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

Are there any grounds for the opposition parties to
agitate through strikes and rallies, which have affected mainly the
small businesses that constitute the back bone of the country's economy?

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

Your Opinion

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1. I feel a country like Pakistan can't afford strikes. The opposition is harming the nation and not the Government by calling strikes. I feel shamed of having such unrealistic and selfish leaders. There is democracy in the country; there is a proper platform to protest. But we know only strikes. It’s a pity; shame.
   
   Ijaz Hassan
   Kuwait
   
   
   
2. Our beloved country PAKISTAN is a country with extraordinary gifts from ALLAH. We have natural resources, the manpower, the waters, all weathers, and above all, Faith in ALLAH. But unfortunately this country has never had a true leader who feels the pain of the nation after the Quaid and Liaqat Ali Khan. What a tragedy for a country which appeared on the map of the world as an IDEOLOGICAL country! I have no political background, nor am I in favour of any group. I am just a Pakistani without any regional interests. The debacle of Dhaka has had a negligible impact on our nation. What a shame for all of us! Mr. Bhutto or Mr. Zia, Ms Benazir or Mr. Nawaz Sharif, all have prove themselves leaders not to be followed. If one's husband is notorious for theft, the other's family is also the same.
   
   If the opposition is agitating now, there is no point of being surprised as this is the way the uneducated, non-serious people do, only for their own interest. At the same time the Government has failed miserably too. Their promises have proved to be false like the other politicians. There should be an interim government of technocrats who could bring back people's money from the vultures in the politics and feed it back to the economy. Justice to be done finally which will be an all-together different thing for our people.
   
   All I mean is that for GOD sake have mercy on this country and think as a Pakistani and not as a Sindhi, Mohajir, Punjabi, Pashtoon or Balochi. PAKISTAN ZINDABAAD.
   
   T. Qayyum
   USA
   
   
   
3. No. Personally I don't believe in strikes and rallies at all. This is because the economy will suffer. Every country has an assembly; if anybody has a problem with the present regime they should go there, and register their protest. That’s what you call democracy. Let Nawaz Sharif run the show for five full years without any interruption. If he fails, he wouldn't be elected again in next election. I believe all these politicians are corrupt, with no self-esteem. Look at the list: Benazir Bhutto- has been prime minister twice; what did she do? She lost her two brothers and a dad in politics, and her own husband is behind the bars and she is still power-hungry.
   
   Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, the stupidest person ever born on the soil of Pakistan. All he can do is lead the agitation against the governments. That's what he is known for over. These politicians are fooling the nation, and people don't realise. We never learned from our mistakes, that's the worst scenario for any nation. I feel sorry for my fellow people and sorry for my country, that we are wasting our time and energy on such stupid things. God bless Pakistan. I love my Pakistan.
   
   Naushad Alvani
   Florida, USA
   
   
   
4. No! They are a pack of wolves, united for their own goals. Strikes don't give anything but problems. If they really care for the masses, then let us live carefree as we are (at least when you were in power).
   Please let the government complete its tenure peacefully, only then will we able to analyse the quality (good or bad) of Nawaz Sharif's government.
   
   Wahab Hameed Shirgaonkar
   Pakistan
   
   
   
5. My dear Pakistani brothers: it seems the religious parties are holding Pakistan hostage. Brothers, don't ever support these fanatics who sell the name of Allah for their own benefits. Brothers, there is still time now to change the scenario in Pakistan...elect leaders who have the vision and don't believe in religious fanaticism. Elect those who thrive for healthy relationship with India, who can divert the budget for Kashmir Independence to the welfare of the Pakistanis. Otherwise I feel that the most harmful thing that Pakistan has done by supporting terrorists in India is to itself. India can always sustain the pressure, as its economy is strong and can always absorb the losses. But Pakistani economy is not like that.
   
   Mohammed Imdad
   Thailand/Indian
   
   
   
6. Your question seems to be biased as everybody is going to say 'No' for anything which has been stated by you as a backbone. Anyway, coming to the point, in a developed economy the answer could be yes since they can afford it. I personally think that the opposition members who have gathered along are mere drawing-room politicians and if stood for elections, they would lose even their security money. There is no provision in the law that makes a govt. incapable to govern owing to the strengths of opposition rallies. The proper forum is the parliament. And if you say they are all over in the parliament then the question is who elected them and why. It's actually an unending debate, the bottom line, however, is we must learn to live with the system and not always try to change it to our own advantage.
   
   Tariq Gulzar
   Sweden
   
   
   
7. What a question! It is like asking an opinion about a black colour whether it is black or not. Strikes are useless because the opposition is a bundle of self-seekers whom the Pakistanis have known for umpteen years. What is required is an open revolt of the Bolshevik type by the 98% miserable souls against the 2% man-eaters in the garb of feudal lords, industrialists, businessmen, politicians and some in khaki. That is the only solution for Pakistan.
   
   Qazi Syed Aziz Akhtar
   USA
   
   
   
8. The objective of current opposition alliance is to get the govt. out and obtain benefits for itself. They don't have the solution to problems. The view of Jamaat-e-Islami is right: they are opposing the govt. and suggesting right alternative policies. We need leaders and parties who can run the country according to the guidelines of Islam, not by the guidelines of America.
   
   Murtaza Ali Khan
   Saudi Arabia
   
   
   
9. Corruption, zamindari, the elite, the politicians and the India-haters are the truest enemies of Pakistan. And when I wrote in my previous article that Pakistan is disgustingly pitiful, I did not mean Pakistan as a concept. I meant the Pakistan of today, the picture all your newspapers print. That sentence should be your headline, so that it hits the hearts of your people who want to bring about a change. Don't edit what people contribute, unless they are profanities. But, I predict a complete breakdown of Pakistan as a country, so long as it hates India. The more Pakistan hates India, the more it will destroy itself. What a pity, when will you ever grow up? You are already 52 years old. Maybe, you will die soon, just like your life expectancy! Before that, change yourselves.
   
   Ravan
   USA
   
   
   
10. Most of the strikers are from India and they are very unhappy in Pakistan. They used to be unhappy in East Pakistan as well. I suggest they return to their homeland India. They don't belong in Pakistan because they are not happy. Their home states like UP, Gujrat, Kerala, Bihar, etc. are not divided and their share is in India. Unfortunately, the people who went to Pakistan from India do not have any share in Pakistan. I wish they went to India. They will have better opportunities. Probably, it will be a win-win situation for all.
    
    Kamran
    USA
    
    
    
11. Yes, the present govt. is not implementing its manifesto of "Kashkol Phainko" by offering balance economic policies and clean society and accountability for all. (Not just for the opposition).
    
    Nasser
    Pakistan
    
    
    
12. It is observed that you are not doing fair; you publish only those letters or ideas that just define something without iron proof. And you always drop the actual problems. As when I wrote that police from Punjab were doing extra judicial killings, you never showed it. I again ask what is the way for demonstration against these killing by Punjab government?
    
    Zafar M Khan
    Canada/Pakistan
    
    
    
13. I think the opposition parties have concrete reasons to agitate. Mr. Nawaz Sharif has failed to deliver what he was elected for. Is the economy any better? What happened to Ehtesab? Nobody has given any rational explanation why we chose to do what we did in Kargil. Has there been any improvement in the government's record for the respect of human rights? I think it's time we tried something else, like a national government with the sole purpose of improving the economy.
    
    Waseem Arif
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
14. Strikes by opposition parties are justified and the people of Pakistan have no other option but to show their dissatisfaction through agitation. Pakistan government is a one-man show. All decisions are made by a single person who is a few countries short of an empire. Ministers and parliamentarians do not care if they are ignored. They are happy as long as they are allowed to steal electricity, default on their debts, get free shopping trips to western countries and enjoy VIP status at the cost of treasury. The parliament is bypassed, the president is completely irrelevant and the senators are threatened with murder if they fail to tow the government line. The argument that Mr. Sharif has a heavy mandate to rule the country is flawed. He is not directly elected and only represents his constituency. Though ML did get most of the votes than other parties combined but only to rule on the federal level. Mr. Sharif's claim to be entitled to rule till the end of his mandate is hollow. After all, PPP and MQM bagged 90% of the Sindh vote and have heavier mandate than Mr. Sharif, but it did not stop Mr. Sharif to suspend several articles of the constitution in order to put his crony at the helm of Sindh affairs.
    
