PERVEZ Musharraf's appearances in the media and his claims of popularity among the masses astonish the people of Pakistan, and many letters were sent and published in Dawn criticising him and his ideas.

His being good or bad is a different thing. What I would like to say is that when we can accept corrupt politicians as our leaders, why a corrupt dictator cannot be accepted as a politician.

Mr Musharraf was a dictator who toppled down an elected government illegally. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there are examples of bad people being elected and holding important portfolios like ministers and governors.

The PPP and the PML(N), the diehard opponents of the past, are coalition partners now. To keep the majority in the National Assembly the prime minister is also having talks with the PML (Q), once labelled as 'qatil' League by the PPP. In 2008, even dictator Gen (Rtd) Musharraf talked with politicians and allowed all political leaders to contest the election freely.

When such coalitions, deals and talks can be practised to save the government, then why a former illegal president cannot be a politician and take part in the next election.

It is a quality of the people of Pakistan that we have a very short-lived memory. We forget the misdeeds, all the lies, corruptions and atrocities of our rulers within a very short period. Only a charming slogan and false commitments of bright future make us fantasised and we feel ourselves flying in a fairyland.

So my poor fellow countrymen, get not ignited emotionally to hear about Mr Musharraf, but be prepared to give him a warm welcome at his return from his self-exile.

AMJAD CHANDIOLarkana