When we talk about President and Prime Minister both are taking a dangerous step for the country in the form of KLB. Government wants time but how much? no body knows, they can’t rule all over the country they can give only tensions. I pray to Almighty that: Please save Pakistan.

Why should Zardari or Gilani worry? Their sons are not on the frontline. Besides they have Rahman Malick to issue statements such as” President & Prime minister are shocked at the tragedy at such and such place”.We have no one to blame but ourselves to elect the leadership we have. I bet we will elect them again.

Shyema, your view are valid. But think this no sympathy from the President or anyone higher than him can give any comfort to your brothers and sisters who are being injured or those whose parents, children, brothers and sisters and loved ones have been killed in such suicide blasts that is occurring almost every day all over Pakistan. Nothing will comfort the victims or their relatives except a operation against militants and the terrorists. The President with his Army Chief of Staff and other leaders are already doing this operation but we cannot see it because we are not in the battle field at the front line.

May Allah perform a miracle & teach lesson to all enemies of Pakistan and enemies of humanity.
Ameen.

well! interaction between the leadership and the general public acquires a vital role in many ways. but in our country it is not there. Our politicians including President and Prime Minister in every election campaign come out of their homes to gather more and more votes. But now when they are needed to address the nation about the current situation,they are no where. Actually They don’t have time to “VISIT” Pakistan.

I wonder why?
I wonder why the Pakistan TV/Newspaper journalists demanded so many answers from Clinton on her recent visit…why dont they have the courage and moral fiber to stand up and ask their politicans on where they got their money from?
I wonder why dont they ask the NA Politicians as to how shameful it is to pass the NRO. These anchormen/anchorwomen have nothing else but to ask US Secretary of State on why there are Drone hits? I applaud her for being blunt …she is answerable to the American taxpayers not to you in Pakistan.
Could it be that these people have the same values/morals as those sitting in the legislative assemblies in Pakistan?
There is no one to ask the NA anything or does anything to stand up to them. I wonder where are the Lawyers??
I wonder?

Interestingly, Hillary did go and meet the Lahore police officers and also laid a wreath on the grave of one martyred officer.

Perhaps, Zardari and Gillani can follow suit?

Well composed article!

I wish and pray the God almighty to help pakistan to come out of this tough time!

Indian Well Wisher!

Hi All,
Its looks pretty bad to see people comparing dictators to democracy.
I sincerely think that we need to stop thinking about hatered and start preaching love. The role of the army is only to protect people not to lead people. people should be answerable to themselves only. As regards to the comparison of ppakistani Democratic government with other countries, we need to understand that its pretty young and not that powerful, it needs matters like india and usa to blame to work. this is a real testing time for the people of Pakistan and I hope they come out victorious against the extremist forces hell bent to destroy the whole country..
I sincerely feel for the people who are suffering but one day by the grace of god, there shall be peace and all those who suffered or lost their lives will finally get justice!!!!
I am an indian and have faced the pain myself.. i hope somehow we are able to get through this..

Pervez Musharaf was better in a sense that he interacted with the common people through his addresses on electronic media on issues and also interacted with media persons very frequently,but he was an undemocratic ruler therefore most of us did not repose our confidence and trust on him because most of us are affiliated and associated with some political parties.The present rulers though came in power through a democratic system but they are shy of facing people and media and do not take them in confidence on important issues.This points to the inability and lack of competence.They are also devoid of the ability of genuine leadership.The opposition can better be called agitators rather then politicians.They cannot offer an alternative to American aid.They cannot give an alternate solution to military operations except to surrender to terrorists by negotiations.

Very well written!! well i think its the time that we (common people of Pakistan) should gather together & raise our voices against this issue. Nothing is gonna help if we remain barricaded inside…..
what a right saying it is:
” Khuda ne aaj tuk us quom ki halat nahi badli….
Na ho khayal jise aap apni halat ke badalne ka!! “

If the president or the prime minister cannot give a speech, then at least, come out of your (everything) proof houses with impenetrable security, and be counted. Don’t think about the next visit abroad, its the time to think about our country and nothing else.My dear Pakistanis, our leaders are weak, therefore we don’t expect anything from them.

