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The Viewer's Forum is a platform where you can share your views with others on any particular current issue.

What in your opinion should be the new system of
governance in Pakistan, keeping in view the past history
of governance in the country?

(Please be precise and avoid diverting from the question)

Note
The views in this forum are from the contributors' perspectives.
The Editor does not necessarily subscribe to the views.

Your Opinion

1. In a democracy "people get the government they deserve." People who pine for democracy from totalitarian regimes find democracy a hard act to follow. Look at Russia. The people of Pakistan have had their chances and will have more chances. The current situation cannot be attributed to the religion of the majority of the Pakistanis. It is the culture of feudalism of the people in power and unwillingness of the masses to offer a viable alternative to the dictatorial rule. The reason? Mysterious factors difficult to pin down. Most Middle Easterners honestly believe that a strong leader will emerge to take charge of their destiny. Pakistanis look up to the Middle East and will continue to see many strong leaders emerge, each offering his/her own solutions to the problems of the country. Eventually sanity will prevail. It will take a long time though.
   
   Anand V Rao
   New York, USA
   
   
   
2. Everyone of us now know what is meaning of democracy in our country.What is good for the West may not necessarily be good for us. The new system of government in my opinion should be like this. All retiring generals, top judges, top academics and the like should become member of Consultative Council (assembly) for a fixed duration of period. They will come and go as a routine. The specialists will make committees in the assembly to advise on the matters of their field. They can elect the head of the state from among themselves. Those who can implement can work out details.
   
   Mohammad Anar
   UAE
   
   
   
3. Constitution is very important. This does not mean the constitution of 1973. Constitution means guideline to run the country. The flaw with the constitution of 1973 in its present form is that it gives immense power to a single person in the name of Prime Minister. So it basically depends upon the good or bad will of the Prime minister. The government of Z.A Bhutto, even though good in many ways, was very autocratic. As is evident by sacking of NWFP and Baluchistan governments. Although there was some check on him by being in simple majority and lack of 14th amendment. The repeated governments of Pakistan for the last 11 years are ample proof that our constitution does not elect Prime minister but a king. After the 14th amendment, and 2/3rd majority, the little check which was there is also gone. So we vote because we have to vote under the American pressure, to elect our King. As Brigadier Rashid Qureshi aptly remarked "Government of the few, for the few".
   
   I would suggest forming a committee to make a new constitution. Involve people in referendum and on the basis of this constitution hold an election. I think not only technocrats, all groups should be invited in its formation.
   Considering the trend of changing even SHO and commissioner by political Government, it should not be allowed. It is a bane that has corrupted all our institutions. It can be argued that the Government needs its people to run the system. But democracy itself means people with different parties and alliances will be in society and you cannot favour one because he belongs to your party.
   
   Two things in the constitution are very important. A system of check and balance at all levels keeping in mind that institutions particularly judiciary and administration need to be strengthened. And these should be free of any pressure or influence and legislative body or assembly's job should be legislation only, and any law which is passed should not collide with the basis of the constitution. To safeguard the rights of smaller provinces, Senators should be directly elected. The election of Senate and National assembly should be held at different times to make another check on people's decision regarding their leaders and party. Any new legislation must be passed by the Senate and National assembly by same margin i.e 50% for law and 66% for amendment.
   
   Khusro Rashid
   USA
   
   
   
4. I hope Gen. Pervez Musharraf will make sure that all government state officials and civil servants are accountable for what they do. Tax evaders must be brought to justice. The trial of these criminals must be carried out in open court. Let the West openly see what kind of wicked people they used to do business with. This is because they are like them, one alike, who do not even give a damn about the suffering of a country or its people.
   
   We must create a single Muslim world bank where most Muslims and poorer nations can turn to. I am sick of seeing my country carrying a begging bowl and pleading to the IMF, World Bank and foreign loan institutions. I wish once for all we leave everything in the hands of Allah and not ask for any foreign assistance. We’ll have to do it one day or another. This is the perfect time. Pakistan must be firm and strong in its response to the outside world. We should not allow any country to meddle into our internal affairs and how we decide to govern our affairs.
   
