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Pakistan elections: fingers crossed

Posted: Friday, February 15, 2008 4:29 PM
Filed Under:

By Carol Grisanti, NBC News Producer

For those who think the election campaign is suspenseful in the United States, come visit Pakistan.

In the United States, it may be a close contest among the Democrats – and the ultimate outcome on Nov. 4 is still hard to predict. Here the elections are full of intrigue, poll rigging and death threats.

The Pakistani elections scheduled for Monday are parliamentary elections for a new national assembly.

Image: Nawaz Sharif Campaigns Ahead of Elections
SLIDESHOW: Pakistan prepares for vote

President Pervez Musharraf isn't running. He already got himself elected as president for another five years last October in a somewhat shady procedure thanks to a parliament crammed with his supporters. And then he declared martial law to quell the outcry.

Yet, at the same time, these elections are all about Musharraf and whether he will be able to maintain his grip on power.

‘Down with Musharraf!’
Pakistanis blame Musharraf for everything from the rise of Islamic militancy, soaring food prices, and crippling electricity blackouts, to the assassination of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Recent opinion surveys show that two-thirds of those polled want Musharraf to resign.

If one or more of the opposition parties win a parliamentary majority, they are threatening to impeach him. "Down with Musharraf!" can be heard at every opposition rally.

Noted Pakistani author, Zahid Hussain, dismisses that as campaign rhetoric."The opposition parties will not go for impeachment unless there is an untenable confrontation with Musharraf," said Hussain. "They know if they try and impeach him, it will completely unsettle the situation and things could go out of control."

But amid the outcry at the rallies, there also is talk of backroom deals. Every day there is another report or rumor that Asif Zardari, the husband of Benazir Bhutto and now the leader of her Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan's largest political party, or Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the other main opposition party, Pakistan Muslim League-N are secretly trying to work out some sort of co-existence and power sharing with Musharraf. 

Image: Election rally in Rawalpindi
Carol Grisanti / NBC News
Election rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan for Pakistan Muslim League-Q candidate Sheikh Rashid Ahmad.

Muddled base
Musharraf's political base is the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, (PML-Q) – a rump party he cobbled together from Nawaz Sharif's supporters after he ousted Sharif in an army coup in 1999. Sharif, exiled for eight years, is now back.

The "Q's" as Musharraf's party is called, is having a hard time due to his sinking popularity.

Meantime, all the opposition parties insist that the polls have already been heavily rigged and the vote will be compromised in favor of the "Q's." Both the PPP and the PML-N of Nawaz Sharif predict anarchy in the streets if their respective parties don't win.

Elections will be ‘rigging free’
But Musharraf insists that the parliamentary elections will be free and fair.

"It is not possible to stop some sort of problems at the tactical level on the question of rigging, but we have taken all measure to make it rigging free," Musharraf told a seminar of government officials and intellectuals on Thursday.

Hardly anyone believes him.

A good friend of mine here in Islamabad called me this morning, distraught. Her name and the names of her entire family have been taken off the polling lists.  That means they can't vote. When the family called the election commission to find out why, they were told they did not register in time. My friend told me that’s not true. "The truth is the government knows how we voted in the last election, and they didn't like it," she said, and asked that her name not be used because of the volatility of the situation.                                                          
Most Pakistanis doubt these elections will bring stability. And none of the politicians have much to offer in the way of change.

Hoping for the best, preparing for worst
It's rather dizzying trying to make sense of it all and almost impossible to report it accurately. Everyone is on guard for something terrible to happen.

There have been death threats against many of the leading candidates as the Islamic militants try to derail the election process. Candidates have been warned to avoid large rallies for fear of suicide bombers.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, a former federal minister and one of Musharraf's top lieutenants, is on the terrorists' hit list. He has won every election since 1985 but this time he may be in trouble because of his links to the unpopular Musharraf.

"What do I do?" Ahmad said in a telephone interview with NBC News. "Do I campaign and try to win an election and perhaps lose my life, or do I sit at home and just give up?"

Timeline: Pakistan's traumatic history in pictures

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Comments

Musharraf is still the best bet for Pakistan.

Afzal Rana, Lahore, Pakistan (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 4:05 AM)

As I read this article,I could not keep from comparing the Pakistani election situation with ours. Their people have lost faith and withdrawn support from the efforts of their president while back room deals are cut to usurp the power of the party he represents. Their politicians continue with some exception to serve their own personal interests in lieu of the people they claim to represent.
Looks to me whatever lessons our government has provided to transform their society into our brand of "democracy" have been well learned. They in their short history as a nation have accomplished what it took we as an nation over 200 years to do, remove all power from the people, allow those in power to manulipulate our lives and we not even being aware of it happening.