Till common ‘aam admi’ Pakistanis wont come out on road for a candle light vigil and show their unity against terrorists and their acts nodbody will do anything.

We have to fight our wars ourselves that too without picking up the guns. A lesson we learned after Mumbai attack.

You have to do this for your beloved country. Long live Pakistan.
– An Indian wellwisher

I think people should get their facts straight about Musharrafs regime. Media regulations were fairly relaxed and every kind of element was coming in and going out blabbering whatever they wanted even against Musharraf. Before arguing this fact, go and check articles written against him in this very newspaper that you are reading.

I totally agree. Good leaders show their magnanimity and leadership under crisis.
This is definitely the time both President and Prime Minister should make extra effort to take the country in to confidence. I sincerely hope for the sake of peace in the world and prosperity in Pakistan, the Army will totally eradicate the cancer of terrorisom from the mountains of Pakistan which is not only killing the innocent people of Pakistan and but also of the world. The young generation is eagerly waiting for a bright future. Teorrorists should not be allowed to rob their future. Leaders from all facets of the country must come together and address this issue of violence thrust on the society by the evil elements who are doing it in the name of religion. They are hoodwinking the people under the pretext of religion while pursuing their vested interests. Pakistan cannot blink the eye now.

shakil ahmed says pakistan needs an alternative to foreign aid and loans.Do youknow that pakistan is a Agricltural country . Eighty percent of population of pakistan are attached to it and they dont pay a single dime towards tax to pakistan.Do you still need an alternative to these so called aid and loans.

This democratic govt. needs time and peoples support to take the country out of mess, Musharaf and the past dictators left with.
Alahamdulillah, the Swat valley is back to normal, peace achieved by the Armed forces with the full support of the civilian govt.
Soon we will have peace in north waziristan.
The need of the hour is to have patience and unity amongst all Pakistanis to meet with the current challenges country is facing.

Pakistanis need to understand that our country is badly divided. This is the best news for internal and external forces working against our beloved country. Just look at the divided forces: The ruling party and the major opposition party give statements that show a major division. PPP and PML need to sit down together and form and announce a common Taliban Policy. This show of unity will be interpreted as show of strength against terrorism. Both the parties need to use their political influence to deal with the Taliban.
Bombing across Pakistan is hurting their image badly and Pakistanis are forced to believe that the Pakistani Taliban are working under orders from anti-Pakistani forces. They need to show to us all that they stand under the same flag as we all do.
Pakistan Army also needs to realize that they need to show that they are working with the civilian government and not carrying on their own agenda. Why are they giving statements in the press when they disagree with the civil management. This sends the wrong message that the Army works under nobody and rules Pakistan through ten to twelve Corps Commanders who in turn always agree with the COAS. It is really sad that the Army, PPP, PML(N), MQM, JI, ANP and all other parties can’t stand together. Without this unity the writing is already on the wall. Till UNITY happens Pakistan’s enemies have a very easy task to create problems and hinder our growth. Pakistan Army as far as I remember consists of our own sons and brothers, they have the training to believe in unity and above all a strong resolve to serve Pakistan. They need to stand by the civilians. If the above said forces don’t work together we can expect disaster. The Army needs to know that the anti-Pakistan forces will propagate if it continues to work against the civil management. Army alone can not save Pakistan. It has been tried in the past. Let us all work and pray for unity in these testing times.

Even if they will address to the Nation 50% of their speech content will be praising their own unnecessary party stories, 40% will be deflation of other political parties, remaining 10% may be for Taliban etc. So, where is vision sharing leadership? E.g. after five years where Pakistan will stand? Who will talk about road, electricity, clean water, metro train system and more importantly image of the Pakistan? There is big leadership vacuum in Pakistani politics. Any one has nerve to take this responsibility?

For all practical purposes, the non-capitalist class has no representation whatsoever, not only in Pakistan, but also most of the so-called ‘capitalist’ countries. It seems clear to me that non-capitalists prefer ‘direct democracy’ to ‘representative democracy’.