   Those foolish western governments who think that our nuclear weapons are in unstable hands should know that all of our weapons had always been in the secure hands of our army and not corrupt politicians. Our army knows what is right and what is wrong. I think the viewers should also use the forum to offer advice to our COAS. Gen. Pervaiz Musharraf and the Army as to what we want for our country and what must be done to all the criminals.
   
   Mohammad Hassan
   London, UK
   
   
   
5. We should have a very strong defence council that fulfils the lust of power for some people and at the same time has a strong check on our politicians. We should have a presidential system elected by the people directly rather than by a bunch of thugs selling themselves in the parliament for few millions.
   
   I strongly condemn the army rule but what Nawaz Sharif did should not have happened.
   At the same time if Gen. Musharraf has done this as a patriot, he should purge Pakistan of the filthy politicians. If he does not do that it will show that it’s a personal revenge.
   
   Sheharyar Parvez
   Australia
   
   
   
6. The common people of Pakistan want a TOTAL change of system. It is time to act. No present political parties, no elections, no present bureaucratic set up. I will appeal to the REVOLUTIONARIES to persuade the army to bring about a BIG change in Pakistan; they should come forward now, the whole nation will be with them. The people are looking for a totally new leadership. And this is the golden chance for the revolutionaries. WE DON'T WANT ELECTIONS, WE WANT A NEW SYSTEM.
   
   Khalid Malik
   Canada
   
   
   
7. Looking back into the history of Pakistan it becomes very much clear that economically Pakistan did well during the military rules, the Ayub and Zia eras are witness to this fact. In the current situation in Pakistan, all the political parties, politicians and political activities should be banned. Those who looted the National Exchequer during the last one decade should be taken to task and be given an exemplary and severe punishment. Later, we can go from day one as suggested by one of our SC judges. I personally feel and history will prove it that since independence, whenever, a political group or party, particularly after the death of Quaid-e-Azam, was allowed to form a government it started strengthening its own roots at the cost of the country and people, and it made good fortunes.
   
   (See almost all the ruling families enjoying their lives abroad). I suggest Gen. Pervez Musharraf do something concrete in order to bring things to order in the country, as he has said in his first address to the nation that Pakistan Armed forces as an institution will always be there to save the country and nation.
   
   Habib Hayat
   USA/Pakistani
   
   
   
8. The current system of democracy has totally failed in Pakistan. There is an immediate need to change it. The current system is only selecting the powerful and corrupt people to sit in our Assemblies; this is not democracy by any means. The definition of democracy is Government of the people and by the people. Even in the USA there is no true democracy. It is the different lobbies that have total control and the average or below Americans are being conned in the name of Democracy. In Pakistan where the literacy rate is very low, there is no way this type of Democracy will work. We should be looking more closely at the system of BASIC DEMOCRACIES instituted by AYUB KHAN. That system with some modifications can prove to be a much better system. The member of assemblies must be ordinary people and within the grasp of the average person. This can only be if the member is elected at neighbourhood level. So if the average person is not getting the basic necessities of life, he can catch hold of the person and ask why. The elections should also be carried out in a phased fashion like that of senate where 1/3 members are elected every 2 years. In this way people will have a choice to change the Party at the helm of affairs if it is not delivering on its commitments. Also the Premier/President elected must get a vote of confidence after each phase of election. This way he will be accountable for his actions after every two years. Also no office other than that of the Premier/President should be given to elected members. All offices whether they be of minister or other levels, should be given to persons highly qualified in the specific area. And his appointment should be approved by the assemblies as is the case in the USA. The current outdated system of Bureaucracy is totally unacceptable and it must also be changed. Currently anyone who cannot find admission to any professional area does his BA or MA and joins the Civil Service. He/She then without any special talent or education or any other qualification becomes the Master of the country’s destination. Is this acceptable? We must have specialists in each field of Government. Finance, Education, Science & Technology and all other areas must be managed by people who have spent all there lives in the specific fields.
   
