Pakistan

Punjab politics: ‘Musharraf will come back by year end’

APML to hold rally, seeks support from former local govt officials.

Abdul Manan April 16, 2011

LAHORE:

Former President Pervez Musharraf will return to Pakistan at the end of the year, said members of his political party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

The APML has planned a rally on April 17 in Lahore, which Musharraf is expected to address via video conferencing and lay out the party’s agenda.

The party appears to be gearing up for a political fight against Punjab’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). The APML has issued a ‘charge sheet’ outlining the failures of the Punjab government and written a letter to elected local officials in Punjab asking them to support the party.

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif was prime minister in October 1999 when he was ousted by General Musharraf in a military coup. Musharraf introduced the elected local government system in 2001, which was then abolished by the PML-N when it came into office in Punjab in 2008.

The response from former union council officials has been lukewarm. Of the more than 86,000 nazims in the last local administration in Punjab, only 140 have agreed to join the party at its April 17 rally, according to Chaudhry Fahad Hussain, the Punjab head of the APML.

In recent months, the APML has tried to align itself with other political parties. APML leaders attended a Lahore rally held by the Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), in what was billed as the MQM’s bid to launch itself as a national party.

The APML seems to be seeking to compete especially strongly for Punjab. Party leaders were keen to point out that the former president would be landing at Lahore Airport when he returns to the country and that the party would arrange a welcome event for him in the capital city of the largest province in the country.

Meanwhile, the party’s ‘charge sheet’ against the PML-N government in Punjab levels a series of allegations of the misuse of authority and abuse of power, and alleges that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has a “lust for power.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (38)

saba | 13 years ago | Reply WElcome back Musharraf SAhab and wish you very best of luck

salim | 13 years ago | Reply @Mirza: Add the follwing to ZAB's 'achievements': Responsible with the army for fall of East Pakistan. Disastrous nationalisation resulting in ruination of the economy, consequences of which felt even today Elimination of opponents. Creation of FSF, totally against the constitution, used to terrorise and eliminate opponents and the list goes on

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Dr. Saleem Siddiqi | 13 years ago | Reply @Mirza: You have diverted the topic to Army rule which is uncalled for here. Here we are talking of leadership qualities of Musharaf. Bhutto betrayed the nation"Idhar hum - Udhar tum" and divided the country - the biggest traitor who cannot be compared with Musharaf - who always preached Sub say pehlay Pakistan. Musharaf main aim was to cleans the nation and build the economy which he successfully did. Ses US$ and Pak Rupee conversion rate in Musharaf era and what is prevailing right now. Stock Market was booming and Exports was rising. There was no Load Shedding in Musharaff era which speaks for his superb planning. He tried his best to start working on Kalaa Bagh Dam, but to these very political leaders (your favourite) this Kaala Bagh Dam could not be materialized. Political system in Pakistan has become a musical chairs for Waderas and Choudhries who either come from one party or their relatives come from another parties either directly or through lotacracy. A bloody revolution is needed to revamp all these corrupt politicians and we need a strong and honest leader like Musharaf to lead the way. If you and and I are alive, we will well see him coming back and assume the power of the Government corridor. Wait for a change. Dr. Saleem Siddiqi Johannesburg, South Africa

Mirza | 13 years ago | Reply @Saleem Siddiqi: I am glad that despite lot of hot air and personal attack, you could not name a single power plant or gas development in Mush's long era where he had totalitarian dictatorial powers. There was no excuse for him not to do that. That guerrilla rat could design an invasion and surrender at Tiger Hill but nothing for the development of civilian infra structure. All the combined four terms of Sharif and BB did not last as long as Mush, Ayub, and Zia's totalitarian rule. They were invaded by the military even before their one term was completed. On the other hand all these generals gave themselves absolute powers. Pakistan has been ruled by these army generals for the better part of its short history. If these were good people the country would not be in the shape it is now. All the wars and worst defeats including dismemberment and surrender to Indians happened in the days of army and not civilians. Only one civilian govt completed its one term as yet, that was ZAB. In that: A new port was developed called Port Qasim First steel mill was set up Several medical and engineering schools were established All the defeated, disgraced army men were brought back from India. First time a constitution was implemented with unanimity in the country I can keep going but the message is clear. Zia's name has been deleted from the presidency and official history of Pakistan. It is about time that the rat, snake and fugitive Mush has the same fate. Better late than never. A dictator is a swear word, there cannot be a good dictator like a good pimp or good prostitute. Grow up and smell the coffee, what is happening with all the dictators in the world. How many of them are coming back to power after they are driven out? Mirza, USA