John Mahurin (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 8:38 AM)

Dear Carol, The elections scheduled to take place on Monday, February 18th are going to be tense because of the situation in that country. President Pervez Musharraf is not very popular with the Pakistani people because they are blaming him for rising food prices, electrical blackouts, and the assassination of Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto as stated in the posting. The people don't believe the election will be free and fair because they feel it will be rigged and this will cause further chaos in the country. It is terrible the family cannot vote because as the government stated they had not registered which seems to be untrue according to the family. The government doesn't like anyone who does not agree with them and they try to keep those opposed away from the polls. Even though President Pervez Musharraf claims the election will be fair it most likely won't be. Already this Saturday, Feb.16th there was a suicide bomber who rammed a car with explosives into an election office. Most of the victims were supporters of the Pakistan People's Party which was headed by Bhutto. Rallies would be dangerous for any candidate because of the possible violence. Hopefully, Monday's election will happen without incident, but as said in the title of this posting "fingers crossed" for peaceful outcome. Time will tell. This country needs a change from the current government and maybe someday it will happen for the better. Peace to all!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:18 AM)

In pakistan pre- pole rigging has al ready been taken place. Those who want to win already know that they have won the elections.
Dr. Hussain

Amjad Hussain Roscoe,IL (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:29 AM)

Musharraf has done remarkable job for Pakistan. He is keeping his promise to hold the fair elections. We must give credit and support him.

I do not agree with some of his actions, but who in this world can make everyone happy.

I also want to say that the world news media is publishing only negative stories about Pakistan. Please take a closer look and you will see that most of the Pakistanis are very hard working individuals and love the country.

God willing, Pakistan will come out of this election very strong.

Long live Pakistan.

Wajid Khan, Canton, MI (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 3:43 PM)

We may soon see a news flash that says: Nucular missles hit Baghdad, and Kabul. U.S. officials say they targeted U.S. bases. Also, it was indicated that the missles were launched from two separate military installations in Pakistan. The Pentigon has issued a statement saying an approprate response has been activated, and will be carried out by trident submarines within the hour. NEWS UPDATE: Iran hits Israel with nucular missles four cities are said to be hit and Tel-Aviv is said to be of the cities, and radar has picked up eight missles leaving Israel towords Iran. NEWS UPDATE: Venezuela troops are massing at the U.S. Mexican border Gov. officials say they used a strung out convoy to avoid detection and mainly travled at night. NEWS UPDATE: China has just launched an offensive against Tiawan, U.S. Marines and Naval task forces are said to be headed toward the region now. Air Force fighters and bombers were seen leaving Japan minutes ago............................

Steve St. Germain St. Helens, OR (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 4:03 PM)

Pakistan is held hostage by a group of extreme religious zealots preventing the country to progress economically.  This places welfare of citizens in a downward spiral that is hard to overcome.

Arvid Jadhav, Irving, Texas (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 4:12 PM)

It would be ironic for the Pakistanis to elect those who were removed from power beacause of Billions of dollars corruption , proven in the court of law in Switzerland. With the exception of corrupt media , corrupt judiciary , I wonder who else would vote yet again for the two time losers (Bhutto/Sharif). This talk of rigging is only because the oppostion parties would lose in these elections which would be fair for sure. It is time people start looking into the corruption matrices for all involved in this matter.
Paki people are politically mature and know all their choices , contrary to media perceptions.
Regards

Mike

Mike Matthias (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 4:14 PM)

The notion that Musharraf is Pakistan's best bet and is indispensable has brought Pakistan to where it stands today. Musharraf is now just a desperate usurper who took power in a military coup, now universally hated and suspected of crimes most foul (including the murder of Benazir Bhutto). If the world had refused to the indispensability and best bet nonsense five years ago and insisted on free and fair elections when terrorists had not yet spread out all over the country and the army was still strong, things might have been better today.

Wasiq Ali, Worcester MA (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 5:43 PM)

Eections are going to be free and fair . come what may. Musharraf is a kind of person that he does what he says.This has been proved many a times in the past.
He makes good decisions for Pakistan. These may prove unpopular politically,but are surely good for the country.He proved savior of the country in many crises.

Abdul Razaque,Lahore Pakistan (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 6:47 PM)

Musharraf is still the best bet for pakistan.

Jhoomar, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 7:10 PM)

What I don't understand is that how the people of Pakistan appreciate being ruled by a highjacker, who, instead of taking over an airplane on gun point, have taken over the country. The dictator (if his supporters can look up the meaning of it in a dictionary) is controlling lives of the country and its million of the people living in it. He claims all good deeds in his 8 year tenure, whereas the facts are completely opposite. Pakistanis are much more down the drain then they were before him. If him, being the supreme chief, using his guns on his own peace loving people, rather than the criminals (which you can find too many in his manufactured cabinet) can't control the extreme situation in the country (which he has admitted) then I don't see a day too far when he will stir the country into a black hole. People, people, think. The only way to a better future for yourself and your children is to excersise your vote to a fair elections, under an impartial judicial organisation (not under the military ruled establishment). It doesn't matter who you choose, but at least you have the right to live. Don't just give up your right to a hijacker. It's too much on stake, and only you can make a difference. Lets make this year a YEAR OF THE PEOPLE and not the YEAR OF THE MILITARY (55 YEARS and still holding).

