Political foresight: Musharraf predicts technocrat govt
Says the country needs free and fair elections without any form of rigging
KARACHI:
Former president Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday predicted the formation of an interim technocrat government in the country.
The former military ruler, appearing via video conference, was addressing All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) workers in Karachi.
“I am foreseeing the formation of a technocrat government in the country with no immediate elections,” he said.
He stressed that change was direly needed in the political culture of Pakistan, adding that the country’s future was bleak if the rulers continued with their policies.
The 70-year-old former general called for fresh elections in the country and reforms in the electoral process.
“What we need is free and fair elections without any form of rigging,” he said.
Defending the anti-government sit-ins in the capital, Musharraf said deprivation of rights to the masses has led to protests across the country.
Rejecting speculations about a possible union with Dr Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), he said the APML had its own ideology but his party supports the demonstrations in Islamabad.
Addressing his supporters, Musharraf, who is facing a myriad of legal challenges, said that he had returned to contest polls and bring political change to Pakistan.
“I will support Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif if he put Pakistan on the path of progress and prosperity” he said.
The former president said he fought wars for the country, but in return he was labelled a traitor and treason charges were brought against him. He said that he would continue to defend himself in court against the treason charges and other legal cases until justice is served.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2014.
Former president Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday predicted the formation of an interim technocrat government in the country.
The former military ruler, appearing via video conference, was addressing All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) workers in Karachi.
“I am foreseeing the formation of a technocrat government in the country with no immediate elections,” he said.
He stressed that change was direly needed in the political culture of Pakistan, adding that the country’s future was bleak if the rulers continued with their policies.
The 70-year-old former general called for fresh elections in the country and reforms in the electoral process.
“What we need is free and fair elections without any form of rigging,” he said.
Defending the anti-government sit-ins in the capital, Musharraf said deprivation of rights to the masses has led to protests across the country.
Rejecting speculations about a possible union with Dr Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), he said the APML had its own ideology but his party supports the demonstrations in Islamabad.
Addressing his supporters, Musharraf, who is facing a myriad of legal challenges, said that he had returned to contest polls and bring political change to Pakistan.
“I will support Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif if he put Pakistan on the path of progress and prosperity” he said.
The former president said he fought wars for the country, but in return he was labelled a traitor and treason charges were brought against him. He said that he would continue to defend himself in court against the treason charges and other legal cases until justice is served.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2014.