We must shun our ethnic or any differences what so ever for the larger interest of democracy in our country. Army have taken a principle stand not to disrupt political process, therefore other politicians, bureaucrats and some media personnel are advised to restrain from weakening the democratic process. We must respect peoples mandate and let the govt complete its tenure. The politicians should wait for their turn, the nation will not forgive those involved in the conspiracies to weaken the democratic process.
Remember the survival of the country lies in democracy.

Sharif brothers, Zardari, Chaudhrys of Gujrat, Altaf Hussain are all in the same boat. Nation should demand that they declare their assets and bank accounts in foreign banks.
Ex dictator, Musharraf is lecturing in some universities that he was a saviour of Pakistan. We want answer of few questions, unless we find the answers to questions, we will find same people, one after other running the country. None of them can rally the nation around the flag during the current battle for survival of the country.

So what miracle we are waiting for to start working as a nation and not as a sect or a party? We are tangled in each others web, driven by hatred, produce of either faith or politics.

My grandfather used to say, “in a country where a brother kills a brother for a feet of land, what can you expect?”

We have problems with every Govt. that has ever been. We refuse to follow the leader, we call him/her the leader but we fail to acknowledge his/her’s status, everyone says,

1. Zardari
2. Musharraf
3. Sharif
4. Benazir
5. Zia
6. Bhutto
7. Ayub / Yahya

If the all are bad then who is good? bring forth the good one and start following him.

Good or no Good, Zardari is the leader, either follow him or bring a revolution if you can, but can you? we sit and say so much against our establishment, but when they ask for our support, we walk away.

We got problems with everything, we know most of the time what the solution is, yet we do nothing.

“mera ghar to nahi na jal raha”, is the attitude, selfish we have remained to the problems outside, till they come knocking at our door.

Pakistan was taken on the base of religion, and we have made such a mess of it all, sometimes I think that the God is laughing at us.

Some of you will say what is this crap I have written but this is the summary of my observation of the things around me, and the truth is always bitter.

Whatever you do, start working as Nation,

Please,

Don’t be an Alter-Nation.

Peace for Pakistan.

Although Zardari is an elected President but he is still continuing with the powers which were usurped by the dictator and I am sure that he will not let go of these powers easily. Even if he agrees to do away with 17th amendment he would still like to keep the power to appoint the next Army Chief.
One question comes to my mind if PPP government is not corrupt then why businessmen are running out of Pakistan? such as Dewan Group.

Zardari is living in side his fortress Islamabad, his sixty ministers & ministers of state, all enjoying a blissful life devoid of any concern for a common Pakistani. Do you ever wonder how much financial assets each of these privileged few have? We have to blame no one but ourselves for electing them.

Just Calling our past, present or even future leaders corrupt is not enough. Why is the media (both electronic and print) not exposing the wrongdoings of our ruling classes and when they happen instead of doing so after they have fled the country? More importantly when will corruption in the media sector end?

Zardari is a elected President, his party won the elections and have mandate for 5 years.
As we have seen in the past and can very clearly see now that Establishment have started playing their dirty cards to destabilize the elected govt, this always happens with convenience of some politicians who on the one side propagate as pro democracy and on the other have strong ties with the Establishment.

The solution of all the problem lies in the Democratic process. Let us work together to strengthen the democracy.

I see his purpose of staying there is only to gain as he did before. Because of his corrupt attitude, some honest people within his party are ashamed to defend him. His latest corruption of was reported by the French journalist and there is no solid answer from him in his defense.

Zardari the elected president of Pakistan was being blamed by several quarters of the country. Those who even does not know anything about politics are maligning image of Zardari by giving their opinions about future Govt and presidency.

Zardari did a marvelous work in one year of presidency. From a policy prospective his Govt has got at least three major things right, Militancy, the economy and the Pakistan-US ties. Three fundamental issues on which future of the country itself rests. Infact Zardari has made the right choices.

It is unfortunate despite major success on these horizons, political parties and some agents of foreign hands in Media maligned Zardari’s image very badly. Zardari always wanted political stability because it is difficult to have polices without stability but some want to destroy this country with their own hands.

Politicians who make much hue and cry against Zardari that he is corrupt.
Which one of the existing lot of our politicians is clean?
It just depends whoever get a chance.

Dear Syed Ahmed

You do not select the President of a country because he/she is best scientist, best cricketer, best actor, best Maulana, best soldier, best writer, best professor, most wealthy.

A President is not only commander-in-chief of a country but has to make complex political decisions as such he must have exceptional ability to lead the nation and co-ordinate top level decision making process within the country.

The position of President is definitely not a reward for a top scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, it may turn out to be a curse for him.

Our President has become a burden for the growth and development of not the country but also his own political party. Doesn’t he realize its time to step aside?

When Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, a devout Muslim and an aeronautical engineer popularly known as the Missile Man could become President of India, what is wrong in appointing Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan as president of Pakistan?

Was he born with nuclear bomb producing technology.

I doubt, an eminent personality as Khan could have delivered such sensitive material without the approval of Pakistan’s top leadership.

salam to all

You know what the most basic problem we pakistani’s are facing now a days is that we are not loyal to our country instead we are looking for our personal gain and at the same time we are expecting too much from our rulers. I think we should all work honestly in our respective fields.

We give decades to army dictators and wait for decades to pluck fruits of their rules though at the end we harm our hands with the thorns of wars, factionalism, regionalism, extremism and terrorism. It is all before us. Zia gave us Afghan war, floods of Afghan refugees, bomb blasts and kalashnikov culture besides Lashkars and sipahs. Simialrly X-President gave us the gifts of Pakistani Taliban and insurgengies in Swat and South Waziristan still we say he was better.
But we never allow a government made by ourselves through our votes to complete just its five year term and become so impatient that we cannot wait to judge their performance after five years. From day one of every elected government in this country conspiracies start at every level to overthow it by hook or by crook.

Change is required within ourselves, We need to change many things. Patience is required, Unity is required, Faith is required, dicipline is required. Do we have any of the above mentioned? we should ask ourselves. We are the only nation in the world who cannot wait for his turn in a que. We want to be ahead of every one. We have no discipline on the roads, no one want to obey the rules of traffic jumping Red light is a honor, driving wrong way is considered fun to us, cleaniliness is what we dont know we clean our house and through the garbage opposite to our house or on the main road. Garbage skip is available but we will through the stuff outside the skip next to it. We Pray 5 times and we do not have faith. What are we doing and what do we want we actually do not know. We are in a mess and we need to help ourselves to get out of this mess no one will help us from this leadership we need to change the way we think and the way we perceive things. May Almighty Allah help us all. Best of luck

Do you think they are here to serve us? Any one can answer me that since The great leader our Quaid Died any of the leaders who came to power was sincere to this country? Actually we cannot feel the difference of right and wrong and we go and vote for these people that is why we are facing this and it Says in Quran “Leader is choosen for the People as they desreve” So we deserve this type of leaders. In order to get rid of this leadership we need to change ourselves first and InshAllah Almighty will help us.

For decades we had failed governments. The ineffectiveness of the political leadership has always provided room for military takeovers. The country still faces problems of governance but it doesn’t mean that the state is failing. Does Mateen’s determinedly optimistic view mean that the ordinary Pakistani believes his country is not a failing state? No, because the man on the street believes the only failure around is Pakistan’s political class, not Pakistan as a whole.

