The crises that Pakistan has faced one after the other since President General Musharraf asked the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on March the 9th 2007 to resign require series of books to chronicle, discuss and analyse. There is however one ‘conclusion’, to arrive at for which no brainstorming sessions and exchange of arguments and counterarguments are required. Each crisis has been an ‘effect’ of a single cause. And the name of the cause is General (now retired) Pervez Musharraf.
It has been his relentless campaign, both overt and covert, to hold on to power and presidency, come what may, that has driven the country farther and farther away from ‘stability’ on all counts, political, administrative, economic, judicial and moral. Pakistan of today remains bogged down by uncertainty, and buried knee-deep in inertia, for one and just one reason. The man who grabbed control of its destiny on the 12th of October 1999 with what sounded and looked like ‘an inspired resolve’ to bring about a qualitative as well as a quantitative turnaround in the socio-economic and administrative structure and culture of the country, is unwilling to accept the tangible facts and visible ground realities that point to one and only one conclusion. Over eight years of his totally autocratic and authoritarian reign have brought the country to the precipice of virtual collapse in practically every area.
For most of these eight years, the nation was bombarded with the propaganda that “coupled with ‘good governance’ and ‘disappearance of high corruption at higher levels’, Mr. Shaukat Aziz’s economic policies and fiscal vision were transforming Pakistan into ‘something like and Asian tiger’ in its own right.” At the end of the day, from behind the façade of high progress, created by an endless propaganda blitz, has emerged a federation that is shaking from the roots, that is confronted by a total breakdown of law and order, that has a terrifying trade deficit, that is in no position to feed its teeming millions, that is disastrously short of electricity and water, and that is hopelessly locked in a nationwide strife on how to correct the wrongs done to its constitution and judiciary by none other than the man who considers himself the sole custodian of its larger interests.
This man was offered by the Providence many an opportunity, to embrace reality, to shun his ambitious and ego, and himself spearhead the much-needed drive for damage control.
The most notable opportunity for ‘corrective action’ that came his way was the dawn of the 19th February 2008 when he came face to face with the people’s mood and verdict in no uncertain way. Had he been as ‘honourable’ and ‘self-respecting’ a man as he has declaredly regarded himself since his appearance on the national scene, he would not have hesitated to call it a day, appeared on TV and addressing his nation said:
“As you have spoken in such clear terms, I have lost all moral reasons to stay at the helm of affairs. I did whatever I thought was the best for the country, but as my best has been found wanting by you, I am prepared to step down in two months – approximately the time required for smooth transfer of power to your chosen leaders. I do not want to be a part of the country’s problems anymore.
My dear countrymen (and women) I want to day to go on record that I have nothing but respect for your wishes and verdict.” But alas he is not the man he thinks he is. He is not the man many of us thought he was when his advent into the national scene on the 12th of October 1999 went completely unchallenged, and widely welcomed. Let me confess, I was among those who welcomed him. Even though I had convincing reasons to do so, I owe an apology to the man he deposed. Mian Nawaz Sharif. In democracy there are no shortcuts.
(This Column was first published on 07-05-2008)
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