Dr. Saleem Siddiqi | 13 years ago | Reply @Mirza: Two times PML-N and Three times PPP what they have achieved to boost Power Generations in Pakistan. It seems that you are blowing out of proportion just for the sake of opposition of Pervaiz Musharaf. Capturing Red Fort is not on the Pakistan's Agenda. How the hell you are dragging your feet to a non-issue. Every knows that due to armed terrorists hiding in Laal Masjid which first burned a neaby Government Building with all the official records and when they fired upon on Pakistani Forces and kiilled couple of them, only then Pakistani forces retaliated. However, before launching an attack, there were lot of negotiations by 3rd and 4th parties but all failed. The matter was so much dragged that the same media started accusing Musharaff that Laal Masjid is Musharaf's B team which just killing time to divert public attention from CJ issue. However, when Pak forces were forced to flush these terrerorists, the same media made an U-Turn in support of Laal Masjid. Hue on cry on Laal Masjid is therefore unjust and is being overplayed. Chief Justice matter was highly politicized. PML-N once attached Supreme Court but to just for the opposition of Musharaf, came to roads just to protect CJ going through Supreme Judicial Council to face charge sheet. What a country and politics based Judges.

Mirza | 13 years ago | Reply @his fan: Yes you are right. The power plants and the new gas supplies that Mush has developed in his totalitarian era are prevented from working by PML-N and PPP. This rat did not do a damn thing for the long term development of the country. He could not capture Red Fort but did conquer Red Mosque. Threw 60 judges and their families in jail, you get the picture! Mirza, USA

Andrea | 13 years ago | Reply @his fan: You forget that all the current problems in the nation were caused in large measure by Musharraf's policies. How can anyone- even the PPP- fix all the problems caused by Musharraf in hardly four years. I don't think that Musharraf appeals to anyone in Pakistan who can impartially look at all the damage he did to institutions and the nation.

his fan | 13 years ago | Reply @Tuftan Baig: well do you like the conditions prevailing these days in pakistan elec gas water prices and security thesedays please compare all these with the days of musharaf and yuoll find it out yourself

Maria | 13 years ago | Reply @Aurangzeb: A man who uses guns on his own people and trumpets his own horn is hardly considered a soldier. Look at how Kayani has earned the trust and respect of Pakistan's people by remaining a professional soldier who does his job well. Musharraf was the opposite which is why even the military want nothing to do with him anymore.

salim | 13 years ago | Reply @Aurangzeb: Please take a look at videos on Lal Masjid before the army operation. See terrorists armed to the teeth with weapons- rocket launchers, grenade launchers sub machine guns, klasnikovs etc. See the head cleric Abdul Ghazi spit venom and and making calls for suicide attacks. Read interviews of Akber Bugti especially the one by Christina Lamb and then go there for a holiday!

Ahmad | 13 years ago | Reply 140/86000 isnt lukewarm, its beyond abysmally pathetic.

Aurangzeb | 13 years ago | Reply I hope that this chicken hearted general does come back. There are many people eagerly waiting for his return. I hope that he performs his first Jumma at Lal Masjid. People at Lal Masjid will give him a very warm welcome, and perhaps a solute with 21 rifles. Dera Bugti might be the best vacation spot for Musharraf. There too, the Bugtis are eagerly waiting to host him - well.

saad malik | 13 years ago | Reply We are all set to make tomorrow's jalsa successful.....

Dr. Saleem Siddiqi | 13 years ago | Reply @MI: Fully agreed. It is time for Waderaas and Landlord to leave politics and only people irrespective of their ethinic background to take control of this country's politics. We must have fair TV debates and let all of them present their challenging program. Let people brain storm to find who is good and who is bad. We know that we have very limited TV audience but atleast, media will spread a word to the masses. We still have have 1-1/2 years in Elections- ample time for assessment. Let us start doing it now. Let us work and implement biometric system of voting system instead of fake id cards, which are grossly mis-used to win in the past elections. Regards Dr. Saleem Siddiqi

Major Sahab | 13 years ago | Reply Mr.Mushraf when u wanted to come back to Pakistan why di you go out then? Were you waiting for the Murder Charges of BB on you to get cleared so you can come and make a heroic entrance. Hum logo ney dekh aur bardash be kar liya hai jo ap ney haal kiya tha Pakistan ka.Pleas Stay there and play your game.We dont want you back in pakistan.