Pakistan has its problems, of course. Terrorist strikes, economic meltdown, insurgency in Balochistan and the ongoing military operations in tribal areas. But it also has a large and vibrant civil society, which is very vocal about its rights. Professor Arif Ali, who teaches political science at Peshawar University, says: In 2007, a vibrant and peaceful movement for the rule of law fought the autocracy of General Pervez Musharraf. In the 2008 elections, Pakistani’s rejected religious parties in all provinces and propelled the party of the assassinated Benazir Bhutto to power. In truth, its nuclear arsenal remains secure and its government intact. But its politics remains paralyzed. The outside world can offer aid, but only the Pakistani’s can get their own house in order

The politicians are playing with the lives of millions of people. The politicians of Pakistan are the worst of their kind anywhere in this world. They are corrupt & are opportunists. They do not care about the masses & talk senselessly about working for the people.

Recently Sindh Law Minister Ayaz Soomro disclosed that under NRO, 3576 cases of corruption and criminal conduct were dismissed in the Sindh province. This is the legacy of ex dictator Musharraf. No person with integrity will hide & take advantage of NRO. Yet Mr. Zardari was trying to push NRO through national assembly where he miserably failed. No wonder that perpetual grin is slowly fading away. Like his predecessor Musharraf, he will be forgotten the day after he vacates the president house.

Musharraf was the greatest leader Pakistan ever had. Now time has proven that his both decisions to clean Lal Masjid and send reference against chief justice was justifed. By the way what happpend to the corruption charges against Justice Ifthikhar Choudary or he is also benificiery of N.R.O ?

If anybody wants to talk about Jinnah’s Pakistan, let him first carefully read the Quaid-e-Azam’s 11 August 1947 speech. This speech clearly describes Jinnah’s Pakistan and we are nowhere close to it.

No way. This man is really corrupted.

The issue is not Zardari. The issue is that Pakistan as a state has been derailed. The very constitution of this country is in conflict with Jinnah’s vision. Bringing back Jinnah’s picture to a corner table in the presidency means nothing. We will have to bring back Jinnah’s Pakistan.

We should not expect anybody to come up and change our darken and horrid fates. This is our lessitude and weariness that today we are suffering from all this chaos through out the country. Now ask yourself who is sincere to himself? We are talking about the whole country. We are even insincere to ourselves. We should avoid hippocratic behaviour. Nobody among us is willing to live a useful, enjoying and productive life. We have leased all the responsibilities and problems of others. What Zardari, or Imran or Nawaz could do. I think we are the ones who could and must bring a positive change. Just to bawl or vociferate is not a remedy. It is easy to write against others criticizing them but it is difficult to focus on oneself. I think we muslims should change our views, Our fanatic behaviour. I think Allah is with us. He loves us more than even our mothers. Unfortunately our muslim scholars are sketching Allah as if he is a dictator. He has stick in his hand and he want to see a reason to beat muslims. I think we must change such negative views. Even then we could move ahead. Remember the change would come for inner and from the lower hierarchy.

We need the younger generation to come up and play its part. Neither Zardari, nor Nawaz are good; both are corrupt.

Dear Mr. Zardari if you can read this, please stay on and don’t be afraid of the conspiracies being hatched by the conspriators against you. People have given you mandate and only they have the right to push you to sideline. Your party is the symbol of federation and is binding force to keep all the federating units intact. The enemies of Paksitan are intriguing against you inorder to distablize and dismember Paksitan. Beware of them.

Zardari,

Please stay on. The Nation need you. But transfer powers to Parliament and give important post to Atizaz, Raza Rabani and Safdar. We want to see their performace also. The real problem creator is establishment and we want to see how they are going to deal with them. We trust Zardar, he just have different method but objectives are same.

There is no sincere leader in pakistan. All change their positions from time to time. They have no consideration for the suffering of people. Look Supreme court is trying to control prices which they could not because they do not understand the DEMAND AND SUPPLY philosophy.

Our people and leaders are mostly corrupt. All what they care about is themself. The terrorists take advantage of this situation and they hypnotize younge children to fight Jehad. Infact these moulvies are fighting for their personal gains. The whole society is corrupt and still we claim we are a muslim nation.

Musharraf was the best leader but his 2 mistakes were the NRO and the CJ affair. I believe he always put Pakistan first, it was in his life training as a soldier. Zardari has no such principles, same with Nawaz Sharif.

Surprised that nobody replied to the comment from Sushmith Menon.

Islam is the true way to inner peace and prosperity both materially and spiritually. Don’t confuse the so called Taliban as Muslims. These people have nothing to do with our great Religion.

By the way, I think many Muslims would still rather live in Pakistan than India.

This is a democratic (public voted) government. Let it complete its term.

Imran Khan (although not given a chance though) but doesnt do what he says. Some times he supports one party, other times he supports another. Now people say that he has the qualities of Leadership (as he won the world cup 1992) and therefore he should be given a chance to be the head of the state.

All the nation should wait. Critism is important, but it should be done in some limitations. Let the government complete its term and let us see what they can offer us.

I wish to request all people who are not satisfied with President Zardari, will you please give us the name of one Pakistani who will be a better President than Zardari.

Do not be shy to say if you feel you will be a better President.

If you cannot find a better President than Zardi, unfortunately, you have to stick with President Zardari, no question about it.

There is a due process of law to change president but you have to have a suitable candidate to replace him.

So if you cannot tell people who is your choice to replace Zardari, do not say anything negative about Zardari.

The first and foremost problem in Pakistan is to remove terror and militancy, not to replace the government.

Once Pakistan is out of danger from the threats of militants and terrorists and peace is restored in Pakistan there is nothing to stop Pakistani’s to change government through due process of Pakistani Laws.

Those who are shouting the slogan of Inqelab (Revolution), are not the well wishers of Pakistan because the slogans are simply hot air. They have absolutely no knowledge how a democratic government works.

The term feudals is being used very commonly these days but as a matter of fact there is no such thing in this world now. The system of feudalalism or Jagirdari was the product of Mughals and Pathan rulers. Jagirs were allotted to people for administering an area. It was like the present days local governments. The diference is that todays Nazims are being elected and Jagirdars were nominated. There were good Jagirdars and bad jagirdars as there are good Nazims and bad Nazims. Where a Nazim does well people of that city or area feel the local bodies system is a good system but where Nazim is not efficient there people say this system should be abolished. I think the best name for todays Nazim was Jagirdar in old days.

Mr President should give up his power he is not the right person, he doesnt stick to his words, he just wants to stay in power right now Pakistan needs a real leader which in my opinion is Imran Khan he is devoted to people in my opinion he is the only leader with honesty who thinks for the people of Pakistan. I hope he gets the chance to serve pakistan

Some one labelled him as “Shaheen of Iqbal” in a TV program on 9 Nov. Allama Iqbal must have been amused up there.

And someone on this blog said that he is fighting terrorism, Really ? has he got some time other than traveling & etc.

Democracy MUST be given a chance. Agreed. But not him.

What else do you want from Zardari?

In reply to Chithra KarunaKaran rather than what you said it should be “United People of Southern Asia”.

Pakistan and democracy is beautiful joke with nation. No one is sincere with public of Pakistan.

All we need is just a little patience!

What a nation should expect from the mind of a man who keeps replacing Quide-e-Azam’s picture from an important place.

I disagree with Hanif Malik that Imran Khan did’nt speak about Kerry lugar, I reckon Imran Khan has spoken million times about it & its all over in the media. Kindly google it and you will find.