   Shakil Rehman
   Pakistan
   
   
   
9. The new political set up in Pakistan should have the following:
   1. Voter registration cards should be issued and Primaries should be held for each political party before elections. At present, political parties are nothing more than "fan clubs" of each politician.
   2. Each senator should have a law degree and be directly elected. Each province should have no more than ten senators.
   3. Elections should be held every two years and on a fixed date. During religious holidays, elections will he held a month earlier.
   4. Quota system should be abolished. Merit should be the only criterion for education and jobs. Government transfers should be discouraged.
   5. Greater autonomy should be provided to provinces. Metropolitan cities, likewise, will have autonomy from the provinces. Provinces and cities should be allowed to collect and keep taxes.
   6. Police should be locally staffed and controlled. Community groups comprising of educated and respected citizens should oversee the performance of police.
   7. Number of federal cabinet positions and political appointees should be fixed for each administration.
   8. The President should have the power to veto legislation and to appoint Supreme Court judges. A two-thirds vote shall override the presidential veto.
   9. No politician should be allowed to contest more than one seat.
   10. There should be greater penalties for crimes committed by government officials, judges and the police. Bribery in some cases should be a capital offence.
   11. Anyone found guilty of a crime should never be allowed to hold public office.
   12. Prison sentences for white-collar crimes should be doubled.
   13. Electronic media should be privatised and auctioned to existing newspaper groups.
   14. Term limits for the President, Prime Ministers and MPAs should not be more than 8 years.
   15. Constitutional amendments should be approved not only by the National Assembly but also by the provincial assemblies by a two-thirds majority vote.
   
   Syed Shariq
   USA
   
   
   
10. 1.Presdiential form of govt.
    2.Centre holding Defence, Currency, Foreign Affairs, Immigration,
    3.Devolution of power to district level with elected district governors dealing with public matters Health, Education, Public works.
    4. A powerful independent accountability network.
    
    Muhammad Iqbal
    Japan
    
    
    
11. If we have a look at Pakistan's history, we find two types of governments: Democratic and Marshal Law. Unfortunately, both of the types only added to the misery of the common man. In my opinion, western democracy is not suitable for us. We should adopt the way of Islam. There was only one Khalifa at a time, who used to govern over all Muslims. There wasn't any cabinet like we usually have these days. Pakistan spends a great amount over these so-called ministers and their subordinates.
    
    Our nation should look for a sincere person, who should be, in his personal status, a real Momin, a true Muslim. Then let him rule like Khulfa e Rashideen used to rule. He should be asked to reform the country and try to run it on the principles of Islam. I am sure that only such a system could save us as a nation, otherwise, if these politicians are set loose, there will be no one left to even cry over our end.
    
    Wahab Hameed Shirgaonkar
    Pakistan
    
    
    
12. I do understand that people of Pakistan will say that lack of education and political system is the main thing which is destroying Pakistan, but that is not true. The only two problems are Bhutto and Nawaz family. Once they are restricted from entering politics, the country will be fine. Their accounts should be frozen, and auctioned off, and the money used for either lowering the debt or for the internal betterment of Pakistan. Pakistan cannot afford another second of those two. Benazir has the audacity to say today that she will do good to Pakistan. If she is allowed back in politics along with Nawaz, it will be a black mark for all the Pakistanis and it will show the world how stupid we really are.
    
    Hasan Mahmood
    Pakistan
    
    
    
13. The only way to curb terrorism and murders is to impose strict Islamic laws in Pakistan. If such laws can change the people of Mecca and Medina, I am sure they can change the people of Pakistan. ALLAH HO AKHBAR
    
    Mohd. Kaiser
    England
    
    
    
14. In my opinion the root cause of all problems that haunt our poor nation are related to the education, i.e. lack of it. With less than 10% literate, that too with a very poor quality of education, our general populace is very susceptible to the rabble rousing of the religious and other fanatics.
    Since these so-called leaders always thrive on exploiting the illiterate masses, they have always discouraged genuine education reforms, which has made parliamentary democracy absolutely unsuitable for us. Perhaps a proportional representation system, under an enlightened dictator is not a bad idea.
    
