THERE are glaring similarities between former president Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari, PPP co-chairman.

Mr Musharraf said he was compelled by circumstances to reluctantly assume power in October 1999.

Mr Zardari also took over the reins of the party in most tragic circumstances, in the aftermath of his spouse's assassination. Mr Musharraf's policies found an acceptance and support of a large majority in his initial years in power, including for his difficult decision to side with the US on war on terror.

Mr Zardari won the hearts and minds of the people when he reprimanded his own party workers from Sindh for chanting anti-Pakistan slogans and roared 'Pakistan Khapay'.

Mr Musharraf made some pledges to the nation, including removing his uniform but later on deviated from these promises. Similarly, Mr Zardari signed accords with the PML(N) to restore the judges and vowed, not once but several times, to do so but failed to act on his words for the last six months, because of which the PML(N) walked out of the coalition.

After clean governance of two years, Mr Musharraf opted for corrupt and opportunist politicians and handed over the nation's resources to the looters and plunderers. Mr Zardari embraced all, and recently the PML(Q) members are lining up and extending their support for his presidential election. Most likely the majority of them may join the government.

Lastly Mr Musharraf wielded absolute power and his rubberstamp parliament endorsed all his actions.

Likewise Mr Zardari took all decisions outside parliament and it is most likely that after being elected president he would take all decisions and parliament would be little different from the one under Mr Musharraf.

GULSHER PANHWER

Johi, Dadu