Anas Imtiaz

So What If Sharif Brothers Are Disqualified?

// February 26th, 2009 // 9 Comments » // Pakistan, Politics

I fail to understand why a ‘popular’ person cannot be disqualified in Pakistan. Why can’t a two-time Chief Minister and a two-time Prime Minister, elected with two-third majority, be disqualified? What is the fuss about the recent decision of the Supreme Court? So, what if Nawaz Sharif has been disqualified? People should know that he was already ineligible and the court has just witheld the previous verdict. Any why not? A sitting PM, who conspired against the army chief and tries to sack him in-air, doesn’t even deserve to taste power again.

A goon from this very party stated on TV that a politician cannot be disqualified by court. He can only be rejected by the awam. Yeah, and that will never happen in feudal politics! How conveniently he managed to score a point! If the courts cannot disqualify a politician, cannot try an armyman so what the heck is it for?!

Obviously, the current decision is politically motivated but I feel this should have happened long ago. Indeed, it did. There is no place for such a man in the politics of Pakistan.

We should all thank the Almighty that the crooked court has made a landmark decision to get rid of the second most corrupt man in Pakistan (after Zardari). The only thing to lament about here is that the two stooges (Sharifs) will now get lots of media attention and will continue to speak in the emotional, cry-baby style.

I, however, believe that Shahbaz Sharif may still make a comeback in the power politics. As for the elder Sharif, the doors are closed. He will remain as the head of his party, but hold no official post.

Now, coming to the political side of it, I believe this is a very risky move by the man who inherited the country from his wife’s will. Contrary to what others think, I’ve a feeling that this move has worked nicely so far. I saw Saad Rafique saying that the Long March of lawyers will now be transformed in to Pakistan Bachao Movement. This effectively will bring PML-N in to the limelight and the lawyers will take the backseat. There may be a ‘race condition’ as to who leads the movement and what is the objective of it putting everyone in confusion. This decision is also an attempt to restrict the support from Pubjab for the Long March.

PML-N have also called for mid-term elections, again which is something not required. Any sort of election at this point in time will result in a similar result as before. PML-N will not win anything in Sindh and Baluchistan, while PPP may lose ground in Punjab.

In conclusion, my view is that Shahbaz Sharif has become a victim of political vandetta while Nawaz Sharif got what he deserved.

Can Zardari Call Checkmate?

// February 14th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Pakistan

In a game of chess there are three possible ways of getting out of a check:

• Capturing the checking piece, with either the king or another piece.
• Moving the king to an adjacent square where it will not be in check.
• Blocking the check. This will only work if the checking piece is a queen, rook, or bishop and there is at least one empty square in the line between this checking piece and the checked king.

So far in the political chessboard of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif has managed to exercise the second option to get out of Asif Zardari’s incessant and clever checks.

There exists an agreement among the analysts, journalists and the people of Pakistan that Asif Zardari is not governing the country but playing pure politics. There also exists the agreement that this is necessary for someone who was sidelined in the party by the chairperson and his own wife and that the best way to avoid threats from within the party and the aggression from opponents is to attack them. And there exists no doubt among all that Mr. Zardari is playing his cards, or making his moves, flawlessly.

I don’t intend to praise Mr. Zardari in this post for his masterful strokes, nor do I plan to vilify him with charges or corruption (despite the synonymous nature of the words Zardari and corruption). (more…)

Are They Qualified?

// January 12th, 2009 // 18 Comments » // Pakistan

Talk about a PhD doctor performing brain surgery. This is precisely what is happening in Pakistan. Unfortunately the condition is worse, the surgeon in question here isn’t even a PhD doctor. Perhaps, the doctor is totally uneducated and illiterate.

When any of us apply for a job, the first question to consider is whether the job is suitable for us or not. Obviously holding a degree in electronics engineering I cannot go for a job in structures and construction. Even if I do apply, there is no way of getting accepted.

This makes me wonder what exactly is the criteria for the ministers. Take an example, Raja Pervez Ashraf, the minister for Power and Electricity holds a bachelors degree in an unknown discipline (law is the popular guess). With that knowledge and background, how can he even claim to root out loadshedding in one year? The man has an agricultural background and should know that electricity doesn’t grow on trees. It sounds almost comical when he makes those claims. There is a counter argument that it is not his fault because this is what his team tells him, most of whom are assumed to be qualified in the relevant field. Now this argument doesn’t hold because the team leader should have the knowledge (even if he doesn’t do the work) so that the members of his team are not able to deceive him. (more…)

The Way Forward For Pakistan?

