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Midterm elections — a very reachable goal
To save Pakistan people need to protest peacefully in the streets, demand govt resign and insist upon midterm polls.
The writer is a former PML-Q MNA marvi.memon@tribune.com.pk
Only politicians who are a part of solving rather than causing problems can achieve an alliance for Pakistan’s future. What is needed is a ‘solution alliance’ with an agenda on how to resolve the country’s problems. We need politicians to unite on solutions.
Alliances of treasury or opposition benches, or even forces outside parliament, need to be based on solutions. Parties go to their electorates at the time of election with their manifestos; promising much but in the end delivering little. Pakistan has considerable resource potential, but it is at an economic collapse of such magnitude that the gap is horrifying. The ‘solution alliance’ will need to convince the government to implement the following five-step agenda as soon as possible.
1) A ruthless accountability campaign to return all looted wealth. If, in this process the highest officials of the government are found guilty under the law and jailed, then so be it. With the return of illegal wealth there should an immediate freeze in prices and a return to March 2008 levels, with a subsidy plan to be announced for the lowest income people — targeted subsidies not blanket ones. The next step is to cut wasteful expenditure, and create a taxation system that is unforgiving towards tax evaders.
2) An assessment of the basic minimum standards for schools and basic health units for the population, including a standardised syllabus for all the provinces without disrespecting provincial autonomy.
3) An identification of the enemies of Pakistan and military action against them. Settlement with those elements that have been put in the enemy camp because of the war on terror is also necessary, as is the removal of all foreign forces from Pakistani soil. There must be immediate operations against terrorists and bhatta masters, irrespective of political party patronage.
4) An increase in the budgetary capacity of the judiciary, especially lower courts, with an anti-corruption drive so that pending cases are resolved and justice becomes a right of all Pakistanis, not just a few influential ones. This would include electoral reform and implementation of all judicial orders.
5) A campaign for cheap electricity harnessing regional and global partners, renegotiating debt payments and circular debt plans. In addition to this, there should be an implementation of a water management system keeping in line with the 1991 Water Accord.
From the nature of the immediate steps mentioned above, it is apparent that the implementation of this plan is not possible without imprisoning all those who have looted our nation’s wealth and resources. Thus, to save Pakistan people need to engage in a peaceful protest on the streets and force the current government to resign. Furthermore, we must insist on midterm elections according to electoral rolls. Before the elections take place, it is vital that new options and choices are created for the people, so that they elect deserving candidates. It is also critical to have an alternative government action plan ready before then by getting progressive policy solutions from all stakeholders for each ministry and sector. After that, political forces should sign off on these policies for a minimum of 10 years.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2011.
Reader Comments (48)
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You couldn’t achieve anything for this country when you were in power and now that you want power again, you have decided to become an arbitrary force for good.
I am sorry but this is all hog wash and I hope no one falls for it.Recommend
Madam this is all well and good. First off, talking about accountability why dont you post your own asset declaration and tax returns on your website. And what will mid term elections achieve at this point, apart from adding to instability. Pakistan’s problems are structural, and will not go away with governments playing musical chairs. Do you think people will suddenly start paying their taxes, their gas and electricity bills just because the government changes? Will land reforms or taxes be imposed on large agricultural land holders just because the government changes?
How exactly are you going to deliver cheap electricity? With 30% line losses, even if you produce cheap electricity its going to be expensive by the time it reaches the consumer. Global energy prices are going through the roof, where will this cheap electricity come from? Hydro? Where are the billions of dollars going to come from to pay for it? Wont we have to take more loans for that? How are we going to renegotiate debt repayments when we will need to borrow even more money?
Pakistans debts have been rescheduled by the Paris Club once before during the Musharaf regime, you must remember?> You were part of it. Why do you think they will renegotiate them again? Basically you are suggesting that Pakistan should default on its debt repayments, that will usher in even more economic instability.