    Z. Hussain
    Canada
    
    
    
15. There is a morning after every night, believe in Allah and keep acting honestly.
    
    Wasim Farooqi
    USA
    
    
    
16. At the moment we don't have a leadership that can replace Sharif's. Those people who call themselves opposition should be fined for the material and moral damage they are doing.
    
    Waseem Nafees
    USA
    
    
    
17. I don't think strikes will make a difference unless the government takes them seriously and tries to bridge differences with opposition. This is because strikes result in heavy financial losses to the country. One thing is clear that Nawaz government has not done what people had expected of him. If you see our national/provincial assembly, you will hardly find educated and responsible people sitting there. This is the time when people from middle class should be given a chance to rule the country. The so-called feudal lords and politicians (who are the real culprits) and who have taken billions of rupees as loans and have not returned should be brought to justice. The question is who will do that as many of the culprits are from the govt. We have tried all the leaders and now I think Imran Khan should be given a chance. We have more than $35 billion loan and we are still borrowing. There does not seem to be an end to it. I think no one is responsible for this situation but Mr Sartaj Aziz. If he had not blocked the foreign currency accounts, I am sure the situation would have been different. I am surprised that instead of taking any action against him, he is given another important office. Anything is possible in Pakistan. Half of Nawaz government’s time has passed and I am sure that they will not do any good in the next half. Let the army take the charge and recover all the loans and put behind the bars all the corrupt politicians. May God bless our country.
    
    Anwar Qureshi
    Toronto
    
    
    
18. The main question is, "Are we in a great mess or not?" Except sycophants and journalists living on the left over crumbs of Sharifs' dinner table, every Pakistani is both listening and watching the coming of doomsday, albeit with a sense of helplessness and frustration.
    
    The choice is between a slow and long death and standing up and taking the plunderers and looters to task. We can continue to live under the perpetual shadow of one corrupt government or another and let the country decay and be perished. Or we can also take the matter into our own hands and start the journey towards reconstruction and rebuilding. The former is the easier solution; the country might still live but like a non-entity amongst the family of countries. To save from a shameful end, some sacrifice has to be given. Allah does not change the state of nation unless it itself does not change its condition. Three groups have clearly emerged in the last fifty-two years of this country. Opportunists, who have found abode in Quaid's Muslim League after hijacking it- they are the fake coins in the words of late Quaid- jumped on the bandwagon when they saw Pakistan come into being.
    
    They misruled the country in the guise of Iskander Mirzas, Ghulam Muhammads and martial laws of Ayub, Yahya, Bhutto and Zia. They are the worst forms of hypocrites. Second class is actually a breakaway faction of the first one. They after realising that they can not keep their loot and plunder for an indefinite period, gathered behind the Quaid-e-Awam raising the slogans of equality and the rule for labourers, farmers and the down-trodden. Their objective was the same. They learned the art of Divide-and-rule from their white masters and applied it with precision, craft and cruelty. In Sindh, their agents raised hue and cry against the hegemony of Punjab, which definitely has a modicum of truth in it, and in Punjab they chant, "Jaag Punjabi jaag, tery pug nun lag gian daagh".
    
    They host and give protection to the leaders of Jiye Sindh and other anti-Pakistan elements and keep milking the cow. The third group has formed the front rows, masses are coming towards them but still a great majority of the patriotic and loving people of this country is slow in rallying around this group led by Qazi Hussain Ahmed of JI. The ruling class is spreading confusion and falsehood to sabotage that movement of accountability but it looks that under the leadership of this white-bearded Dervish, they will keep their march towards an unbelieving victory. It is unbelievable that that Qazi so clearly recognised these worms of Pakistani society despite all opposition from the ruling Mafia and even from some elements in JI but nothing was able to deter him and shake his Himalayan courage and wisdom.
    
    The greatness of a person can only be recognised under those extreme circumstances when both friends and foe unite to defeat him and create an illusion of their righteousness and piety around them, though they are only serving their own petty interests. Allah has said in the Quran, "they were making their plots and Allah was making his plans and indeed Allah is the best plotter."
    
    There is no doubt that the only person who can save the Ummah of Pakistan from the fangs of these brutes is Qazi Hussain Ahmed and time is not far when the nation will recognise his leadership and he will not disappoint them. He has the courage and confidence. This time victors will be the people of this country not the ringmasters, Insha Allah.
    
    Imran Siddiqui
    USA
    
    
    
19. These people are not trustworthy and sincere. The so-called Nawabzada and the king of corruption people’s party and the day-time robber Manzoor Watoo can do nothing for this country. They are only serving their own interests.
    
    We have to identify the reasons why they are clamouring; surely not for Pakistan but for something else. They are just puppets and trying to please their masters. Remember what Manzoor Watoo did with Punjab assembly in the past? And amazingly he is now fighting for democracy, and similarly what have Nawabzada and PPP done with the country. These are corrupt professional politicians and anti-Pakistan elements showing their actual faces. Let the present government complete its term.
    
    Salma Khokhar
    Canada
    
    
    
20. No for God’s sake no! I do not agree with the present government's handling of Pakistani and international affairs. But it is a democratically elected government. It should only be removed through the ballet box. Democracy is a slow process but it is the best cure for many illnesses of the government and the society. Strikes and rallies will only affect common people and business in particular. Businesses are the backbone of the economy. Long live democracy.
    
    Anwar Iqbal
    Canada
    
    
    
21. There must not be any protest, which is unlawful, and due to which businesses are disturbed. This is because annual incomes and revenue are already insufficient. So the opposition, whoever it is, should obey the law. They should set an example for the general public. If they want to protest, that must be within limits. That’s all.
    
    Qasim
    Canada
    
    
    
22. There is not a single politician in Pakistan who can run this country. I think the opposition has no agenda, no team that can replace the existing government. So they have no right to upset the already sinking economy. I think that Pakistan needs a team of technocrats and good people for at least 5 years who can make a good government, and can do real Ehtesab. After 5 years the democracy can be restored in Pakistan and all those who are corrupted should be banned for life from politics.
    
    Imran
    Australia
    
    
    
23. It is very painful to see such negative propaganda against our Army. In the foreign media maybe it is initiated by our enemy India, but supported indirectly by Nawaz Sharif government for instance the recent statement by Mr.Niaz A.Naik.
    In this environment the opposition is doing a very good job; they have to press upon the government for an inquiry commission, and must be authorised to penalise the people responsible for the Kargil operation regardless of whether it was the army or the government. How many parents lost their dearest sons, how many wives lost their beloved husbands, how many children have become fatherless today, and what did we gain from it? Humiliation. Why? What the opposition is doing is the right thing and deserves the support of every Pakistani.
    
    Rana I.A.Khan
    Osaka, Japan
    
    
    
24. No, there is no ground for the opposition for strikes and disturbing the country, let the democratic process work, and let the present government complete its term. There should be a fixed date for the election after every 4 or 5 years according to the constitution.
    
    Affan Hashmi
    USA
    
    
    
25. In spite of the fact that the performance of this government is very poor, the motive behind the agitation of "opposition alliance" is to acquire the government and hence their own benefits. They are not sincere with Pakistan. I think the view point of Jamat-e-Islami is right; they are opposing the government and suggesting the right alternative policies and solutions to the problems. We need such parties and leaders who can run the country according to the guidelines of Islam, not by the guidelines of America.
    
    Murtaza Ali Khan
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
26. Beware of dogs. All I want to say is that we should stop following these silly and greedy politicians. Strikes, agitation and bloodshed are their hobbies. They are doing nothing but ruining the country and sending people out of work. Nawaz Sharif has not done anything wrong as yet. They need to leave him alone and let him complete his five-year term.
    
    Khalid Mehmood
    USA
    
    
    
27. The Punjabi dictator should go.
    
    Khan
    USA
    
    
    
28. All I want to say to the opposition is that they are greedy, and they should STOP this.
    I think they are all stupid. Let Mr. Nawaz Sharif complete his term and let the Pakistanis choose their new leader.
    
    Javed Zahid
    USA
    
    
    
29. I strongly oppose the strikes and agitation by the opposition parties. Let me first put forth a fact that all these parties who have created a big alliance is a sleazy group of defeated, rejected and court-sentenced persons. Benazir Bhutto- she has been sentenced by the court for corruption. Altaf Hussain (MQM) a known terrorist whose expenses are borne by outside agencies or the money collected by his accomplices in Karachi. Nawab Nasrullah Khan- a mercenary- a customer who always looks for a job to earn his bread. ANP, a frog of their own area- they have no national identification. Imran Khan- has been crying for the uplift of the poor but his hospital is not for the poor because the poor cannot defray the high expenses of Shaukat Memorial.
    
