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The Viewer's Forum is a platform where you can share your views with others on any particular current issue.

Would the seven-point agenda presented by General Pervez Musharraf
pave the way for true democracy in the future?

(Please be precise and avoid diverting from the question)

Note
The views in this forum are from the contributors' perspectives.
The Editor does not necessarily subscribe to the views.

Your Opinion

51. Not necessarily. But it is ok. Actions should speak louder than words. There must be accountability of all "politicians, judiciary, armed forces, bureaucrats, religious parties and their leaders, businessmen, industrialists, landlords, and all other institutions. Otherwise this agenda will never work. Right now I must say "Good Luck CEO" to save the nation.
    
    Zahid Rizvi
    Pakistan
    
    
    
52. I think the seven-point agenda is support to the future life of Pakistan. But they should also seek advice from all Ulama-e-Karaam of our country because they are builders of the nation and police department should be purged of black sheep.
    
    Noman ul Haq Soofi
    Pakistan
    
    
    
53. It is hard to believe that the seven-point agenda presented by General Pervez Musharraf will pave the way for true democracy in the future. It is impossible to bring real and true democracy in a state like Pakistan.
    
    Amritdhar
    USA
    
    
    
54. General Musharraf has very limited time but has power to correct the "BASIC PROBLEMS" of the country. He and his companions can do three jobs for the nation which will never be forgotten in the history Pakistan:
    i) Change the administrative set-up. Small provinces with small budgets, it'll reduce corruption and improve quality of work.
    ii) Implement Land Reform similar to India to stop the political influence of feudal lords.
    iii) Increase literacy rate to 75% with a fixed target date. It'll normalise many manias.
    
    Islam uddin
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
55. I believe the agenda will achieve its objectives if implemented with sincerity. I very much agree with Saleem Khan that it must limit the feudal lords and tame their resources under the bound of law. Feudalism is one of the fundamental problems and if not corrected, will bring all the efforts back to square one. Secondly, a religious scholar should also be included in the NSC and the Think-Tank.
    
    Asim A. Mirza
    USA
    
    
    
56. Following are my suggestions to have a better democratic system:
    1. Proportional representation system: This would reflect the voters’ choice more accurately and ensure that the amount a candidate spends does not determine victory.
    2. The Senate should elect candidates on District/Division basis, not on provincial basis: This too would ensure that each area in the provinces is equally represented.
    3. The term of govt. should be shortened to 3 years, at least until democratic culture takes root and political opponents learn to wait longer.
    4. Before elections (at least 1 month), the sitting govt. should resign and the Supreme Court should conduct elections to ensure no one cries foul after elections.
    5. No officeholder, even the President, should be immune to legal proceedings.
    6. All officeholders should declare their assets immediately on taking office, which should undergo thorough scrutiny.
    7. Election results should be declared immediately after counting at each polling station.
    
    Leonard V. Gomez
    Pakistan
    
    
    
57. I do not know 7 points or any other points because this is the time to do something practically. But I would like to say that now no matter who comes or goes, the whole system of Govt. must be changed otherwise Pakistan will be destroyed. And, if election takes place, whoever votes for these traditional parties will also be fully responsible for the destruction of Pakistan. There must be actions against politicians who robbed my country. Pakistani people for the sake of Allah, please do not vote the corrupt. May Allah save my country from dangers.
    
    Qasim
    Canada
    
    
    
58. The 7 points are only an agenda. Who is going to implement them? During the last 52 years the one most corrupt group which has surfaced in Pakistan belongs to the armed forces. They have cheated this poor and humble nation in the name of basic democracy, Islam, Ideology and defence of Pakistan. It is high time that the nation disallowed these crooks politicians and bureaucrats to come to power and play with their lives. They have taken this action only when they were taken as granted otherwise they were enjoying all the perks and privileges under the political set-up. The armed forces are more responsible than the political leaders.
    
