[Voices Around] Musharraf, please not from Chitral – letter
The recent hasty setting up of APML in Chitral and announcement by his spokesman that Pervez Musharraf would contest National Assembly elections from Chitral has not gone down well with those who have liking for him.
Musharraf no doubt has done great favour to Chitral by pushing through the Lowari Tunnel, Mastuj bridge, Shandur road etc, but these achievements do not justify his contesting elections from Chitral. After all he must be having a home constituency in Pakistan. He should try his luck there and leave the Chitral seat for Chitralis to fight it out amongst themselves.
Chitralis want to get out of the low self esteem and low self worth syndrome where we readily offer our National constituency to any big named outsider who has done something for us.. Those who are inviting him would do well to do some serious rethinking on this matter for a better image and the greater good of Chitral. –Aziz Ahmad, Chitral. 02 Dec 2010.
Comment 2
I donot approve of Musharraf contesting elections from Chitral. Chitralis donot want to harbour any dictator who played with the constitution and created a plethora of problems for Pakistan.
Some political people are trying to give the total credit of Lawari tunnel to him. If we look back sincerely and honestly at this famous project, our first hero and pioneer was the honorable Ataliq Jaffar Ali shah (late) who as MNA launched an honest and selfless struggle for this project and whose name will remain engraved in the history of Chitral and in the heart of every Chitralian.
Secondly, our revolutionary leader ZA Bhutto had taken correct decisions during difficult times. At that time, there were no Talibansm, USSR was a super power and our friend the USA, did not need to send NATO supplies to Afghanistan through Pakistan. Despite such conditions Bhutto made this remarkable decision purely for the people of Chitral.
Musharraf’s men came to Chitral to set up a party but where were they when floods devastated the area and they were needed then. A friend in indeed is a friend in need. –Gul Jee, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, 02 Dec 2010
In the first place, contest from Chitral is not a guarantee for Mr. Musharaf to be a winner. There may be some popularity and acceptance among the people but election has its own realities. In presence of PPP, PML(N) and JUI(F), which are the major players in Chitral, it is unlikely that Musharaf will be able to attract supporters of these parties. Being non-local will also affect Musharaf’s position as it is well known to all that he has no constituency of his own and he has selected Chitral only on the assumption that the development work during his regime has won sympathy and support from the people.
Secondly, at this time the situation in the country is not favorable for Mr. Musharaf. It is less likely that he will be able to return to the country soon. Many of the measures taken during his government have alienated the people, political parties, religious sections, and institutions including judiciary. Chitral is no exception in this overall scenario.
Third, although Mr. Musharaf has been able to well place himself in social media like facebook and and electronic media and even he has gathered some support from the Pakistanis living abroad but again it has nothing to do with electoral politics of Pakistan. Currently, no imminent politician is supporting him and his party has not been able to go take off after its launch, which tell much about its future.
Fourth, Musharaf remained in power wholly and solely for 9 years and he could have done much if he wished so or intended as such, but his regime took some of the worst measures including NRO, which not only defamed the country but also deteriorated the socio-political culture of Pakistan. Now, again he wants to come into power and I don’t think that the nation is going to keep its eyes closed on what he did during his long term.
As a Pakistani, it is Musharaf’s right to contest election from Chitral and it is the people of Chitral who will decide whom to select, but given the situation it is obvious that Chitral is not a promising constituency for Mr. Musharaf.
Dear Musharraf,
Come and contest elections from all the locations of Pakistan, we want you back and rule us for more 10 years, we don’t want a democracy that is full of nepotism, curruption and collapsed economy.
A group of limited people oppose u due to their hidden agendas, silent majority is with you.
Regards