    The opposition parties have only one agenda, which is to remove the present government. My question to every one of them is what is next? Nothing. I can tell now that none of them would be able to change the economic condition of Pakistan rather they will scratch this country to its bones.
    
    In my opinion, let the current government continue for the next 2-1/2 years. However, a pressure must be built on this government to prevent mistakes or misuse of its authority, which should be done through a democratic process i.e. in the Parliament and Senate.
    
    Last but not the least, parties who are being operated from outside the country must be banned. The people of Pakistan and the Government must make it clear to every party that if anyone wants to do politics he or she must stay in the country. Those who sit outside the country and address rallies over the phone should not be allowed to land in Pakistan. Let them stay with their masters who are feeding them.
    
    Maqsood Butt
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
30. If strikes and rallies affect the economy, they should be banned, but on other side, government should realise democracy and give the opposition a chance of peaceful demands. If the leaders of the opposition thinks that strikes is the way to go, then it means that they are not serious about the country, rather they are doing it for their own interests. I will say that strikes and agitation will reduce the country to a graveyard where we can not find anything but bones. Thanks for your way of asking the people.
    
    Mohammad Abdul Khalique
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
31. Yes, opposition parties have sufficient grounds for strikes and rallies, and these strikes will enhance the small businesses in future. Otherwise, the government policies will destroy them. Nawaz Sharif’s policies are only for his family business and for his allies, not for the small businessmen.
    
    Aurangzeb Khan
    KSA
    
    
    
32. The politicians in our country have no respect for institutions. Let the institutions prosper first. If removing a government through agitation is legitimised, it will bring destruction for democratic institutions. All these politicians should wait till the end of the present term of the government and bring a new thing for the masses in fresh elections. For God’s sake do not spoil democracy.
    
    Zulqarnain
    Pakistan
    
    
    
33. All rubbish. We do not need agitation. People who have never been patriotic towards Pakistan always create such situations. This is always a game in which some outside elements play with the help of inside elements to achieve their goals. Agitation means to disrupt the life and the system which a society builds up for its prosperity, better future and peace. Agitation should be banned in Pakistan. If someone needs a change, he or she should come forward through legal means. Villagers, religious and illiterate people should not be allowed to cast vote, because they always follow their masters not the community interest. Even though they are pious, they do not know what justice is. They think that to make their Choudhari or Khan win is success, even if the latter is a criminal.
    
    Mohammad Jawaid Raza
    Qatar
    
    
    
34. Yes, the opposition parties have all rights to agitate through strikes and other peaceful means to show their disapproval of the government actions.
    
    Tariq
    Canada
    
    
    
35. Okay, what other options do you have besides agitation and strikes to kick out the plunderers and predators of this country? The corrupt leaders cannot get out of the office by simply writing a mercy application to refrain to dig the foundations of Pakistan! Enough is enough. The people of Pakistan should use all means to throw them out of the office. If you want to save the "head", you would need to cut the "finger". Today, if you don't do it, the people would find other options. People would prefer justice and equality. But if denied, they would go their own way. You can stop one, two, three, a few hundreds or even a few thousands, but not millions, from exercising their rights.
    
    S.Khan
    Canada
    
    
    
36. 1.Pakistan doesn’t have a political genie.
    2.Our armed forces don't know how to liberate the occupied Kashmir.
    3.Our businessmen don't know how to run a business.
    I have only one solution: Education at all levels and in every field.
    
    Sarfraz Khan
    The Netherlands
    
    
    
37. I think we should start behaving like an educated and democratic society. We should let one govt. do its job till the next scheduled elections. If, however, they have not done a good job select somebody else in the election.
    
    Muhammad Faheem Azhar
    USA
    
    
    
38. No, the opposition parties are a waste of time and have no place in a society where an effective dictatorship is in play. What all the parties will do is fight with each other without any rhyme or reason and in the end they will be back to where they started. The net effect will be that businesses will suffer and the nation’s economy will stay in the rut that it has been in for the last 10 years. How can Pakistan expect to get foreign aid when all that outsiders see is the bickering and nonsense that come out of the politicians’ ego, instead of their minds and hearts? And the obliteration of Pakistani society will continue.
    
    Afraz Jaffri
    England
    
    
    
39. I respect everybody’s point of view but we have to change the Constitution of Pakistan for the betterment and welfare of common people and this cannot be done without electing qualified and responsible MPA/MNAs. Look at those people who are running this country. They are stealing money, getting bank loans from banks; and the common man cannot get anything easily. Somebody has to take a stand in Pakistan and we have to support him to change things around. Thanks for this opportunity to talk to all of you.
    
    Muhammad Zubair
    Pakistan
    
    
    
40. One of the norms of a democratic society is letting people express their views freely. It is recognised that this could take the shape of strikes and agitation. But if any government takes away the right of freedom of expression from its people then that government is itself not democratic in the first place.
    The present situation, however, demands much more. The reason is that the very existence of our homeland is at stake. It is possible that the present regime has some vested interest of its own. I think the youth should come forward and play their role. At present, I think, any alternative will be fine. We have seen nothing worse than the present political situation in the entire history of Pakistan.
    
    Zulfiqar Niazi
    Canada
    
    
    
41. Which economy are you talking about? Pakistani economy died a long time ago and lies buried deep in Kargil! We live on borrowed money and even pay the loan instalments by borrowing money! The success of our governments is measured by their ability to arrange for IMF loans. We are neck-deep in trouble and keep saying that we are a super power!
    
    Mohammad Khalid
    Karachi, Pakistan
    
    
    
42. I believe that the opposition parties in Sindh have the right to agitate against the brutal force and undemocratic tactics deployed by the PML government. If democracy needs to flourish, the mandate given by the people of Sindh to MQM and PPP should be respected. A party with less than 15 percent of the seats in the assembly has no right to govern the province.
    
    Sajid Kheshgi
    USA
    
    
    
43. Mr. Muhammad Ghumman, why don't you take yourself and your Punjabi chauvinist attitude to India if you can't treat other Pakistanis with respect and dignity.
    
    Owais Khanzada
    USA
    
    
    
44. To change any government by forcing people to the streets is not justified in any case. There is a constitution in Pakistan and that should be followed and the best way is to place motion of no-confidence in the House. I think no opposition truly believes in the Constitution. Whichever party is in the opposition has only one motive, which is to come into power. We have experienced that anyone who comes into power starts plundering money from the first day and deposits it in foreign banks. This is the money which is collected from the taxes given by the people. People do not include the feudal, big landholders, big businessmen, who feel ashamed to deposit their share of taxes in the treasury but have no compunctions taking all the benefits which they can by hook or by crook. Politicians here have only one goal, that is: no government should complete its due term in the office. The people of Pakistan have suffered a lot since the birth of Pakistan. This exercise of agitation only gives fresh blood to the politicians who have no interest in integrity of Pakistan- they only want to loot the poor.
    
    The ultimate loser in this movement of agitation and strikes are the poor people for whom it is difficult to live with honour. They suffer because they are constrained to feed their children. How callous are our politicians who do nothing for the hapless children on the streets. Pakistan is still too deep in the crisis to stand in the line of the countries that have strong economy. If a country is not economically strong, its survival is questionable. This exercise of agitation is totally ruining the economy of the country, and making things even more difficult for the people of Pakistan to live.
    
    This process to topple any government should be stopped. No one is justified to change any government except the people who have the right to do so through casting votes after a certain period, which is clearly mentioned in the Constitution of Pakistan. The people of Pakistan should join hands to stop this agitation. The opposition should respect the Constitution and right of the people.
    
    Muhammad Faheem Minhas
    USA
    
    
    
45. I have been following the political situation through your newspaper. Sometimes it seems to me that there is simply no rule of law in Pakistan. The current administration seems to be hell-bent on destroying all the opposition and imposing its brand of authority. The freedom of speech and freedom of movement are the basic elements of democracy. If these pages of freedoms are torn away from the book of constitution, the country reverts to the medieval era. What justifies the grounds for opposition parties to agitate is that the present administration has left no choice to those who wish to protect our country from breaking up into tiny provincial entities. Businesses do not exist without the cover of strong law and order and guaranteed constitutional rights and freedoms. Yes opposition parties are justified to agitate and small businesses should provide all the support they can give.
    