Shahid Ahmed, Austin, Texas (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 7:18 PM)

I do not agree with this article.I am a pakistani living in toronto and I fully support Pres. Pervez Musharaf.The rumour about 'rigging' and everything that comes along with it is not based on facts or reality.This article is biased and only predicts pakistan's doom and destruction and a totally negative view point which is really damaging the already tarnished reputation of pakistan.Pakistani people are NOT preparing for the worst and they are taking part in the elections like normal citizens besides all these rumours.My relatives in pakistan have no problem registering for the elections so i do not believe  the 'anonymous' bit of information provided here.

Thanks

Thanks

Amal,toronto ontario (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 8:12 PM)

Pakistani elections: I have seen and read about leaders selling there nations to seek few years of power benefits to their egos but nothing can be compared to Musharaf who has comitted every possible crime a dictator can comitt against his people and country. I am not even mad at him but i am waiting for the day when he repays and HOW!

Toquir, New york (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 9:19 PM)

I'm pretty confident that Pakistani nation is now absolutely sick and tired of Musharraf and the politicians. These elections will only serve to legitimize his regime which is basically illegitimate right from the word go! This guy has simply destroyed the army's integrity inside Pakistan... and what the hell else.

I say these elections and all this drama should be and will be boycotted by the Pakistani nation. As a matter of fact people are not even thinking about goin for the polls bcz 1) there's a life threat and 2) there's really no buddy to vote except for those ol time looters.

I hope that this election drama will prove as the last nail in the coffin for the already collapsing regime of Musharraf. Its time that Musharraf should go and the army should do what it's supposed to do, go to the barracks, not the parliament. In these politicians, Imran Khan is the only man we can trust.

Imran Akram, Islamabad, Pakistan (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 9:50 PM)

Musharaff probably is still the best bet. The media & people don't get the guy. He thinks he can be Ataturk (he has spoken highly of him) & turn Pakistan secular and progressive in a short amount of time. Problem is Pakistan spends too much money on the military (to confront India over Kashmir) & not enough attention on rapid mandatory SECULAR education for everyone. They need to resolve the Kashmir issue even if it means defacto partition of it as it is today. No point as both countries have nukes & war is less likely now as a result (seems the fear of massive destruction actually does deter countries from attacking each if the US/USSR Cold War situation is any indication). Also, too bad more people don't back Imran Khan, ex-cricketer. His party has shown the least amount of corruption & a more progressive stance. Bhutto's husband is a bad idea. He's been linked to lots of shady deals. Same with Nawaz Sharif. New blood is what they need. Some regional tolerance for local languages (including official recognition) could offset Islamic fundamentalism. Nationalism has had that effect and is often more appealing than religious fundamentalism.

Ali, New York, New York (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:07 PM)

The Pakistanis are people who are very emotional and very demanding; although it is not right in a lot of ways, it might be right for this election. I think Musharraf is still a very stromg leader out of all the other choices amd we as Pakistanis should back him up.

Sameer Azad, Irving, Texas (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:30 PM)

I REALLY HOPE THAT THE NEW LEADER OF PAKISTAN BE ABLE ENOUGH TO RESTORE THE SUPREMACY OF JUSTICE AND CAN DO GOOD STUFF FOR THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN REGARDLESS THE INTERESTS OF AMERICA AND THE WESTERN WORLD

KHALID IMRAN (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:36 PM)

Musharraf is the best thing that has happened to Pakistan in the last decade. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain is the leader of the Q-League and he will lead them to victory!

Pervaiz Elahi, Seattle, Wash (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:40 PM)

Pakistan has gone through tough times in its short history. Military establishment's meddling in political affairs and corruption of elected officials being the primary reasons. But for years Pakistan had been the front line of the fight against communism. Afghanistan’s troubled history with weapons and drugs smuggling have also contributed to the problems. Pakistan has been host to millions of refugees from Afghanistan as well, which has drained its already meager resources. It is ironic that the Western World which prides itself as the bastion of liberty does not openly support the historic and righteous stand of Pakistani judiciary for upholding the rule of law and justice in the land. Political expediencies have often led to such short sightedness in the past, often with grave repercussions. Future of Pakistan however rests with its people, an overwhelming majority of which are not warmongers as the enemies of Pakistan and partisan media often likes to portray. Institutions of Pakistan have to be strengthened; education and social welfare have to be nurtured, to make sure the youth of Pakistan have a future to look forward to. Help in these positive areas is the need of the hour, rather than bombing raids and threats of incursions from across the border, which only serve to marginalize the common people.  