All this populist rhetoric that you are spewing is the last thing Pakistan needs. I am no PPP supporter, but be careful for what you wish for. If they are mid-term polls now, and lets say your movement comes into power, a couple of years down the line the opposition will demand mid-term polls and your 10 year project will go down the toilet.Recommend
After resigning and quitting your N.A seat, did you do away with your assisting staff ??
If you have written this piece its, really ‘ O’ level standard. The people are looking for mature, capable, visionary minds and reading something like this was frustrating.Recommend
What else a LOTA can ask after her resignation????Recommend
Miss Memon, a question…how can we choose our leaders at the top? With out a presidential form of govt? I don’t see that is possible. This system is flawed I believe. And it will prevail until the country is sold.Recommend
Your statement has left me confused as to what you are proposing. Solutions you are proposing can only be achieved either through a civil disobedience movement or through a revolution, a word that has lost its’ significance and meaning in the current affairs in Pakistan.
In the conventional scenario, your proposal for ruthless accounting of those who have blindly looted Pakistan is not practical since the looters themselves interchangeably become the stewards of Pakistan’s governing system. Supreme Court’s voice have become hoarse passing judgments against corruption only to see their judgments consigned to trash bins with no implementation. Lawyers who were in the forefront of the movement to restore the Chief Justice have mysteriously disappeared now that they are truly needed. Checks delivered by Babar Awan seems to have been instrumental in playing an effective role.
Health, education, writ of law, judicial supremacy, and provision of basic human requirements such as electricity, potable water, and transportation, are all dreams that each successive government, including ones by military strongmen, have failed to deliver. There is absolutely no reasonable hope going by conventional wisdom that mid-term elections will result in bringing a government that could effectively deliver these much needed necessities to the oppressed people of Pakistan.
Please specify a concrete proposal even if it appears far-fetched at first sight. I believe this is incumbent upon you as political leader that seems to have some ache and pain for the masses’ sufferings in your heart.Recommend
If wishes were horses ……….. who can do thisRecommend
Bibi you have no idea about the holding of the elections.Census have not been completed,and delimitation of constituency are carried out after each Census,so in 2011 it may be completed.NADRA has to revise the list of voters, and the process may not be completed till March 2012.The earliest the next elections could be held is likely to be in September 2012.And by the way why are you interested in mid term polls?You have no chance of being elected on a general seat or now even on a reserved seat.Please wait for another dictator, to come in power,so that you have a chance of entering the Parliament again.You are heading for oblivion,hope you are aware of this fact,unless ET keeps on publishing your mediocre pieces?No other Newspaper would give you space.The day of Nisar Memon are gone.The best option for you, as per your mental,intellectual capacity,is to become a house wife.You have no other future.Recommend
Ms. Memon this is cheap election sloganeering devoid of any real substance. Moreover, I strongly disagree with you when you say “it is apparent that the implementation of this plan is not possible without imprisoning all those who have looted our nation’s wealth and resources.” After all, we need at least a few army generals to lead military operations against our strategic assets gone wild! Further, the manner of your entry into politics and the fact that you have never once had anything to say about the civil-military power imbalance in Pakistan leave little doubt about your political allegiances. Sadly, Ms. Memon, you are either too naive to recognize your own puppet-strings, or too cynical to care. For God’s sake, let this government – corrupt and venal as it is – complete its term. Let democracy and elections become institutionalized in this country. Don’t sacrifice the long-term future of our children for the short-term gain of political power. Let Pakistan move forward in time instead of only moving backwards.Recommend
Midterm elections will be only useful once you are with PTI. These old parties shall be removed through the ballot. Youth is with you and Imran Khan.Recommend
If only.Recommend
My dear Marvi, your intentions and the energy to achieve them put most others to shame, and I am a fan of yours.
Please tell me who will carry out all these correct actions in accordance with law?
There is shameless corruption at every level in every government office.
I have a suggestion though . . . why doesn’t the Chief Justice’s office create a website where ordinary citizens can write about the corrupt government servants they have dealt with, naming them and reporting the incident with full details including their own CNIC number (to discourage false accusations). The CJ’s office can have a corruption investigation team that works its way through these accusations. The punishment, if found guilty, should be draconian. This might be a way of preventing shameless corruption and a part of a bigger move to a fairer, cleaner and healthier society.
