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any particular current issue.
What
are your views on Chief Executive General Musharraf's economic
revival plan
as unfolded by him in his address to the nation on Dec.15?
(Your messages should not exceed 150
words)
Note
The views in this forum
are from the contributors' perspectives.
The Editor does not necessarily subscribe to the views. Only
those
opinions will be included that would have the name and country of
the sender.
Your
Opinion
- I just want to say that
Gen. Musharraf is a very sincere and honest man and I
believe he will bring a sort of revolution in Pakistan. I
also want to say that after 52 years we have someone who
really cares for Pakistan and its people. Whenever I go
to Pakistan I see Pakistan going backwards. Tell me if
our country has merit selection, honesty, and no
corruption? Why the hell are we serving other countries?
I will be proud to come back to serve Pakistan if whole
system is changed. We need young, honest and educated
politicians to serve the country. We are also talking
about Kashmir, tell me one thing how about Ex-East
Pakistan, today no one even cries for what we have lost;
there are still about 10 hundred thousand Pakistanis
still waiting to come to Pakistan, no one even thinks of
them. I just want to wish Gen. Musharraf all the best and
am sure that he will really do something which never
happened in the past- for the sake of the country.
Naeem S. Hasan
Geneva, Switzerland
- The people of Pakistan and,
for that matter, the self-claimed "CE" forget
the fact that people should be in control of army and not
vice-versa! What does an army General know about running
a country? Maintaining foreign relations, economy, and
the social problems! Pakistan has great productive
fields, huge rivers and honest people. Army can't see a
potential in that! It's the people's govt that can
nurture these things. In the past 52 years, what has
Pakistan's army done except to start hatred among India
and Pakistan? This is because they know that this hatred
only will give the feeling of insecurity and in turn give
Pakistan's army, a prime place in day-to-day life. Army
is just a military organisation of a nation for warfare
and nothing more. Let it remain that way.
Rahul Deshpande
USA
- I have watched for a long
time. It seems that all the 'top-man'- who came to power,
have been helpless in front of the establishment. The
reforms should start from the "management
reforms". I know, and so does every one, there are
numerous highly qualified professionals, who just left
Pakistan because they have been totally ignored, who
could be brought back to the country. If the State Bank
of Pakistan advertises her Treasury-Bills sale in
newspapers in Europe and in North America to collect
extra debt burden why can't the Government of Pakistan
advertise to the millions of patriots living around the
world to serve the country. The government can device a
plan to make attractive package-offers to those who will
come and serve for, let's say, five years. I think, if we
are able to bring in even 25% of the potential we will
excel high in our goals.
Misbah
Canada
- I have a firm belief that
Insha-Allah, Pakistan will emerge as a true Muslim
country in the world. The bureaucracy has made him
(General) difficult to achieve his target. The
elimination of white-collar crimes will help Pakistan
stand high in the world.
Mohammad Manzar Husain
USA
- General Pervaiz Musharraf's
sincerity is admirable. Best of luck to him. I would love
to help in an effort that can revive my country. I hope
the general can bring some security in a country where
lawlessness has reached its maximum. People did not feel
safe in their own homes. Bandits would walk into people's
homes and rob them at gunpoint. A government that did not
curtail or control such basic functions for the people
could not have been good. In my opinion, here are 3
things that would help Pakistan prosper and be a
contributor in this rapidly changing world.
1) Make peace with India and work out a mutually
agreeable solution to the Kashmir problem. I know that
it's easier said than done, but the only way to make
progress is to keep negotiating and be sincere.
2) Get religion out of politics. I know that religion was
the basis for creating our country, Pakistan. But,
religion and politics don't mix. They should be
officially made to be 2 separate issues, not to be used
in politics.
3) Upgrade and wire the entire country with the latest
infrastructure for future information technology needs.
This is and will be an electronic age; the countries
lagging behind will drag behind, while the ones that keep
up with the change, will prosper.
Nadeem Siddiqui
Pakistan
- Sincerity and good
leadership, not democracy, are the key words at this
stage. Democracy is merely a word invented in Greece and
it failed miserably in Pakistan because of our low
literacy rate. (Don't blame that on Musharraf). People
aren't educated enough to make wise choices. Pakistan
needs heavily, to invest in its technology &
education sectors and introduce compulsory military
service to instil discipline in its youth, just like the
Israelis and Taiwanese. Musharraf has no magic wand. I
think we should give him a fair chance and back him 105%.
All you sceptics and spoiled cry babies couldn't have
done any better a job. You're just a bunch of talkers who
think to be knowing all. I bet you all abandoned your
nation for better lives abroad. You're quick to criticise
anything and everything. We all should share the guilt of
having elected extremely corrupt and self-conceited
leaders...Yes…you too...Where were you when the
ballot boxes were being filled? What have you guys got to
show for your country? This guy was willing to give his
life for it, defending its borders and citizens.
Musharraf is a man of action. This guy loves his country,
and his actions thus far, show nothing less. Musharraf
has a job to do and our country needs our support at this
hour.