Syed Fawad Masood Raza (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:43 PM)

The political dynamics in Pakistan have defied the critics who speak of "Democracy" and yet define it based on the fact that they would like to dictate that the Islamic culture of the country be demolished and their will be imposed.

Examine, if you will, the legacy of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto and Mr. Nawaz Sharif. These were two morally and socially bankrupt leaders who were in power for themselves and their cronies. While it is a terrible tragedy that Mrs. Bhutto was assassinated, her record was not one of a leader. Her only grace was that she stayed out of the country, in "self-exile," to prevent any of the charges against her bearing fruition. One simply has to travel the length and breadth of the Bhutto lands to see the huddled and poor masses who have, for generations, toiled and tilled the lands as indentured laborers. AND THEY STILL DO! Where is the "Roti, Kapra and Makan" ever been provided for them? Mr. Asif Zardari , referred to by virtually everyone as "Mr. Ten Per Cent" is now claiming to be leading his late wife's vision? What a farce and a joke? A man who is a known criminal suddenly now states that he has "matured politically" after 11 years in jails?

Throughout these machinations and double talk, something that the masses have fallen for time and time again, my heart goes out to Bilawal, the young   lad, and his two sisters who are keenly aware of the political legacy of lies, deceit , theft and debauchery that has been staged by both their parents - all in the name Pakistan and "Roti, Kapra and Makan."

As for Mr. Sharif, nobody has any faith in him or his cronies - They know him to be a thief, a philanderer, a robber and a liar. A man who has the delusions of grandeur and whose ego is so huge that he has to pay  people to praise him! (By the way, that is true of the  PPP leadership as well!)

But enough said for the moment. The very fact that these two parties are claiming that if they do not win or come into power, then the elections are rigged proves, beyond all the theories and conspiracies that abound,that they will "rape the national treasury, pillage the foreign reserves, amass fortunes for themselves again and blindly erase the economic gains" made by Pakistan during the last eight years. Is it not strange that these leaders sat silently, and by their complete lack of action, exhorted their supporters to burn, destroy and kill - All in the name of the rage for the assassination of Mrs. Bhutto

I, for one, pray and hope that the people of Pakistan will forget the story telling of the "KISSA KHAWANI"  bazaar for which in the years gone by the Frontier was famous for and for which today every part of Pakistan is famous for!  

It is time for the people of Pakistan to wake up and throw these two leaders and their parties into the heap of history where they belong. Let the people vote to continue the road to prosperity that they embarked on eight years ago and solidify the road into a highway that will never ever allow any "criminals, thieves, embezzlers" or the like.

Amiruddin, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:51 PM)

John Mahurin, you've never been to Pakistan.  Though power always protects itself, there are striking differences in the transparency (and scale) of power in Pakistan and American.  I think you confuse lack of transparency for significant study required of America's scale.

John, San Francisco, CA (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 11:03 PM)

Steves email is a typical 'Bush response' to everything. Make everything sound like its the end of the world and use that fear to do whatever you want. Its so Stupid that its sad. As Americans we've come down to cheap parlor tricks

Danial Haggar (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 11:24 PM)

The Bush Administration supported the Pakistanis in the search of Bin Ladin, Only to see the same government betray the U.S. effort to find Bin Ladin.
It does not surpise me that the current administration of Pakistan or any other social groups will act in violance or election corruption.  

Reg1, Dayton, Ohio (Sent Saturday, February 16, 2008 11:32 PM)

Elections will be rigged and have been rigged already. The "God of politics in Pakistan", Pervaiz Musharraf, has already decided who will be the Prime Minister and it CERTAINLY has to be somebody who compliments him rather than opposes his "ideaology". Definitely NOT Nawaz Sharif or Asif Zardari, due to the bitter history he enjoys with both. So it has to be PML-Q, since they are Musharaf's creation and his puppets. And the way things are going, with the poor people being crushed to death by increasing prices of food and electricity one can smell blood shed or Revolution??

Fatima Jilani, Lahore, Pakistan (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:34 AM)

in my personal opinion Musharraf has been the best president in Pakistan since its founding. However his mistake is trying to appease Washington by maintaining a democratic semblance. He should just rule and not be afraid to use force and right-out outlaw the religious parties and all political parties all the more so due to the anger, division, and bombings that are keeping citizens scared. So what if people cannot vote? The key is to educate Pakistanis (I am talking of the average person) and to have economic growth. Democracy can come later once the country is on its way to growth and prosperity, once people understand and respect the democratic process. Musharraf do not be afraid and rule as president unapposed! Long live Musharraf

Cristian Ortega (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:57 AM)