    Vali M. Sorathia
    USA
    
    
    
46. In my opinion any government ruling Pakistan should be given time to complete its five-year tenure for the implementation of its policies. At the end of five years if the government has done blunders then it should be thrown out. But calling strikes in a manner like what is happening these days in Pakistan is nothing but a lust for the rule. Last time I visited Pakistan in February 99, Jamat Islami gave a strike call against the visit of Indian Prime minister. How much property was damaged on that day I just could not believe. A party calling itself Islamic and doing exactly the opposite thing! Isn’t it strange that 19 parties have formed an alliance against the government? All those 19 parties have differences among themselves. Not long ago there was another alliance which could not last long. One surprising thing is that Imran Khan has also joined the same beaten track with other politicians. He probably has visualised that he too needs the crutches of other parties to become the ruler of the country, which is wrong. (To all politicians) Go to the people and tell them honestly what you can do or what you can't, let the people be the judge and if you are really sincere then there is no power on earth that can stop you from choosing the destiny of the people.
    
    Waseem
    Melbourne, Australia
    
    
    
47. The strike calls, in fact, have no basis in reason or logic. People are fed up with the opposition as much as they hate the present government and they only want to be left alone. In fact, midterm removal of these dacoits only help them become "shaheed" and lay claims to power the next time. The opposition should therefore relax and let the Pakistanis, including small business, live in peace.
    
    Ramday
    USA
    
    
    
48. These strikes are not a new thing for the Pakistani nation. As long as our people are uneducated, these looters will go on strikes and ruin the country. Look at BB and Mr Altaf (refugee), both are always upset and talking nonsense. I concluded that all these looters should be punished according to the Islamic law. After that blacken their faces and give them a ride on a donkey. You have tried the rest now try the best. God bless my country and save it from these satans.
    
    Imran Khokhar
    Scotland (UK)
    
    
    
49. We are now at a point in the history where we have to make some serious judgements and based on those conclusions, very needed decisions must be made. We have seen the black faces of all the politicians; all of them represent the same sick system. Therefore instead of wasting time on blaming these characters let's talk about changing the system. I strongly believe that like any third world country's, Pakistan's problems are solely economical problems. In order to solve those I will give the country on contract to Pakistanis abroad who are educated, experienced, loyal and HARD WORKING with an incentive fee based on the improvement in the economy of the country. Let's think on these terms rather than beating the bushes over and over.
    
    Rehman Sharif
    USA
    
    
    
50. It is not so simple to say yes or no. The new meaning of the word Peace in the world is Employment. With the turn of the century, there should be only one race among nations and communities and that is race for better economy. Unfortunately, the political system in Pakistan is the matter of political and personal survival of the elite. They are in politics to protect their own interest and nothing else. But I have not lost hope yet; while there is life there is hope. Let the current government finish its term and then decide about the future.
    I have not seen any concrete agenda from any opposition party but "oust the government" one. Is there any integrity in our leaders? How they change their stands on various issues over night! In fact, they have none.
    
    Tariq Bashir
    USA
    
    
    
51. Yesterday Karachi police deputed from Punjab killed two men. One was a youngster of Liaquatabad and the other was from Gulbahar. These are 32nd murders of non-local authorities of Sindh and Karachi. Now explain to me which other option is left for legal protest.
    
    Vikhar Fatima
    Canada/Pakistan
    
    
    
52. There are grounds for agitation and for getting rid of this govt. but I will strongly oppose this current opposition alliance because of its evil intentions against Pakistan. We should give a chance to new comers like Imran Khan rather than choosing Miss Benazir again even when we have already experienced her. I don't know on what grounds she is opposing Mr Nawaz.
    
    Imran Khalid
    Australia
    
    
    
53. Politics is benefiting from people's ignorance; and that is exactly what Pakistani politicians are doing. Strikes and rallies are the best tools to waste the nation's time and keep the educational institutions shut. If people were educated and wanted to see the logic behind the politicians' actions then politicians will be in trouble of losing their livelihood. The conclusion:
    A) For politicians: Yes strong grounds to keep the nation on strikes and in rallies.
    B) For the nation: No grounds to waste time, learn to read, read between the lines.
    
    Sajjad Rehman
    United Kingdom
    
    
    
54. I consider this great opportunity provided by the Jang to the Pakistanis all around the world to express their opinions regarding the current agitation by the opposition. The faction of the opposition comprising the shameless people like Benazir, Nasurallh Khan, Tahirul Qadri, Wali Khan, Altaf Hussain, Manzoor Watoo and so many others is just trying to capitalise the current situation and have no right to do that.
    
    They can not do any thing good for Pakistan. They had such big opportunities earlier to serve Pakistan but they just served their own families. They are people of such character that they rightly deserve to be hanged along with their entire families. Each one of them should be hanged 100 times and people should see that scene. They are mean, devoid of character, antisocial, looters and have got no honour in the masses. Once these elements are taken to task believe me there still are among us nice and better people who really deserve to run the affairs of the country in an honourable way. Great hopes lie with Qazi Hussain Ahmad who has been very consistent in his policy. Jamat-e-Islami has been saying for a long time that PML and PPP are the similar faces of the same coin. They would never do anything good except for doing for themselves. People of Pakistan have to wake up and throw these looters in the Arabian Sea if they really want to be in tranquillity.
    IF accountability is conducted in the right manner I am damn sure the money recovered from these dacoits and looters can free the country from all sorts of debts.
    
    So this is the need of the hour that we being Pakistanis realise what we have got to do and support Jamaat and other good people to oust the corrupt people forever. In the end I say the present struggle being done by Jamaat is right and they are fully justified in that.
    
    Hassan
    Canberra, Australia
    
    
    
55. Strikes at this point in time are not the right thing to do. Any person in the right frame of mind will not try to play with the economy of the country. Pakistan requires a CLEAN-UP of politicians and civil servants who are corrupt and have adopted corruption and looting as a way of life. Those politicians who run to the US or UK or UN for petty things can never be trusted/loyal to PAKISTAN. Unfortunately all our leaders are like this. There is no reason to blame India or any other country for our own problems. All we need is a government of technocrats who must be strong enough to snub the West and other critics if and when they execute to corrupt rulers. We must live in harmony with everyone and still be independent in our relationship with other nations. Be it diplomacy, defence or anything. This is possible; but please do not bring religion and politics together. Religion must be one's personal belief and nothing to do with government. Mosques or religious parties have no place in politics. People running these institutions are totally uneducated and do not understand Islam in real sense.
    
    The bottom line is 'Get Rid Of The Corrupt - EXECUTE THEM. Ban all religious parties. Control mosques and other places of worship by appointing educated Islamic scholars. Separate religion from politics. Don't blame other countries for your own misdeeds.
    
    Shahid
    UAE
    
    
    
56. In my opinion, the opposition parties are not doing anything good for the country. Their agitation politics is aimed at creating problems for the present government. They DO NOT present any solution to the problems faced by the country. Their efforts are just to gain cheap popularity. I think, the opposition should announce shadow cabinet and come forward with solutions to the problems faced by the country.
    
    Khalid Mahmood
    Pakistan
    
    
    
57. There is no one to listen to the poor. The "MAHNGAI" is spreading like a chain-reaction of atomic bomb. I think the nuke tests Pakistan had conducted in May, are now affecting the Pakistani economy by vaporising it. The back of the commoner has been broken. We Pakistani living abroad feel more pain than the people in Pakistan do. And in this miserable situation these politicians are trying to be successful by strike and all. They know that they will never be affected by the outcome of all this stupidity. It will be only the common man that will be affected. So people should think and desist from these strikes.
    
    Mohammad Ali
    UAE
    
    
    
58. The agitation is a fundamental right of the opposition in the democracy but it should be in a proper manner and not by striking. They could hold rallies after duty hours or on holidays so that business does not suffer. The strike should be banned in the constitution because these leaders don’t have any love for their country; they only want their politics shop flourished.
    
    Harvinder Singh
    India
    
    
    
59. The simple answer to this question is NO. I wish these people understood their role for this country. Whoever is in the opposition, the only and only object is to remove the government by all good and bad means. I do not know why these people understand that they can serve the people only when they are in power. I wish they came out on the streets with the people to clean the streets. No, no one will do it. God has given them the ability and chance, I wish they could use it in the right way. When these people represent a pure Islamic State, I do not know how they forget that they are answerable to God for any of their deeds? They are not only wasting their own time, but also the time of the people
    
    Asim Shahzad
    Kuwait
    
    
    
60. No, there is no need to put the country in a turmoil. The real question is," Is this Western type of democracy FIT FOR PAKISTAN?" How long will these few families keep fooling the nation of 130 million? Soon they would all be accountable for their doings. MAY ALLAH ALMIGHTY SAVE MY COUNTRY.
    