    Riaz
    Pakistani/USA
    
    
    
59. I have more confidence in the Armed Forces than in politicians. I agree with the agenda but unless and until the feudal system is eliminated, any kind of reform in the hope of a permanent democracy will be wasted. Major powers should be asked to help recover money and property stolen by politicians. A law should be passed that no politician be allowed to be Prime Minister or President for more than two terms. Anybody who runs for a public office should present all his assets, money, property etc. No politician will appoint his blood relation to any important post. The Head of Joint Chief Staff and head of the State will be responsible for defence. This position will rotate among Army, Air Force and Navy. And these will be appointed only for five years. This will be a non-elected permanent post.
    
    Mukhtar Shaikh
    Ottawa, Canada
    
    
    
60. 1.Make peace with India; resolve the Kashmir problem once and for all. Sign a No-War pact with India.
    2. Increase trade with India and other neighbouring countries.
    3. Reduce defence budget.
    4. Increase budget on education.
    5. Make Pakistan a secular country where all religions are respected.
    6. Make Press, TV/Radio free.
    7. Increase cultural exchange programs with neighbouring countries like India.
    8. Do not interfere in other's affairs i.e. Do not support Taliban.
    9. As a policy do not sponsor cross-border terrorism.
    10. Make English compulsory.
    11. Give more freedom to provinces.
    12. Make all languages official and not just Urdu.
    13. Invest in roads, telecommunication and tourism.
    14. Punish the corrupt. Reduce corruption.
    
    M. Sarwar
    USA
    
    
    
61. It is a good start. The government officials, including the armed forces and the better-off citizens, have to change their "colonial" mentality and life style. Our system is still following the same old oppressive British system. If we don't fix the country now, when is a good time? Good luck General Musharraf.
    
    Irfan Chaudhry
    USA
    
    
    
62. Democracy...But it will take some time because we need REAL DEMOCRACY and 'Reality' is always difficult. I want to put some Questions and Answers before the International media and for those who want to ISOLATE Pakistan.
    
    Q. Why is Pakistan in this condition today?
    A. Kashmir Issue
    
    Q. Who has promised to solve this issue?
    A. UNO (United Nations)
    
    Q. Who is getting punishment?
    A. Pakistan
    
    Bottom line: "Justice cannot be found in the council of men"
    
    Sharee
    Canada
    
    
    
63. General Musharraf will pave the way for true democracy in Pakistan just the same way his predecessor democrats Marshal Ayub, General Yahya, and General Ziaulhaq paved the way for true democracy in Pakistan. We have heard this song and dance routine so many times before. If Pakistani Generals so badly want to rule Pakistan for democracy why don't they fight elections and get elected for a change, instead of barging in with guns for the piece of the pie at the dead of the night. I guess it is so much easier this way.
    
    Nasah
    USA
    
    
    
64. The seven-point agenda by itself is absolutely nothing. They are just seven points that have been spoken by General Pervez Musharraf and then given to us through the media. But if the seven-point agenda is executed in Pakistan it will be one of the best things that ever did happen to Pakistan. How many times have we Pakistanis been tricked by the seductive ways of our politicians? But Pakistan has made some progress in the previous Martial laws by Ayub Khan, Yahiya and Zia-ul-Haq. If the agenda is executed in an orderly way, it will prove to be very effective for the country. I have faith that the General will do the things that should’ve been done a long time ago.
    
    Anayat Khan
    USA
    
    
    
65. I believe his seven-point agenda and the following may improve our democratic system in the future:
    - A sacked Prime Minister cannot be a Prime Minister again.
    - A Prime Minister cannot serve more than two terms in the office.
    - A politician cannot have a running business under his or under any of his/her family members' name while he/she is serving the country and cannot run a business after five years of stay in office.
    - All politician have to have education to a certain level, e.g. MSc or PhD etc.
    - One cannot become a politician, if in last five years, any member of his family had been a politician.
    - Death penalty is the only punishment for convicted politician, regardless of his/her charges.
    
    These are harsh, but this is what we deserve.
    
    Nadeem
    UK/Pakistan
    
    
    
66. A common Pakistani is not interested in Democracy at this point; he needs a clean administration from top to bottom. The main problem at this time is our economical hardship, we need to take immediate action to solve this problem and save Pakistan from defaulters list. The money can be arranged from these corrupt politicians. Every means should be used to recover the amount.
    