As of Pakistani American, here what I have to say about the Election in Pakistan such as poll rigging and so and so. This happened in every previous election in Pakistan. So called Democratic parties leaders have done this for the sake of their own interest, so they really can't say anything about this. Winner will claim no rigging and looser will says yes there was. As a matter of fact most People have no faith on these leaders and their parties because they never kept their promises. Both of these parties’ leaders have been in power in the past and didn’t much except corruption.  Even now they are talking about all the great things will happen if they come in power again  and love people showing the fantasy world but when you ask them how they don’t have answer for this except telling you ” GO MUSHARRAF GO, DEMOCRACY and “THE COURT JUSTICE”. They are the one who always gave a reason s to ARMY to take over the control in one way or another. Supreme Court has been attack by them in their own time. Lawyers and judges can’t really talk about the rule of law because they don’t adhere themselves to the rule of law, you feed them money and get the type of justice you want for your own interest.  The problem is multi dimensional and there is no quick fix to it. Yet everyone expect some type of Alien forces to come over and fix the entire problem. Bottom line, Lawyers, Politician and all these leaders are acting in their own interest.
Despite few of the shady things Musharraf have done, if you compare apple to apple he has done better job than these "LEADERS". Do i want change over there yes i do, but i can't see this happening by these Democrate Leaders over there.

MR, Minneapois, MN (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 1:49 AM)

I would look at the positive that comes out of the elections. Inflation or terrorism are not that linear that they can be linked only to Musharraf. I think Musharraf and his government did a lot of good work for the people of Pakistan and silently people will show that on Feb 18th. Bhutto's or Nawaz Sharifs both are power hungary, if they are not for the sake of the country they on Feb 18th would embrace the results and call the winners to congratulate if they lose or leave a message of harmony and cohesion if they win.

Ali Farooq, Dunlap, IL (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 2:13 AM)

Musharraf is the only hope for Pakistan.

AIKHAN -SYDNEY (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 2:49 AM)

this is the most brutal and unpopular regime in the history of pakistan.

waseem lahore pakistan (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 3:00 AM)

Musharaf has lost the popular public support though during his term in power Pakistan has achieved a lot. You need to do things in a democratic way to be popular, or else you will get branded as a dictator. You are given the top job not because you are a king like in olden times, but you are an ordinary person and you represent the population and aspirations of a nation, so hereafter authotarian rule cannot last for long. Revert to democracy with or without Musharaf is the key to sucess. If Musharaf is gone, Pakistan is not going to lose by any means. As long as corruption is not there, Pakistan has enough brain power to be a regional power.

Samuel, Bahrain (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:36 AM)

My dear very simple Americans! I tell u something real to you. I am an educated Pakistani and know what u dont. There is no terrorism on the scale which Western public thinks. Ninty five percent blasts are being done by Mr. Musharraf's agencies jsut show the West, look there is terrorism in this country and I am the best man to control it. I Tell u there had never been a single blast in the political gatherings of Muslim League (Q) or MQM ( both being the partner of Musharraf's governtment). If the terrorists were so strong as it apparently looks, they would have blown up Present Cheif Justice, Musharraf himself or his political allies. How many Musharraf's allies have been killed so far? The answer is none. If there are no blasts then why Whitehouse will insist Musharraf to stay in power rather it would ask him to give up to the real political forces. There is some terrorism as well but it is being done by those who have been killed with gunship helicopters by theirown army.

Jason, Auckland, New Zealand (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:15 AM)

I dont think Pakistan is headed in the right direction at this point, no matter who is elected. First of all, they have a major base in the western part of their country which is a haven for terrorists and the remnants of the Taliban. No new president is going to get rid of this. I dont believe Pakistan is a US ally any more than I believe Saudi Arabia is. At the very least, they are not an ally in the truest sense.

Bill Cocoa Fl (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:05 AM)

Sorry to say, the foreign media don't have the slightest inkling about the Pakistani situation. They tend to perceive things from their own social background. Every nation has a problem with the government running it, the media says that president of Pakistan is the biggest reason why our country is in this political mess. The fact is political crisis arises in every nation and we have to live and let others live.

Lord Voldemort (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 8:17 AM)

It feels terrible to see so many negative remarks against President Musharraf. You have no idea, what Pakistan was before and what it is now. But what the media higlights is always the terrible incidents, while it never showed the progress in all the areas from education till health that Pakistan have experienced in President Musharraf's regime.
All the government, who are the so-called well-wishers of Pakistan were extremely corrupt, and no wonder why they were thrown off from their seats. Take Benazir Bhutto, for instance, who is now considered to be too innocent, and someone who gave up her life for the sake of her country was too an extremely corrupt politician who stole and ran away with billions of dollars and kept them in her swiss bank account. She did not give up her life for the sake of her country, but she gave up her life for more money and power. For the people who write too much against President Musharraf, I request them to compare present Pakistan to its past, and you will know the difference.
As far as the issue of terrorism is concerned, USA, which is also known as the World Power, could not keep their twin towers safe from the hands of terrorists, how do you expect a developing country like Pakistan to stop it completely? Aren't you asking for too much?

