
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Jul 05, 2017 05:57pm
Mr. Zardari is speaking the truth here. The "martial mindset" or what sociologist C. Wright Mills referred to as "the military metaphysic" looks at all problems in terms of military solutions and violence. This is what our history has been, either embroiled in neighborhood wars or fighting wars on behalf of America. Militarized societies might have greater short term economic growth, which is what we had compared to China and India in the past but longer term they have stunted economic development and result in an underdeveloped work force and a waste of human resources- which is what our condition is.
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Jul 05, 2017 06:00pm
The "looting mindset" speaks out about "martial mindset"
Very much evident the development of Sind and Karachi?
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Jul 05, 2017 06:15pm
Well said:)
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Jul 05, 2017 06:16pm
He's hoping there will be something left for his Great-Great Grand children to loot, after himself and Sharif family has done with Pakistan.
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Jul 05, 2017 06:25pm
admirable thoughts
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Jul 05, 2017 06:27pm
If anyone closely look at his 5 years & the next 5 years of Sharif tenure, then one simply can chose that Martial Mindset is far better.
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Jul 05, 2017 06:37pm
@Asad
Excellent .... !!
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Jul 05, 2017 06:37pm
If the martial mind is responsible for the current or the future woes of the country some one must ask him what did he do for the people of Pakistan when he was in power? I think he would become numb.
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Jul 05, 2017 06:43pm
Given the choice between you and NS, I will gladly welcome Musharraf or even Zia, any day!
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Jul 05, 2017 07:06pm
You being in power pushed the country back 10-20 years...more of you guys and country will be left 150 years behind. Forst fo something for common man, forget it do something for the people who vote you and then talk
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Jul 05, 2017 07:39pm
You are very right, Mr. Zardari.
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Jul 05, 2017 07:42pm
You please return all the money back to the country and then see the progress protruding in every direction. People with ur mind unfortunately majority in parliament are responsible for the condition of country.
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Jul 05, 2017 08:21pm
Why to remember general.zia takeover.
Can you recall any of your own accomplishments in the tenurea of PPP. Can you think of celebrating any thing???
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Jul 05, 2017 08:58pm
He is the biggest looter having accumulated wealth worth $4 billion and he is talking about the state. He and PPP are no better for Pakistan than PML-N or Nawaz
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Jul 05, 2017 10:52pm
@Sami
Yes it's called sugar coated politics. Best used in small doses to keep everyone thrilled.
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Jul 06, 2017 01:24am
The laughable (more lamentable) condition of interior Sindh should be warning enough for anyone who is willing to believe this man for more than a nano second.
I suspect his son is no better.
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Jul 06, 2017 02:19am
None of the military dictator except the last one had amassed any wealth real state and empires at Europe, America and UAE. Nor they had established family ruling dynasties of loot and plunder.
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Jul 06, 2017 04:44am
These corrupt politicians blame dictators for every mess. They are the biggest dictators without a uniform. Lets not forget this man was and is termed to be the most corrupt man in the country. The fall of our nation began the day this man stepped in the president's office using Bhutto name as leverage.
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