KARACHI: Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf has said there is a need of restructuring the political system in the country through an empowered interim government with the backing of the armed forces.
Addressing the annual convention of youth parliament here on Thursday, he said: “Historically no civilian government has performed [efficiently] in the country. The socio-economic condition only improved in the tenure of General Ayub and my government.”
The former army chief suggested giving armed forces a role in the constitution to make Pakistan more prosperous and stronger. “People have always invited army to intervene in difficult time and some elements term it unconstitutional. I think the army should be given the role by making amendment to the constitution in the interest of nation,” he said, adding that the military was not the final solution, but it can create suitable environment for political parties to continue.
Musharraf added that the future of Pakistan would be “bleak” if government slashed the armed forces budget.
“The previous government made a blunder by abolishing 58 (2)(b) under which president of Pakistan had power to dissolve parliament by sending the prime minister packing. It was a good provision in the constitution to hold the prime minister as well as the entire government accountable,” he said. He added that his government established the National Security Council (NSC) comprising members of the armed forces and civilians so that the president could not misuse his authority.
“The president had to get consent from the council before using the 58 (2)(b) powers. Similarly, the army chief had to get the approval from NSC before going ahead with the important decision.”
He said the PPP with the support of opposition parties promulgated the 18 amendment and abolished 58 (2)(b) provision, giving dictatorial powers to party head who can now dispel the elected member of their party from parliament.
Talking about the present situation, the ex-army chief said: “Protests and sit-ins start when justice is not delivered to the masses.”
Meanwhile, the leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), including its president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, met General Musharraf at his residence in Karachi late Thursday night.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2014.
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