    Hafeez A.Khan
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
67. Yes, 100%. I think all persons irrespective of his or her background should undergo a thorough accountability before any talk of politics. People found guilty of any wrongdoing should be barred from politics forever. I think this is the best chance to save Pakistan from looters.
    
    Rafat Siddiqui
    USA
    
    
    
68. The step taken by General Pervez Musharaf is very much right. And it will no doubt pave the way for democracy, peace and harmony in our country. I just hope that the General will stand by his promises to the nation.
    
    Muhammad Faisal Mehmood
    Russian Federation
    
    
    
69. I am disappointed to read the opinions of Pakistanis in this column. We simply do not understand that a bloody commando is no good for the country. Army has plundered resources of this country as much as politicians have. The difference is that in Pakistan no one can disclose black practices of armed forces and the corruption they are involved in. Politicians, on the other hand, receive a handful of criticism from both people and the press. I am not here to defend politicians or whatsoever. My only concern is that the General Commando will ruin the country more than anyone else will. Pakistanis are a strange bunch of people who come to realise the gravity of things a bit late. I would like to hear from the guys who have given their opinions in this column after a few months. I am sure they will be showing their disappointment with General Commando and his cronies.
    
    Dr. MHA Dar
    England
    
    
    
70. Yes of course it is possible. But it will take the General a year or two to implement on it. If he leaves his seat within three or four months then I am sure nothing will happen. And our ex premiere is not as bad as Gen. Pervez projects him to be.
    
    Taimur Saadat
    Pakistan
    
    
    
71. Probably not, unless accompanied by a heavy and a swift dose of punishment. Agendas are just goodwill gestures. Actions are needed to make the likes of Sharifs and Bhuttos suffer where it hurts them the most. The permanent loss of even their last rupee and last inch of Jagirs and mills as punishment for stealing billions. And then hanging these traitors for looting on such large scales. If these people can escape to their properties on Park lane and Essex mansions to enjoy the rest of their lives many more will follow to do the same. There has to be an example set which says the more you loot the more you lose. Let us not forget the agenda items once implemented will have to be maintained by those in power. Their agenda items may not be the same.
    
    Wasim Ali
    Pakistan
    
    
    
72. Let him do his job. At this point he needs our support, not criticism. He seems to be an honest and dedicated man. So far every govt. has just tried its best to snatch whatever it could. An ordinary man on the street does not care much about big words like democracy, constitutions. All that people care about is peace, harmony and stabilisation in the society in which they live. Right now just let him do his job and on our part we need to be constructive and not create barriers in our minds due to political biases. I request all Pakistanis to support the General.
    
    Fahad
    Pakistan
    
    
    
73. The seven-point agenda presented by General Pervez Musharraf would definitely pave the way for true democracy if implemented in its true spirit. For true democracy to flourish in Pakistan, it is important that the masses in Pakistan be elevated mentally. Due to ruthless exploitations by Mullahs, Peers, Landlords and Politicians they have been unable to decide on their own. Their ability of independent thinking and free will has been reduced to such a low level that they can’t even take simple decision of their day-to-day life effectively. They seven-point agenda would minimise the exploitation. I wish the CE all success. I would like to suggest a few more points for his agenda:
    1) Do not compromise with politicians. They are the dirtiest creatures in Pakistan.
    2) First purge the institutions of all the corrupt people and then let them function without any interference.
    3) All religious schools must be converted to regular schools.
    4) Liberalisation of economy is very important. The bureaucratic interference must be reduced to zero.
    5) All efforts must be directed towards domestic resources, and foreign assistance must be cut to the minimum.
    
    Bashir Aahmed Abid
    Kuwait
    
    
    
74. The agenda is great and I hope that it will work. But the question is what steps are they going to take to bring back the money that the previous leaders have swallowed.
    
    Khan
    Pakistan
    
    
    
75. The seven-point agenda of Gen. Musharraf is a very good manifesto as a starting point. The accountability should be on the top priority. Every thing will be useless if the offenders will not be punished.
    The quick, fair and impartial justice is high demand for the smooth running of the country and to provide the suitable environment for the future democracy. The people of Pakistan need democracy but first accountability of the corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and other leaders of the country.
    