Imran Siddiqi
Chicago, IL
- It does not matter what
plans Musharraf may have for the revival of Pakistan. As
long as he is blinded by his hate for India, he will pay
little heed to anything else. Economic revival can take a
back seat for all Musharraf cares. He will talk of
Kashmir and war and try to fan hatred. Whatever he gains
there will be seen as a Great Victory. And unfortunately,
the people of Pakistan will buy it. Improvement in the
lives of people? Forget it.
K. Muralidharan
Calcutta/India
- This is a reply to Shekhar
Patel: He says that Pakistan will sink because of Islamic
fundamentalism. It is sheer communalism that makes him
make this assertion. He ignores the fact that there is
more communalism in India than we find in Pakistan. The
intolerance of the majority community is evidenced by the
communal riots against the Muslims and Christians. We
know that during the last 52 years thousands of Muslims
have been killed by the fanatics. Now violence is
spreading the Christians. In a number of states
Christians have been killed in cold blood. Scores have
been buried alive. The Australian doctor who had set up a
leprosy clinic and was providing medicines free of cost
was burned alive with two of his sons. The world knows
how many churches have been turned into ashes. This year
in many parts of the country Christians did not celebrate
their festival for fear of violence.
Three years ago when the Pakistani cricket team went to
India threats were given to them. Patel should remember
what happened in Bangalore. Last year too there was a
campaign against the Pakistani team. The Shiv Sena gave
open threats of violence and demanded the cancellation of
scheduled team simply because Pakistan is a Muslim
country. Cricket teams from India came to Pakistan a
number of times but this frenzy is unthinkable in our
country. Indian artists too visit Pakistan. Their shows
are held in several cities. No one raises voice against
the visit of the artists. But in India the situation is
different. One of the Pakistani artists Ghulam Ali went
to India. He had to perform in Bombay. Shiv Sena started
an agitation against the poor artist. He was staying in a
hotel and preparing for the performance. Shiv Sena
threatened him with the results that he fled from the
hotel, straight went to the Bombay airport and flew back
to Pakistan. These facts show the real face of communal
India. The conclusion is that the people of the majority
community of India are narrow-minded and intolerant. In
Pakistan we do not find such narrow-mindedness.
Mukhtar A. Naqvi
Orlando, USA
- The most significant part
of the CEO address was about promoting the software and
IT industry in Pakistan. This is one point, which is not
given much attention by our industrialists and
entrepreneurs. This is one field where only major
investment is in the "brain power". Right now
India is the target country of major software-makers and
suppliers for obtaining the required brainpower. Pakistan
can focus in this particular field, and get its own share
of the increasing domestic, regional, and world markets.
In the current age of information technology, information
power, we can choose to succeed with a short span of
time. Let us make computing a part of 3 "R"s of
the education, and give our new generation what we have
not been able to achieve.
Hashim Syed Mohamamd Bin Qasim
Riyadh/Karachi/Islamabad
- The only way a nation can
prosper and become a force is not implement a system,
which is not only totally accepted by the rulers and its
scholars but also trusted by its subjects. In the case of
Pakistan, the system implemented does not guarantee basic
requirements for anyone, as all the institutions of the
country are not trusted. Sincerity on its own goes out of
the window when the system is seen as not able to
deliver. I think the only real solution is not change in
terms of personalities at the top but a radical system
change within Pakistan and rethinking of a system based
on people's aspiration and then looking at
developing/implementing the system with taking peoples'
trust. I am generally an optimist, but in the case of
Pakistan and its present situation, a radical solution is
not visible on horizon. Then again, "we plan and
Allah plans and Allah is the best of planners".
Ansar Al-Kayani
Chelmsford, UK
- Pakistan has marketing
potential to one billion people across her borders. The
farmers, carpenters, and other indigenous talent do not
need exporters to market their product as they speak the
same language as their friends across. Once cross-border
trade thrives, the common man can enhance his standard of
living then it might be worthwhile to bring up the
discussion of Kashmir because these people can now enjoy
a vacation there. Pakistan and India will not be
successful, unless the two people make sure that any
Government that comes to power must show respect and
benevolence to their (once brothers) neighbours. The West
has had 52 years of fun and laughter watching you fight
like cats and dogs. They would fill the bellies of your
Generals and Politicians alike to draw a permanent wedge
between you and India. Think about it and then do
something about it.
Anoop K. Sharma
California
- First of all I would like
to ask everyone to talk sense. Who gave (sacked) Gen.
Pervez Musharraf the right to give this economic revival
formula? Where did he come from? He talks about breaking
the law, mishandling etc. What has he done? People of
Pakistan have always believed that Pak Army is a group of
heaven-based angels and they have this majestic stick in
their hands that will bring down the cost of every day
use products to nil. Pak Army can not do anything at all.
All this formula is a fake and does not mean anything.
This is not the first coup and previous 3 have proved
that Pak Army has always failed. Democracy is the only
way out. The whole world is laughing at Pakistan. A man
who got this country in the list of nuclear nations, a
man who developed motorways, a man who introduced housing
scheme, a man who introduced yellow transport scheme is
under arrest for a cooked up trial by a coup leader. The
petroleum price has been increased accordingly and will
continuously increase. Army has always interrupted in
politics. Every two years on average they are dissolving
government. Bhutto was assassinated according to the plan
and same thing is going on again. Nuclear test caused the
economic crisis but who asked for it? All the nation.