    Aamir Tufail
    Pakistan
    
    
    
61. Pakistan is a country created for all the Muslims of the sub-continent. Unfortunately, we have forgotten the goal set forth by the great Quaid-I-Azam and even more unfortunate is the fact that the great leaders of our country departed shortly after the creation of our country. A newly-born Pakistan was left on the mercy of the wolf politicians and dictators. We saw the dismemberment of the country some 24 odd years later, all because fundamental rights were denied to a particular community but we still haven't learned from our mistakes. Are fascist rulers like Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif the only two options left for us? Socrates said a few hundred years ago that 'never pick a merchant (businessman) as your leader.' Businessmen are only loyal to money and not a country and we can see the results. What we need in our country is maximum power to the regional administration meaning not only provinces but also the districts. District level autonomy is the best solution for our country.
    
    We have to stop the ambitious Nawaz Sharif from making Pakistan his self-proclaimed empire before it is too late. Keeping a democratic government in Pakistan is dangerous unless we have proper checks and balances put in place for the rulers to abide by. The opposition coalition is right in using all democratic and peaceful means to stop Nawaz Sharif from further injuring the country's economy in general and the existence in particular. Pakistanis should rise up and support the opposition to establish a platform for a stronger and stable Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad.
    
    Adnan Syed
    USA
    
    
    
62. I don't know whether the opposition parties have any ground to agitate or not, but I certainly know that the common people have a lot of ground. Other than strikes they don't have any other method of feedback system. The regular feedback systems have already been destroyed. So what else does anybody expect? By the way the Grand Alliance is just a bunch of opportunists. The only reasonable party is Jamate Islami. I hope they don't want Taliban-type system in Pakistan.
    
    Khalid Kayani
    Russia
    
    
    
63. No I don't think that there is any need for agitation in the country and especially by all these looters who are organising them. All these so-called patriotic leaders are those who have done worse in their own time in power. Benazir: no need to talk about her and her husband's corruption. Mr Watoo has been in power; he also did nothing worth mentioning. MQM is probably the worst political party that is playing with the emotions of the people of the Karachi; it has no agenda but keeps the situation worse and takes advantage of the people. Mr Nawabzadah is a curse to the country; all he does is hurt the country. Imran Khan has not been tested yet but I think he is being played in the hand of all these senior player of politics. He should open his eyes and play a positive and constructive role in politics. I am not a big fan of Nawaz but I believe he is still a better choice than all these CHORS.
    
    Mohammad Asif
    USA
    
    
    
64. I believe there are many concrete reasons, which gathered all the momentum against the current government. It is true that most of the parties in Pakistan have no program to overcome the difficulties of innocent Pakistanis. But it is also true that the current Govt. also has no strategy to improve the human conditions and human rights situation in Pakistan. People living in Karachi, no matter to which community they belong, are human beings. If a government can not provide security to its people, but is rather worsening the condition of its citizens, it must be thrown out of power.
    
    Pakistan is unfortunate that there is not a single leader in whom all people from all communities can trust. Pakistan army, although playing a positive role by not enforcing martial law, is also not performing its duties. Unfortunately, the Pakistan army’s hatred of MQM due to no positive reasons is also a major reason for the crises in Karachi. It is all because of a weak judicial system that Karachi is in such a mess.
    
    As the current government has failed to improve any of the situations mentioned above, it therefore becomes justified that people should get together and agitate against the current corrupt government.
    
    Syed Zahid Rahil
    USA
    
    
    
65. There certainly are grounds for the opposition to protest at the state of the nation's economy. However strikes will merely worsen the situation. Call me cynical but somehow I do not feel the strike is really meant to achieve anything apart from trying to increase the political base of the opposition. The unfortunate part of all this is that even if the current government is ousted their replacements are unlikely to improve things.
    
    Asker Husain
    UK
    
    
    
66. The opposition parties have no grounds whatsoever to agitate against an elected government which has a huge mandate from the people of Pakistan. All the people in the opposition are political orphans and they can’t even win from their hometowns in elections. And of course the government is so well entrenched in power that the opposition can not dislodge the government even in their dreams. The only thing that these strikes are doing is further weakening the already fragile economy. My advice to the opposition parties is that they go home and wait till the tenure of the government ends and then let the people decide in the next general elections.
    
    Arshad Saeed Khan
    Canada
    
    
    
67. Has the opposition done anything constructive since the new government came to power? All the opposition's actions clearly show that they have made every attempt to bring down the government. There have been calls from the opposition to international media and countries to destabilise Pakistan. This has been done by focusing attention on nuclear defence. Is this opposition really for Pakistan or doing its best to make a government to further destabilise the country, economically and in its defence against United States, and India? People must understand that all this opposition is only for one reason and that is the nuclear issue. The United States wants a prime minister that will meet its demands. There is no one better than Benazir and her likes for that job.
    
    Timur Ali
    United Kingdom
    
    
    
68. There is no reason for opposition parties to agitate through strikes and rallies. In Pakistan, politicians, including the government, opposition parties and political religious leaders, are mainly corrupt. They are by-products of a corrupt system. What one can expect from them? Politicians intentionally create crises with no regard to their impact, and then enjoy the destruction of the country and the people. When this government will become opposition they will be doing the same what the present opposition is doing to them.
    Our politicians need to start the civilised way of doing politics. The opposition parties have to let this government complete its term and try to create a change through elections and not agitation. The people elected Nawaz Sharif and his government. Let people remove them at the time of elections. Why in Pakistan, a loser politician becomes either a big mouth fanatic OR a self-proclaimed reformer? May Allah give us wisdom. Amen.
    
    Syed Badiuddin Soharwardy
    Calgary, Canada
    
    
    
69. The present position of Pakistan is an illustration of the old cliché "beggars can't be chosers". Our economic condition is so wretched that we are even told what price onions are to be sold at by the IMF and the World Bank etc. Why then have we allowed Pizza Huts and McDonalds etc to operate in Pakistan? Every time somebody takes a bite of these outrageously priced junk food items, we pay royalty in precious foreign exchange. Why cannot this economic sieve be done away with? (This is just a glaring example of our lopsided fiscal logic). The solution to our problems is economic independence. I say out with the Bhuttos and the Sharifs and all the other thieves; lets identify some concerned Pakistanis, elect them and have a process of accountability whereby these elected reps cannot get away with this loot. I believe that economic recovery is our road to emancipation.
    
    Nafees A. Mahmood
    USA
    
    
    
70. I think whatever is happening nowadays in Pakistan is sad, and one feels to shed a lot of tears but it won’t make any difference to Nawaz, Benazir, Qazi, Altaf or Nawabzada. The fact is that in the past 52 years of independence, except for the great Quaid, no one is faithful/royal to a great nation like PAKISTAN.
    
    The core problem with Pakistan is not India, Kashmir USA or any other country; it's corruption, and everyone has a hand in it, be it a beggar or the prime minister. Everyone is involved in it. All religions practice/preach love and peace not war. Take history and we should learn from it. Having left Pakistan for almost a year now, I have come to realise what a great country Pakistan is. With the manpower/resources we have, we could do wonders in this world provided we all stand together and uproot corruption. And if we cant do it then goodbye Pakistan. I think one unit system was the best system and we should go back to one unit system. No Punjabi, Sindhi, Pakhtoon, Balochi or Mohajir. Always remember, united we stand divided we fall. It is still time; let us work together as true Pakistanis and uplift the face and glory of Pakistan to make it the best country in the world. Practise what you preach, and for GOD's sake stop pointing fingers at other countries. It’s now 52 years on the globe. Don’t act like a child who needs pocket money every time from dad (World Bank) or mom (IMF). Be self reliant like the rich countries of the world.
    
