Seven Years ago

Reproduced below is a blog I wrote exactly seven years ago with comments in today’s perspective.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Vox Populi

During the past few days I have overheard the following conversation between people at public places in Karachi:

1.                 How can an order issued by the Chief of Army Staff be applicable to anyone other than army personnel? Why do the Civil Administration and Judiciary take notice of such orders? (They would obey the Devil’s orders if it benefits them personally.)

2.                 How can a civil servant of grade 17 issue a document titled “Statutory Regulatory Order” on Government of Pakistan letter head in defiance of the acts of parliament, budgetary allocations and constitutional provisions?  (Because the parliament is a rubber stamp of fixed elections.)

3.                 How can the army that holds the people and institutions of Pakistan in such contempt be expected to give its blood to defend them? (It is doing it in spite of the spite.)

4.                 All of Pakistan’s problems can be solved by getting rid of about 600 top civil servants, an equal number of politicians and about 200 top military officers. (Who bells the cat? Only a mass uprising such as the Chinese, French or Iranian Revolution can do that.)

5.                 Pervez Musharraf has not been able to find a general in the Pak army suitable to be appointed as COAS in the last five years, will he import one now? (He was ignoring people with merit to keep his powers.)

6.                 Pervez Musharraf is needed to maintain political stability in Pakistan. (In or out of prison?)

7.                 Benazir Bhutto in spite of being a democratic icon has no political program or economic policy; she will only fuel further corruption if brought to power. (As one PPP leader said they sacrificed her to gain power and corruption is their right.)

8.                 Nawaz Shrif initiated the economic policies in his first term which are still being followed, but he has a dictatorial streak and may again annoy his colleagues who may again conspire with the army to overthrow him. (It seems that he has formed a new private unlimited company with his family and corrupt friends called the government of Pakistan.)

9.                 Is Nawaz Sharif the Saudi candidate for premiership or USA’s possible alternative to Benazir? (Or the successful candidate of Riggers united?)

10.             What is the formula to empower the poor who are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer? (Most people would say vote for Imran Khan in the next elections whenever they are held.)

God help us.