Army couldn't find any corruption in PM Nawaz's govt. and
accused him of cheap hijacking case; what a pity. May God
save Pakistan and teach people some sense.
Hammad Khan
Essex, UK
- You will see (INSHAALLAH) a
big difference between 52 years of Pakistan (Looto Maro
Khaoo) and 1 year of General Pervez Musharaf.
Fazal
USA/Pakistan
- If the answer to Pakistan
problems was Military rule then we would have been one of
the most developed nations, as Pakistan has been ruled by
the Military directly or indirectly for 40 years. As for
the Chief Executive's honesty I would say that a person
who owns plots worth Rs 120000000.00 (as declared in his
wealth statement) and pays no wealth tax on it in cover
of an SRO issued to protect these thieves is absolute
dishonesty. Furthermore even the allocation of plots to
the Generals is wrong. If plots allotted to politicians
is considered corruption then why not this? I wonder why
the press is mum on this take-over and some are even
supporting it. I would have hoped that our press had more
spunk. I wonder why no one has the courage to tell the
military that the root cause to all our problems is in
the heavy defense expense (Rs 150 billion). I definitely
believe that Pakistan Army and Pakistan can not coexist.
Mansoor
USA
- It is very easy to create
plans. Even a child can do it. The general has
categorically said that the judges and army personnel
will not be tried for corruption. So the main source of
corruption in Pakistan remains untouched. The general
knows how to capitalize on the gullibility of ordinary
Pakistanis.
Srinivasa Raghavan
India
- I hope for you the best. I
was very happy on the occasion when the General took over
the government to safeguard the country's future. There
was no other option. We Pakistanis love Pakistan more
than our lives. There is no doubt that Pakistani nuclear
power is a sign of pride for us. The West will never like
nuclear power to be kept in a Muslim state. I am very
afraid that just because of the international pressure
any Pakistani government may sign the CTBT. I will
request you to not do that for the best interests of the
nation. I hope you achieve good governance in Pakistan.
Why I am saying this is because I love Pakistan too much.
Raheel Khan
Toronto, Canada
- YES the CE's plan can work.
First, he should DOCUMENT the economy. Second, implement
GST and Agriculture Tax across the board. Third, create
electronic DATABASES to register every Pakistani's POLICE
RECORD and a FINANCIAL RECORD. People of Pakistan are not
corrupt. Lack of DOCUMENTATION and no fear of getting
CAUGHT can and will make anybody CORRUPT barring few dumb
and prophet-like people. Documentation of economy, police
records, and financial records will decrease CORRUPTION.
Imagine, if Nawaz Sharif's financial dealings were
DOCUMENTED; he would have been prosecuted long ago under
financial fraud cases.
Rana Aslam
Pakistan
- I just don't get it. Why
are Pakistanis so much in awe of it's Army? It's like the
dog and the bone case. The dog chews on the bone, bleeds
his tongue and thinks that the blood is coming out of the
bone. Army has, directly or indirectly, always controlled
the levers of power in Pakistan. So, be it corruption or
other prevalent problems, the Army is largely
responsible. But, instead of being held accountable,
people are going to incredible length in revering it as
if it is god and did not or cannot do any wrong. It just
blows my mind at the naivete of the intelligentsia (or
the surfers) on this forum. And, no one on this forum has
yet challenged the fact that Pakistan's economy can
improve only if economic activity thrives with its
neighbours. The only kind of commerce that goes on is
spying and terrorism. No tourism, no farm goods, no more
music (for some time to come), no dramas, no movies, no
sugar. Just plain spying and terrorism. And the money
thru this activity does not get in but out of the
economic system. Thus, no matter what kind of mumbo jumbo
'economic plan' the General puts out, no matter how long
the General continues to be the CE, Pakistan's economy
will continue to be mired in the gutter because it's
leadership refuses to understand a very simple principle
- common sense. He ought to go and talk to a simple
shopkeeper. There's a lot more economic wisdom he can
find there.
Mahendra Malliwal
India
- General Musharraf has good
intentions and deserves full support from the people, but
he should let the experts talk about technical matters
like finance. The General should be the overall
supervisor, but let others take care of the details. It
does not look very good to have the General explain
economic problems to the public. Keep up the good work
General to help your nation: the people have suffered
enough!
Asad Ahmed
Canada
- It is a horrible package,
which will not give anything to private employees. What's
the use then?
Sufyan Hameed Haji
Karachi, Pakistan
- 1. Sign an unconditional
NO-WAR PACT with India.
2. Let Kashmiris fight their own struggle.
3. Invest heavily in education and health.
4. Contract the excess military to Middle East nations.
5. Develop industry and boost exports. Gradually
eliminate imports.
