Pakistan needs a ‘real’ dictator
I am very disappointed in Musharraf
People can have a really short memory span. When Musharraf first came to power back in 1999 there were jubilations on the streets. People were sick and tired of this virus called ‘democracy.’
Prior to Musharraf , under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, the governmental setup had reached new lows of incompetence. Various measures he took as Prime Minster were both short-sighted and reactionary. Some were out right dumb. For instance his foiled attempt to have himself crowned the Amir ul Momineen (leader of the faithful) would have made the country the world’s laughing stock.
However this is not an article in praise of Musharraf. “I am not a dictator.” He has made this statement on countless occasions. He is lying of course. In fact Musharraf is not a ‘proper’ dictator. He is wannabe dictator. The fact is that in Pakistan it is very difficult for a ruthless tyrant to last for long.
Pakistanis are by nature a highly rebellious and disorderly nation. The proud people of Pakistan accept no authority, neither state nor foreign. Many are eager to come out and march on the street, burn flags and make rowdy chants. This fundamental fact lies at the heart of the problem facing the country today. No leader stands a chance of lasting for long, and those that do get booed at.
Successful dictators need to make clear to their people who the real boss is. They need to totally stifle the media (including nonsensically inclined, sarcastic blog postings.) Half hearted measures such as temporarily closing certain television channels on the pretext of emergency will not do. A total wipeout of everything except Pakistan Television would be a good place to start.
True dictators must also be exceptionally harsh on any voices of dissent within the judiciary. “Scum of the Earth” is how Musharraf describes the former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry whom he ousted from office on a personal vendetta. Not tough enough old boy. I say make a real example of the man. Parade him on state television riding on the back of a donkey holding a placard with the words “loser here.” Then send him on exile to one of the many under-developed districts in rural Pakistan whom you have dutifully neglected. That will teach him.
The problem with Musharraf has been that the more he has oppressed the people, the more they have fought back. A proper dictator never plays the game in such a two way manner. A real dictator crushes the opposition before it gets a chance.
Instead now the nation must face a grand coalition of the most corrupt and inept forces within the democratic movement. And all of them being led by one Zardari. How hopeless (and shameless) can matters get?
Moving on, why is dictatorship good for Pakistan? Why not I say. If there was a leader fierce enough to stand up to the firebrand mullahs and feudal lords holding the country captive, real change would take shape. Instead there hides a fake ‘dictator’ in the president’s office whom no one seems to fear. The entire nation spurns and mocks him. He is nothing but an object of derision to the people he has ruled over with a so called ‘iron fist.’ Yet he refuses to leave. At the same time he is totally useless in enacting any positive change in the system. He only clings to power. Musharraf is an insult to the word ‘dictator.’
March 24, 2008 at 12:37 am
Yes in America they have Chenney Bush, Jonny Cash and Bob Hope. I Pakistan we have Bhutto Zardari Sharif, No Cash and No Hope. Now Bush and Chenney will be going into in the American history, still leaving Jonny Cash and Bob hope. Where as Bhutto Zardari Sharif will stiil be on the Pakistani stage Keeping Cash and Hope for themselves.
Goe Maze se, Baqi Sab ko marne doo.