Miss. Wahab advisd on one of the news channels that there is no need for the president to address the nation because there is no problem in the country and the president will address the nation should the need arise, this was last week!

Gentlemen….let us all understand realistically that this war is a war of ideas, a small group, extremely strong, spread in every village, at every union council, in every tehsil and district with their aqgenda to implement their brand of islam. It is indeed a difficult period of history. Besides war, student community, intellectual, and the civil society must sacrifice their time and money to confront the hemony of the group which is furious and extremist.

What do you expect from Zardari, if he delivers a speech and point out the groups trying to destabilize Pakistan, you will beginto have a civil war. Political Govt. wants to avoid that.

War of ideas has to be fought by the civil society, Government with consensus can only support army to do the job. Back home, we should begin initiating efforts to prepare civil society to be in forefront to fight this war of ideas.

Let us have peace walks..with slogan. Let civil society, student leaders and those who really want we should out of the clutches of extremists brand religion. Immediate steps needed for future generations.

The President will address the Nation on his next Offical trip to Pakistan!!!!

Dear Shyema one of Dawn’s finest columnists Mr Cyril Almeida has already written a very good article on this very sunject just this passing Friday, 23 Oct, 2009 titled: ‘Where are you, our leaders?’ in which he has also mentioned the absence of our ‘great’ Army Chief Kayani…..you would be better served to write about unexplored and less-talked about issues.

Can we please stop the redundancies arising from your website…..it is becoming quite monotonous the way many of your writers, while ignoring the widespread sentiments of the many peoples of our country, focus, or rather obsess about Zardari and focus only on the views of the urban population while ignoring the plight of the rural.

A well written article, but I think Pakistanis need to realise that oue politicians are answerable to us, there is no more room for those who have fooled us for all these years. I think Pakistani people have a huge responsibility at this stage, of realising that it is our own fault that we are facing huge international shame.
The average Pakistani needs to ask himself whether he knows he has some human rights, whether he is going to do whatever he can to bring peace and prosperity to the nation, whether he can follow the example of Edhi, Imran Khan, and very few others who brought respect to our nation…….

We have always criticised Army generals for being non-democratic. Atleast they have feelings. By now they would have addressed the nation on the gravity of the situation.

Shyema, we proud on you and I hope if we have few more like you then we see some changes. Atleast you showing the reality. pakistani people are busy on their own individual interest. I remembered they were saying that after the departure of Musharraf country will not have any terrorist attack and no power outage. Pakistani people should be opening their eyes and commit themself to weed out teh corrupt.They don’t know the strenght of the people who can change the system in no time. Jamal, NY

Bring back the army, and let musharraf lead the country. Things will fall right back into place. Its really funny how the democratically selected politicians stand behind their party even though their party is taking the country in a bigger hole than it already was. Last night on Geo, a very famous journalist compared pakistani law and order to ethopian law and order, and ethopia WON! what a disgrace for all of pakistani people. Bring back musharraf, bring back army, bring back law and order, bring back the currency, bring back the economy, bring back PAKISTAN.

JEEEEAY FAUJ

I was wondering why Zardari hadn’t spoken up…..where is he?….or at least, Gilani should be the spokesperson…

Thanks for bringing this to “light”….

Do you guys think that our politicians are sincere with us? I mean do you think they what to do something good for us?

In my opinion, we should stop asking them what we want instead either we should replace them or forced them to do what we want.

excellent work at a right time u raise a very right point. brilliant

It is only people power that can find a resolve to all these issues.It may seem like a dream, it may look like it is far and inbetween, but that is the only solution.