    Parvez ul Haq
    Pakistan
    
    
    
15. The army should hang all the politicians and introduce new men into politics, which should be transparent.
    
    Mudassir Ahmed
    Pakistan
    
    
    
16. Believe you me, we are really satisfied but not happy. The step Gen. Musharraf has taken, was important and the need of the time. We have seen so-called democratic governments in Pakistan (both PML and PPP) and their performances. Everybody knows that they have cruelly dampened our national interests and looted our national treasures. We don’t need them. We don’t need those democrats who steel and promote corruption at all levels of the society.
    
    We have to encourage all those national powers who are up to take the country out of poverty, health hazards, illiteracy and many other national problems. If a man in uniform tries to save the country and facilitates the layman of the nation, we welcome him.
    
    Waseem hassan Malik
    Canada
    
    
    
17. Pakistan has to improve education and economic systems otherwise there is no future.
    
    Javed
    Pakistan
    
    
    
18. Whatever has been done was the only option left to remove a dictator without a uniform. Pakistan has tried all options and has so far given two chances to both Benazir and Nawaz but only to prove more detrimental to the country's solidarity than before. This country deserves streamlining of the economy and the state affairs and in this context requires experts and technocrats. This can only be done by the military to appoint an expert body to run the affair of the state, as it was when Moin Qureshi was brought in. In 3 months time one could feel the positive difference then. Even now, if something similar is attempted but for a longer period of time, say 3 to 4 years, I am sure that it will prove to be the best option. An in-house change will be like spilling all the efforts back. I warn the military of such a move. Nonetheless I want to congratulate the military, as their spontaneous move has really impressed me with their sense of loyalty and service to this nation.
    May Allah be with us.
    
    Faqir Zarrar Yousaf
    Washington DC, USA
    
    
    
19. Now there is again a change. This time the ARMY should not go for elections in 90 days or even in a year or so. It’s not a game. Again the same old politicians will come up to rule the country making big claims of their good deeds, which in fact is all rubbish and lie. The only way to stop any kind of violence, to bring peace and stability and provide a stable and somewhat good and clean government to the country, is to make some strict rules in the constitution with a strict and clear check on all. There should be a swift accountability without victimization. There is no need to waste time in gathering facts. Everything should be done keeping aside the constitution. These corrupt people take refuge of laws and find loopholes in rules, which are made by them to cater them the most. Once they are hanged and some of them severely punished, this being a good lesson to others, we can hope to progress towards a violence-free Pakistan. The main thing that should be kept in mind is that no one should be left free to do whatever he or she likes to do illegal.
    
    Haider Ali
    Holland
    
    
    
20. The western democracy suits very well in the west as they have highly responsible politicians and publishers (news media). Pakistani people, though they are extremely good and honest, may not have western-like politicians and publishers. Pakistani politicians and publishers totally lack the western tolerance and knowledge. They don't know how to help their nation and their country. Under these circumstances, do you think, western democracy is the right choice for eastern Pakistan? The people of Pakistan gave the politicians a chance to prove that they can run the country democratically but they have failed to do so. The most important things for the people are peace, prosperity, and progress. If the military (the most loyal citizen of Pakistan) can offer these things to Pakistani people, then let them do so.
    
    Saif
    USA
    
    
    
21. Danda is what every institution in our country needs therefore let the Fauji Danda rule until it beats out every disease out of every institution and disqualifies corrupt politicians from standing for elections. Fauji Jawans Zindabad.
    
    Sajjad Rehman
    England
    
    
    
22. I think there must be martial law in Pakistan and all corrupt leaders must be hanged. There must be strict rules in the country and all the political as well as non-political parties should be disabled. There should be no violence in the country and one who tries to spread violence must be hanged.
    
