General Pervez Musharraf has launched a new political party in London: All Pakistan Muslim League. All moderate people have welcomed his new political party and hoped that it will play a significant role in reducing the ongoing severe economic crises and wave of terrorism.

During his rule, Musharraf had made maximum efforts to improve the social and economic development of Pakistan. In his first speech as party leader he admitted that he made some mistakes at the end of his regime despite achieving success but he also explained that he did all this for the sake of the country and that there was a long history behind all his decisions.

However, people should not take Musharraf’s confession as his weakness. This is the first time in the history of Pakistan that a leader has publicly admitted his mistakes. He, however, has vowed to bring Pakistan out of the present crises and deal with the enemies with an iron hand. Taking a decision to launch a new political party and returning Pakistan is a big challenge for Musharraf.

People have already given a chance to the two big political parties. Nawaz is only popular in Pakistan whereas Musharraf is a world-recognised leader. Zardari’s popularity is decreasing day by day. I believe this time the people of Pakistan will not support these parties in the best interest of Pakistan as people need food, clothes and shelter.

Politicians have spent several years in jail on various charges and are therefore cashing in by accruing wealth through unfair means. In this situation, General Pervez Musharraf seems to be the only leader in Pakistan whose political history is free from any charges of corruption. People, despite his shortcomings, want him in power to steer the country out of present economic crises.

It is high time that Imran Khan shuns differences with Pervez Musharraf and strengthens his resolve. Conversely he has no place in the future to play a significant role in Pakistani politics. If he joins Pervez Musharraf, he may become the future Prime Minister of Pakistan while Musharraf can become the president.

IBADAT KHAN Lahore

(II)

Mr. Irfan Hussain in his article (Oct 2) has analysed the comeback of Musharraf who has launched a new party from London. Every citizen has the right to enter politics; in fact he became a politician on Oct 12, 1999 when he staged a coup against Mian Nawaz Sharif.

He has sought apologies from the nation for the mistakes he committed. Question arises as to whether he did commit mistakes. The answer is no. Mistakes are sometimes committed in ignorance and can be forgiven but in his case all his so called mistakes seemed deliberate. The people of Pakistan cannot forget when he proudly raised his hand in showing his strength publicly at the massacre of innocent people. Was that a mistake? Launching of party at this time has a purpose as it is linked with the campaign launched against the present government. How strange it is that all those who were criticising Gen Musharraf when he was in power are now in the forefront to help him in his comeback.

The nation is bleeding because of his acts and deeds. The war on terror is a gift from Musharraf that has seen indiscriminate killing of innocent people, damage of property and creating bad law and order situation. People have not forgotten handing over of Dr. Aafia to the US who has been sentenced to 86 years of imprisonment.

The damage caused to Pakistan by Musharraf is beyond repair; therefore, in the name of justice he must face the music.

How strange it is that he is suggesting the army to play its role and have a share in the government. Dictatorship has no mandate or morality for the people of Pakistan and is an affront to the concept of democracy.

The current state of affairs is an evolution of the years of democratic neglect and Musharraf’s eight years still haunt our memories.

I agree with Irfan Hussain that the PML(N) should join the government.

MUKHTAR AHMED BUTT Karachi Cantt