THIS is apropos of Waris Shere’s letter on ‘Musharraf and democracy’ (April 3).

I think Pervez Musharraf’s entry into the democratic foray deserves a balanced analysis.

In my view, he has shown courage in returning to Pakistan to face charges against him, he conducts a press conference better than other leaders do in Pakistan, he is known to be money-wise honest from Pakistani standard, he is knowledgeable or else he won’t be delivering lectures and reaching the top in the army.

In terms of acumen, he is far better than many other political stalwarts in the field at this time, including those who call ‘degree is a degree’ or possess questionable credentials. Here, I think, the positive points of Mr Musharraf end.

With Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution now being pressed into service, the bar of eligibility for a political office has been considerably raised.

Ability is not just good enough, good character is more important. Leaving aside the Kargil fiasco, the infamous and disastrous National Reconciliation Ordinance which he promulgated only for continuing in office through this dubious deal is enough to make him ineligible for any public office in a healthy democratic setup.

S.M. ANWAR Karachi