This is the time for the people of Pakistan and India to read between the bluff lines of vested interests and work in unison to have a more stable, united and prosperous neighborhood.Let us voice and express our sentiments against terrorism no matter for waht cause or against whom it may be perpetuated.
Let us ask our politicians to stop blaming each other and instead unitedly crush the disruptive forces together(not only terrorists, also the goonda elements, the corrupt people and everything), let us as peos and start taking some responsibility also. Let us refuse to support the corruption, let us stop playing one upmanship about our country’s, let us be the ambassadors on the ground to promote peace among each other, its okay to praise each other for good work done and to learn not to do the mistakes the other has done, stop bashing each other every opportunity we get.Let us start building trust rather than distrust inspite of past experiences or what the politicians tell us, let us shed religious fanaticism and instaed use religious tolerance to our advantage.
It is better to have strong, prosperous, friendly neighbors who understand us in every way rather than distant friends. It is better for brothers to come together forgetting our differences rather than have others who want to use our situation for thier own long term benefits and our downfall in the name of short term assitance.
God Bless our countries.

How long you will keep saying WE SHOULD COME OUT AND RAISE OUR VOICE”. The heat can only be seen on these kind of blogs. No action has been taken so far. It’s time to stop speaking and start action.

I am very glad atleast someone dare to write this. 2 years ago everybody dared to publicaly shout on the previous president (Musharraf). Now, no one is saying a word, though we havent heard a word from our dear democratically elected president. Why is hiding? Why has he still not addressed the nation at this critical juncture? It is our leaders duty to motivate the nation through difficult times.

What is the president and prime minister so busy with? Their major duty is to serve the nation and its people. Several people had their doubt about president Zardari’s ability to lead the nation at the time he was elected the president of our beloved country (because of his past). President Zaradi its time you do your homework and make your nation & people proud of their president. The Nation won’t give you a second chance!

Pakistan desperately needs an alternate to the US aid.
Our Government should learn from the success of ASEAN, EU, and UAE & GCC.
Regionalism is the key to all our problems but first we need a thorough and tough campaign against corruption.
Our people can also get employment and better standard of living if we realize the fact that Pakistan is physically located at the crossroads of Central Asia, Subcon and Middle East. We can use our land to connect Subcon countries, China, Persia, CIS and Middle East. Imagine! Who needs US aid then ?

Very well written blog and I am getting to be a fan of Shyema. There had not been voice from Pakistan which dared to ask the accountibility of the politicians. Now it seems that Pakistani people are waking up to demand what is good for the country and the people.
I have been born as Indian though I have lived most of my life in Europe. I have read how the Indian politicians hide themselves behind security as if people will kick them for all the sins they have done. But still they have been out in open with the public for whatever reasons. With the Pakistani leaders in power, it looks that they are too afraid to leave their living room for whatever they are afraid. It is disgusting that they would not come out when the country and the people need them.

Well writter, if you are on to it, don’t stop here. Do write on it that no dual nationality holder should hold any office either in politics(NA/PA or senate) or in Govt. Deptts. And what about privilege?? what is this??? why politicians move privilege motions in the NA or elsewhere?? How they are more privileged than us, keeping in mind present state of affairs.

An excellent article.

An army dictator was better at this. He used to address the nation on every suc occassion.

When the Waziristan operation started then the prime minister should have addressed the nation.

The letter to the Mehsud was also written by the Army Chief. Where is the so called civilian and democratic government gone?

The one leader we really was Prez Musharraf. Whatever decision he took, he atleast addressed the people when it came to taking power, removing judges, stepping down, lal masjid operation etc.
Our current lot doesnt have that….remember the inaugration speech of the PM.
People should realize it now but am sorry for all of them!

The president is a symbol of unity while the prime minister is responsible for running the affairs. Both of them together represent the country and are also responsible for each and every happening in the country. The missing of these two along with some others from the arena is a bit surprising. The sooner the two makes their presence felt the better. Long absence creates many questions in the mind of the peoples.

AH

Well written article!!The problem lies with the leadership we have.The leader of the opposition wants to be a gentle opposition while the mullah parties have their own leaders.Only person who come out clean for the time being is Imran Khan.The day is not far when the people who are already fed up will take the law in their own hands.So beware these so called awami leaders this time there wont be any escape to KSA,London or Dubai.

Is Mr. Zardari afraid to face the people? And where is beloved Belawal in all of this?