The difference between Imran Khan and Musharraf is that of sincerity, both are very intelligent indeed. I say Musharraf would do anything for the sake of his interests first, unlike he says Pakistan first and I strongly believe Imran Khan’s genuine character and sincerity restrict him to jump into mainstream to grab power alongwith all halal haram. times are changing so are people and we hope our country men start voting fairly rather than for other bigoted reasons.

Pakistan certainly need real leaders in these terrible times.

I totally agree with Anil, Zardari has done all the right things. He needs to stay on.
The rest of the leadership will again play the Islam card and woo people. Produce another set of “fighters” and squeeze out whatever is left of the innocent common peace loving people.

I strongly believe that Zardari knows what he is doing, and knows it real well!

For those guys who are proposing Imran Khan as a leader instead of Zardari, well i cross my fingers. He is like many others in Pakistan hiding behind the curtain of religion. It is so funny to see him talk pro Taliban and anti USA, without being able to understand that under the present circumstances the country has no choice but to co-operate with USA. Trust me Zardari is doing the right thing. He is very clear that until USA intervenes and forces out the Taliban threat, Pakistani’s thenselves would never be able to handle this. As for Imran Khan, he has a long way to go to “run up” the distance from a cricket field to leadership of the country.

I think that Musharraf was ten time better then the current Pakistani political leadership. Only imran khan is a man who yet have to be tried. But some time his political vigillancy is at the question. More recently everyone was talking about karry logar bill. Imran khan was simply not visible on political spectrum. I dont even remember his one statement. His party is also one man show. In musharraf era the amount of development and infrustructural work was done was a record. Pakistani economy for 4 years was growing at 7 percent annually. As a nation pakistan has a say in community of nations. He was a man who always faced local and international media confidently and bluntly. Always expressed his opinion in a dignified manner. Only two issues lal masjid and chief justice issues were wrong decision otherwise there was smooth sailing for him and the country could have continued its path towards prosperity. Zardari has become president accidently. It has not been a single moment that he has visited tha effected areas wher our brave soldiers are sacrificing there lives. Thats our President and we are front line state against war on terrorism. As he himself claims to be defeating the terrorist. Through out his tenure he has not spent single night outside Islamabad and what has been is on foreign trips. Alas thats our leadership. We need commited and honest politician as Muhammad Ali Jinnah to turn the tables around. But I dont know when this dream will be fulfilled?

Neither he is going to part his powers with parliament, nor he will depart from the presidency, unless people come on street and make him do that.

-Ali

I as an Indian I find my culture to be closer to a Pakistani than some of my countrymen from the south. When in Saudi Arabia some years back, a Pakistani friend asked me why I spoke with him in Hindi but in English with my collegue from South India. Today I think it is our diversity. As I write this I recall when Prime Minister Bhutto was in the death row, he had lamented on the eve of his execution “Democracy in the end has its virtues because of its checks & balances.” Coming from a man who had scant regards for the democratic process his words were prophetic.

That has been the malady of Pakistan since 1947. As i read so many blogs by educated Pakistani’s on what ails their country is, it is failure to build democratic institutions over the years by vested interest – the rich landed, the corrupt politicians and corrupt system all combined kept the ordinary Pakistani suppressed.

There has always been a tug of war between ‘Feudals’ and ‘Intellectuals’ since the emergence of Pakistan. In fact, ‘FEUDALS’ have always been afraid of ‘INTELLECTUALS’. It is so because they very surely believe that ‘INTELLECTUALS’ will capture the ‘Field of Politics’. As a result, there will be no room for these feudals. Now, the wheel of revolution is in its real mood of natural retaliation. New era of history of Pakistan is going to be begun at any moment that will change the entire scene of Pakistan’s Politics and Sociology. All corrupts and criminals are going to be removed.

May Allah save the innocent people of Pakistan! (Amen)

Fazal Ur Rehman Siddiqui

Well no body is willing to quit his or her power. If we see through the history of great democracies, the institutions of the state have fought relentlessly to assert their powers. Our worthy parliament has to fight for her supermacy with politicians, presidents, Generals and back door entrants the judiciary has fought. Unless the parliament is prepared to sacrifice it should forget the idea of being supreme.

Today we are celebrating Iqbal’s Day… do we have a right to do that? What are we doing except giving a day off on this day and thinking this is more than enough. Is this what Iqbal dreamt of ( Pakistan ), certainly not. Pakistan is in serious trouble and we are as nation doing nothing. No one is seriously thinking to save this great country. Corruption is on highest levels, law and order is not present, justice is invisible though courts are free? What is happening these days in Pakistan we as nation cannot accept it.

Here it is Sir. As I thought. One down and few more to go? After one meeting with him everything is fine and the principled stand is changed.
I fully agree with Zubair. Enough of blaming others, let us look inside ourselves. Who is electing all these people They are not dropping from sky? They are very much part of this socity as we are. We cannot get mineral water out of a stagnating water pond?

Unfortunately our leaders have a record of backing away from promises. We the public need to learn not to fool ourselves. Rather then getting more frustrated, best option is to hope one day we might elect an honest leader who can rise one self to the highest standard and think what he or she can do for the country. Shame on our self centered politicians.

President Zardari — God bless him for fighting Terrorism.

Pakistan like India has a vast pool of level headed very talented bright people — especially inside Zardari’s own party.

It is just a question of tapping the individuals without being intimidated by their education expertise, experience and contrary views.

Everybody knows about our president & family background, but I don’t know why we are selecting such a person who is not sincere with the country & honest to the people of pakistan. And still we expecting from him that he will do something good for Pakistan & Pakistani people.
We should give a chance to Imran Khan leader of Tehrik-e-Insaf, may be he could do something good for Pakistan. As we already tried PPP, PML(N & Q), Mulvis & ANP.

Republic of Pakistan Zindabad! Quaid-e-Azam M .A Jinnah Zindabad! Revolution Zindabad!
Down with all politicians and extremists! We, the people of Pakistan will not let you destroy and plunder our nation any longer. Your time is up! To all corrupt & ill meaning leaders of political parties and terrorists, we will rise soon and we will rise together. There will be no stopping us. Long live Pakistan!

When Pakistan was created it was against the greatest odds of all times. We were faced by atrocities from the British Raj and the at the same time the Hindus were hostile towards us who then were a majority and who have accepted the British ways. On the other hand we have accepted nothing but freedom and we had two thing in our hand and that was not a powerful army or an atomic bomb or lots of money or higher education, nothing at all but then what we had then was the father of the nation, We had a great leadership and faith, our leaders fought and our people whole heartedly followed them, everybody had one vision and it was Pakistan. Now in the present day we have one of the most powerful army, a very strategic location and lots of educated people(who are leaving Pakistan because they are not valued for their skills). We need a leadership which does not leave any doubts in people’s hearts and whom Pakistani’s will follow the leader till the furthest end of the world and be proud of him.

Pakistan will be no more in a better state than it is now unless we, as a nation, do something about it. We as a nation need to wake up, be aware of our political weaknesses and strenghten ourselves. Look at the the other nations or look at our neighbor. Its just not because of good leaders but the people of the nation worked hard, educated themselves, worked together not just for his or her own benefit but the benefit of the nation. In our everyday lives, we must put in our 100%. In any given day at an office, pakistani cut corners and barely put in honest 8 hours. We cannot blame our politicians. We elect them and then leave them to their measures. We ask for no accountability. Pakistanis need to learn from other nations and start today to better themselves. Ask questions, find answers otherwise it might be too late. Iqbal did’nt dream this nation we have become and Quaid did’nt worked himself to death for what we have become.