I know it is not in the CJ’s ambit but who (in authority) do you trust out there? Seriously!Recommend
Your are just taking the talking points from Imran Taliban and it looks like you are going to join him (PTI). You and imran Khan just talk about corruption and looted wealth. You have not said
1) How will you pay for infrastruture. Cheap electricity requires masive investment in modern power plants and updating the national grid system. A total investment of $50 billion is required. where will the money come from. Higher taxes (not enough money), that will create more tax evasion and corruption. and capital flight. And you do not want aid. Plus you want peace with extremely brutal killers, who marry off girls at age 12, kill inncoent people, do not want women to see doctors or work. Which foreign company will invest in as country where people believe in 15th century philosphy. imram and you never utter a word against them.
2) You do not talk of reducing military budget. It has cost us over $70 Billion dollars in last 30 years, that could have been spent on education and infrastructure.
3) You do not talk about peace with India,.
4) You and Imran Taliban only criticize secular forces like PPP, MQM and ANP. Imran never critizes Jamaat-e-Islami the force behind all the terrorist organizations. he never talks bad about LET, TTP, Jaish-e-Mohamaad, LeG, and other terroist organizations. You seem to be doing the same.
5) You were not elected. So you can call for Mid term elections. Only the parliament with a no vote confidence can call for Mid Term elections.
You should first try and polish your own solution strategy before you criticize others. All I heard in your article were simple solutoins like lets all get together, have cheap electricity,. easier said than done. Pakistan is a multi-ethnic country and there is no reason to worry about dsifference of opinions. That is what an open society is all about.Recommend
Great! Accountability starts at home. Imran Khan kicks people out of the party as soon as evidence is shown to him of someone holding PTI office. If others follow his footsteps Pakistan will be fixed in no time. May be I ‘m exaggerating a bit;-)Recommend
mushkil hai marvi g……..daikte raho dreams…….Recommend
Did Ms Marvi thinks that her objectives can be achieved with the present political set-up.It appears that she is living in a fools paradise being herself a back door entrant and a glam doll legislature, Can she identify and put up a candidate against Makhdoom Amin Faheem in his native Hala Constituency, Come on Mam you are the product of the system therefore u cant dare to speak about the basic malaise of our political system. Kindly dont give political statement saving the status -quo rather give a call for abolishing the feudal system and Cantonment culture in Pakistan which India did at the dawn of ther independence and have thus thrived as a nation which allows space to Mayawati and Lalu Prasad to dominate the landscape of Indian political mosaic. Therefore the basic thing is the abolition of Feudal system in Pakisatan otherwise it would amount to misguiding the youth for preserving in which Imran Khan has succeded to certain extent to act as an agent of status-quo.Recommend
Agreed with all you points except the 4th An increase in the budgetary capacity of the judiciary, especially lower courts,…
How would that lead to resolution/hearings of pending cases?? I think present judiciary is doing fine.
The people need to find a credible leader that’s all Some one incorruptible has to stand up.Recommend
What a bunch of dribble — stop corruption and make the corrupt return what was stolen (fat chance), govt price controls combined with price rollbacks (hasn’t worked anywhere), fix the schools (but still allow local govt to meddle?), identify the enemies of Pakistan and send the military after them (including the boogeyman?), remove all foreigners (but somehow keep the aid?), increase the budget (no mention of where the money comes from), generate more electricity (maybe harness the hot air of politicians?) and renegotiate debt (based on your good looks I assume?).
Classic politician at work — toss a bunch of appealing stuff against the wall and hope some of it sticks. No critical thinking — akin to Imran Khan’s populist pandering.Recommend
1) Corruption went up in Musharraf’s time. He could afford subsidies because he fooled the Americans who ended up giving him an effectively blank cheque, which isnt possible this time round because a) the government is democratic and b) Obama isnt as gullible as Bush.