The Prime Minister, can claim some credibility. After all he was elected to Parliament in his own right. However, he is kept under wraps because of other insecurities.

At this time, Pakistan needs a leader who can speak with courage and confidence about its future as a nation, explain the alliance with America and call the killer thugs for what they are. Unfortunately, in this the country’s darkest hour, there is no one that can embrace that mantle.

that is great idea. it is all the time in democratic states. if our leaders claim that democracy is the best revenge then why they are not coming out. even iraqi president is better, whensoever there is any attk, he reaches on the spot. it is not only president, same is for primeminister and so called our opposition heroes, which are still at this moment behind charter of democracy instead of denounciung these terrorists in any open forum. where is Imran khan? and so brother all are missing as the are good weather friend only army is giving sacrifices but still our people blame army.

is Mr.Zardari even in Pakistan ? Its time that young generation of Pakistan comes out on streets and ask for security and policies to put country on the right path.

however with everyone for themselves, i find it hard to imagine the people of Pakistan doing something collectively for the country which gave them all they have!!

The President is too busy. All this, when the nation is going through a merciless existential turmoil.The only way out is the vigilance of our civil society.

Hope you all remember how lacs of Mumbaikars came out for a peaceful procession following Mumbai attacks to tell our government that ‘enough is enough.” May be it’s time for you Pakistanis to come out in lac (not thousands) at least for once and raise one voice to tell what you are tired of and what you want. Challenge is, can it be peaceful and people risk the security threats? But it’s worth it given the mess currently there is. Probably, that can force your P’s to come out and set country on the right path.

But perhaps then, that itself is the issue that people have been confused so much that they find it difficult to find a common denominator. Army has its own agenda, political parties their own, religious mullah their own and all together have divided and confused the populace. May God give force to forums such as Dawn to help clear the smoke and lead the young and right-minded to come out.

If it helps any blogger at Dawn, it was just a blogger who started it in Mumbai saying he would be there outside hotel Taj to protest and let’s see who all would join him in the peaceful protest and lacs joined him. Can Pakistan do the same? if not than you are part of the problem, not the solution.

I think,not only our forces,but Rehman, Mslik,Gillani,zerdari,with their sons also should fight shoulder to shoulder,with our trops against terrorists.This was the zeal and real sense of leader ship of muslims where they got sucess.

any crisis has a direct impact on the nation. the president is the undisputed manifestation of the nations desire for a better future. what then is a nation? where there has been no presidential address especially on an issue which would not only threat the common individual, but could also pose a threat to the ‘ sovereignity’ that Zadari sahab and Gilani are so concerned about……………. very well written and it gives a realistic picture as to what and how the situation really is in

Vienna,27-10-2009
Device a way to give THE INDIVIDUAL a chance.
If Pakistanis feel sovereign, the governing
system should learn to stand on attention. Assert yourself and accept support from far and near.
-Kulamarva Balakrishna

Ghazan Khan has talked about traitors. Well it is a very good point and I do agree to it. But I would say it is not enough to just point it out. If we are responsible citizens, we must suggest names of all those who we consider, are helping or defending taliban cause directly or indirectly.
My dear Pakistanis, enough is enough now. If we love our country then we must not tolerate such black sheep. Dawn.com is probably a platform where we can express ourselves freely and denounce all lousy people.

We are fully behind Pak army operation in-order to eradicate this evil phenomenon of taliban. May Allah save Pakistan and save us(amen)!

Needs to create a special force for only VIP and allow police force to concentrate on their duty. Also need to increase the strength of poice force and house them a decent buildings.

Glad someone brought this up. In the last 4 months, I have seen only “ONE” statement from Zardari that made the news on dawn.com. I want to know where is Mr. President and what is he doing?

Excellent Article

Terrorism and terrorisnts can be defeated in just a one day excercise without firing a single shot.On a particular day the entire nation including women and children need to come out together at the same time and should loudly and bravely say “NO” to these butchers of humanity.
We have traitors among us who are not only apologistic for Taliban but acting as their spoke persons.We the whole nation should openly condemn such traitors to discourage them to plead for terrorists.