// January 6th, 2009 // 15 Comments » // Pakistan

Despite my proclivity towards Gen. (R) Musharraf and his government, my extreme abhorrence for President Zardari and equally strong feelings of hatred fpr Nawaz Sharif, I would not like to see yet another military coup in the country now. My regular readers may label this a change in my thinking, but it is not. The reasons will be explicated as I present a background for this particular post.

Pakistan is currently surrounded by external threats. The problem of security is compunded with the internal threats. Electricity was always a problem in Karachi, now the whole country faces it. Petrol is mysteriously missing from various large cities. Stock Exchange is being restored to the position of October 99. Higher education sector has taken a bad blow. Political rivalries of the 90’s are back with full throttle. One man is running the show in Pakistan, despite it being a democracy. The list is just endless.

There are calls from certain quarters demanding the topple of the present setup. It is, indeed, extremely unlikely to continue the full tenure (which I guess the ruling elite realises and hence doing all personal favours in haste). Now let us suppose for a moment that the current chaotic conditions continue, pressure grows and Pakistan Army steps again to take control and vow to bring back the country on track. It will be welcomed by the people (again) and they will regret it later, as usual. An army interference at this stage is not a solution because then the politicians will have yet another chance of saying rightly that they weren’t given a chance. For example, if Raja Pervez Ashraf claims to end load-shedding by next year (my understanding being an end to electricity will mean no load-shedding), and the government is being toppled then he can say that he wasn’t allowed to finish his mission. So, the army should exercise patience and let the politicians stay in power for five years. (more…)

Zardari Flirts With Sarah Palin!!

// September 25th, 2008 // 12 Comments » // Pakistan

NEW YORK (CNN) – Sarah Palin and the foreign leaders she has met with in New York have said very little to reporters over the last two days, but the press happened to be in the room on Wednesday for one eyebrow-raising exchange, as the new president of Pakistan lavished praise on Palin’s looks.

On entering a room filled with several Pakistani officials this afternoon, Palin was immediately greeted by Sherry Rehman, the country’s Information Minister.

“And how does one keep looking that good when one is that busy?,” Rehman asked, drawing friendly laughter from the room when she complimented Palin.

“Oh, thank you,” Palin said.

Pakistan’s recently-elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, entered the room seconds later. Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was “honored” to meet him.

Zardari then called her “gorgeous” and said: “Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you.”

“You are so nice,” Palin said, smiling. “Thank you.”

A handler from Zardari’s entourage then told the two politicians to keep shaking hands for the cameras.

“If he’s insisting, I might hug,” Zardari said. Palin smiled politely.
Now, what exactly are we supposed to read from this news item? The President is supposed to represent Pakistan on this trip, not himself. Zardari has reached the apex but he does need to learn the etiquettes and responsibilities that need to go along with the President of Pakistan.

Oops!…I Did it Again by Shahid Masood!

// September 23rd, 2008 // 7 Comments » // Pakistan

All those who were glued to their TV screens on 9/20 [I prefer day first, though] and watched AAJ, Dawn or PTV waiting for the Presidential address after the blast may have seen a very casual speech of President being televised live before the original. It was indeed a rehearsal and ‘mistakenly’ broadcasted live by the state-run PTV, headed by Dr. Shahid Masood. The Doctor Sahib is in hot waters now following his second faux-pas and has been left out of the squad for the American tour pending an inquiry.

Some newspapers have quoted the news as follows:

Pak president’s ‘recorded’ speech shown live by PTV

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday ordered an inquiry into the mess created by state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) during his address to the nation after the suicide attack outside Marriott Hotel in Islamabad that claimed 53 lives and injured over 250 people on Sept 20, Pakistan daily Dawn reported. ( Watch )

“The PTV Chairman was clearly directed that the speech would be recorded and the President does not wish a live broadcast but the PTV chairman organised live telecast and the state media even provided clean feed to two other channels demonstrates the length to which Dr Masood can go to damage the government,” a source at president Zardari’s residence told the Pakistan daily. sources confirmed.

[Source: The Times of India]

And another…

PTV Messed Up President’s Address; Inquiry Ordered

The information minister has ordered probe into another major faux pas by the state-run Pakistan Television when it ran live an unedited brief speech of President Asif Zardari late after midnight on the September 20 deadly blast outside Marriott Hotel while it was being recorded.

The president fumbled with words during the recording but realised soon that he was already on the air and being heard across the country. Originally it was planned to be a live telecast but aides decided to record it after due editing to send an effective message to the nation in that moment of grief. Two months ago, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s address was also messed up by the PTV when his live address, first communication with the nation, was interrupted owing to malfunctioning of a tele-prompter. The poor show was put up again by the state TV on Saturday night when the rehearsal of the president’s speech was telecast live at around 2:10am.

