Democracy would mean that the illiterate masses will elect Islamic fundamentalists to office. Nawaz Sharif did a lot of damage to liberal society in Pakistan which was recovering during the biref rule of Benazir Bhutto which followed Zia's dictatorship. I think people have tasted more freedom during Musharraf's so called dictatorial regime than during the rule of self-styled democrats. In fact Musharraf used his powers to ensure free media matured as well as was patronizing art and culture. Unfortunately - Musharraf seems to have become soft, running out of tricks and now the fundamentalist forces are slowly gaining ground. The Chief Justice he sacked was a corrupt man who promoted his son but he became a rallying ground for opposition forces. Its sort of strange - but the most secular and educated muslim countries have been ruled by secular dictators who kept mullahs out of sight - and these include Algeria , Iraq under Saddam , Turkey , Malaysia and Indonesia under Suharto. Musharraf can do well now to liberalise Pakistani civil society while keeping so called democratic forces under check.
RE:Democracy is a foolish idea in Pakistan
by abdul khader jeelani on Mar 22, 2007 06:37 PM Permalink
I support Mr.Anurags view because for pakistan leaders like Musharraf needed and not elected fundamental eliments.again elected representatives will be currupt like india,according to me people should able to have better standard of life regardless of whomever may be in power
Asma Jehangir is a respected Human Right's activist of Pakistan.Regarding Musharraf's dictatorship he can fox everybody by hiding behind the issues like (a) Ouster of Pakistan Cricket team from World Cup (b)Coach Woolmer's Death (c)Testing Nuclear War Heads (d)By doing Military Exercise (e)Engaging Terrorist based in Pakistan to do something to distract Public attention etc etc.
How can you ever expect a true and sustainable democracy in such country which was formed on the basis of religion and which spends huge part of its GDP on the armed-forces in a developing country. Even if Musharraf is ousted and they are able to hold election....they will be subdued by the army there. They simply cant have a sustainable regime with such a structure. Asma Jahangir is fooling herself when she says that India should not keep contact with Mushi, since dictators have been coming in Pak...and if India refuses to talk with them, it will have to end its ties with Pak (not too bad though). But, ya...we being the neighbour country will have to keep watch on the progresses in Pak.
There is absolutely no Chance there would be Democratic head of state in Pakistan in near future. Unless something Untowards happens to the General himself.
Known devil is Certainly better than Unknown Devil.
As regard Democracy in Pakistan and Public opinion goes, People of Pakistan had rejoiced when Gen had taken over and he had 98% approval ratings as per Independent Surveys. Democracy is not in pakistani Culture. They havent seen much of it.
As far as Indian Policy goes, if we do not have diplomatic relations with Dictator, well we would have had diplomatic relations with pakistan only for couple of years,
