President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain. PHOTO: AFP
The controversy could quite easily have been avoided. There could never have been any doubt that Mamnoon Hussain would be the next president of Pakistan and creating a more amicable environment for this, by moving the date to one approved by all parties, would have done no harm at all. Debate at this point, as to the wisdom or otherwise of the decision by the PPP and its allies, seems somewhat pointless.
Mr Hussain, born in Agra in 1940, has of course been rewarded for his long-standing loyalty to the PML-N. He had briefly served as the governor of Sindh before the 1999 military coup. We will be watching over the coming months what Mr Hussain brings to the highest office in the land. Following the Eighteenth Amendment, the president holds essentially only symbolic power. Mr Hussain, who has made a few comments regarding policy, will need to realise this and help take his office towards a point where it can stand above day-to-day matters, and act in a manner that allows our state to gain the dignity and status that it so badly needs in the international community. This should be Mr Hussain’s main challenge as he moves into the presidency and attempts to wipe it clean of the stains accrued over the last many years.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2013.
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US CENTCOM congratulates the Pakistani nation on the election of its 12th President. The historical transition of one democratically elected to another shows the commitment of the Pakistani nation to the process of democracy. We hope to continue on the path of cooperation and better working relationship with the new president as well. After the May general elections White House Press Secretary Jay Carney had said. "The US and Pakistan have a long history of working together on mutual interests, and this administration looks forward to continuing our cooperation with the Pakistani government that emerges from this election as equal partners in supporting a more stable, secure and prosperous future for the people of Pakistan,"
Abdul Quddus DET-United States Central Command
President should always be selected from Pakistan Army. This way we can keep balance and both sides happy and monitored. Also, as per constitution President is the head of Army.
Polpot, after reading your endless meaningless posts, finally I am glad to read something very good. Well done to you.
Some are born great and some have greatness thrust on them ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The new President can make a worthwhile contribution by championing the cause of the poor Pakistani citizen.He can develop a citizens charter and work on its implementation. At least he can look after all those families of citizens who are left without support after their breadwinners die in violence and look after those who are maimed and injured.
Mr Mamnoon should forget about serving gol gappay for now and try to do something good for the country, thats the responsibility of getting such an opportunity.
Suits to the needs of the brothers. For rest of the nation, he will be another Fazal Elahi Chaudhry under house arrest in Ewan-e-Sadar. Take a few books with you Mr. Hussain as you will be lonely in that white building and do not worry about the outside world. The life outside will remain "nasty, brutish, and short." It is Mimlakat Khuda Dad-e-Pakistan after all. Might prevails over right in this so-called Islami Jamhooria.