Saher, Karachi, Pakistan (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 8:33 AM)

The current situation in Pakistan as described by Carol Grisanti should be considered very ’natural and normal’ for a very fundamentalist Islamic society that Pakistan is since its inception in 1947.    
Pakistan’s first prime minister Liyaqat Ali Khan had declared in 1947 that ‘Pakistan is created for Muslims and so no other religion had a right to exist in this holy land of Islam’. Following this declaration Muslim League of Pakistan unleashed a rein of terror against minorities so that most of the minorities - Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis - were forced to migrate and minority population was reduced from 22% in 1947 to 2% by 1951. Democracy has never solved Pakistan’s problems before and it never will. It was democratic government of Pakistan that facilitated relocation of Osama bin Laden from Sudan to Afghanistan. It was democratic government of Pakistan that created and nurtured Taliban movement and installed Taliban government in Afghanistan.

Zardari, Bhutto’s husband is known as Mr. 10% for demanding 10% of any industry to start business when he was in Benazir Bhutto’s government. And Nawaz Sharif - he is as fundamentalist as they come. Mr. Sharif has personally met Osama bin Laden atleast three times and got 500 million Pakistani Rupees in campaign contribution from Osama in 1990s which helped him win the elections. ’Real politik’ of Pakistan would not allow either Mr. 10% or Nawaz Sharif to destroy Islamic fundamentalists even if they continue Musharraf’s half-hearted efforts to do so, just to assure that gravy train of US aid continues.

Despite knowing fully well the last sixty years of Pakistani history, American government and news media continue to be under the delusion that democracy is the solution for fundamentalist state of Pakistan! Even if Zardari-Sharif coalition is to win next week’s elections, form a government and throw out Musharraf, it will not change fundamentalist character of Pakistan and Pakistan will continue to be ‘terror center’ of the world milking Uncle Sam just as it has until now.

suresh sheth, Irving, CA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 8:42 AM)

This article does not represent what Pakistani people think...
Urban Pakistan's majority is with President Musharraf..
The author looks like only watching biased TV channels owned by opposition and projecting entirely different story...
Whatever is written here, Economist still rate KSE100 as Asia's best market!
I dont now how rigging can be done when there are 20,000 local, 2000 foreign observers for monitoring election.. Ballot boxes are transparent and each candidate has been allowed to station his polling agent in the polling booth!!
Above all, our so much immature negative media will be there to monitor the election..
So the claimants of rigging have either accepted their fiasco or their minds do not work properly!  

We are with Musharraf!!
Long live Pakistan!

Syed Ali Yahya (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 9:25 AM)

yep,keeping my fingers crossed,hoping something good come out of this big mess.Pakistani people are really politically opionated and loyal:-( to their respective parties.i hope they get some peace and stability out of these elections.

hope...NY (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 11:49 AM)

Well there will be a hung parliment with Musharaf's Qings party PML Q and coalition having simple majority and then will have to see how they get PPP or PML N on board to make a government. These will be rigged elections as has always been the case in the history of Pakistan except 1970 which lead into breaking the coutry apart and not b'ce of free elctions but the refusal of one to the party to accept defeat. People who think Musharaf is the man are living in the fool's paradise. Being a Pakistani at this point I don't care who comes to power,all I ask for is an independent judicairy and giving some of the rights of people back to them so they can work harder knowing if they do they could reep the benfits...

Naved , rhode island (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:25 PM)

"Pakistan is held hostage by a group of extreme religious zealots preventing the country to progress economically.  This places welfare of citizens in a downward spiral that is hard to overcome."
Arvid Jadhav, Irving, Texas

Splendidly Put, Mr.  Jadhav

News Junky (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 1:28 PM)

"Musharraf has done remarkable job for Pakistan. He is keeping his promise to hold the fair elections. We must give credit and support him.

Please take a closer look and you will see that most of the Pakistanis are very hard working individuals and love the country. "

- Wajid Khan, Canton, MI

I am not sure what you eating or smoking, but obviously its impacting your intellectual capacity.

Yes, most Pakistanis are hardworking - indeed, exporting so many terrorist is such a hard work indeed.

And Fair?  How can anything be faired in a country controlled by religious zealots who never heard to words like "Freedom" and most importantly "Tolerance"

So interesting, India & Pakistan got their freedom simultaneously, India is sending man to the space, while Pakistanis are busy breeding another batch of terrorist.

Mr.  Khan you statement is so redicously self serving, I suppose, most Pakistanis themselves will be embarassed to read it themselves.

you must be ISI PR department, Mr.  Khan.




New Junky, Anaheim, California (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 1:40 PM)

Who cares ?? i know in last few decades .. whoever came in government never think of nation .. i can only expect the same from this election .. people are already scared to go out for voting .. bomb blast killing people around the country .. so its better to stay home .. and watch news on tv .. martial law is better in this country .. i cant trust any of the politician in my country .. not even army though .. but i think mushraf is honest leader .. he is got so many people with him to misguide .. also those who are trying to fail him are uncountable .. anyways .. i dont see any better situation in pakistan after elections ..