    Joseph
    Canada
    
    
    
71. I think Pakistan does not need strikes or agitation. Both A and B parties have betrayed the trust of people. We do not need A or B party. What Pakistan needs is a few good men and women. We need rule of Law. Education for the masses especially women. We need amendment in the constitution so that no one could be the prime minister after 2 terms and no one should be allowed to vote who is not educated. We need economic revoluton, which can not be achieved without education. We need good relation with neighbours, especially India, with which we have so many things in common. Pakistan does not need B party to come back and start doing the same thing all over again. We need true patriotic people like Zia ul haq, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Leghari, Fakhar Imam. So in short, we do not need strikes and agitation. We need change, total overhauling.
    Pakistan Zindabad
    
    Amie Butt
    USA
    
    
    
72. No. There should be no strikes, as they affect common people and students and our economy at large. I think both Benazir and Nawaz have had enough opportunities to loot the wealth of our country. Shahbaz is probably trying to serve Punjabies, good! But what about the other three provinces? Is Pakistan just for Punjabis or Sharifs? I think the opposition has also been tried more than once and now only a revolution can save Pakistan, whether democratic or bloody. Otherwise, mere agitation and strikes are not the answer, as could be seen from the last 2 strike calls in Sindh.
    
    Abid
    USA
    
    
    
73. Being an Indian, I don't have the power to comment on this issue but however, I feel that its my Muslim brothers who are being fooled by the Pakistani Leadership and the Opposition leaders. Look at the agitating opposition leaders..it is these people who will again hoodwink the masses once they are in power...oh brothers, at least in India we have Atal Vajpayee who can think of India. Please rise above everything to put someone who can lead Pakistan to the next millennium. Once a country is economically weak, it no longer remains a power even if it has nuclear weapons.
    
    Mohammed Imdad
    Thailand/India
    
    
    
74. No. There are no grounds for the opposition parties to agitate through strikes and rallies. I don't care whether you like Nawaz Sharif or not, you definitely don't want to ruin your country's economy.
    
    Ummeed
    Pakistan (USA)
    
    
    
75. I agree with Kamal from Australia. Pakistan needs a stable democracy and let this government complete its turn and do for their people what they can. If other parties do have a better mandate than PML, let the people vote for them in the general elections after five years. We don't know why the opposition parties are in hurry for elections. Or whether they really have a better mandate or agenda different than the present government.
    
    If ANP wants to do better for the people of NWFP then why did they leave PML? When the time came for the people of NWFP to eat the fruit of the success of PML, ANP left the PML and the people of the province suffered. If ANP is clamouring against the Punjabi leader then it should definitely think where they are now.
    
    Dr. Fazli Manan
    Canada
    
    
    
76. How long can we repeat this process, to remove one elected government, and to bring a non-elected one? A non-elected government should not rule us even for a moment. Besides, the present government is a majority government and a non-elected opposition (so-called) has no right to remove it by demonstration or by illegal means. Only in parliament, the opposition's strength can remove it, and that is the only democratic way. The government cannot be removed because some non-elected people do not like it. Oppositions should see if the government is doing something for the people or not, criticise it, and that is the only role the opposition has.
    
    In Pakistan only, if a party is elected and forms a government, the defeated candidates right away start working towards its removal. What a mockery of democracy. Also, in Pakistan only, non-elected people ridicule democracy. Now, this is a clear crime in democracy. One member of parliament represents thousands and you are making fun of all of them. Newspapers should educate people (who can read) how democracy works. So, stop the demonstrations and work for the people till the next elections and show them that you care for them. This time a majority government should go through its mandate, so that democracy grows.
    
    Anwar Chaudhary
    Canada
    
    
    
77. Remember, in a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of the former, and the will of the majority is supreme. Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realise that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.
    
    The MQM, PTI & PPP etc and the lost and blind mullah leaders should all be arrested and put into jail for a very long time. There are absolutely no grounds to shut the business down and cause chaos in the country and pretend to propagate their garbage. LET Nawaz serve his tenure, and if you don't like his particular methods, well then vote him out the next time. To claim that strikes are effective because the poor people have shut their business down is absolutely wrong. The only reason people seem to leave the streets is the fear caused by these protestors that are terror gangs.
    
    Leave our country alone and allow it to heal its wounds that have been caused by years of Bhuttos, Zia, and this dreaded MQM. If, the MQM do not like the facts here in Pakistan, it should go to India. We don't need you and don't want your nationalism. Assassinate me you may, intimidate me you cannot.
    
    Mohamad Ghumman
    USA
    
    
    
78. I will give you my opinion, but what will then happen? NOTHING. It is just a place you can get your frustration out. If you sincerely see the situation, you will come to the conclusion that people are the real fools in the country. We all have tested both the existing parties in Pakistan and again want to bring the Zardari family back to power. Just look at the political system in the western countries, if the president does something wrong, he loses the support of people. But in our country even if they are caught with something they get the same kind of support. So whose fault is it? The problem is that we do not want to change and want to put the blame on others.
    
    As for those who think that we should try Imran now, I ask, what do you mean by trying? Come on it is not a game, change yourself. We actually do not think, and think that we are the greatest as far as politics is concerned. Check his past, you can not have a country run by a person because he is a celebrity. I do not want to get into details, do your own research.
    
    The only thing that could bring some hope in the country is to get rid of the political people. See if the person contesting for the seat has the right education for that. For a few elections take the "right of vote" from the uneducated people. Educate them and make them free from their oppressors. Then allow them to vote for the country. Do not take chances anymore, there is nothing left. Do not get distracted by the name of Islam or democracy. If you have a better life then you can enjoy both of them.
    
    So should we agitate? The answer should be YES BUT after changing ourselves. With the existing parties, we are just wasting time, money and definitely our country.
    We need to change ourselves.
    
    Raza
    Canada
    
    
    
79. The middle class is a country's backbone. With corruption it was already half broken. Now these strikes are doing nothing but paralysing the country. It’s easy for the feudals and politicians to live in these conditions but for the common person it is almost impossible. My question to both the govt and opposition leaders is: are u people really sincere with the country? Is that why our (people) forefather "wasted" there blood for its independence? OF COURSE it was just blood for you people. We understand how difficult it is for all of you to understand those sentiments and sacrifices. AFTER ALL, your forefathers were busy gaining favours by spying on freedom fighters.
    
    Dr. Ehraman Hassan
    USA
    
    
    
80. What opposition parties are you talking about? How many politicians in these parties are educated and how many can read the Pakistani constitution? How many of them have vision? I think it is very unfortunate for the Pakistani nation that Allah has given them a beautiful homeland after a big sacrifice but the politicians have made it a mess. Parties like ANP, which was with PML Nawaz for the last 10 years, separated from the alliance without having any valid reason; but still the people are behind such politicians.
    
    All these politicians are the different faces of the same coin whether it is Nawaz Sharif, Wali Khan, Benazir, Chatta etc. They are playing games and don't have the vision to make Pakistan a welfare state. Their children are in the US, Canada, UK and other parts of the Europe. They have invested in Europe and established houses. These politicians are gambling in Pakistan and they know that nothing will happen to them. The only sufferer will be the poor nation for whom no one bothers about. Today the brother of Mr. Nawaz Sharif is making contract with the US, Chinese and other European countries and the Chief Ministers of other provinces are just playing homes politics. This country will totally collapse and no one will be in a position to handle it. The Pakistani nation should totally reject these politicians and not give vote to anyone. These politicians have established links with every party and nothing is happening to them whether they are in PML, PPP or ANP etc.
    The nation need a natural change to throw away all the present politicians once and for all and bring new, young and educated people to run the country’s affairs for the new challenges of year 2000.
    
    Fazli Manan
    Canada
    
    
    
81. Pakistan is one of the best countries in the world. People of Pakistan indeed want peace with neighbours, particularly with India. Whatever is happening in that region is wrong. If the Kashmiris want independence then let them. However, the situation in Pakistan just did not start today. It is a result of our own mistake that we have repeatedly elected those who have always shown their interest first. We always have Pakistani politicians coming here to Canada; they hardly do their jobs. They are more interested in seeing sights and relishing good food. It is a shame! Politicians have to learn how to look into the real issues and try to solve them. None of the issues has been solved. They have to know how to do constructive criticism and also offer a solution. Problems keep on increasing and there is no solution. Pakistan indeed is democratic country and we indeed follow it. Let's make ourselves strong by keeping and allowing the businesses to remain open. Learn how to cope with a difficult situation. Army is doing its excellent job at the borders; let's not involve them in civil duties. Extend our sincere friendship to India.
    