    A democratic system and genuine accountability have supreme importance in any healthy society. Therefore, the promise of the Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf to conduct immediate, transparent accountability and to restore democracy in its true from and spirit is welcome. Unbiased accountability is only possible when the head of Ehtesab Commission enjoys good repute and has no personal relations with those whose accountability is being held.
    
    Syed Atiq ul Hassan
    Sydney Australia
    
    
    
76. I think General Sahib has pointed out all the problems Pakistan is facing now. He looks serious about eradicating all the ills from our social, political, and economic spheres. I think that the plan mentioned by General Sahib is the best one. If he is successful in implementing this agenda, Pakistan can be compared with all the true democracies of the world. This is because society, freedom of press, decentralization of power to lower levels, political morality and accountability are the crux of a true democracy. Economic revival will take some time but things will improve if all the other reforms are made in social and political structure. Let us see and wait what happens next. I think his programme can put Pakistan on a true democratic track.
    
    Tariq Mahmood
    Edmonton, Canada
    
    
    
77. It is less important what he says, and more important how he is going to accomplish what he says.
    
    Sarfraz Khan
    The Netherlands
    
    
    
78. I completely back the seven-point agenda; but I want the governing body to take steps so that we don’t see the faces of the previous two leaders and their corrupt team members. And get our money back from them on fair basis. Pakistan Zindaabad.
    
    Faisal Kabli
    Pakistan
    
    
    
79. 1) Break the provinces, make it at least 16 small provinces and give them maximum
    autonomy.
    2) Land reforms
    3) Full economic competition among the small provinces.
    
    M. Malik
    USA
    
    
    
80. Point No.6 (Devolution of power to the grass roots level) is the most important. Karachi is the base of Pakistan economy and local bodies’ elections are avoided there because of MQM. Can this set up accept MQM with an open heart? Can they manage election for local bodies there?
    
    Tariq Sultanpuri
    Pakistan
    
    
    
81. His agenda is doomed to fail because it is centred round a few individuals who think the people of Pakistan are stupid, incapable of running the affairs. The brave generals of Pakistan lost half of the Pakistan in 1971.
    
    Khawaja Ashraf
    USA
    
    
    
82. How can we expect democracy from a government which does not belong to the common man? The General may be right but at the moment we can't say anything about the future. Maybe history is repeating itself. We have been dealing with many dictatorships which were hidden behind the veil of democracy. Let’s hope for the best.
    
    Sadianaz
    Pakistan
    
    
    
83. My country Pakistan can prosper, for we all know that we have a lot of talent in this beautiful country. But this can be made possible only if:
    1. Technocrats are allowed to take part in the parliamentary elections. This is the time we should get rid of traditional and professional politicians who have never cared for this country but have instead cared for their own and family's interests.
    2. All corrupt officers and lower staff are thrown out.
    It is not difficult to locate these corrupt culprits who have contributed to ranking this Islamic republic as the third most corrupt nation in the world.
    
    Khalid Iqbal
    USA
    
    
    
84. No it will not, unless feudalism is first abolished. The feudal are guaranteed their seats so we will see the same old faces again and again.
    
    Nasir Khorasanee
    Pakistan
    
    
    
85. I think seven-point agenda presented by Chief Executive Gen. Pervez Musharraf seems very ominous. Gen. Pervez Musharraf is sincere about bringing true democracy to Pakistan, the democracy which should have its roots in the people.
    
    I also advise him not to cling to power just to prolong his rule, as Gen. Zia did. His duty is to create an environment of peace, security and economic stability which is very important to achieve a respectable status in the world community.
    
    Khalid Mahmood Bhatti
    Denmark
    
    
    
86. Take some initiative to bring about a change. Those politicians who looted the country should be punished and disqualified from politics and any government position. I urge General Pervez Musharraf to strictly implement his seven-point agenda.
    
    Ghulam Naseer
    USA
    
    
    
87. These seven points presented by General Musharraf have some meaning for the future and prosperity of this country Pakistan. Establish a general committee that works for the betterment of the country and produces good results. I think that every Pakistani has to pray to God for strength to General Musharraf so that he fulfils the dreams of Pakistan.
    
    Rehan Hafeez
    Pakistan