Trust me no one is crying for Pakistan and no one cares. Look at what Indians and India have done and how far ahead we are progressing. In 10-15 years both countries will be unrecognizable. While Pakistan hangs on to a Islamic ideology which has no relevance in a modern civil society, India will be so far ahead of you due to secularism, education and most importantly being a Democracy.

Ask Indian muslims where they would want to live now India or Pakistan?

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein

We all know that Pakistan’s overall situation has been going like this for decades and it has entered a critical phase. And, regretfully, it seems that there is nothing that is going to reverse the tide in Pakistan. Therefore, people are asking – can democracy work in Pakistan? I don’t know the answer, but it sure seems that the overall mood in the country is awfully sour and if things didn’t change, which they can’t, people would come out on the streets demanding answers, but in reality, it would be a call for the army to come forward and take over. This is exactly how it has happened in the past and if Pakistan’s past is any guide as how Pakistan is going to move forward, it seems that the history is about to repeat itself.

But, can army change or improve anything? Once again, history tells us, no, army can’t do anything. However, this cycle of democracy and dictatorship in Pakistan has made it possible to dream about ‘help’ and the public has started hearing the boots. And, who can blame the generals? It is very tempting to suggest that Pakistan is in danger of disintegrating, military operations in N.W.F.P and Baluchistan, diminishing water and electricity, stagnant economy, multiplying foreign debt, out of control inflation, lack of jobs for alarmingly naive and unprepared youth for today’s complex business environment and a government that is fighting for its life and survival. Therefore, the stage is set for a savior.

Given Pakistan’s history, I don’t entirely blame Politicians for their upcoming unceremonious packing from Islamabad. Actually, it is impossible to govern Pakistan and no one has been able to leave gracefully either from the Prime Minister House or from the President’s House in Pakistan. I hope I am wrong and the current government completes its term, but, it seems highly unlikely.

So, people of Pakistan, be prepared to be saved, again!

Bilal Qureshi

Washington, DC

What Mr. Zardari can and cannot do, will and will not do, may or may not do is not the question. People have commented that it is time for the nation to do something.

I ask One question; Are the people of the country willing to do something for the betterment of the situation? I guess not. It is because most of the people of our nation have no time to think beyond the immediate “Food for the next meal” and those who donot fall in this category are happy with the situation (or atleast pretend to be) for they have enough at the moment. Has anybody pondered over what the state in the times to come. We dont need a miracle, we need lots of them.

We selected the leaders either we live with them or we do something about it. Right now Pakistan is a practice arena for terrorists from inside and outside both. But being the nation that we are we can only comment and condole.

I dont know why we dont think before taking any step. We have given votes to PPP and now it’s the reaction of our actions.

Bear it everybody!!

It’s hard to say good-bye or to part away with anything – the presidency of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is no exception to this centuries old universal principle.

History teaches us an important lesson about the people at the helm in the land of the pure – but only for those who show the courage and fortitude to know and understand, that the stake-holder will hold on to power as long as possible and will only depart when there is no other way left.

I can foresee the same scenario in case of the current ruling class in Islamabad including its head and party-leader as well as other affiliates, members, facilitators, mediators, moderators and supporters.

It has been said that public officials are not above the law. They are the servants of the law. If they do not obey the law then who will?

There is nothing wrong with president
We all deserve such president.

I fully agree with Mr. Zubair Nawaz’s view on the state of anarchy in our country. It is time to wake up as a nation. PLEASE SAVE PAKISTAN.

Be patient, it is my suggestion to pakistan. Democracy is a slow process, it cannot give results overnight or in one year. Some time one, who holds the reins of government is below the expectations, but it is not a reason to tinker with institutions. The president of Pakistan is an institution, please do not think of changing it because present incumbent is not up to the expectation. The institutions in democracy grow and become strong with time. There are lacunas and shortcoming in every system of government, but it improvises and survives with adaptation to the situations, desires, apprehensions and misgivings of people. Read British history, it was long journey from magna carta (empowering barons and protecting their privileges) to present day government responsible to House of Commons. Who would have thought in year 1789, that slavery will be abolished in less than 80 years, segregation in about 160 years and in year 2008 barack Obama will be president of Usa. There are many votaries of presidential form of government in India. There is a minority who thinks we need dictatorship. Fortunately institutions under the constitutions are intact, certainly there is conflict of jurisdiction, but with time conventions will establish a balance. Pakistan is sovereign and its sovereignty is represented by the constitution of Pakistan, allow it to grow and become robust. But, the moment, there is weakening of institutions under the Pakistan constitution, those who are waiting on side lines will take over.

So everyone noticed Jinnah’s picture. Lets be patient with democracy. It has self correcting mechanism which has started working to some extent.

Yes Taking the blame is one of the right soultion but not the solution to the problem we are facing. The only soultion left with us is ” Inqalab ” we cannot see and always see and we cannot comment and always comment on what is happening around us we need to move forward and we need to bring change. These Corrupt leaders we have and these corrupt parties we have will never take us any where and we will be standing, no where to go. We need to stop these leaders and this might help as Media is playing a vital role in expressing the views of nation and making these corrupt people to come and fight on TV shows this is one of the great things happening these days as we can see and judge what is right and wrong. This will help Pakistan in long run atleast and lets hope for the best for this great country.

Assalamo alaikum
There is a saying in punjabi (jewa jai rooh ohwa jai farishtay) and thats what we are getting today we like to talk about the short comings of other people but we dont want to see inside us. Once some body asked Hazrat Ali that look at the situation in the country every thing is going bad while it was good during the times of earlier caliphs and Hazrat Ali replied “at that time Hazrat Umar and others were the leaders and people like me were their aide and now I am the caliph and people like you are aide”
If we want to make the country better we all have to sacrifice

To make this country prosperous every body has to work hard, honestly and the laws should be same for everybody, be it zardari ,sharifs or else. Are we ready?

Pakistan is a lost cause – Things are so out of control now that hope (if any) is extremely bleak. The users who have posted above are right – we as Pakistani’s need to change. But “change” is something that our society is not used to and given the poverty and illiteracy rate – majority of the people don’t care who is ruling the country – all they want is food on their table. Same goes for the rich – they want anyone who is willing to keep their standard of living according to their satisfaction.
The country cannot prosper unless something is done seriously about the schooling system we have in the country (perhaps we should learn from our neighbor India) and demolish all the political parties and establish new ones with well educated young energetic people of the country.
Only then there is some chance for our future generation to see some peace and prosperity cause surely it wont happen in ours.

The manner in which Zardari was brought to become the President of Pakistan is highly questionable. All court orders passed on the basis of NRO should re-opened cases against all those who were getting benefit under NRO. This is the least we can do to save our honor as a nation.

Reading all the posts on the subject of “Gone with the grin?” to me only “Anil” makes sense.

My question. Have we killed all the militants and terrorists so we can sleep in peace during the night and during the day fight over politics as to who should have what powers? Shame.

Pakistani’s will remain third world people for a long time despite advancement in science and technology.

Pakistan is under attack from worst enemies. Pakistani men, women and children are being killed in suicide blasts almost everyday and nothing bothers them. What bothers them is the power of President. Can they not wait until Pakistan is out of danger?

