Are we ready to learn from history?
If this historical occasion is used sombrely, trial against Musharraf might lead us to truth and reconciliation course
The writer is an educationist. He is currently the principal of Sir Adamjee Institute in Karachi
Former president General (retd)Pervez Musharraf’s return to Pakistan has created euphoria among his friends and foes alike, but for different reasons. His detractors, who bayed for his blood, want to see the noose tighten around him while his followers see in him a brave man who kept his promise and returned home, leaving the comforts of foreign shores.
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.
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.