    Ali Hameed Shaikh
    Pakistan
    
    
    
23. No accountability at all levels is the bane of our nation.
    
    Wahaj Habib
    Australia
    
    
    
24. Now Gen. Musharraf should install a government of technocrats. The first and foremost bargain with the West should be that unless the overseas properties of Sharif and Benazir are auctioned and the proceeds returned to Pakistan along with the Swiss bank Forex of both and any other feudal lords, THERE WILL BE NO CONTROLLING THE TALIBAN.
    
    THIS IS THE BIGGEST LEVER HE HOLDS NOW... Such a step will solve Pakistan's economic problems for the next few years. Also educate the people to know the value of their votes and in preventing people like Sharif and Bhutto coming to power, and in kicking them out if they come and behave like dictators or thieves. Best wishes to Pakistan.
    
    Mohit Sinha
    India
    
    
    
25. An honest dictator (ruler) unlike Zia-ul-Haq, is the only viable way of eliminating the evils brought in and watered both by the 'zias firqa" and "bhuttoists". Pakistan is at a stage of "now or never". The country has given every amount of respect and resources to its armed forces and it’s time for them to pay back. The armed forces should go for a ruthless and speedy accountability lest these elements again crop up. The government should seek heavy mandate through referendum so that the westerners are satisfied. The west are comparing the conditions of Pakistan with their own countries where the level of education, economic and infrastructure services is much higher than Pakistan and where there are standards set for accountability at all levels. God be with the generals if their intentions are to get the nation rid of the corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, the feudal and so on.
    
    Zafar Iqbal
    Pakistan/Canada
    
    
    
26. In my view, Mr. Pervaiz Musharaf, after completing the necessary constitutional requirements, should announce a neutral interim government. One point is very important to note that there should be no previous DAKOO of Pakistani politics in this government. This interim government should stay for at least two years and conduct a true Ehtesab. All the money taken by our corrupt politicians belongs to Pakistan. It is the property of the poor people of Pakistan and it is for their future.
    
    Mansoor Ahmed Khan
    Sweden
    
    
    
27. Only a good can destroy evil. Now one evil has overthrown another evil, this is not good for any country. If the army chief wants to rule/govern the country by the rule of law he should honour the constitution of the country. Unfortunately he did not do that; he is ruling by the army power and threat. If the army chief wants to lead the country he should have run for the office, now I don't see any difference between the army chief and the prime minister (I still consider Nawaz Sharif the Prime Minister because he was elected democratically).
    
    When Nawaz Sharif was Prime minister the people had the right to demonstrate and show their anger and frustration. Now one cannot do that for fear of the army. I am concerned that the prime minister may go down into the history like Mr. Bhutto. The army chief cannot face the elections. Wake up people you were brave when Nawaz Sharif governed, can you be brave enough to challenge this dictator? Never support a military leadership, the glory and pride are just a mirage.
    
    Vendhan
    US
    
    
    
28. I thank and congratulate Gen. Musharraf for taking the most welcome and much awaited step of ridding the poor of Pakistan of a bunch of thieves. Whether he did this for personal reasons or for Pakistan is another story. What is important at this moment is that he successfully removed the cancerous, parasitic and rapacious element from the position of power at a considerable cost to his own life, if I might add. Because, according to the Pakistan Print Media, it was a 'touch and go' situation for a while when his plane was not allowed to land at Karachi Airport.
    
    Any way, my point is that all this will have been an exercise in futility if he failed to right the wrongs of the last 52 years. The poor of Pakistan get their hopes up every time the military takes over. But by the time the military decides to go back to their barracks the overall situation is usually worse than it was when they stepped in. I realise that it is a big, big job. But then he has all the power and backing of the grateful poor of Pakistan.
    
    I also realise the noise that has been coming out of certain Western-based quarters about restoration of 'democracy' in Pakistan. The only justification of this strange noise is that Sharif was one of their own. Otherwise democracy in Pakistan means wholesale theft by the PM (Pakistan Mafia), wholesale killing by the PM goons also known as the mulla, starvation, disease, polluted air, poisonous water, adulterated food, brutal police force, incompetent and for sale judiciary, ghost schools, colleges, highways, hospitals ad infinitum.
    