    Let the Honourable Nawaz Sharif complete his duration. I must remind the leaders of the opposition that they united in 1977 and broke everyone's heart. You were wrong then and you are wrong now. Your agenda is so weak that you have been re-united just to oust the present government. Let me assure you that I am on nobody’s side. We Pakistanis who are living abroad have always supported all the democratically elected governments. We must do that. Our interest is Pakistan not the Muslim league, not PPP, not Jamaat-e-Islami. We see Pakistan strong in Asia. We remain positive towards the wellbeing of our homeland Pakistan. Long live Pakistan.
    
    Ghalib Syed
    Ottawa, Canada
    
    
    
82. Pakistan is in need of a good, sincere and honest leadership for a long time. Being a Muslim country, we should stand under the golden rules of Islam and try to make a happy Pakistan. Please don't listen to politicians, use common sense and decide yourself for the betterment of the country.
    
    Subi
    KSA
    
    
    
83. A judicious use of right to strike is a vital part of democratic societies. However, we are talking about ' democracy' here. What is exercised in our country in the name of democracy is a farce. None of the elected governments in the last 10 years has done anything to strengthen the institutions that feed into this system. i.e. the Judiciary, local self-government, revenue collection, law enforcement etc. Undemocratic and dictatorial decisions by a government will draw a severe backlash. Mr. Nawaz Sharif and his cabinet seem incapable of understanding these systems. Neither do these leaders understand the value of team play, integrity, balance of power etc. In time they will be gone, but the hopelessness lies in our public that oscillates between evil and less evil to more evil. Answer to your question is that under these circumstances, this was bound to happen. The people must suffer until they are able to cry "NO More".
    
    Rafi Aziz
    USA
    
    
    
84. The answer to the question is a BIG NO. The government and the opposition are both corrupt, the whole nation is corrupt, there is a Hadees, "Jasay log hon gay wasey hukmaran." We need a bloody revolution; we need to get rid of corrupt people, the top brass and the rich politicians who never pay taxes and spend their whole lives in the west and deposit millions in foreign banks.
    
    Miss Bhutto and Nawaz Shrif have been in power twice; and the country is deeper in the mire. They both should be penalised.
    
    Khalid Dallas
    USA
    
    
    
85. The opposition is just a bunch of losers. They don't have any interest in the country. They just think that their job is just to make money, so they should be in power. At the same time the ruling party is also playing games and making money. The truth is that no one wants to work for the country. I think we need a strict ruler. Forget about Kashmir. Whatever part of Kashmir India has, let it keep that. We should have good relations with India so that we can save millions of dollars spent on defence. I think the government should work till its term completes, and we must observe what they do. I think the best person for Pakistan is Imran Khan. He is rich and he is not greedy for money, he is greedy for power and I have a strong faith in him, but I don't know how he will be in power. The reality is that the people of Pakistan are stupid, including me. We are once again gonna vote either PPP or the Muslim league to power. That is a tragedy.
    
    Mugis Khawaja
    USA
    
    
    
86. Pakistan is in a big economic crisis not because of lack of resources but because of selfish rulers. The living condition, potential and per capita income are much better than India even though all the gold and other material resources were kept in India at the time of Independence. The 26 billion dollars debt has increased to 52 in just last two years, while the country is in an even worse shape. People are dying of hunger, there are no jobs, and the Mr. Prime minister is busy playing cricket and building Taj Mahal in Raiwind. Sugar prices have doubled and small businesses are succumbing to the unplanned tax burden. Mr. Prime Minister has paid only 470 rupees in tax in 1998, while he is the biggest loan defaulter in the country.
    
    The so-called parliamentarian opposition is totally useless and dysfunctional because of its own corruption. It’s not only politicians, but also a silent majority like us that is responsible for these crises. If everyone starts thinking that a positive change is impossible and no sincere person can become a politician and rebuilt the country, then I tell you we will not be any different from our corrupt politicians. Thank God there are still some people left who have not given up and they have stood up against unjust rulers. I am very glad that the educated and sincere people like Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri have felt their responsibility and stood up for their right. If I can not do it myself then at least I should appreciate their efforts and courage. It is time we differentiated the sincere from the corrupt, and encouraged the former. It is the first time since independence, that someone is giving us a programme- based politics instead of a personality-based. It is the first time in Pakistan’s history
    that some part (PAT) is willing and has a programme to pay debts so that we gain some credibility in the world. Yes, I believe, by looking at their 15-year history of building 25 thousands educational institute across the country and making a strong organisational set up in 70 countries without any support from the government, that if a party like that of Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri, can do all that then they are also capable of taking us out of debt and putting us on the development road.
    
    Let's not be stereotyped, and see the facts before putting all the politicians under the same umbrella. I am starting to see a light of hope in the shape of PAT and Dr. Qadri and am very much optimistic about it.
    
    Shaikh Rashid
    USA
    
    
    
87. This is a totally wrong method. I do not think any literate person will agree to it. But what other option do they have? They have elected political parties in assembly, and these parties have the right to make their provincial government. But if the federal government will abuse and dictate their rights, they do not have any other option. If the federal government will take away every opportunity from the most intelligent and genius community which is Urdu-speaking and use every security force to destroy their identity, I think they at least have the right to vent their anger through by any means they can.
    
    Mohammed Khan
    USA
    
    
    
88. I never used to be a supporter of the Muslim League, but I have to admit that despite all the problems that the Muslim League's government has faced, it has still done a lot for the country since coming to power. I am not saying this because of the impression one gets from the renovated roads in the cities but the fact is that Nawaz Sharif has come up with something concrete throughout rather than making promises. He has actually taken land from big landlords and given something to the landless haris. He at least doesn’t make any false promises. While none other leader of our country even had the guts to divulge that we had atom bombs, Nawaz Sharif overcame the immense pressure from the west and went ahead with the nuclear tests. I am hundred percent sure that no Benazir or Nasrullah had such courage. If one listens to Nawaz Sharif, one at least gets an impression that he is sincere to the country. He is not like Benazir Bhutto who seems the most patriotic person when in power but when ousted, becomes a puppet of India and gives stupid statements like the ones during the Kargil conflict. For the sake of just criticising the government, she doesn’t even care about the national interests. This agitation of the opposition parties is that of leaders that were humiliated in the last elections. They are just trying to fulfil a formality and show that they are still alive. What bothers me is that even a leader like Imran Khan and his party has joined these people. Imran Khan is only harming himself.
    
    Haider Mahmud
    Canada/Pakistani
    
    
    
89. Legitimate strikes by legitimate parties and politicians are OK and they have some good reasons or outcome. Now what is happening in Pakistan is just a matter of shame and is just leading to destruction. The opposition parties and government of these days go on the same strikes and use the same dirty same tactics. So what's the good and bad in this. All this is leading to ZERO.
    
    Haider Ali
    Holland
    
    
    
90. I think under the current circumstances, the opposition in Pakistan is divided into two groups. One of course is the alliance of 19 parties and the other is Jamat-e-Islami. If we analyse them, we come to know that the first group consists of tried and useless people. They are just united on a single agenda which is to oust the current set up. They have no programme of their own nor can they have. They can not prove to be any better for Pakistan. They would just add burden to the already looted exchequer of the country. People like Nasurallah, Hamid Nasir Chattha, Tahirul Qadri and above all the PPP: who doesn’t know what sort of people they all are.
    
    On the other hand Jamaat has an ideology and has been striving to bring about positive changes in Pakistan at the government level. They have got all their agenda with them and they have quite often thrown light on that. This is for sure that it’s only Jamaat that can really administer a real accountability process. They are the righteous people and they can never do corruption of any type if they are in power.
    
    As far as their agitation is concerned, I think they are quite justified in that as they realise their duty to free the nation from the looters and corrupt politicians. The nation has to understand this and support Jamaat. How long would people keep voting for Benazir and Nawaz Sharif when they already have tried them both twice?
    People should think that the destiny of Pakistan lies with people of character and honour. May Allah help the nation understand this.
    
    Hassan Ahmad.
    Sydney, Australia
    
    
    
91. Pakistani nation is the victim of PPP and PML. Both the parties have looted the national wealth and brought the country to a point of collapse. BB and BABU must be disqualified for good. We have a leadership crisis. What we need is an honest leadership with integrity, nothing less nothing more. We are sick and tired of these looters and super thieves. Despite having looted billions of dollars, their greed is still there. Out of 135 million Pakistanis let us find one honest man to clean this mess. We are a great nation but these monsters made us a joke. Let us put the house in order and get rid of exploiters. May God bless Pakistan.
    