2) You had 10 years to do this, why didn’t you?
3) What if the Pakistan Army is the enemy of Pakistan the country? A dispassionate view of history does show this to be correct. How do we get rid of them? MQM are the biggest bhatta masters, yet you had a coalition with them for 10 years.
4) Your boss fired the judiciary. Whatever you do, please don’t talk about making the Judiciary more effective. All kinds of ironic.
5) I checked out the first link on this point. Suffice to say, it would have been netter had i not. You have no plan here (not like you had any for the previous 4 points.)
Why don’t you hand in your own former bosses like Musharraf, Shujaat Hussain, Pervez Elahi, and his son, of NICL scam fame? You surely must have evidence against them.
Mid term polls would be a mistake. They would set the precedent for a turbulent future. If this government doesn’t complete five years, chances are the next one’s going to be gone even sooner, and after that, we can kiss goodbye to democracy for a while. The most important and effective method of keeping the military at bay is to shorten one term to 4 years. Why is that no one (including you) ever talks of that? And why do you even want polls in the first place? Its not like you’re electable.Recommend
Madam,
While this return of “looted wealth” is becoming a bit of a boring mantra, how about asking your worthy memebers of the assemblies to declare not their assets but their income tax returns as well?
Forgive me if I don’t know the law. But the law that requires disclosure (what a joke) of income and assets did not insist on attaching your income tax statement as well?
Are you kidding me?
In that case, there is a serious lacuna in the law which you should be talking about.
On debt-relief. You cannot ask for debt relief on that which has already been given “relief”.
And may I remind everyone of one thing: the Paris Club will ask/insist on a concurrent arrnagement with everyone’s favorite bugaboo, the IMF that conforms to what is called the “upper credit tranches” of a Fund arrangement.
Meaning, very TOUGH conditionality.Recommend
To win the mid-term elections you need to join a party. I hope you join PTI as it has sincere people like yourself.Recommend
LOL. You want to destroy democracy to strengthen the country?
If you really think that you can govern better than the PPP, why not just tell that to the common people in 2013, when elections are due to take place?Recommend
@Syed Nadir El-Edroos: You, Sir, surprise me by asking a politician with no known links to corruption by asking her to submit her tax returns and declare her assets. And that because she wrote about “ruthless accountability” of corrupt politicians who have gained legendary notoriety around the world for making Pakistan their personal piggy bank.
While the public-at-large is demanding removal of corrupt regimes, and while most politicians have proved themselves to be corrupt, inefficient, and totally incapable of changing Pakistan’s conditions, you are stating that “Pakistan’s problems are structural, and will not go away with governments” changing. In other words, you are saying that Pakistan’s situation cannot be changed regardless of which government comes into power.
From what I am reading, Marvi’s primary thrust is getting rid of the corruption and many evils will go with a government with a clean image.
Your comment is the best demonstration of “shooting the messenger” I have seen yet on ET’s pages.Recommend
Miss Memon i just have one question, will you kindly explain that how did you manage to get elected from punjab on reserved seat?Recommend
Heard it all before so ay times that it becomes meanigless. Pakistanis want rela poilcies not a few paragraphs outlining what should be done.Recommend
@talha: bro if she wanted power then she could’ve just agreed with whatever her party leadership was doing and saying..and then she definitely would’ve been in power..she refused to join the government in which everyone is filling their bank accounts and abusing their powers..just saying.
I respect ms memon for taking a step which atleast to me was based on principles. Obviously no one is a saint but let’s just say that I’d rather more politicians were like her than the zardaris or the sharifs or altaf hussainsRecommend
Unfortunately tolerance and patience both are missing from our so called leaders The present government has mandate to rule for five years Why mid term polls?see what is happening throughout the country it is turning in to Beriut gradually holding polls at this stage will be disastrous . How strange majority of leaders who wanted term polls have no representation in the assblies .Oh my Lord give some wisdom to our leaders to read on the walls and save the country from these immature leaders whose only job is to loot and plunder. Media should Bycot these leaders for three months and situation will become normalRecommend
These are all lauadable suggestions, but their implementation is not possible in Pakistan, where those in power, out of power and even those with eyes on power have lot of skeletons in their closets with heaps of dirty laundry visible to every one.
