THE two speeches of former president Pervez Musharraf in London beget many questions in everyone's mind. The ex-president, who is trying his comeback in politics, claimed that there was a story behind the NRO, and certain political people made him sign this ordinance.

It is strange. If a person having all the powers of the state -- the chief executive and army chief -- comes under the pressure of powerless politicians, then such a person is not worthy of holding the top position again.

Secondly, it is still to be decided whether at that time certain politicians made him sign the NRO or now certain politicians were making him come back to the country.

Further, Musharraf claimed that on his return he would not face treason charges. This is another surprising statement. When he was to be impeached in 2008, a charge sheet carrying seven serious allegations was prepared against him but luckily he got a peaceful exit. When he returns now, will these allegations stand invalid or would he go unpunished? If yes, then doesn't this clearly indicate that perhaps some judicial accommodation is being provided to him?

Another point that the ex-president raised was the fear of being killed by the extremists who also tried to kill him during his rule. Is he pointing towards Baloch people or Al Qaeda extremists or directly to the followers of Akbar Bugti, as he was charged of hatching a plan to kill Musharraf? Answering a question to the BBC, Musharraf believed that the Taliban can be defeated and if not, then it's the failure of the leadership of the US and of Pakistan too.

Perhaps he forgot to mention that the culture of frequent suicide bombings and extremist activities rose to such a high degree during his nine-year-long rule. Perhaps he is also included in the list of those failed leaders who could not bring these Taliban and extremism to an end.

NAILA SHAIKH Hyderabad

THIS is apropos of Amir Wasi's and Maj (Rtd) Saeeduz Zaman Janjuah's letters about good manners going missing (Sept 24 and Oct 3).

When I was studying in an English medium college in Karachi, I recall our English teacher, Mrs Nadir Shah, used to dedicate at least 15 minutes to the subject of 'character building'.

I remember those minutes and words to be pearls of wisdom. Since ours used to be a girls' college we were given precious advice on home making as Napoleon Bonaparte said: 'Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation'.

Good mothers are a nation's pride. They are the founding pillars in making their child a strong citizen for the future.

Those moments are forever ingrained in my mind and have helped me in my 'character building' immensely.

They invoked curiosity in me and helped me define that character is closely connected with truth and faith and has broadened my understanding.

Thank you all my teachers, especially Mrs Nadir Shah, and my parents for helping me understand the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

Parents and teachers should devote at least 15 minutes every day towards educating the younger generations on 'character building'.

NAIMA ASLAM KHAN

University of Karachi