Maria | 13 years ago | Reply The problem is that people in Pakistan can never get out of the cult of personality. In a country of 180 million, it's folly to want to think only a few familiar faces can run the country. We had 8 years of Musharraf dictatorship and he did nothing for the nation but bring terrorism. Now the same man who took over illegally wants to be part of the elections process? What a joke that the people of Pakistan allow such behaviour. Anywhere else in the world, he would be held accountable for treason but in Pakistan he has a following of people who don't care about rule of law or the constitution. Only when our people can understand what constitutes treason and how to follow a system can Pakistan flourish. Even General Kayani has distanced himself from Musharraf. Musharraf is yesterday's man and he has no relevance except to show the problems caused by dictatorship. How would Musharraf like it of someone kicks him out after when he wins all of his one seat from Karachi? That would be just desserts for a character like him.

Cautious | 13 years ago | Reply Only in Pakistan can someone who is being investigated in a murder be a candidate to head a major political party and consider running for PM - the only thing he needs to add to his resume is an indictment for corruption/bribery.

MI | 13 years ago | Reply Indeed a very welcome news. Finally some light at end of the tunnel. This news has really made my day. We cannot afford to continue with present jokers of N league and PPP. Dear Musharraf we have been missing you everday and every moment. Present looters have plagued my country, which you had put on right track. Now we need decades for recovery. Long live Musharraf long live Pakistan.

Riaz Butt | 13 years ago | Reply Well come our great hero Pervez Musharraf. We need you to get rid of corrupt and hypocrite PMLN and PPP. We witnessed ever best time under your rule. We like you because you have courage to speak truth, face challenges and analyze the situation. You worked for pakistan while present looters only work for their families. Constitution is for Pakistan - Pakistan is not for constitution. We need our survival first, which has been put on stake by hypocrite and looter PMLN and PPP. Pakistan First.

Sean | 13 years ago | Reply Many of the comments reflect the composition of aspiring nation that needs a very long time to develop...ie in literacy and education. There is more ethnic tones to the discussions than real substance. Pakistan is caught in historical dilemma which many developing countries are caught in. The present leadership is uneducated or very poorly educated at best reflecting the state of the nation. Ripe in corruption and poor local and national strategies... Most are a real embarrassment to Pakistan. The change has to come with decades of emphasis on education and development of a real middle class. Investment in primary and higher education, business, and resource development should be priority and sustained. If not only in fairness, but also as a patriotic duty...The taxation should finally include the 10% who hold majority of the Pakistan’s wealth to contribute to a Nation that has given them so much. It is sad to say foreign investment is an important key part to the development of any nation...that appears to be a far fantasy as long as the country is perceived as unstable and in the grips of a battle with extremist. The journey in development and poverty reduction is long and frustrating but if history is any teacher it will include a new national identity that is less ethnically inclined, a large well educated middle class, an educated leadership, and an open economy with free trade not protectionism, which only helps poorly competitive corporations. Pakistan is beautiful country that has the potential to be great with a very young demographic. It will take decades with new leadership that focuses on the selfless pursuit of its fellow citizens rather than corrupt practices that only satisfies their ethnic goals, personal egos and deep pockets.

hamza | 13 years ago | Reply @Grace: can you explain how a man who is not in uniform, has his own political party, willing to fight for elections democratically can be called a dictator? or are you one of those 'educated' PPP supporters?

hamza | 13 years ago | Reply @adul rafay: nonsense...the majority of his key advisors, military and civilian, were punjabi (the chaudhries, lt general hamid javed, most of his military advisors, etc). this is ethnic based politics by people like yourself. as for karachi, yes the MQM was given key slots in sindh, but only an idiot would not understand the reasons for this. we all need to only need to see whats going on in karachi today to understand the reasons for this.

Grace | 13 years ago | Reply @Jimmy: I think that the educated people of Pakistan have come to understand more and more why characters such as Musharraf are the worst possible scenario for Pakistan. Only by following the system we inherited from the Quaid can Pakistan move forward; not by blindly following dictators who compromise whatever principles are left in our governance. Sad that while other countries want to kick out dictators, some confused people want to welcome dictators in Pakistan!

muhammad akram | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Sirs, I would like to mention only that PPP & PML are just looting this country to recover 10 years losses and nothing else. Neither they have will, courge, able, or right for pakistan, Zardari policy of tolrence and alliances are just bluff, and a trick to bring all political parties together to suck this country and run away like happen in the past. Musharraf is a great leader, if nation support him, he has vision, courge, openness, and guts to save pakistan if supported by nation, but our nation is not a nation, they do not deserve to have leader like musharraf that is why they are suffering and will suffer more in the future. thanks

Yousaf | 13 years ago | Reply Yes and we are ready to Welcome! and to get rid of PPP & PML(N)....