Pakistan have to import angles from heavens to ‘ imprison all those who have looted nation’s wealth and resources’, because (almost) every ‘who is who’ of Pakistan will have to be behind the bar. In Pakistan ‘innocence mantra’ trumpted by all crooks and bandits is that the allegations against them are politically motivated and therefore should be treated as baseless lies. Isn’t it advisable to wait till ‘Judgement Day’ when the real truth will come out. This proposal will be hailed by all crooks and charlatans. A country where you have to resort to bribary and corruption for securing your lawful rights does not deserve to be called a civilised democratic country.
It is delusional to suppose that mid-term or any other election can change the fate of this society, which is stuck in a deep hole with shovels in hand, digging it deeper with every passing day.’Sickman of Europe’ took centuries to go through the throes of extinction, because its rivals were weak and lacked unity. But today the nuclear ‘sickman of the world’ is facing internal and external problems, more serious and harmful than faced by the Ottoman empire.
The only (potential) messiah is the one which nobody wants, including the messiah himself being aware of the severity of the task.
Unity,Faith and Discipline were supposed to be the symbols and hallmark of Pakistan. Unity and discipline were sacrificed at the alter of faith the day ‘Objective Resolution’ was adopted. Faith was used as a ploy to blackmail the public and their spokespersons.
All discussions in the media are cursory in nature as nothing is going to change, because ill disciplined people who hate each other and exploit faith for ulterior motives have never fared well in the past and are incapable of changing the course now.Recommend
The political offspring of dictator Mush who never has been elected wants elections right away? Where was this demand when she was the mouthorgan of dictator Mush? These born-again lovers of democracy want to be in power all the time. She has no patience to wait even a year for the next elections campaign. It is the dictatorial upbringing and arrogance that she wants to be in power and she wants it now. In a democracy the people in opposition have to wait for one full term to contest again.
George Bush was one of the worst presidents in the US history. However, nobody demanded his removal from office or early elections, even when his election was via the SC of the US. The elections in the US or in any other country are not perfect. However, the losers always respect people’s mandate and show patience for the next elections. The most diverse democracy India is not an advanced country and they are not perfect. However, in each of their elections, the losing parties (even BJP and others) accepted people’s decision without making a fuss. I cannot remember how many times I have heard this from the losing candidates. In fact after the results become clear, the losing candidate comes out first concedes the election and says something like this:
“I have done everything that I could but people have spoken and I congratulate XYZ, for the victory. The elections are over and I would do everything in my power to help him/her succeed.”
This educated lady must have travelled and watched all this on TV but sad to say that never learned, except the dictatorial measures from her master. Some power-hungry people cannot stay away from power and limelight for long. I never praised any govt’s performance however, every elected govt has a right to complete its term as people wanted.Recommend
Madam, I have a lot of respect for you but now there is a State of Emergency and its time for Army to take over. Too much bloodshed and oppression and the public cannot be sacrificed by the so called democracy (freelance target shooting) any more. If army does not take over, then the Country is doomed and it would then be the Army’s fault for not taking over this responsbility that they owe it to their public.
Politicians have undermined the Army for much too long, even at the cost of the bloodbath that the nation is going through.Recommend
Ms. Marvi, your agenda is excellent but who will implement and what will be means to achieve the targets and in what period; One should be very clear about it. There is very powerful Jagirdari, Sardari and peeri system, wherein all decisions are taken by chieftains. How will you control and discourage this system? You seems to be very much impressed by Imran Khan, who is also part of the system. He has no team neither he can make one due to his habits and nature.. In my previous writings I suggested you to do some social work, in rural areas and also create awareness amongst masses about their legitimate rights. You and your capable father are a good team. Also start making think tanks to implement your Agenda. Think tank system does not exist in Pakistan as every body wants to be master of all. People in thousands will join you in few days as you command a very fair reputation and impressive/well groomed personnality. Please don`t spoil your capabilities by joining any old or new looter/exploiter.Recommend
I dont understand the hype about mid term elections. All the goals that you have stated here are extremely ambitious ones, do you really think, that any party, that exists right now, will have the will or power to fulfill these goals?
