Pakistan opposition parties organize to oust Musharraf

IndiaDaily ^ | Feb. 11, 2005 | Sayad Yavar Immam

[nickcarraway]

Pakistan’s opposition spearheads former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Shariff took the first concrete step to oust Musharraf and bring democracy back to Pakistan.

They sighed a three-point agreement Feb. 10 on working together to restore democracy in Pakistan. The deal, which was inked in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after a three-hour meeting between the two former rivals, calls for their parties -- the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) -- to establish working groups to chalk up a wide-ranging charter to oppose the rule of Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

The meeting between the two leaders was strategic. They discussed ways they can oppose the military ruler. In recent days Musharraf has tried to deal with bhutto and Shariff separately though negotiations and “give and take” policies. Musharraf tried to arrest and indict Bhuttos husband with some strange allegations. But that did not work; the opposition part PPP became even more vocal and active. Benazir Bhutto’s husband today works for PPP and campaigns against Musharraf.

According to sources in Islamabad, the political parties of Pakistan are very critical about Musharraf’s holding on to the Army Chief position. That signifies heavy-handed attitude against democracy and civil rights of Pakistanis.

There are other major reasons creating problem for Musharraf. People of Pakistan want economic prosperity like that of India. They perceive that all musharraf could do is to stir up Kashmir issue. While fights against terrorism (Al-Queda and similar factions) are remarkable achievement for Musharraf, Pakistan under him is lagging behind very heavily in terms of economy and prosperity when compared with India.

The common perception in the public is to being in good relation between Pakistan and India. This will result in South Asian prosperity from which Pakistan will have her own share.

[MikefromOhio]

Good luck....

This may be some wishful thinking on India's part...

[lugsoul]

Democracy in Pakistan would result in nothing less than a nuclear-tipped fundamentalist Islamic regime.

[nuconvert]

pong

[William of Orange]

Imran Khan for president!

[7.62 x 51mm]

There won't be any democracy when the islamists get ahold of the country with nukes.

[Paleo Conservative]

Pakistan?s opposition spearheads former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Shariff took the first concrete step to oust Musharraf and bring democracy theocracy back to Pakistan.

[jdege]

The Islamists don't control Pakistan's nukes - we do.

[Marano NYC]

What does this mean for the war on terror ? Bhutto was more secular but not exactly pro USA. There would be a coup if she got elected.

[gdani]

There would be a coup if she got elected

While it wasn't Bhutto who was overthrown, that's how Musharraf got where he is today.

[ny demimonde]

i think the gov would be more secular..islamic fundies don't like women, they'd despise a female prez.

[Akira]

The deal, which was inked in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia...

You've got to love that irony.

[anonymoussierra]

News Information ping Thank you

[AdmSmith]

No, I do not think that this is a good idea. Both of them have long hands in the jar. Besides Nawaz Sharif seems to be diving into the Wahhabi theology during his exile in Saudi. Take a look at this

http://www.asianoutlook.com/nawaz.htm

And to Nawaz Sharif even though this was an exile but he seemed to be making the most of it by learning Arabic, and reciting holy Quran more often and spending a lot of time with his family and particularly his Father.

I put my money into Mushaffaraf for the time being, but he has to stop the Madrassa, introduce an education reform and go out for a real hunt of the fundamentalists.

Build the institutions and then introduce democracy. We should get something for the 20 % increase of the Pakistani budget.

[Marano NYC]

This would complicate the war on terror. Bhutto is not a USA fan but not liked by the Islamisist. She could crack down on the militants and be an asset. However, she would also force a larger contingent underground.
She would likely improve relations with India. This would complicate our efforts in Afghanistan

[Marano NYC]

It would be more complicated than that. Pakistan is a mix of tribes, shifting loyalties and there are no clear answers. Bhutto is not pro USA but survival makes strange bedfellows.

[7.62 x 51mm]

I sure hope we've got all of them, j.

[Gucho]

News Information ping


Bump

[AdmSmith]

Mushaffaraf=>Musharraf

LOL

[Gucho]

There won't be any democracy when the islamists get ahold of the country with nukes.


BUMP