This is with reference to Pervez Tahir’s article “Inviting patriotic generals”
TORONTO: This is with reference to Pervez Tahir’s article “Inviting patriotic generals” (September 3). Fair enough – military rule may not have given us much but could the writer now write his next article outlining all that civilian elected governments have given to the people of Pakistan. He should also write about democracy which is apparently a wonderful thing that civilian governments have bestowed on Pakistan.
The failure to build democracy and civilian rule in Pakistan in the last 63 years is a joint consequence of the army’s ambitions and self-regard, and the politicians venality, incompetence, and general disregard for building effective institutions, and if they won’t do it, who will? To blame the army solely while ignoring the failings of the politicians is like blaming earthquake deaths solely on plate tectonics and ignoring the role of shoddy construction. It was a duet, not a solo performance.
Shahid Husain
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2010.