Thank God, someone noticed and pointed out as well, as I was wondering what happened to Father of Nation pictures? This will always remain as Jinnah’s Pakistan.

Plain, Simple and Straight forward.
Even the blind and deaf know by now that all the political parties in the center are Corrupt. I dont care who is the President, PM or in the govt or the opposition.
Nobody cares for the common man. They call themselves civil servants but its looks like as if they are the masters.
The time has come to bring on a drastic over haul and bring a new political party and do away with each every existing one. PERIOD!
Are we ready for the sacrifice?

Very interesting blog. Our President did in the end restore judiciary, so he will probably relinquish some of the excessive presidential powers as well.

Btw, Shyma writes very well. Keep it up!

I think today pakistan needs Mussharraf, because unfortunately our politicians does’nt have the ability to get rid of current situations, they will remain busy working for vested interests. We are as a nation are responsible for this scenario because we had elected them I think time has come to be awakened for saving country, We are in a very grimed situation. I request to all pakistani’s to save their motherland, its high time, Pakistan needs us. Please wake up.

This is the dilemma of our motherland that our nation could not produce the true leaders, who could lead us in uncertain situations and uphills. Currently, the same situation is prevailing. Present government has proved it self inefficient by not taking stern steps against the evils involved in stockade of daily commodities. Then how can a Pakistani expect from this government for getting rid of terrorism, unemployment, financial stability.
It seems current government has no agenda to lead the country towards flourish and progress, still we are quarreling on NRO , 17TH AMENDMENT , 58-2B and other issues.
No doubt, such issues must be resolved for sake of democracy, but question is why all these issues are being delayed, all these matters must be resolved after the commencement of new government, but time is being wasted, peoples are frustrated due to politicians and country’s grimed conditions. its high time for all politicians to get to gather and think about this nation.

The only professional institution that can handle politics as well is the army. It was doing great job with the positive economic indicators and with the GDP rate just below china. Our stock exchanges were functioning efficiently.

The time when the Kings were making tombs, UK was investing on the universities. I think it’s the time to project the level of education in our country.

I know it’s the long term strategy but, we’ll see the impact in our life

Syed Mairaj Hasan

Go Musharaf Go, it sounded good. We have to see what was growth rate then and what is now. Dollar 60 rupees then now over 82 now. No shortage of electricity then and now black outs now. No shortage of Atta & Sugar then and what is it now. Pakistan needs a good ruler which Musharaf was. Go through the Islamic History, where can you find democracy. Even in this century do you see democracy in any Muslim country. If we want democracy we will have to ban feudalism and introduce real agricultural reforms Rich uneducated people should be banned to hold public offices. List of ministers should be approved by 50% votes from Parliament & Senate and they should not be appointed. NAB should be made more strong and should have powers to catch anyone. No MNA, MPA lodges, no allotment of land and no bribery to get votes or oblige politicians and government servants. No inflated medical bills, if they are sick they must go home and retire. No foreign tours by ministers or government servants. If there is a need for any one to attend some conference only one person with one aid be allowed. No free Haj & Umra on Government expense as there is also no such provision in Islam. We need ordinary educated and talented people to govern Pakistan. People who feel happy to live in apartments and do not ask the government to furnish their house. It is not possible to behave, live and rule like Khulfa-e-Rashdeen as the time is changed but the rulers can adopt modern version of ruling in this electronic era. Rahey Nam ALLAH Ka.

The permanent cure for the problem Pakistan is facing would be for it to get amalgamated with India.

there was no need for a separate state in the first place.

You have subcontinental problems, but you try to seek solution in the arab world.

Zardari promised that his first gift to the peoples of Pakistan after assuming the presidency would be to do away with the 17th amendment including 58-2B.

He has not fulfilled any of his promises and undertakings under his own signatures.

He is totally unfit as a head of state and should be removed.

What we need is a leader with integrity. Replacing Zardari is OK but who next they are all the same. We should wait untill we can find a man of integrity. Remember, Quaid-e-Azam stood above Nehru and Ghandi in integrity. Had that not be so, Pakistan might just have remained an idea.

What next?
17th amendment is finally set to meet its logical end, and the transfer of powers from the presidency to the PM is in the making. Now the door is opening up for the implementation of the long awaited Charter of Democracy. Beyond any doubt, ‘July 31 verdict’ is the main light under which the democracy is getting reborn.

The change of mind with regard to the tabling of NRO in the Parliament means, “the notorious ordinance is dead.” Resultantly, the beneficiaries are at risk of being arrested soon unless they get pre-arrest bail from the relevant court.

The politically affiliated figure becoming a President with sweeping discretionary powers is unconstitutional. A simultaneous action of co heading the office of a political party as well as occupying the highest position as the President was unprecedented, hence a mockery of democracy.

On top of that, President has been merely promising things without sincerity/seriousness. Promises after promises without a solid action caused a loss of his credibility if any.

The president has been very unwilling to shed his powers; hence, inviting tremendous criticism which multiplied his difficulties. Zardari has only one option available to him to survive i.e. his status as a mere figurehead of the country with reduced powers.

With the NRO becoming a history, President Asif Ali Zardari cannot be prosecuted.

On the other hand, Pres Zardari is not immune from any civil proceedings, thus, an election petition can be filled against him any time soon according to some legal experts.

However, the latest development is a sign that Pakistan is getting closer to recovery with regard to an independent Judiciary, a Sovereign Parliament and an affective Executive, yet for a complete recovery, there is still a long way ahead which can be handled only with patience and dedication.

If President Zardari decided to leave his post, it would be the best and happiest news for the country.

If president decides to change his course, it is not too late yet. There is still time. I’m sure if president gives up his powers now, and truly becomes a democratic president, things can still turn around for PPP, and this party will be able to hold on to power for 5 years. But, if president decides to play the same old games and tricks, I’m not sure he will will have much grin left in the end.

Unfortunately after many years of Army rule in Pakistan, the structure of society have changed forever. We are now similar to Afghanistan and Somalia, where War Lords have the final say not the elected representatives. Mr. Zardari or any other future head of the state is like a football player, in front of whom a wall is erected and only he could do is to score in his own net. He is a good time pass for media and for internet bloggers, but in reality he is in no position to make any difference.

One thing let this goverment allow 5 years, we pakistani seems to give dictators more time then elected goverment.

I believe Zardari is not that bad of a choice. What pakistan needs is to remove Gilani and quereshi both out of the picture.
Useless and hopeless governments have been runing the country. Look at it honestly- Corrupt system, all kind of religious extremists, those useless Madarsas, all kind of terrorist factions. What kind of governments are we looking up to.

@Syeda Henna Babar Ali

Don’t need to re-invent the wheel with forming a new party. One already exists by the name of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf by Imran Khan. I am NOT PTI member and have never met Imran in my life but one must listen to what he says which makes a lot of sense. Independant judiciary, indepedant election commission, promoting education and self respect among common people.

All other party leaders, including the current leadership, all across Pakistan do say these things but no one actually acts upon them. If given the choice, most educated Pakistanis will support PTI and their platform but powers to be will never give Imran any power unless he tows their line.

We need to put all the political parties side. They are all different sides of the same box. which is corrupt, need evidence look at last 30 years of Pakistan history.

Musharraf’s worst crime aganist the nation is the promulgation of NRO which paved the way for Mr. Zardari. All the MNAs who voted in his favour in the presidential election are also guilty of such act against the nation. God save our country.