[Source: Khaleej Times]

Zardari’s Lame Speech

// September 20th, 2008 // 1 Comment » // Pakistan

President Zardari’s address was far from impressive. I don’t really feel like writing anything about politics these days, but Zardari deserves some bashing. I’ll pen my first impressions about his speech here.

1) Why was the speech in English? Who was he trying to address and please?

2) He said “Never in the history of this country has a President standing here given his powers back”, the question is, Will you, Mr. President??

3) His way of speaking sucks big time, especially the way he tries to enforce some words at the end of his sentences.

4) I’d have liked him to wear a sherwani, but I’ll let this one pass.

5) There was no direct mention of US attacks on our borders.

6) There was a very liberal use of the words “Shaheed Mohtarma”

Conclusion: The speech was inconclusive.

Will Zardari Back Out Of The Presidential Bid?

// August 30th, 2008 // No Comments » // Pakistan

Are there more surprises in the bag of the co-chairman of PPP? Rumors are rife about the possibility of Zardari stepping down as the presidential candidate of PPP at the last possible moment. The covering candidate is Faryal Talpur, whose appointment to the office of President was almost sure at one time. Will Zardari back out or not? Let’s have a look at the pros and cons for him.

I’ll first discuss the advantages for Zardari if he decides to go ahead with his nomination.

This is perhaps the first and the last chance for Zardari to play such high level power politics in Pakistan. Getting elected to the powerful office of President will legitimise his current role of pulling the strings in the country. He is, undoubtedly, the most powerful man in the country right now and hence being the president will legalise his role in policy-making.

Getting elected to the office of President, Zardari will have no fear of the judges (if they’re restored) or the cancellation of NRO because the constitution of Pakistan does provide protection to the president in office such that none of his previous cases can be reopened as long as he is in office while any current charges cannot be taken up in the courts, the only forum being the Parliament where his party enjoys a viable majority.

If Zardari decides to go ahead, he will have to declare all his assets. These may not be difficult to hide for him, but I suppose the list is long enough to hide. So this can be a troubling aspect. If a lot of it is declared then we all know what that can lead to.

In case he backs out, will that decision be fruitful for him?

He will still have the fear of NRO and hence cannot restore the judges, which apparently he isn’t interested in doing in any case.

Backing out in favor of someone else might have been popular decision, but giving the chance to his own sister will raise eyebrows.

The people of Pakistan may breathe a sigh of relief if Zardari backs out, so the decision may appear to be one respecting public sentiments.

Zardari may be able to gather more votes from other parties if he himself is not the one standing for the chair.

At the moment, nothing can be said with certainty. There is a lot at stake for Zardari. Both decisions can have far reaching effects. A deep analysis of the situation isn’t conclusive enough to predict the events of the next two days.

So, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed hoping for some common sense to prevail.

Can’t Help Admiring Zardari

// August 24th, 2008 // 8 Comments » // Politics

No matter how much I hate him, I have to admire the man for his moves, courage and foresight.

First of all, despite the whole world labelling him as a notorious politician, corrupt, murderer and everything else, he never admitted any of those crimes. He went on to stay in prison for eleven years even when he had offers of exile. He kept his cool, stuck in, knowing there was light (and a lot of it) at the end of the tunnel.

He started his new era of politics on the back of Benazir’s death. On the front he continued to boast Nawaz Sharif as his big brother knowing very well that the coalition is temporary and hence preparing the ground for PML-N’s disgrace at the back-end.

A close analysis of the presidential issue shows that at first it was PML-N  who wanted Musharraf out of the scene, but the way our dear President bowed out gave most of the credit to PPP rather than PML-N.

While the judiciary issue is the backbone of PML-N’s current success Zardari made numerous promises and then backed out leaving the fool Sharif standing in no man’s land. This has dented PPP’s reputation undoubtedly, but PML-N’s popularity is also hurt by this tactic of Zardari.

This is politics at its best. To dent PML-N further, Zardari created an environment where PML-N is left with no option but to quit themselves, and in case the system is wrapped it, the blame will go squarely on PML-N for destabilising a democratic government.

Zardari, as president, can also reinstate Iftikhar Chaudhry as th CJP because the president has some protections of not facing all those cases of corruption. So President Zardari will have no fear of NRO being revoked by the judiciary. And then he can also take the credit of restoring the judges himself.

He has forced PML-N in a closed chamber having Salman Taseer in Punjab and now having talks with PML-Q for support.

All this is leading to the politics of 90’s, which we all detest. But we have to admire Zardari for excellent political gambits. Despite all such political excellence, I, and most of us, will continue to hate Zardari!