Say the elections are announced within the next few months, who are you going to vote for? Give me one good option who is even slightly capabale of setting things on track.Recommend
We really need some one NOW to change everything that is being a problem to Pakistan.Recommend
@Mirza:
You have to be kidding Mirza!
“every elected govt has a right to complete its term as people wanted”
The election for PPP was bogus . . . the Election Commission itself has declared that over 30m of the votes were bogus!
Get real.
According to your logic, a criminal’s child can’t be a good citizen.
According to your logic, Mandella who supported armed conflict at one point could not become a champion of democracy.
If you think this (or many other past governments) were from the popular mandate of the people, you are living in cloud cuckoo land.
Marvi has seen what goes on at the “top” and she knows the urgency with which the rot has to be stopped.
Are you benefitting from this regime or are you letting ignorance get the better of you?Recommend
I think Marvi Memon is the only lady in existing Assembly who earn respect from mass by resigning from the NA Seat and refuse and resist to become a part of corrupt group of people. Well done. Every senisble citizen of Pakistan with you Ms Marvi. Keep your struggle on.Recommend
hello Marvi,
Is it some kind of disease that all of you politicians posses. I mean you only remember the curruption thing when you quit or not part of government. When will u guys learn
GulabRecommend
ur the light and sound in the darkness, so keep on whistlingRecommend
If my memory serves me right, I heard Ms Marvi Menon declaring in a TV talk show in 2008 that she would support electing General Musharraf as President in uniform again. – and again – and again. It will be courageous if she publicably repent her stance and support for military dictaorship. That will be one way people will start trusting her. Otherwise it would remain a yet another case of hypocrisy.Recommend
@Rafi:
It doesn’t matter any more if that election was bogus or not … almost all parties took part in it, no matter how much current government is corrupt, useless and shameless we should give them time to complete the tenure .. this demand of mid term elections should be end forever … IMHO the parliament needs to put a ban on Mid term elections.
Let the people get tired of these corrupt leaders and only then they will vote some one new or those who has some self respect and ability to work for country irrespective of parties affiliations … Just like in 2002 elections in NWFP, MMA had full term and every one saw them not doing any work rather reversing the progress and putting restrictions on personal lives and freedom of people which resulted in people hatred against them and getting fed up from them for good. If we have to swallow this bitter pill completely for our better future in long run we have to have some patience and let them complete 5 years term .. Just one and a half year to go.Recommend
No to midterm elections.
this government must complete its term , actually ‘every’ democratically elected govt. should!
keep shouting Toru (read IK supporters) & the likes.
a suggestion for marvi , next time contest in elections on a general seat to test your political strength :pRecommend
Wow such deep and well-thought solutions to our problems! My 11 year old niece could come up with more extensive plans!Recommend
Pushing for these goals while in Parliament was the right way.
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Please Marvi ,dont try to become herion, you played you inning with Musharuf and just take a break and go home.let other come and loot the country .
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When in power our beloved political faces act like they are illiterate, oblivious to the legitimate demand of people, squandered their discussions in twaddles and, last but certainly not the least wear deserted look, but when dethroned act like angels, most sensitive regarding the needs of the people, throw rhetoric’s and do other things which a pious person do. This is ironic reality of our so-called leaders. This behavior of their need to be change, otherwise, there will be consequences of their apathy.
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You had the opportunity to fight from within the system and you chose to quit that. Then, now you come back and have the audacity to deestablize the whole system?
If a public campaign is what you wanted, you could have embarked on that from your NA seat. If your party was to retaliate against you for doing that, you should have faced that! You are choosing the path least resistance to popularity lady, without having mobilized nearly enough people. Gee. Go join PTI, you have started sounding like them!