It is true that we Pakistani’s have been unlucky to have a long string of self centred and corrupt people as our leaders.
Having said that, let us now look inwards. We as a nation are corrupt, dishonest and ill disiplined. We do not posses any civic sense, respect for others rights, tolerance for differing views or respect for law.
Pakistani’s love to blame everyone in the world but do not want to place any restriction on their own self, which any civilized soceity in the world would require of its people. The behaviour of our people is like animals in a jungle.
We do not need a college degree to draw the above conclusions. All you have to do is to go out on any road for a few hours !!
If we as a nation do not do serious introspection and reform, we as a soceity are doomed. Already, if one travels anywhere in the world with the green passport, he gets treatment befitting a criminal.
So, now the time has come to stop blaming the politicians, maulvis, Americans, westerns etc etc, and start behaving as human beings in a civilized soceity.
For this everyone of us has to put effort in it, however small is the contribution.
If we improve, I am sure we will find better and sincere leaders.
May God Almighty have mercy on Pakistan and Pakistani’s.

It is time for all concerned citizens of Pakistan across the socio-economic spectrum to come forward and form a new political party. The current political parties have not delivered anything to the people of Pakistan other than misery, lawlessness and inflation. The entire country is united in that everyone wants a change and away from the current parties.
The political party needs to be democratic, must uphold the rule of law, justice and instead of making promises needs to deliver options for those who struggle everyday in Pakistan, opportunities for those who are despondent. We need determined and committed people to lead and work for this country who put Pakistan first not now but always.

Beside skill and expertise, motivation is an important factor needed to perform a job successfully at any level. I wonder how does our President get motivated to stay at the president position?

As far as his skills and expertise are concerned…..lets dont talk about that….we all know, right???

The tragedy of Pakistan: The nexus of feudalists / industrialists, clerics, and their mentor, the army have always played havoc with the lives of the masses, rich poor alike. The maneuvers they made to fulfill their lust for power and luxury in the past has landed us into this situation, and they are not ready to accept the blame and pass it onto the former governments.
may God bless Pakistan!

The only democracy we can see in Pakistan is where these politicians sit together and initiate committees God knows for what. Every time there is crisis in Pakistan PM have initiated a committee and then what happened no one knows. Every time there is a blast the head of the terrorist is found & still no identity is found related to that person. What happens after the blast have we ever got to any conclusion? Every day our 100’s of innocent people die and we do nothing just ” PM aur President ne Dhamakae ki shadeed Muzammat Ki Hai ” is this what we want or this is what our nation deserves. look at American 12 people died in their country 2days back and today whole nation is mourning for them. Flag is down as they are morning for their loved ones. When our innocent pepole die in our country we do nothing as we have no value of human life in pakistan. Express yourself any where, every where we cannot keep on going like this. This is not what Iqbal dreamt of and Quaid worked for.
Rise Pakistan

There is no point in asking anyone to go. They should all be brought to justice. the problem is, will they all be brought to justice? If we’re looking for someone to blame, all we need to do is look in the mirror. what’s done is done, we can’t go back and undo the war on terror, we can’t go back and undo the killing of the PPP leader, what we can do is stop the blame game, get together, and work for the betterment of pakistan. At times, and it’s shameful to think this way, but i believe that our nation is a failed state

Pakistan is going through a very tough time and who is to blame? Our seniour leaders (who passed away) in their era Pakistan was forced into Afghan war, corruption, freedon fighters for Azad Kashmir and what not. Due to their wrong policies they plunged the whole nation to the troubles we are facing now. Even after this disastrous era was over many other corruption loving parties came into power, who now pretending to be the sincere and loyaly and trust worthy people of Pakistan and who are there to serve the nation. Overall Pakistan nation is to be blamed as they are the one who chose these people. But this is happeneing as the literacy rate is low in Pakistan and people are uneducated, education gives you the power of thinking right & wrong that is why these politician never invested behind education so that people will always remain the same and never able to think what is right for them. I feel sorry for what is happening here in Pakistan. We need a true leader who will lead us to a much needed INQALAB.

These are our bad deeds or i don’t know whom i blame, but it’s unfortunate for Pakistan that we never got one sincere leader who can lead us from the front, and set example for public of Pakistan to select honest people.

How can we always select some one with a history of not being honest to people, and than we expect from them to make changes in constitution.

It used to be one player, now as they say, there are four players. Mr. Zardari has achieved the highest post with election. He is going to be a unique in hisory. He has outsmarted his opponents. He has perfomed better than average presidents. Opponents and innocent masses do not realize that miracles will never happen with Zardari or without Zardari. Pakistan is going to be difficult country for general poor masses unless it changes course and mind set. Pakistan has suffered powerful euphoria dreams in 1977 and later. People do not realize politicians can never fulfill the dreams of the poor masses. It will take a long time and slow speed. In sixty two years after its creation, people are still not satisfied with its direction.

For once, I wish we would stop focusing on the leaders and instead focus on ourselves. Ask not what the country or leaders can do for you, ask what you can do for the country. Lets get real now. If we dont get serious we will loose our nation.

Lets get our country back on track. Remember focus on yourself the rest will follow. Be good to others as you would like to be treated.

Allah Bless Pakistan and all nations.

The rulers of Pakistan should put their differences aside and work together to bring Pakistan back from the brink. If they cannot do this for the love of their country then they do not deserve to be our leaders.

That’s wishful thinking – Our President resigning. I like the way how writer makes a connection with the readers about the Quaid-e- Azam picture and Quaid’s Pakistan! Pakistan should have always been according to what Quaid-e- Azam envisioned for this country. Sadly, we are very far behind in the world Progress, develop, educate the country. Leave religion alone.

Well, first of all as far as our presidents promises are concerned, I wouldn’t lay my bet on them.
But, I think that a democratic setup provides the appropriate opportunities & forums for pressure to be applied by the people & the opposition to force corrective measures.

As far as missing X president is concerned, there is no need to miss such a man who pushed Pakistan to the edge of this brink. Pakistan was much better without him in whatever condition it was. We were safe, we could go out for business, schools, universities, parties, mosques, Swat, Northern Areas, Gilgit, Waziristan. We were one unit to quite an extent.

In any case, that man had more then a fair chance to rule this country. Its obvious we were not on the correct path.

Haider Javed said:

“I don’t understand the logic of people calling for Mr. Musharaf to come back in power. Is it because our memory is so weak that we tend to forget the situation we went through just a couple of years ago. How can we want a person in power who suspends civil rights, declares emergency for his own gains, takes on the chief justice for all the wrong reasons, passes laws such as the very NRO and that too for his own political gains, and lies to the nation time and time without any remorse.”

Well let me answer the question for you Mr. Javed the reason any Pakistani supports president musharraf is because he was essentially the most sincere leader pakistan has had since 1947. Regardless of what actions he took, he did not take them for himself. Otherwise, do you think Mr. Musharraf did not realize that the emergency would make him unpopular? did you not think that signing the NRO into force would not make him unpopular? believe me, he knew this and he knew this well. But he did it because he felt it was ultimately good for the country, perhaps not right away but in the mid to long term. And regardless of what people like yourself think, it is because of president Musharraf that we are even at the juncture today where we have a vigorous debate on democratic procedures and an elected government. President Musharraf is the first military leader in pakistani history to hold free and fair elections, remove his uniform will fully, and then transfer power to the government. Is there a precedent for this among civilian leaders? i dont think so. so lets be fair in our assessment, and not look through biased glasses. Democracy is all good yes, but as someone mentioned in emergent democracies, flaws and idealistic thoughts are normal. No pakistani should have expected to have a great president or great leaders when the country in fact has itself been electing these same politicians for decades now. Why blame the NRO or former president? tell the people to stop voting for these people and we’ll have the change we demand. perhaps that is easier said than done.