6. Encourage entrepreneurship.
7. Eliminate old Khasra and patwari system.
8. Make the law reachable by everyone and fast.
9. Stop taking loans.
10. Learn to be proud as a PAKISTANI.
Amjad Hasnie
USA/Pakistan
- 'Reap what you sow'. How
true. Pakistan is sinking into the self-created quagmire
of Islamic fundamentalism. It is impossible for the
military to "order" a turnaround. The
International community does not believe in Pakistan or
its ideologies. Nothing solid has come out of Pakistan
that is of any worth (excluding the "chest thumping
in Chagai") to the international community. It is a
state whose rulers have systematically sucked the
resources and the populace dry. Following into the
footsteps of Afghanistan, the fate of Pakistan will cease
to matter for the world. It is but a matter of time and
Pakistan will sink. Nobody is going to shed a tear for
this failed state.
Shekhar Patel
India
- In my view the revival
Pakistan's economy is dependent on either our defaulting
or the writing off of our debt. Believe me there is no
other solution. No one will invest in Pakistan whether
they are overseas Pakistanis or foreign investors. What
is the guarantee that Pakistan will not be a corrupt
country after 5 years? The General should have done the
following:
1) Completely confiscate all agricultural land from
landlords in one day. Redistribute it among the masses
and introduce corporate agriculture and agriculture tax.
2) Start the accountability from 1947. Include all those
who have more than means would have allowed. This will
include politicians, bureaucrats, and army cadre as well.
Thorough justice should be done in this regard.
3) Pakistan should default on its loans and close its
environment for foreign investment and loans for about
15-20 years. Just tell them that we are defaulting and
will not be unable to pay our debts. No imports and no
exports. No luxury cars, electronic gadgets for a long
time and likewise no western pressure anymore. Siphon
rupee to the masses for rebuilding our own
infrastructure. No doubt there will be inflation and
chaos for a little while but soon the masses and the
government will be able to generate their own revenue.
4) Health and education till matriculation should be
completely free. Heavy taxes should be levied against
private doctors, as well as on private schools, not
letting the fee for service or school fees to accelerate.
This money should be diverted to the health and education
budget.
5) Lastly, Pakistan should be divided into 20-25
provinces according to population. The center should only
handle foreign, defense, currency and central taxation. A
population of 50 00 000 to 7500,0000 is enough for a
provincial government. There should be no quota system
for non-physical jobs like civil services. Jobs requiring
physical work can have a provincial quota (armed
services, police etc). This can be the beginning. Believe
me they are not radial steps. Any nation that still
considers itself alive would do the same. The question is
"are we alive?"
Talha Siddiqui
Canada
- Every revolution takes some
time rather much time to come into being. So instead of
questioning how the package will affect the economy of
Pakistan, we must participate in making it successful by
fulfilling our responsibilities. Although our previous
regimes gave nothing to our country in terms of both
social and economical aspects due to their personal
illogical interests, we still have faith in our current
Chief Executive for taking the even-tempered step towards
the economy as well as the other internal issues. The
economy of any country comes at a second tier/peck only
after its people have become optimistic, high-spirited,
cautious, determined, strong willed, firm, and compliant
with the constitutional rules.
Tanweer Ahmed Soomro
Pakistan
- Economic Revival is a
subject which is poles apart from the Military which, in
any country, specialises in spending only. If Pakistan
really wants to regenerate its economy then it should
entrust the job to trusted and tried economists like
Sardar Manmohan Singh who have been successful in
reviving the economy of a South Asian country. However,
any economist may find it extremely difficult to cope
with fiscal planning in Pakistan in an
interest-free-banking environment!
Eshwardas
USA
- Poor Mr. Musharraf. He
finds the Pakistani economy in "worst shape than he
expected." Now he has to carry the huge
"burden" of reviving the patient from a
moribund state to a sparkling condition of
self-dependency and self-sufficiency. And of course it
will take at a least a decade for this almost impossibly
heroic task to be accomplished.
And of course for a difficult task like this, poor Mr.
Musharraf is ready to sacrifice so much of his time,
brain, effort and age by remaining the Chief Executive of
the blighted country for at least 10 years. All the while
keeping hindrances like National Assembly, elections,
political parties- as well as the nuisances such as the
Constitution in abeyance- not an easy task by any means.
But the question is WHO asked Mr. Musharraf to carry this
heavy burden. Moreover, what does Mr. Musharraf know
about Pakistan economy. Is he an
economist, a professor of economics, or a banker, a
businessman or a CEO of a big corporation? What does a
soldier know about governing a huge complex country like
Pakistan, least tackling the economic woes of a sick
abused country by both Pakistan's politicians and
Pakistan's army- for 52 years?
Nasah
USA
- I am very optimistic about
how General is restructuring the whole economy. It will
take 2 to 5 years to put whole country in right
direction. I am ready for this much time. I hate
democracy if it brings back corrupt people. Few
suggestions:
(1) Make laws under which no one can run election in case
of loan fraud (non-economic reasons) and other crimes
(like theft, rape, sexual harassment, etc.) Develop a
system under which corrupt people should never be able to
come in politics and in government again. Develop a
fund-raising system. Politician should use these funds in
their election.