Rafey Naqvi, Karachi (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 1:50 PM)

Pakistani people don't have electricity, because in the last six years, the number of home apliances have seen a ten thousand times surge. People have made money in these last few years and they have spent it like there was no tomorrow. In 2001 pakistan was looking for selling its extra electricity to india---there was abundance of power at that time. Also the theft of electricity is on a mega mega scale. People who are well off and can pay their bills also are involved in the power theft.
Wheat is the cheapest in pakistan as compared to the neighbouring countries. For that reason 100's of thousands of tons is smuggled every year. It reaches as far as Russia.
The campaign against Musharraf and PML-Q was a very well designed and very well organized campaign of misinformation. This team has done so much in the last 5 years that the last 60 years don't even come close---but still Musharraf and PML Q have been made to look guilty. It is a shame---PML Q didnot invest to market its image.

Here is what would happen between Benazir and Nawaz Sharif---Nawaz would put a stop to any projects that Benazir had started when he came into power and when Benazir would come into power, she would stop any projects that Nawaz Sharif started. So, that is all that was happening fo 10 plus years when these two were in power. Sadly, people have very short memories.

Mike Mathias, it will indeed be ironic when pakistan elects Nawaz and PPP to power. These two parties are just salivating at the 15 billion dolar reserves that pakistan has and just wanting to get into power so that they can grab their share of it.

Mastan Khan, Beaumont, CA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:19 PM)

The pro-Musharraf party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, is running a distant third, its unpopularity compounded by sharply rising food prices and power outages. Its ratings have plummeted with Musharraf's as he has maneuvered to stay in power through an explosion of Taliban militancy.

Monday's elections are taking place against a backdrop of rising Islamic militancy throughout Pakistan, and many candidates have been discouraged from holding large rallies. Security fears are highest in lawless tribal areas along the Afghan border.

On Saturday, a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into an independent parliament candidate's election office in northwest Pakistan, killing 37 people and wounding more than 90. The candidate targeted, Syed Riaz Hussain, was unharmed. Hussain is backed by the opposition PPP, formerly led by Bhutto.

moshoo (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:41 PM)

It is a a shame to see what is happening in Pakistan. I want to know where the money from USais went to?, and life for Musharaf will be if he is ousted, and what will he do to avoid assination?; probably come to US, and use his money to live a lavish lifestyle!.
What wil it take now to have a stable democracy in Pakistan, when it's neighbor India is doing good job in wirld politics and has become a leader in global economy to eradicate poverty , improve literacy, eradicate corruption?
Pakistan needs serious leadership and not hand over from US, we need to look at our freign policy in this region! Ihope for the best for this country with such talent and potential.

Avi Deshmukh; MD;FACS. (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:24 PM)

There is a bigger picture to take into account now. That is the policy of the U.S. Government towards Pakistan (South Asia) and the Middle East.

The present administration in Washington has had a weak foreign policy with Pakistan. They sought Pakistan's allegeance and said they received it. That is highly questionable in that based on most experts the mountainous region of northern Pakistan are in essence in control of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. They also indicate that Osama bin Laden and the number two man in Al Qaeda, Al-Zawarihi, are most likely being given refuge and protection by the autonomous tribes in that region. As a result, for nearly seven years the U.S. has been unable to shake our Pakistani allies to do much about it.

With most of the United States military and economic resource tied down in Iraq, the sitituation looks even more pitiful since it was bin Laden and Al Qaeda who the government says were responsibile for the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

To further allow itself to look indecisive and often  clueless, the United States government appears to have encouraged their apparent ally Benazir Bhutto to go to Pakistan to campaign for election and democracy. They should have know of the eminent danger this posed for her and what those dangers could do for the democratic cause if gone afoul. Yet, it appears they did little in devising a workable plan if they were going to encourage her to go and put democracy on the line there. From her arrival there, bombs and bullets were flying in her direction with little resistance. With her assasination and the terrorist acts that are happening now, one wonders just how tenable democracy will be there even if the elctions take place with little corruption.

Presently, it definitely appears United States policies have set in further peril the security in these regions and that of the United States as well. The Middle East and specifically Pakistan are like tinder boxes with the potential for very unfavorable consequences with international repercussions.

The United States needs foreign policy leadership that has a true grasp on the history, culture, and present realities of these regions. Without it, it will be extremely difficult for the region and Pakistan to achieve freedom from outside subversion and the hope of a truely workable democractic state.

Paul F. Ingrassia, Jr. Saint Petersburg, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 10:59 PM)

Support for Democracy!

“Government of the crocked politicians, by the politicians , for the politicians” Uncle Sam, 2008

Thank you USA for your support.