If its a matter of Quaid’s picture, then don’t we see it daily in Offices, schools, universities? so what has changed!
Nothing, totally agree with brother ammar that ghalib’s shair is very well suited here.

well

“the picture that sat framed between the two was not of late Benazir Bhutto, but instead of our very own leader of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam! Could it be the beginning of us finally turning into Jinnah’s Pakistan?! ”

Its hard to believe that a respected writer like you is stating such a thing about Mr. Zardari.

Do you actually think that by only placing pictures this country could become what Quaid visioned about? and do you think our President would ever deliver any good to the poor people ?

Though all these debates in media look pretty but its high time that people of Pakistan along with media do something practical.

Ayub Khan killed democracy in Pakistan in its start. Everybody who followed him since than made sure that the feudals and the armed forces continue to rule the unfortunate people.

Shyema articulates beautifully. Power easily corrupts those who don’t deserve to be in power. Not a single problem of the people has been solved by this so called elected govt. While the nation is being burdened with increasing loans, luxurious living on state funds by the ruling elite continues.

Ask not what your leader can do for you , ask what more you can do for these leaders.

Giving up power ? Must be joking.

Allah had blessed Pakistan with all the resouses except the leaders who really care for Pakistan and its ordinary citizen. These so called leaders are looting pakistan for 62 years. Our country has gone bad to worst. My question to these leaders is will my kids and their kids ever see prosper and stable pakistan?

We have to realise that the most important thing for any country is Economical and educational progress, Democracy or no democracy. Unfortunately Democracy is a code word in our country for continued exploitation of the country by exploiters. These people do not like the progress when country was growing on an average of 7 to 8 percent during Musharraf’s time and now our growth rate has fallen to two percent. Democracy cannot flourish in a country with feudal system, corrupt judiciary, Corrupt media. Although i have always been a critic of PPP or Mr.Zardari I think he has done better than expected. I will advice him not to give in under pressure and keep 58-b as well as 17th amaendement intact. People who are trying to remove him are not well wisher of the country. They just can’t wait for their turn. Let Army bring another martial law in Collusion with PML’N’. President Zardari then will be remembered in history for his bravery and a Martyr for democracy.

Why should He give up power? that would be a very bad executive decision, specially in war time. Pakistan is fighting a War on 3 fronts internally and a proxy war with Afghanistan and India and as a War time President he should keep this power.
Sad to see what is happening in other provinces, I guess everything goes around in Allah’s Justice for years we had a similair Situation in Sindhi weither it was the ISI or others creating a Mayhem in Sindhi. I don’t know but today thanks to the MQM irrespective of what I may think of them at least they have kept Karachi at peace and it looks like the rest of Sindh on that account is at Peace. It is my view that all Pushtons should be given a special I.D cards so their movements could be checked, in China people are not allowed to move from one province to another so why cant we have that in Pakistan.

Remember those words from our Hero”Wardee is my skin” but that skin has been torn by his own. He is on the run these days.

Our present hero also making serious mistakes. He could have worked for democracy, but power is blind.
I remember a joke that a communist comrade tried to convince a person about the good qualities of the system. He say communism is very good e.g. if you have two houses give the other to person who does not have one and so on. The listening person seem to be convinced until the dear communist at last says “if you have two horses, give the other one who does not own”. The man reacts suddenly what a bad system? Why asked the communist?
“Well answered the person its good system as long as I do not own those things you named but I own two horses and would never share with others”. When PPP was not in power they wanted to give the president power to parliament but now the president is keeping it to himself.

Democratic system is much better than dictatorship. He would not run like dictator because of support from PPP.

Has any policital or even military leader in Pakistan’s history ever willingly relinquished power?
Present leader has been a pioneer in lots of other matters but do not expect him to be the one to set example for the future leaders.
That’s how political power has been working in our country and will continue to be until education opens common people’s mind and understand what really in cooking at the Aiwan-e-Sadar Islamabad or the GHQ in Rawalpindi and that day won’t come any time soon.

What if our President is “Gone with the Wind”? it would not let Pakistan’s lower and middle classes in any comfort. Pakistan’s problem is not any Zardari, Gillani, Sharif or Kiyyani but our tragedy is the Institutional Disorder and the national mismanagement, untill and unless we are not out of this mess We can not become a Powerful nation.

The ‘Osmosis process’ is doing wonders for the nations that are at the bottom (including ourselves). As the World becomes smaller, it will harder for individuals to exploit masses. It is a shame that we as one nation aint doing any thing about it.

I just want to ask every one concerned and also to the editor, its in our constitution that no law can be made or pass which is against islam. is NRO islamic? its definitely not so how can they even keep it as an ordinance from the president. Shame on all the politicians, all of them r the same. If n-league is so good then why is the situation in punjab still so worse? just words are not enough.
May Allah help us in this time & send a Good & Honest leader towards us.

The struggle for democracy of the past forty years (69-2009) appears to be paying off.

As I read and analyze the current political situation in Pakistan, President Zardari has a very little room in getting away with his promises to implement the COD. He has three options: Give away the powers to the prime minister and the parliament, Resign as the President, or the last and the most difficult one is, to dissolve the parliament, and hold new elections.

The best one is to transfer the powers to Prime Minister and make the Parliament a sovereign institution. It will protect the system and establish the balance of power. It will also give President Zardari immunity from any prosecution as long as he is in the Presidency.

The last one is very difficult and dangerous. It will push the country in turmoil and uncertainty. President Zardai may lose everything. He may be prosecuted in all the previous cases. The decision will also be challenged in courts and President Zardari should not expect the independent judiciary to protect and rescue him.

Therefore, it is in the best interest of the country that President Zardari makes the required constitutional amendments and save the country from another political turmoil. The sooner he does the better it is for the country and for him.

I hope common sense will prevail in the decision making process at the Presidency.

I never believed in our president before he became one, or even after. Come on people, he is President by chance, and will be there as long as the chance remains.
We need a real leader.

He is the gift of ‘Democracy’. If such is the face of democracy, well, we might have to redefine democracy.

How was Musharraf a good leader?? He had success in rebuilding some areas but then smashed everything on his way out. Those who want Musharraf back have obviously forgotten how difficult it was to make him leave his position. That is the difference between a dictatorship and democracy.

As much as I disapprove President of Pakistan (in a matter fact holding any governmental position) I would like to see him leave or stay through a democratic process i.e. elections. Whether it is my wishful thinking. However, going forward Pakistani’s must change leaders through using their vote. It has to start some time and no more repeat of army dictators to use power by crushing democracy. In doing so, I say in next 100 years the democracy will strengthen its roots in Jinnah’s Pakistan. It will!

Why our leaders always keep on making similar mistakes again & again, why the same mistake is being repeated as other leaders did in their regime. All authorities should be transferred to the Parliament as per Mr. President, while addressing to parliament.

Pakistani deserve to have a ruler.

Once Ghalib said
“Dil kay khush rakhnay ko Ghalib
Ye khayal acha hay”

How innocent and fool we are? still we expect from him to do good for us after all he did.