(2) Redesign tax collection system. People should know
how much they are paying and how that money is spent on
different government projects. Keep a significant portion
of tax money only for the welfare of poor, handicapped,
and vulnerable people irrespective off whether country is
growing or not. Poor, handicapped, and vulnerable people
should have minimum economic security (food and shelter).
(3) Redesign financial system. Protect Pakistani
investors from foreign competition. Protect consumers
from Bank frauds.
(4) Reduce size of government in the economy (no more
than 10 % of GNP).
(5) Give power to local people in electing local Sheriff
for one year. Sheriff will control police and local
government. Defuse government's power at district level
(it is unnecessary). Give power to local people. Provide
them consultants if they are illiterate. Educate them.
Reward districts on their good performance in growth and
development.
(4) Establish a minimum education level for leaders to
qualify for election.
Government job is to regulate economy, provide social and
economic security to poor, handicapped, and vulnerable
people, and infrastructure. Good Luck General
Tallat Mahmood
America
- I heard in the news that
general Musharaf has given the ultimatum to defaulters to
return the loans by 26th November or else strict action
would be taken against them. This gave me an indication
that the economy would stabilise. But I haven't seen any
effect yet: there is no fall in the price of the dollar
which has disappointed me. There has not been any laws
made to punish the defaulters to regain the loans. This
shows the general did not turn out to be as strict as a
marshal law leader should be.
Imaad Malik
USA/Pakistan
- Nothing will change until
Gen. Pervaiz takes a bold decision and reduces the
defence budget to the minimum. What benefits Pakistan
have achieved by spending billions of dollars on defence
purchases and running behind sophisticated and most
expensive arsenals? East Pakistan is now Bangladesh!
Kashmir is still divided by line of control after 50
years! Loans are increasing! The nation is still dreaming
of good days to come! We must develop our industry on war
footing by giving incentives. Gen Pervaiz is requesting
Overseas Pakistanis to remit through Banks, invest in
Pakistan. Against what incentives? Foreign currency A/Cs
of Overseas Pakistanis, are still not released, whereas
even Gen Pervaiz has also admitted that it was a wrong
decision of the previous Government. If it was so, why
the present Government is not taking another bold step to
release the Foreign Currency A/Cs and gain the confidence
of Overseas Pakistanis?
Mubeen
UAE
- Same old "SWEET
PILLS" for poor Pakistanis.
Rashid Khan
NJ USA
- Sort out the greedy
maulvis, root out corruption, liberalise the laws and
reduce population growth, increase expenditure on formal
education and Pakistan will stand amongst the most
prosperous nations. Exactly what Jinnah and Iqbal had
envisioned! But the begging bearded philosophy must end.
It has nothing to do with Islam.
Arif
England
- This is not good for the
country.
Hasan
USA
- We can see a light in the
tunnel as far as the revival of economy from its current
collapse state is concerned. We have patriotic Pakistanis
at home and overseas who have risen to support good
causes and General Musharraf can be assured of the same.
In fact, their faith on army's devotion and dedication to
safeguarding the nation from internal and external
threats is unblemished. Unfortunately, this trust has
been shaken by our politicians who, once in power, forget
about the common man and dance to the tune of feudal
lords who support them for their vested interests.
Fortunately, the CE has no such limitations and he has
the army and civilians behind him to take bold decisions
and stand firm on completing those. The Agricultural tax
is a vivid example of the step in that direction and I am
sure it will go a long way in helping the economy. After
all, when other incomes are taxed why not agriculture. Of
course, the legalities of equitable percentage of this
tax can be chalked out in due course. This is a landmark
decision and the government must stick to it. There are
other good steps the government is taking in revival of
economy and it will take time before we are on the right
track. There will be hurdles from those politicians,
bureaucrats, industrialists, landlords who have suffered
as a result of this change. And who will try directly or
indirectly to defame the set up; but my humble advice to
the CE is to stand firm, remove the defaulting culture,
liberalise the economy, safeguard the investments and
gain confidence of overseas Pakistanis as well as foreign
investors. This is a gigantic task particularly when the
army has to complete it in the shortest possible time and
go back to barracks; but given the willpower of General
Musharraf and his team, I am sure it will be achieved,
INSHALLAH.
M. Ashraf Khan
Saudi Arabia
- Since the very inception of
our country, we have been wishing the arrival of a
Messiah to cure all ills of our society. Instead of
having Messiahs, we were inflicted upon with Rogues like
Bhuttos, Zia (minus Junejo of course), Sharifs - some
times in multiplicity. Meanwhile, let's believe one more
time that the General is a Messiha and support him by
doing our bit. I think if the general can muster honest
support of our business community in Pakistan and abroad,
we can still come out of our economic mess. I would
advise our businessmen to stop looking for short term and
immediate returns and learn from the Indian businessmen.
It is due to superior planning and long-term commitments
to the markets and their customers that you would find
Indian businesses dominant in the Gulf markets.
If we want to improve our exports to Gulf we shall have
to invest in the distribution channels by having our own
supermarkets and distribution houses. Perhaps our
Chambers should study the possibility to form some kind
of Co-Op to establish such chains as Choitrams, Lals etc.
on BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) basis. There
should be a condition that such stores should import at
least 65 - 70% from Pakistan.