Shoaib Chaudhary, USA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 11:10 PM)

Never underestimate the naivete of an ignorant electorate to vote for bona fide criminals, and to turn a blind eye to a documented trail of corruption--just like in the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Also, it is pertinent to remind all that the "fired" members of the judiciary of Pakistan who are now protesting their removal as unconstitutional, and who lost their jobs on count of refusing to take an oath under the provisional constitutional order associated with the declared state of emergency of November 2007--actually held their jobs after the coup of 1999 (when General Musharraf took power) because of their willingness to take an extra-constitutional oath under the provisional constitutional order of that day.  A number of judges lost their jobs, including the then Chief Justice of Pakistan, for refusing to take that oath.

So, a lot of political growing up is needed before Pakistan reaches the level of maturity that we all want.  

Ahmed H., St. Louis, MO (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 11:21 PM)

Your story is heart wrenching. I know that we in America, can not even begin to imagine the fear the people of Pakistan go through on a daily basis. I think fighting amongest your selves will never solve the problem. Please never let the political powers that be rip your country apart, civil war never helped anyone except the people who make money off the blood shed. America may have it's issues, but we would never strap on a bomb and kill ourselves. This is insane how angry is dealt with over there. I truely believe 99% of everyone in the Middle East are amazing people, with an rich history. I have spoken to folks who were born there and when they speak to me about life there all I see is beauty. That is why I just do not understand how a wonderful group of people could let the politics drive them apart so much. I will pray for you and hope that everything will work out for the best of all and not just a small group.

Carin Kennewick, Washington State (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 11:42 PM)

I totally endorse the comments made by Mr. Wajid. Mr. Musharaf is a man of word. When Supreme Court gave him a tenure of three for holding election, he can easily escape first election on the pretext that Indian forces on the borders, but he didn't take this path. He hold the Local Body's election twice, Senate Election and thereafter again senate elections for the retiring seats and he is again keeping the promise of holding general election. I believe whatever happened in last year i.e. 2007 it was series of conspiracy against him. First a constitutional and legal issue was politisized (if Chief Justice was so innocent why himself not offer himself for accountability before the Supreme Judicial Council and allowed its proceedings. Despite it he took up the case to Supreme Court who did not discuss the charges levied on him and gave the verdict on technical ground bypassing Supreme Judicial Council. Despite this constitutional irregularity Mr. Musharaf accepted to normalize the situation, but others' side attitude was totaly based on confrontation. Incident of Lal Masjid. Before taking any action on Lal Masjid every quarter of society for condemning the government for not taking action against them. Government showed restraint due to involvement of ladies and children in Lal Masjid. Government negotiated and tried to convince them and as last resort, government took the action. After taking the issue again government was blamed. Then the incident of attack on Benazir in Karachi when about 150 people were died for nothing. Benazir ensured all security measures i.e. security from government, secured, bomb proof and bullet proof truck where all elite leadership of PPP were on board, but she didn't think for the security who will gather for her despite she herself knows about the threat before coming into Pakistan. There was no need to take out just a big rally, and in such a big rally, no one can provide 100% secured environment. Just within few mintues after the blast the whole leadership run away to Bilawal House and none of them dare to lift the injured people for hospitals who claim day and night for the service of poors. Thereafter, assisnation of Benazir who is resposible for own death. No government agency forced her to come out from the vehicle while all her other colleagues were unhurt. Depite it again blaming to government. It does not end here. The rumours were spread about worst law and order situation and hoard ration for two three months. As a result, people started purchase of Atta, Ghee and so on. Hence, the shortage of these basic items were created.

I have one question to all politicians, but epsecially Nawaz Sherif and Shabaz Sherif when they are so committed with poor nation why they left the country and kept lying about the agreement with Mushraf. Why they do not give 50% of their wealth to the poor for their welfare and poverty elevation. Likewise, Benazir remained only in the country when was in power or during election season. Otherwise, she lived in Dubai with her kids, husband in USA. Why she did not spare her wealth for poor if she was so dying for them. First both wife and husband were disowning Saray Palace, Necklace case in Switzerland's Court, then started to fight to win the cases.
They don't believe on Pakistan and poor nation. They don't have trust on Banks in Pakistan and keep their wealth in foreign banks. They don't trust on Pakistani Medical Institution, they run away aborad for treatment. They don't trust on Education Institution, they send their children abroad for it. They don't trust on law and order, they live abroad in luxurious palaces, but talks for the poor.

Our political parites don't have democracy within. In PPP-after Bhutto, his wife Nusrat, then Benazir; thereafter, Bilawal/Zardari. PML(N)both Nawaz and Shehbaz. In PML (Q)-both brothers Shujat and Pervaiz Elahi. In ANP - Wali Khan, thereafter his wife Begum Nasim and now Asfand Yar Wali.

Keeping in view overall situation, we as a Pakistani should think over the attitude of our politicians and how sincere they are with the nation. This Mushraf who allowed these corrupt politician to contest the election so that people themselve can do the accountability by casting their votes.

Mumtaz Haider (Sent Monday, February 18, 2008 12:15 AM)



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