The writer is an educationist. He is currently the principal of Sir Adamjee Institute in Karachi
Strange, it may seem, that while he was abroad, his detractors, including the right-wing media, vociferously cried hoarse that he should return and face trials pending against him in courts. Paradoxically, when he has returned, they demand to know why he did so; didn’t he know life in Pakistan would not be comfortable and that he would be made answerable for all his deeds?
Musharraf is no fool. Knowing full well and cognisant of the perils, he is in full public view. Right from day one, he has been appearing regularly in various courts and fulfilling legal formalities. Doesn’t he have the right to defend himself? So, why this hullabaloo? Why can’t we display civilised behaviour? I am amazed that we are driven by myths and perceptions. Sadly, the electronic media has only added to the confusion and fed the majority of the populace with only half of the truth.
If history is any indicator, yesterday’s enemies are today’s darlings. If Ziaul Haq is a hateful character, then what about his then-opposition parties? Justice cannot be selective. They, too, have to answer for the events of the time. Why do people not remember those army officials who refused to open fire on demonstrators in Lahore and elsewhere?
I am overjoyed at Musharraf ’s return for two reasons. He has proven that he is a man of character and words. Secondly, he has provided this nation the golden opportunity to learn the truth. It is going to be the first time that the history about Musharraf’s rule will be written based on facts and not lies or popular fiction. I would advise all parties to show patience, maturity and restraint and seize the moment. Let truth be the victor, not the casualty. Let me also warn those elements who want to create a fiasco in a gung-ho manner, in order to play to the gallery, that their immature behaviour might deprive the nation of ever knowing the truth.
Why isn’t Musharraf given space if he wants to try his luck in politics according to the rules of the game? While he has been denied an opportunity to go to the polls, his abettors have been declared sadiq and ameen, ironically by those who helped Musharraf remain in power. He is duly attending to the courts as an ordinary citizen but unfortunately, the uncivilised behaviour of lawyers, and the language and partisan behaviour of the media is beyond my comprehension. Media channels’ mockery of calling him an absconder is a slap on our archaic and dysfunctional education system. Illiterate or semi-literate people might be amused by the media circus but not cultured or civilised people.
As a student of history, I am positive that if this momentous and historical occasion is used sombrely and with utmost care, the trial against Musharraf might lead us to the truth and reconciliation course. Perhaps, then, the course of events in Pakistan will not be as elusive and clueless as it is now. Our new generation will be taught about past events in their true perspective, free from bias.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2013.
COMMENTS (25)
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Very well said Cmd Anjum.........I think you are hitting the nail on the head.
@NK:
let it be proved in the court....why drawing lines now..
Your comment is acutally wht the Author is bothered about....act like a mature citizen and let the trail continue before jumping to conclusions
@Nadir: Sir there is connection! Guess?
@GhostRider It is none of your business in approving or dis-approving an Individual's opinion.
The author is asking are we going to learn from history. To me the answer is No. because the history has been distorted and shown accordingly. But here history has been created.( Ex chief of army is arrested) which will be taught in history books.
@NK: Agreed and disagreed. It takes two to tango. CAN ALL THESE PEOPLE CLAMORING FOR HIS TRIAL UNDER ARTICLE 6, CLAP WITH ONE HAND? They are trying very hard to.
Musharraf did good and bad. Where are his die-hard supporters who are now his detractors? Only Ahmed Raza Kasuri has spoken openly and is supporting him. However, Choudhary Shujaat, and Altaf Hussain have spoken of a hint in his favor. Where are Mushahid Hussain, Shaukat Aziz, Pervaiz Elahi, and the mosaic of supporters and media persons who were always in attendance?
Shame on us Pakistanis for looking at the law with one eye. Salams
@gp65: As the Leader of the country most of the the decisions are in the Best Interest of the State ! The rest are Just allegations and Popular Fiction ! And if I may ask to whose benefit was the NRO if Not for the Herculian and ever so precious task of "Restoring the Democratic Process". The fruits of which the country economy Law and Order and every citizen is reaping right ! Also what international credibility did we enjoy before M ??
What is being done in the name of speedy justice to Musharraf is sheer prejudice. Give him a fair trial. for once lets set the record straight in our history books. Kudos to the writer.
@gp65: You have no business speaking on Pakistani politics when you dont know the ground realities and more importantly you form your opinions by watching 'Tahelka" channel.
Difficult one to judge, but Musharaf's act look like a fools false hope.
Sadly thats not the case, we are not going to see Musharaf being put into justice by the Fed Govt, which is Criminal in it self as the allegations on him are Serious.
@NK: @Nadir: @gp65: I agree with you all. My previous post is not published perhaps too truthful to handle! I partially agree with the author that "Mush is a character alright". The arrogance of Mush and his handful of elite supporters should be brought to reality. What is wrong for giving justice and day in court to Mush? Regards, M
The question is whether he has subverted the constitution if the constitution has any value in your eyes, incarcerating the higher judiciary is lawful or not. Was that a civilized behavior by a person who imprisoned even the Chief Justice of Pakistan, I don't think so. Yes, he should be given the fair chance to defend himself but his behavior and uttering about the courts was arrogant. A law abiding citizen should have surrendered right before the judge when the judge revoked his bail but no, he had to prove that these pesky laws don't apply to him or the likes of him in Pakistan. He could have not behaved like he did in the courts of US or England. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has the chance to prove it to the world that it is a world class court by granting a fair trial to Musharraf although he did not grant any fair chance to those who has disappeared and some of them sent to Gitmo during his tenure. I smell bias in your article.
@Zee Paki: "Musharraf is a rare blend of leader, diplomat, and non-politician that should be embraced rather than the unjust loathing by a large portion of the media."
Sure, he is rare indeed. - As a leader, he refused to acept the dead bidies of soldiers he sent to battle - As a diplomat, deceived US by accepting money to fight war on terror but providing safe haven to Quetta Shura. As such he reduced Pakistan's credibility internationally. - As a non-politician he facilitate the NRO.
Bravo.
very well said through!
A balanced article on Musharraf, finally, after all the unfair and frankly dishonest writings in the media. Musharraf is a rare blend of leader, diplomat, and non-politician that should be embraced rather than the unjust loathing by a large portion of the media.
"I am overjoyed at Musharraf ’s return for two reasons. He has proven that he is a man of character and words.." You are joking, right?
nice writing... voice of civilized and educated people... let Musharraf be tried by the courts, media and all those fractions which grew in Musharraf's era.
Musharraf a man of his word and character? The entire world saw him how he kept his word and character when he brought an entire nation to a brink of collapse after not getting his way to extend his illegitimate rule.
After your horrible article supporting corporal punishment, you know say you are overjoyd by a dictator's return as "He has proven that he is a man of character and word". Who made you incharge of a house of learning!?
Great Article about a Great Man.
unfortunately; a Pilgrim in an Unholy land.
From the articles getting published in the last few days, it is interesting to note that Musharraf continues to enjoy support in certain intellectual circles of Pakistan. On a side note, author's following observation conveys an elitist mind..."Illiterate or semi-literate people might be amused by the media circus but not cultured or civilised people."