Abdul Ghafoor
Pakistan
- People were expecting
relief from this Government but the prices of gas/fuel
have been increased, still unbearable for the pensioners,
private sector employees and the labour class. In his
speech, the emphasis was laid on the accountability,
economic reforms, foreign investment and confidence of
the investors. The accountability process so far, despite
his admittance that the freezing of foreign currency
accounts by the previous regime was irregular and a
mistake of grave nature, the people like Governor State
Bank and the then Finance Minister, responsible for that
scheme have still not been questioned. People who allowed
the plight of foreign currency on that night have also
not been questioned. People accountable in the judiciary
are still enjoying the highest rank and the privileges.
The Presidents and the top notches in the banks who
facilitated the last Government and are responsible for
the bad loans, defective securities, and increase in the
stuck-up portfolio are still enjoying the same position.
The so-called consultants appointed under specific
reasons and at the cost of thousands of employees are
still the custodians of the fate of public money, to play
with. The recent statements of the Presidents of the
Banks, showing their extra ordinary performance, in fact,
negate the statements of the Chief Executive, who is
concerned about the economic conditions in Pakistan and
asking the nation for a sacrifice, once again. The last
statement of the President of United Bank Limited was
quite funny when he compared his performance up to June
1999, with the position of 1996 for a particular month
and then with 1999, without disclosing the position of
1997 and 1998. They are intriguing and such hoodwinking
at the cost of the public money, trust and the National
Resources deserve to be checked very strictly. The people
already tested have been taken in the think-tank or in
the cabinet. They have started false reporting once again
by saying, "all is well". The schemes like levy
of withholding tax on foreign currency accounts, is still
injurious so far as the confidence of the investors is
concerned. The so-called financial experts, who are not
familiar with the business trends and the economic set-up
in the country, are forwarding the policies and schemes
to the Chief Executive, which are either not applicable
or are in the interest of the IMF and the World Bank thus
making the situation even worse.
Zeeshan Haider
USA/ Pakistan
- The General needs time. At
least no one else could be as corrupt as the previous
government was. If the accountability process is honest
and strong and is applied equally to all then I am sure
the goals of prosperity could be easily achieved. I
suggest that once the General's agenda is satisfactorily
taken care of, democracy be re-introduced with
accountability system headed by army and judges. This
will be an automatic check on the rulers. No one should
have more powers than the Accountability Bureau. I do not
see any other solution!
Mumtaz Baig
USA
- I just want to deliver one
thing for the attention of General Musharraf. All over
the world, all the Embassies of Pakistan attest the
documents with this written "We do not certify the
contents of the documents", which makes the
documents look like fake one. I know lots of people, who
got through hell because of that. Can you do something
about it! I think, you newspaper people should also write
something about that. It will help people are over the
world and people will be thankful to you.
Sohail
Pakistan
- Revival of economy is
possible based on the plan outlined by Gen. Pervez only
if he is allowed to keep his word on the process of
accountability and if he can throw the crooked mullahs
and politicians behind the bars and throw away the keys.
Investor confidence is almost nonexistent because of the
dishonesty of our politicians who have ruled Pakistan for
the last 4 decades or more. We have seen PML, PPP, JI
etc., in some kind of power at all times. They all have
stolen from Pakistan in one way or another. Unless all
the previous crooked politicians are run out and only
Muslims are allowed to be in office there will be
problems with investor confidence without which we are
going nowhere. We need to rebuild our image in the world
as a nation that is not a half-baked terrorist
supporting, self-centered, thieving and unscrupulous
group of people hiding behind the veil of Islam. We
should be known as righteous, honest and intelligent
people. We, the Pakistanis who worship God alone (and not
our relatives, parties, allies and wealth etc., should
give Gen. Pervez a chance to help us out. He has an
uphill task and we should all pray to God Almighty to
give him the strength he needs to save Pakistan and put
it on a path to recovery after being raped and pillaged
by the mullahs and the politicians.
Jehangir Shah
USA
- We got freedom from foreign
rulers in 1947. The foreigners ruled us with the help of
locals who were given power to rule the rest of the
citizens. The locals who were associated with the ruling
masters were: government servants, military, police, land
lords and rich people. When the masters left the country,
they handed the power and government over to their true
and faithful servants as well as rich associates.
The master and servant mentality has not been abolished
after freedom. Instead, it has been nourished in some or
the other forms. The poor masses of the country are kept
isolated from the sub-culture that was created by the
misters to keep them in power. Some poor have crossed out
of the poor masses and made out in to that culture. The
gap between the poor and powerful continues to widen. We
have experienced civil democratically elected governments
as well as military governments. The common factor among
all governments remains the same i.e. the government or
civil servants run the real show no matter who heads
them.
