Understanding a few things about Musharraf
Are you tired of the torrents of rumors on Musharraf in the Western press? Well I quite am. This proves only one thing that no one actually has a clue on what’s happening. Okay its true that there are talks going on behind the scene but how do you predict the way this man’s mind would work in such a situation. Musharraf we should remember is a lone bargainer and is under no obligation from any group to come quietly. It is true that he faces very difficult and taxing challenges which could jeopardize his very existence but this is the point politicians get surlier than you expect. And of course why not? Musharraf still thinks that he has been a victim of a conspiracy. Usually when we do something to our advantage we do not reflect on the possible conspiracy theories on deeds or course of action. Yet when it comes to things done to our disadvantage we suddenly become believers in the very conspiracy theories. So it is natural for him to think that there has been a conspiracy in place to displace him. I don’t contend that he is not to quit but to my understanding he is not someone who would like to give up without fights. Politicians in the past the world over have made fools of themselves in trying to make final bids at survival. Whether the major actors on the scene can take effective measures to dissuade him from doing something ridiculous remains yet to be seen. I believe the answer lies in the fact what is offered to him.
We all know that he wants to stay in Pakistan, with all the security and immunity provided to him. While immunity is possible his stay in the country may jeopardize his survival for he does not know how unpopular he has become. And in all fairness if he is provided with the level of security that has kept him out of the harm’s way thus far it would be unprecedented in Pakistan’s history for no non governmental personality especially a retired politician has ever been provided this much security. And wishing that he has to live a long life I have to say that even if the state and government do pledge such a thing it will not be an honest pledge for given the frequency with which our policies and governments change no one can ensure that Musharraf will enjoy this level of security for ever. What is the course of action then? To proceed to Turkey as was the original plan for in Turkey there is lesser degree of militancy. We also understand that the US, the UK and even Israel have offered to provide him security there. That would be far too practical.
As for the immunity I believe that anyone who thinks that he should be prosecuted after his removal is doing us a great disservice to us especially if such a thought is anything more than lip service or mere bargain threat. Musharraf remains a former national leader and while he screwed up big in many a places including Balochistan, and in Karachi on May 12, 2007, not all his policies were a total waste. He deserves our tolerance and respect if he steps down without fuss. If we are asking for his removal it is because he has become a liability for the state as after an age every politician becomes.
And let me clear one thing here. It is wrong to think that he is a victim of a conspiracy. No sir he is not. If he thinks that the PPP has backtracked on its deal under the NRO he should know that that deal did not include the death of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and since she was killed of which he is partially if not totally responsible it has proven to be a deal breaker. He should go without much ado and create new precedents. And yes total immunity should be given to him and peaceful power transfer should be ensured at all costs if he accepts to step down.
Prior to the start the actual impeachment proceedings, the coalition partners have demonstrated their strength by asking the provincial legislatures to pass resolutions supporting Musharraf’s impeachment drive. While the vote against President Musharraf was generally expected to pass in Punjab and NWFP assemblies, the recent vote against him in Sind Assembly showed that even the members of MQM, his staunchest allies, decided to abstain rather than side with the President. This came as the clearest indication yet that his supporters have decided to retreat in the face of mounting pressure for him to resign. The President’s support has almost entirely collapsed.
While accountability of its leaders is healthy for a nation, the process must be fairly implemented and no one should be above the law. The process should be designed to improve the overall quality of governance in Pakistan. Musharraf, Sharif, Zardari and others must all be held equally accountable for their current and pass actions for the process of accountability to be fair and balanced.
The US media are now focusing on how Pakistan fares in a post-Musharraf era as a paramount concern to the U.S., where officials have become increasingly concerned about the country’s direction. Mr. Musharraf’s pro-American stance and his military campaign against Islamic insurgents in his country have given way to a troubled strategy of peace deals with militants, says the Wall Street Journal.