Maria | 13 years ago | Reply @Q: At what a welcome it will be! You think the people will welcome Ben Ali back to Tunisia with enthusiasm. Maybe in your mind, Mubarak will be welcomed back with great pomp too? The people of Pakistan, Punjab included have matured since the last dictatorship. No one wants to see the return of the very dictator who destabilized the nation.

mashrique | 13 years ago | Reply @adul rafay:Now I see why you hold this grudge against 'Musharraf.'It's not nationalism,patriotism,or even Pakistaniat that matters most,in fact,it's something to do with his ethnicity! Bhai,how much price have we paid?and how much more capacity you have for this very thinking which has divided the whole nation on ethnicity,provincialism and communal lines.Musharraf did not serve the interest of any particular party or group of people for their ethnic background,he only served the interests of Pakistan as patriotic and nationalist.Had this not been the case he would not have served as'Chief Of Armed Forces' of Pakistan.I have no intention to impose my way of thinking or ideas upon you,it was an effort to show the right way to a misguided,ignorant Pakistani brother of mine. thanx and cheers!!!

mashrique | 13 years ago | Reply PMLN has lost it's national approach,their popularity is even shrinking within the territory of Punjab at an unnoticed pace.Nawaz Sharif is living in constant fear of Musharraf or Musharraf's phobia.No doubt,he is hell bent to settle accounts with 'Musharraf',which is his very personal.Sharif & company must keep in mind that \'Musharraf's return may herald a new dawn for the whole nation under enormous socio-economic and political stress, and dusk for Nawaz Sharif's political dynasty in Punjab.Go ahead Mr. sharif,do your best to counter the Musharraf,only the true patriotic and nationalist will finally prevail in this battle of your's and my vote is for 'Musharraf'!

Jimmy | 13 years ago | Reply Welcome Mr. Musharraf As day passes, love for Musharraf increases. The more the looting, lawlessness and mis governance in Pakistan, the more you are remembered. The current political set up has disappointed the nation. Unfortunately, we are robbed by 2 parties (PPP & PML-N), who are in a looting spree to recover their last 10 years loss for being out of politics and make future fortunes (as it is unlikely that they will ever come back). Please come back and restore our national pride.

Faraz | 13 years ago | Reply @abu ahmd This is the irony as they say we truly are "lakeer kay faqeer",when he broke the constitution his move was validated by the incumbent chief justice iftikhar ch and he stated musharaf's move was in national interest.and now when he is coming into politics through constitutional means you people are sill calling him dictator.i am not a supporter of musharaf but the fact is that Pakistan was far far better under his watch than it is now.

Abu Ahmd | 13 years ago | Reply Musharraf and his dissiple will be made an example for the rest of the world that whomever whever will try to support a illegal and corrupt dictator they will meet the fate very much similar to this::: Hellfire is ready for Musharraf:::

Kazmis | 13 years ago | Reply Before election Musharraf will come back to Pakistan, because he has to do his duties assigned by his bosses, whatsoever he is treated in Pakistan like a dog or like a snake...

Tuftan Baig | 13 years ago | Reply Mush will never return to Pakistan. Since the day he ordered attack on Red Mosque that resulted in killing thousands of innocent students and arrested and sold his own countrymen to rot in Guantanamo Torture Centre, his goose was cooked. Mush must now suspect someone behind every bush out to get him. Besides, he is libertine with hardly any faith in religion or the day of judgement; otherwise, he would not have conducted himself the way he did in his nine year rule. He is like Pinochet on the run.

salim | 13 years ago | Reply PML N will put all possible hurdles in the way!

Malik Tabeer | 13 years ago | Reply Ahan Finally we have Some good news :) WElcome back Musharraf SAhab and wish you very best of luck

muhammad nizam | 13 years ago | Reply He was a real brave man,he was the only one who had the courage to take on the religious savages operating in our country.He took action against the terrorists of the laal masjid which had been made into a hotbed of people with hatefilled,intolerant,misogynistic,homophobic religious ideology. our rightwing media went into overdrive to glorify the religious terrorists & place the blame on the govt. instead of the jihadi barbarians illegally occupying the mosque. the present govt. is too weak & cowardly to do anything about the mazhabi nutcases & is bent on a policy of appeasement towards the religious barbarians. the president should know,appeasing the religious barbarians didn't save zulfiqar bhutto & it won't save him from their murderous,intolerant agenda.

Q | 13 years ago | Reply You will receive a warm welcome upon your return Sir. God bless you and grant you with success.

adul rafay | 13 years ago | Reply How stupid does he think punjabis are?? we know all he did in his tenure was to serve the interests of a karachi based party only because he belonged to their ethnic group.He systematically ensured the sidelining of people from the largest province in key positions in the country be it the governorhsip of the state bank,the prim minister's office or a multitude of other important positions.

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