General Sahib has the same men and women who were running
the government of Mr. Sharif. These government
servants/bureaucrats are experienced and their mentality
has not changed. It is also difficult for any powerful
and honest person to change the bureaucrats, as the
system so built is older than our country. Where and how
can General Sahib find honest and sincere people who can
run the government effectively for all the people
including the poor? I hope General Sahib will stand
strong and committed to the economic recovery and
development of Pakistan. His agenda is hopeful. What I
read in the press is the other side which is not
encouraging. That we speak of nuclear war potential
between Pakistan and India in support of Kashmiris. Will
this problem ever be solved? We have failed for the last
52 years and this new young government started talking of
the same problem that will cost most of our budget on
preparing for war against India. If we continue to spend
more on military, I doubt if the poor of our society will
ever prosper. The bureaucrats, businesses associated with
military and the military families, and our masters will
prosper.
Kris Khatri
USA/Pakistan
- Whether his plan works or
not will be decided in due course. However, I must admit
that Musharraf has identified (and stated) the problem to
a pinpoint accuracy. He has said what every politician
knew but never spoke of. Given, this is never an easy one
to solve even in the nations which have a well developed
mechanism to solve them; it is going to be a tough uphill
battle. The "living within one's means" policy
requires exorbitant amount of patience. Especially in a
society, where previously, that was just a slogan and
nothing more.
Would we see higher taxes on import goods and higher
luxury taxes? If yes, when and by how much? My best
wishes for balancing the trade deficit. If you guys do
it, we will have something to learn.
Ashish
India
- Gen. Musharraf has given a
programme, which could be classified as long-term
planning. The question is how long does he intend to stay
in power. Instead of planning for Pakistan he should
better hold elections under the supervision of the
President or the Supreme Court, and accountability should
continue as usual. Gen. Pervez should also stand
accountable for revolting against the constitution of
Pakistan and overthrowing people's elected government
which is permitted neither by the constitution nor under
the military act.
SG Abbas
Paris, France
- The plan is a very bitter
pill to swallow. But the nation has no choice before it.
I feel that economic harshness should continue for
another 6-7 years before we see any significant recovery.
Otherwise the future is not all that rosy...
Arun.R.
Madras, India
- It is just the beginning
(to put the carriage on its track) but economic progress
is a time- taking process which obviously can not be
achieved by one Musharraf 's efforts; it may need to
continue travelling in the same direction for years to
find the sign of improvement. If more Sharifs or Zardaris
are meeting on the way then forget the issue completely,
and specially if a country like India exists in your
neighbourhood.
Islam Uddin
Saudi Arabia
- The economic plan needs
some time to be implemented and results of course will be
the yardstick? But under the present circumstances no
better plan could be presented. We, at the first stance,
should be realistic in our approach and thoughts. The
biggest problem with the Pakistani nation, till today,
has been that they are too fanatic. The illiteracy and
feudal system is one of the biggest curses we have, which
must be eliminated. Our political history is full of such
events. Not only the plans but also the spirit behind
which they work make it a success or failure. I
personally feel that there is nothing special in that
plan but if it is implemented with its true spirit and
foundation then at least it will be the beginning of
something. After Ayub Khan's tenure nothing concrete has
come up except the atomic blast. Kalabagh dam, shortage
of electricity, air pollution, corruption and a number of
other problems have remained unsolved for long. Let's see
what will happen this time.
Habib Hayat
USA/UK/Pakistan
- It is timely and well
planned. I hope the blue print will be implemented with
all sincerity. It is surprising that the General has
reduced the defence budget. This is a bold initiative and
shows that he is not a warmonger. Also, the plan to
improve drinking-water supply and sewerage facilities in
villages is a plan with a human touch.
N. Nageswaran
Singapore
- General Musharraf has asked
himself from the people of Pakistan and in fact the whole
world, for trust, since he himself means to be a man of
words and deeds. To lead a nation needs statesmanship
from men of character and vision. We need realists and
not only politicians who are idealists. To expect that he
will resolve all the terrible problems of Pakistan within
3-4 months is a delusion. He must get the necessary time
to work out and implement gradually. One has to get
oriented, think, sort out, plan and then implement. Give
him the time and the trust and help him. Nations are
built by the people themselves. He is the right man for
this job and I trust him.
Waheed Arshad
Norway
- The Government is facing a
daunting task: the economy is in shambles, corruption is
rampant, and the population growth is explosive. There is
little hope for economic development and lifting people
from poverty without devoting extensive resources to
education. Accountability is fine but the country should
be forward-looking. The answer to restarting the economic
engine is quite simple and has been utilized successfully
by tens of countries: Getting the incentives right. This
means liberalization of economy in every sense of the
word: reducing the size of government (privatize everything,
especially the financial sector, not for what the
government can fetch but for improving economic
efficiency), freeing cross-border trade, and eliminating
licensing structure. If the government doesn't have any
authority in economic decisions, it eliminates corruption
automatically. The government should then focus narrowly
on implementing and improving the legal structures, i.e.,
institutional building rather than direct provision of
services. What is the business of Government in importing
wheat? It can very well be done by the private sector,
thank you very much. But better still, letting the prices
in the country to the international levels should provide
the right incentives to the wheat growers. I get worried
when I see the words "except strategic assets".
This only shows that the Government has not completely
put away the old-style thinking which Mr. Bhutto
introduced to the country: the government should provide
everything to people and everybody out there is ready to
get us. Are we such a hot commodity? I only wish we were.