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@Rafi:
The last elections were conducted under Mush govt, of which Marvi was a mouthorgan. PPP had nothing to do with power at that time especially when Mush’s voters lists were being prepared. In fact most of the PPP leadership was not even in Pakistan.
There is lie, white lie and then Gholoo. Your example of comparing or even mentioning the Titan like Nelson Mandela in the same breath as Marvi, the offspring of military dictatorship is worse than Gholoo. While Mandela would be among all time’s great freedom fighters, Marvi is not even capable of carrying his shoes. He would not let a lapdog of a dictator come even close to him. While Mandela liberated his country and spent more than a quarter of a century in real jail, Marvi was a poodle of one of the worst dictators of the world. After liberating his country, Mandela forgave all his incarcerators and pursued peace and harmony; he was no military commando against his own people and never surrendered to his enemies unlike Mush and Pakistani generals.
Hashmi and K. Asif of Pakistan Muslim League came out in the open and condemned/apologized their party/family’s support to dictators. I distinctly remember K. Asif apologized on behalf of his later father who was a great democrat and fought against Ayub but later supported Zia. Only a man of real character can do that I wish more people were like him. When did Marvi do that, or is she thinking about it? Like Hashmi, one has to earn the forgiveness of the people by their actions and not simple BS. An opportunist who has never bothered to even contest elections and has always been offered perks on a silver platter, Marvi has seen there is no future for PML-Q anymore. With PML-N forming current and perhaps next govt in Punjab (most of Pakistan’s population) and Mush’s APML, her Q has no chance at all, hence a political summersault before the next elections.
Poor civil rights leader Marvi loves democracy so much that she cannot wait one more year for the next election campaign to start. In her infinite wisdom, the peaceful situation Pakistan from North to South is conducive to have a full political fervor right now! She cannot understand that there were elections in not Pakistan but AJK, and that has created worst political turmoil, hate and killing spree in the whole country especially in Karachi. We are so peaceful and rich country that we should have elections every two years like the US congress!
I have never said that a criminal’s kid cannot be a good citizen. However, Marvi like her father has served the military dictator in her own right. She is not just the “kid but parent also”, hope her kids do not keep the dubious traditions for three generations! It is pathetic that by supporting poor Pakistani people’s mandate, all you can conclude that I am benefitting from it. I can swear upon the lives of all my kids that I do not own any property in Pakistan except perhaps the graves of my parent. I have never been a member of any party, as I am an idealist and no party met my expectations. However, as long as I live and I have raised my kids the same way, I would continue to pursue the cause of democracy and free speech. No matter who is in power via an election, they must complete their term, so in the next elections we can elect better people. It is a long process and not perfect, but this is the only option. As the saying goes, democracy is the worst form of govt except all the others.
Thanks for the personal attacks and not keeping it on the subject. You have every right to like or dislike, which is the beauty of democracy. In the US, once a man was walking by Vice President Dick Cheney and he told Cheney that he is an A. Hole! The media showed this many times and people could do the lip reading as well. However, nobody could do anything as the man was rightfully expressing his opinion and was not physically threatening or committing a crime!Recommend
Marvi, You are a great person with high integrity and you have earned repect from many.
It would be smart if you join Inran Khan’s party.
To some of the blogs above, I would like to point out to stop calling Pakistan’s military rule as dictator – this term does not apply to them when compared to the Scary and bloody democratic rule in Pakistan. In comparison, Pakistani military rule is one of a ‘Caretaker’ rule for the safety of the people and its country. It only takes over only when there is an emergency state in the country to save the population. Pakistani military commands, dignity, integrity, honesty and great ethics like none in the world. So, we are very proud of Marvi’s background – no wonder she has such great ethics and integrity!!
Keep up the good work and honest spirit Marvi!!
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Marvi, as someone said, you are headed for oblivion. Mark these words. You were needed in the PMLQ not for your political prowess nor your intelligence but only for your breathless blabber on TV channels. An era has ended, a chapter has been closed. Now, move on.
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