Zardari is the product of a democratic process. The rules for this process were written by a dictator for his own benfit. I believe in the democratic process, if let to run its course, the system will flush out the corrupt unpopular leaders.

That’s very hard to imagine and believe, but if it’s true then i guess its a good starting point, but we need to do more then just that.. long way to go

Democracy provides us many platforms to rectify a wrong. The main forum of National assembly can be formally used to debate the powers of the President and curtail them if approved. Why blame one person. No one in Pakistan has ever utilized democratic means to achieve Power. Example is that No Prime Minister has ever had a complete Term. We must give democracy a chance.

How it is acceptable in any civilisied moral society, for a respectable citizen that you cheat public money and after that come in power and you have immunity and exemption from all your crimes?

I don’t understand the logic of people calling for Mr. Musharaf to come back in power. Is it because our memory is so weak that we tend to forget the situation we went through just a couple of years ago. How can we want a person in power who suspends civil rights, declares emergency for his own gains, takes on the chief justice for all the wrong reasons, passes laws such as the very NRO and that too for his own political gains, and lies to the nation time and time without any remorse. And above all, he grabbed the power undemocratically. Zardari, for all his flaws and corrupt mind simply can’t afford to take any such actions. We saw it in chief justice case how he was forced to take decisions which he didn’t want to take. Same is the case with NRO, and the same will happen with Article 58 and stuff. Let him be in power and lets hope that we as voters can learn from our mistakes and elect the right people rather than putting the blame on circumstances, which btw are also of our own making.

Every body is striving for power. And this power hunger has made all our political leader hypocrites. They say something today and say something else tomorrow. Some well known leaders say one day they will not leave Zardari alone but seeing people’s reaction on NRO they have now changed their stance and their leader has said today he will prefer parting ways with Zardari over NRO. He was the person who first nominated Zardari for presidentship. And now he will be the first man to slip away. Zardari is far better then such guys.

I think President Asif Ali Zardari by nature is a very nice person. In fact he would have been bigger than the post he is now holding. The problem here is that every one wants Power and for this purpose we have ready made volunteers from all existing parties. Do we have any leader who can take us out of troubled waters, the answer is big ” NO “. We need to know that the country is facing a very trickey situation where people from within and outside are bent upon destabalizing our country. Every leader has his own formula to solve the problems being faced now which is not more than misleading the masses as a whole. The disturbing points at this time is that our Print and Electronic Media is not playing a constructive role, it is rather playing a ‘Shadow Boxing’,. These Anchors have their own interest which they could not have imagined in their lives. They must stop the bidding of others. We are reading and watching lot of subjective reportings. Do we think that Sharifs, Imran (the Lone Ranger) or for that matter some religious parties can take us out of this Mess. No Sir, the collective wisdom was very much there when Mr. Zardari invited the PML Mr. Nawaz Sharif to join the government, but they refused. I am suggesting again, please come forward (to all Parties) and work for Pakistan. We are going through a very difficult time. We must not fight for Ministries.

Very well said by Maria… We now really miss Pervaiz Musharraf, even those who were his critic are changing their opinion.

A true leader is always a true leader. Let’s forget Pervaiz Musharraf uniform and remember a true leader who served the country in a manner that no other president (even without uniform) would have done. We can now see a performance of a president without uniform and a government that is democratic.

I wish this crisis is a beginning of a new chapter that will end of these crises and uncertainties forever – which means a new government lead by Pervaiz Musharraf

Promises, promises and only promises. The ruling elite treat their subjects as fools “when you insult the intelligence of others you are actually insulting your own intelligence”.

A basis for running a modern country is democracy. The very basic rule of democracy is ” listen to people” and run the show. Now who is to be blamed for this chaos in Pakistan. Its people or the rulers?

I say it is high time Mr.Chaudhry Cheif Justice should take charge in hand and ask advise from its neighbour to amend the fundamental rights and make the new constitution like your neighbours have. A good example to follow is never bad. Learning a good deed is never bad even from your most unfavourite neighbours.

Asif Zardari is, was and will always be a mistake. Pakistan at all times, needs a mature, well spoken and strong leadership; to tackle problems at hand. And Zardari for all the right reasons seem a missfit. I wish we still had Pervaiz Musharraf, because for all the mistakes he made towards the end, He was a good leader for the country.

Right now what pakistan needs is a leader for the people and one who is devoted to serving the people and Zardari isnt the man for the job. He should go quitely with the little dignity that he has left.

As for my friends Anil’s comment about pakistani’s blaming others for thier own mistakes or wrong doings… my friend we as a people have learned alot from our mistakes in the past. Its about time our neighbours did the same and stopped looking towards their big brother for every tiny thing that needs to be resolved.

The President has failed in letter & spirit to fulfill his promise of repealing Article 58-2B. He may linger a bit more by the ongoing support of PML(N) he may even complete his term in Office but one thing is confirmed & written on the Wall is that PPP will never be elected back in big numbers to be able to rule again, Zardari have taken over Bhuttos & that tragic turn will act as the final nail in coffin, so let him have his Grin back and enjoy as much as he can for the time being! Afterall we Pakistani’s are used to all such dramas.

Zardari should not give up the powers, that the presidency enjoys, especially in this crisis ridden times for Pakistan. There has to be a focal point for decision making, and certainly niether the Pakistani parliament, nor the PM or his coterie like Rehman Malik and the rest can make wise decisions. Unfortunately Political maturity comes with Age.
Zardari has done all the right things, like be friends with US and seeking desperately needed aid. He has backed the military as would every single Pakistani(afterall no one blames the Army for anything, all are scared of them), and He is trying to tackle terror and the economy handed to him.
Zardari needs to be given a break, rather than everyone breathing down his neck.
Unfortunately Pakistan is a schizoid society, always ready to blame the others, except themselves. Now they have latched on to Zardari, and are pushing him into a corner.

My sense is Democracy, especially emergent democracy, is a necessarily flawed project, shaped by the people’s will, therefore always dynamic and pragmatically idealistic.

Sitting here in New York, Zardari looks pretty good to me.

Compared with what? Compared with the 24/7 hype of power politics of the U.S. Military-Corporate Complex (my term), where war, carried out on several fronts in other sovereign nations’ front and backyards, has actually become an entertainment for the US public.

I am actually much encouraged by the free press in Pakistan and proud that my South Asian neighbour is engaged in vigorous public discourse. This bodies well for all our peoples in what I think of as the USSA — the United States of South Asia. This is a reasonable regional strategy to build prosperity.

So I think Zardari is desperately in need of a PUBLIC clamor to decentralize and devolve power to their local representaives. Zardari cannot do it without THE PEOPLE insisting on and claiming their rights to the basic necessities of life water, food security, electricity, free universal primary and secondary education, jobs. Local representatives deserve only two years, if they don’t deliver on these necessities.

The media can help but Power resides in THE PEOPLE. I say to the media, don’t worry about Zardari, keep the focus on delivering SOCIAL JUSTICE delivery, no matter who the leader is.

Chithra Karunakaran
City University of New York
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Legitimacy as a concept may be hard to define but it usually very easy to notice. I personally have no axe to grind. If anything my association in past has been closer to People’s Party than any other. Pakistan is nobody’s asset to be transferred by a will. This President should not only curtail his powers, but in name of decency actually GO.

No sir NO WAY. In Pakistan it never happens. I remmember in one TV program Mr. Amir Mukam said, that we never thought of him wining the Presdency, but then we voted for him.