    I strongly, seriously and sincerely suggest that he establish a 'Cleansing Committee' headed by an able and impartial legal expert and assisted by half a dozen sincere, objective and impartial committee members drawn from every walk of life. Their job should be to charge and try in open court every single man / woman who EVER stole anything that belonged to the poor of Pakistan. The trials should be fair and open to any one, native or foreigner, to observe. The logical outcome of these trials, in my opinion would be, among other remedial actions, so much money repatriated to Pakistan that it will NEVER again need any financial 'help' from anyone, EVER. Finally I sincerely wish Gen. Musharraf, may God keep him, always, success and God speed in the task ahead.
    
    Umar Hayat
    Canada
    
    
    
29. Today almost every educated person is confused about what System of Governance in Pakistan can provide peace and at least a smooth government in Pakistan. After the step taken by General Musharaf of overthrowing the democratic & elected government of Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, there was no other choice except to impose Martial Law in the country which could only save him and his companions legally from treason. Any try to form civil government in the country would have cost him personally a lot.
    
    Our assemblies have actually transformed into social clubs for these politicians. The influence of such a large crowd on even educated persons like self-exiled Benazir Bhutto is such that during early interviews with BBC immediately after army took over, she said that there is a civil war going on in Pakistan. The newsreader had to tell her that it was too early to say what she is saying. This is the level of calibre, sincerity with the people and statesmanship of the person who has twice been the prime minister of our country.
    
    I believe Presidential form of government will at least save us from over 720 blackmailers; these members of Senate, National & Provincial Assemblies have not contributed any thing other than damaging institutions, having concern for their self-pride, artificial status quo and VIPism. Let one person rule the country freely with full responsibilities and system of check and balance.
    
    Ashraf Siddiqui
    UAE
    
    
    
30. How come we cannot find one sincere leader in Pakistan? We should shoot all the corrupt rogues who are bent on destroying Pakistan since its independence. Do not blame foreign powers or anybody else for our ills. Bribery and corruption in every sector of our life is a cancer which is eating Pakistan for the last 50 years. God bless the General for his actions.
    
    Shakeel Siddiqi
    USA
    
    
    
31. There seems to be no big reason behind this but only a continuation of previous events. The world overall has become brutal by the so-called revolutionary stage of information system. And now everybody knows how to play politics in another boundaries by making use of modern technology and killing the enemy by wounding him in many places so that he does not have time to see to other problems. Surely these are Indian-trained people who, I believe, want to destroy Pakistan, as they still do not recognise Pakistan's power.
    
    M.A Khan
    Canada
    
    
    
32. First of all we would like to congratulate General Pervez Musharaf for dissolving Nawaz Sharif government. I salute you for such a courageous step, because all Pakistanis were long awaiting this to happen. Now that you have taken this step, you have great responsibilities on your shoulders. You have to clean the political arena by removing the corrupt politicians. May ALLAH give you the courage and guidance to take the right decision for Pakistan. We would like to give you some suggestions.
    
    1. Have faith in ALLAH and ask for his guidance because you are his deputy and on the Day of Judgement you will be answerable to ALLAH.
    2. When you encounter some problem in Pakistan so please do not look to the USA because they are not our friends and they always interfere in our internal affairs.
    3. Do something for the unity of the peoples of Pakistan because it is a very important thing for us.
    4. Please do not nominate any person for premiership because they all are corrupt and not sincere with Pakistan.
    6. Without the rigid process of scrutiny there should not be any election because the same old corrupt politicians come to power again; that election would not be fruitful for Pakistan.
    
    We all Pakistanis welcome the army in the country because we know that only the army can run the government better. We hope the best for you and Pakistan and wish you all the success and endeavour.
    
    Anwar Ahmed
    Meraj Muhammad
    Canada
    
    
    
33. The Nawaz Government should be allowed to continue. Armed forces have done no good to Pakistan. In democracy it does not matter whether Nawaz was good or bad. The truth is that he was an elected prime minister. His government has the full right to govern the country.
    
    Asad
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    

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