Moazzam A. Mekan
Washington, D.C.
- As long as we spend our
hard-earned money on Kashmir and Afghan issues without
bothering about poverty and illiteracy, we will continue
to suffer. No economic reforms or accountability process
will help. No where in the world military has got such a
control over the country. We have to find other ways to
sort out these problems rather than support fighting
Mujahideen and fundamentalists with arms and ammunitions.
Flow of arms is at its peak in Pakistan, courtesy these
issues. When we are bothered about Kashmir Muslims, we
should think how Shias or Mohajirs are treated in our
country or how we treated Bengal Muslims with a big
brother attitude which resulted in the vertical split of
the nation itself. What is the guarantee that Kashmir
will not become another Bengal or Karachi even if it
comes to us?
Shana Khan
Lahore
- We have been hearing these
kinds of development plans from all of our leaders. In my
opinion rather than criticizing we should support him to
bring back the real Pakistan (which includes religious
& economic revival). Moreover, we should expect that
General will give a fair democratic system to Pakistan.
Hamayun Parvez
Sydney, Australia
- Economical terms and
strategies are much complicated to be understood by
illiterate masses of Pakistan. Also they were expecting
whole-sale distribution of money by the C.E. So everybody
felt disappointed. But I advise Pakistanis to be patient
and give time to the C.E. Nothing more could have been
done from what C.E. has declared in his speech. Without
the eradication of two major problems of Pakistan,
illiteracy and corruption,
their lot cannot become better.
Ansar Raza
Toronto
- This time General Pervez
Musharaf has really let us down. The masses were
expecting ointment on their wounds, but he has offered
peanuts. The Government employees will receive rupees
100. But, I would like to ask the Chief Executive of
Pakistan that what would this package give to the people
who work for private companies? Even previous governments
have been increasing the salaries of the Government
employees, but has anyone thought of the private
employees? We are greater in quantity and no less in
quality, still we never got any bonus or any fringe
benefits. We are paid chicken feed and are sacked at the
drop of the hat.
A private employee is not even given any pension or any
other privileges. He only lives on his meager salary. All
the office timings, allowances, medical facilities, and
other advantages are for the Government employees.
Private employees are at the mercy of their owners for
leaving office even after office timings. Mostly, they
are stopped by the owner till late and they cannot even
object for fear of losing the job. Mr. Chief Executive,
I, on behalf of the private employees, request you to
kindly pay some attention to our problems and propose a
package for us as well. We shall be highly grateful to
you for this good deed.
Wahab Hameed Shirgaonkar
Karachi, Pakistan
- I think all Pakistanis
should wait for the result of his recent economic plan.
He seems to be very true to Pakistan. Nawaz and Benazir
were both corrupt leaders. Right now Musharraf's plan is
looking good and should be support by all Pakistanis,
because if Pakistanis won't support his economical
program, a lot of problems will be created for the
government.
Syed Danish Bilal
New York, America
- Every action has a
reaction, good or bad, later or sooner. The General wants
to improve Pakistan but it is not possible in months,
looking at the present condition of Pakistan. He can or
not, it is a time factor but intentions of the General
seem to be good. So he should be given some time to prove
himself, but it should not be at the cost of Sharif's
head. The priority of Pakistan is its economic condition
not Kashmir. If the General really wants to improve
Pakistan's economic condition, he should forget Kashmir
for at least ten years. The money should be spent on the
poor of the country.
Harvinder Singh
New Delhi, India
- Reform takes time, patience
and dedication. General Musharraf has proven that he is
capable of delivering badly needed reforms to Pakistan's
ailing economy through his economic package. Unlike past
governments, his package aims at bringing fundamental
changes to Pakistan's economy in the medium and long
term, and is not a short-term relief package, popular
among politicians. What the public needs to realize is
that it has taken eleven years of neglect, mismanagement
and misrule to bring Pakistan to this stage, so naturally
it will take time to put things right. We also need to
realize that quick fix solutions cannot fix Pakistan's
problems and tough decisions are necessary if we are to
prosper socially and economically. Therefore we should
support the government in its efforts and cooperate with
them as much as we can.
Ali Mian
Ontario, Canada
- I appeal to the Pakistani
people to be patient and give some time to the Chief
Executive's economic program to show results. After all
he seems to be very sincere in putting Pakistan on the
right track. Inshallah. What has Benazir and Nawaz Sharif
given us? Nothing! Looking back over the past 12 years,
an average Pakistanis quality of life has degraded.
Unless we become economically strong, we will have no
stand in the global market.
Saif ur Rehman
Singapore
- No matter what policy is
adopted, unless trade is normalized with neighbours,
including India, there is simply no hope for Pakistan.
This is just simple common sense- ask any trader,
businessman or economist. But, the common sense is either
uncommon or shaded out by other issues. Thus, Pakistan
will continue to be a doomed nation.
Mahendra Malliwal
India
- The General needs some time
and our support; improvement of our country democracy
can't come one day. Whoever thinks that the General is
just giving us false hopes should support him instead of
demoralising him.
S Ahmed
USA
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