05-25-2007, 11:34 PM
I know my friend pracs is of the opinion that half cooked democracy was the main cause of most ill decisions and army was to shoulder a minimum level of blame. My viewpoint is totally opposite. Though I hate long postings on the forum but I am home this week so why not make an exception, on this occasion I will make just one comparison and rest assured the history is full of evidence to support my view.
Lets start from Yahyia Khan (cuz of East Pakistan ceasefire which still hurts a lot). He was a military ruler and I will just quote one incident to let you know what type of person he was. He was flown to Iran as Raza Shah was hosting an international event. The aircraft taking the General has to be flown for almost an hour in the air in circles, as the General was too drunk while Raza Shah waited for him on the ground. In the same event (which was to celebrate Iranâs 100 year rule), the Gen. Drank so much that he started urinating openly in the gathering and had to be escorted.
You only need to read few articles from people who lost the war to ascertain the difference between military rule and democratic Govt that ensued. It was the democratic Govt, who saved the lives of almost 38,000 of our army out of a total of 92,000 otherwise, India was intent on delivering half of the prisoners to Bangladesh on charges of War crimes. And very few people know that it was the main reason why we let Shaikh Mujeeb go to Bangladesh after ceasefire ( he was in Jail in Karachi when ceasefire was announced), this coupled with help from China and Bhuttoâs diplomacy saved lives. How embarrassing that would have been if war crimes charges were to be brought against our army, and it was almost done if Bhotto would not have been around. I refer you to a book âZulfi My friendâ written by author Pelu Modi (Indian) in which he writes that although PM Bhutto borrowed his pen to sign the accord, the fax that was sent to foreign office in Pakistan read âDraft C is Agreedâ . Can you imagine the level of diplomatic homework that would have been done to sent back this message?
Despite my opposition to the military rule, I still hope and pray that Gen. Mush. remains in power for the time being and for at least another two years as the Geo political situation threatens the federation. The Gen. has fired his last shot of Islamic extremism (lal masjid episode) to ward off the international pressure but the report from amnesty international and house of lords motion is a clear indication that our federation is in danger and counter strategies are not working well. God help the nation.
Please note that I am neither a PPP supporter nor MQM,s I only visited Karachi twice in my life time, once with the college trip and second time as a Goods in Transit sorry Passenger in Transit by PIA.
Lets start from Yahyia Khan (cuz of East Pakistan ceasefire which still hurts a lot). He was a military ruler and I will just quote one incident to let you know what type of person he was. He was flown to Iran as Raza Shah was hosting an international event. The aircraft taking the General has to be flown for almost an hour in the air in circles, as the General was too drunk while Raza Shah waited for him on the ground. In the same event (which was to celebrate Iranâs 100 year rule), the Gen. Drank so much that he started urinating openly in the gathering and had to be escorted.
You only need to read few articles from people who lost the war to ascertain the difference between military rule and democratic Govt that ensued. It was the democratic Govt, who saved the lives of almost 38,000 of our army out of a total of 92,000 otherwise, India was intent on delivering half of the prisoners to Bangladesh on charges of War crimes. And very few people know that it was the main reason why we let Shaikh Mujeeb go to Bangladesh after ceasefire ( he was in Jail in Karachi when ceasefire was announced), this coupled with help from China and Bhuttoâs diplomacy saved lives. How embarrassing that would have been if war crimes charges were to be brought against our army, and it was almost done if Bhotto would not have been around. I refer you to a book âZulfi My friendâ written by author Pelu Modi (Indian) in which he writes that although PM Bhutto borrowed his pen to sign the accord, the fax that was sent to foreign office in Pakistan read âDraft C is Agreedâ . Can you imagine the level of diplomatic homework that would have been done to sent back this message?
Despite my opposition to the military rule, I still hope and pray that Gen. Mush. remains in power for the time being and for at least another two years as the Geo political situation threatens the federation. The Gen. has fired his last shot of Islamic extremism (lal masjid episode) to ward off the international pressure but the report from amnesty international and house of lords motion is a clear indication that our federation is in danger and counter strategies are not working well. God help the nation.
Please note that I am neither a PPP supporter nor MQM,s I only visited Karachi twice in my life time, once with the college trip and second time as a Goods in Transit sorry Passenger in Transit by PIA.
