The Hindu : Pak. people's right

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 05, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Pak. people's right

Sir, — With reference to the report `Move to formalise Army role in Pak. politics' (July 1), I clarify that the Opposition conditionally welcomed the removal of the Nawaz Sharif regime in October 1999 on promises by the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf. The promises included respecting the Constitution, restoring democracy and ending political victimisation. Gen. Musharraf broke these promises. The Opposition called for an interim government of national consensus, which Gen. Musharraf declined to form. It was on these issues that democratic opposition fell out with his regime.

The Opposition disputes the impression of the Chairman of the National Reconstruction Bureau, Tanvir Naqvi, that the armed forces' "de facto role" was organised by the politicians. The Opposition opposes the role of the military in politics. By forming political parties, rigging elections and making governments, the military took upon itself a political role, which was resented by the people. The people of Pakistan want a different future than the recent past. This is why we oppose Gen. Musharraf's proposals, which aim to reinstate the Zia proposals that led to the disruption of democracy. The people have a right to their democratic and fundamental rights. It is wrong of the Generals to exploit geo-strategic reasons to force themselves into power, overriding the human rights of the people.

Bashir Rias,
London, U.K.

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