    Masood Hassan Raja
    USA/Pakistani
    
    
    
92. The opposition has every right to ask for the ouster of an incompetent and corrupt government. Nawaz Sharif has made us compromise on the principled stand on Kashmir. His policies are motivated by self-interest. While our brave men were fighting the battles in Kargil, he was more concerned about the prospects of Sugar Export to India. He has made our free press hostage to blackmail. Look at Jang, it used to be an independent newspaper, now it speaks in favour of the government so that it can save itself from the oppression of the ruling class.
    
    Our constitution declares that a person who owes state institutions money cannot be elected to the parliament. Nawaz Sharif has defaulted to the amount of Rs. 12 billion and he says he does not have the money to pay back, whereas his son continues to invest in India. Nawaz Sharif instead of unifying the country is dividing it along provincial lines. The sentiment in Sindh for Sindu Desh, in NWFP for Pakhtoonistan, in Karachi for Jinnahbad is on the rise. His policies will divide and destroy Pakistan.
    
    Nawaz Sharif's government is a curse on Pakistan. The ordinary person is suffering from Price Increases, Tax Increases and the ruling class continues to live a life of luxury. Not only should he be removed from the office, he should also be held accountable.
    
    Naveed. A. Khan
    USA
    
    
    
93. The problem is the current system in Pakistan. The government and opposition both consist of feudalists, which are the root of the problem. Aren’t we tired of striking and changing governments every 2-3 years? When are we going to learn that this is not the answer to our problem? We need to change the system. People need to realise that characters like ALTAF HUSAIN, BENAZIR BHUTTO and NAWAZ SHARIF are not the answer to our problems. In fact, these people are the problems of the country. Pakistan needs a revolution like France. We need to take the religious parties out of the picture/we need to get rid of every feudalist out of the power. People need to get united. There are people with this kind of ideology, both in Pakistan and abroad. These kinds of people need to get united throw the interior enemy of the country out. People need to realise that by going on strikes, burning buses, shutting down the businesses, would only hurt the country and them.
    
    Religious parties should not be allowed in the government matters; they should be restricted to religious institutes. There is an urgent need for unity among the faithful Pakistanis. It might take a bloody revolution; the sooner the better.
    
    Hassan Nasir
    New York, USA
    
    
    
94. The question is not that of going for agitation or strikes to disrupt the public life or small business holders. It is unfortunate that we are telling only a fraction of the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth should be put before the nation so that they could make an educated opinion. It is now very much clear that Pakistan is in deep crisis and the crisis is that of erosion of credibility. The ruling class has lost its credibility because of its committing of gross corruption and criminal involvement in weakening the institutions. It, therefore, has lost its right to rule and should be called for retribution. The system has not collapsed yet but it is dying. To save the nation and the country from total destruction and despair, some one has to rise to the occasion. From all standards we are in a helpless state. Out of 174 countries we are 134th in terms of human and financial resources. The debt has reached 91% of the Gross Domestic Product. In 1999 we will pay 45% of the total budget towards debt servicing which is 245 billion Rs. Five to six million are unemployed and more than 10 million are partially unemployed. At the peak of all usurpation and injustice, six hundred families own sixty percent of the farmlands. Now, should we put the shutters on or off? The question should be how to bring a just system? The masses can only play a constructive role when truth is not suppressed and criminals are exposed. New realities are already emerging and traditional alliances and groupings have lost their worth and credibility. It is time the press educated the masses to help them get focussed so that they could differentiate between genuine servants and impostors.
    
    Muhammad Imran Siddiqui
    USA
    
    
    
95. The situation in Sindh is reasonably alarming. The fact that a democratically elected cabinet was sabotaged by the Federal Regime has created a sense of deprivation in the Sindh province. The opposition is exploiting this situation to its advantage. About two years ago the same labels were used against Benazir before she was removed from power. Hypothetically if Nawaz goes, I am not sure whether Benazir will right the wrongs. Both the power brokers of Pakistan are as guilty as they come. I think we have seen this Noora Kushti between the two for long. It is time somebody truly honest and sincere took over. It might not be through democratic channel, so be it. How come if a poor man steals on the street he goes to jail. They who have stolen the wealth of the nation should be held accountable by a totally neutral and independent organisation.
    
    Mujib
    New York
    
    
    
96. I'm an ordinary PAKISTANI and very PATRIOTIC. And I'm sick and tired of all the loot and plunder going on since 1988. Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Zardari, should both be punished severely for all the damage they've done to the country in the past decade. And parties like the MQM which has destroyed Karachi and aspires to break up the country, must be dealt with severely. There should be an interim set up of clean people and their only purpose should be even-handed accountability. And Nawaz Sharif and Benazir must never be allowed to hold office again.
    
    Shahbaz
    USA
    
    
    
97. Let the dogs bark; life goes on. These greedy Pakistani self-styled politicians are a bunch of looters who have no respect for their country or the values. They symbolise the worst of humanity.
    
    Dr. A.M Sayeed
    USA
    
    
    
98. There are many grounds. Everybody knows that very well. One thing that I don't understand is: "What's the use of such kind of questions?" Do you believe that rulers will listen to you? If yes, YOU people are stupid!
    
    Waheed
    Singapore
    
    
    
99. No, there are no grounds at all for opposition parties to do so.
    
    Sajid
    Pakistan
    
    
    
100. Remember 1977. I suppose history is going to repeat itself very soon. I take this opportunity to ask you that next time ask for comments on "how to get rid of these politicians... be it the government or opposition."
     
     Sameen Mazhar
     Lahore, Pakistan
     
     
     
101. Yes they have many grounds to agitate. But one thing that they have forgotten is that they were in power yesterday and were not behaving any better. Their agitation and strikes are not to allay the misery of my beloved but poor country. It is only a way to mislead the masses and a cheap method to come to power by hook or by crook.
     
     Chughtai
     Germany
     
     
     
102. Nawaz Sharif and Benazir are the two faces of the same personality. Both of them are not loyal to the country. I am a poor doctor of grade seventeen. I pay more tax than each of these two rich politicians does. When they themselves don't pay their taxes how can they expect the people to pay taxes. Both of them are unable to solve the country's problem because they look on to their own pockets rather than the betterment of poor people. The rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer. When the government will suppress the people and take away their right to live then naturally they will retaliate. Nawaz is a failure in each and every policy of his, be it yellow cab scheme or the motorway, Kargil or GST. He has no right to be the leader of the country when he give careless remarks that "let opposition do whatever they are doing, I will play cricket." He should have mercy on the country and step down. Let some good people like Moin Qureshi and Malik Miraj Khalid run the country.
     
     Dr. Hussain
     Pakistan
     
     
     
103. There is absolutely no room for strikes or any dirty street politics in our beloved country called Pakistan. I strongly oppose any such acts and would like to suggest the country's lawmakers and all political parties to unanimously accept a complete ban on such strikes which cripple the economy of the country and ultimately put its defence in jeopardy.
     
     Dr. Raees
     Oman
     
     
     
104. This is an utterly stupid act on the part of all opposition parties. They think that they will be able to oust the government. Okay fine, they can do that but what will be the consequences? In the process they will totally destroy Pakistan's already-fragile economy through these back-to-back strikes. Who's suffering due to these strikes...not the politicians, but the common man who earns his wages on a daily basis. The graph of Pakistan's economy is showing a steep decline. People should note that. And who's doing it - the opposition parties. Then how do they think they are supporting their cause for ousting the government? This should not happen.
     
     Sehban Ozair
     Pakistan
     
     
     
105. NO; Pakistanis and Muslims in general should better realise this sooner than later. Economics will shape the Politics in the 21st Century. Don't ruin your home. Get rid of criminal politicians. Unity is the way to go. Don't see what your country can do for you. See what you can do for your country.
     
     Mohammad Asif Qadeer
     USA/Pakistani
     
     
     
106. I have been reading Jang for many years now. Never in the history of our nation have I seen such pessimism as I see today. We were always hopeful of a bright future. All of us had dreams of a strong and prosperous Pakistan since the day of the conception of Pakistan. I still remember the journey we took to travel to Pakistan at the time of partition. We had hope. We were enthusiastic. We had long cherished dreams of living in our Islamic land. But today, 52 years after the birth of Pakistan, I stand dejected and without hope. I have seen our dreams shatter by spineless dictators and politicians who had no visions. Pakistan has failed to live up to our dreams. This is not the land we left our homes for. Even 51 years later, after having moved to Pakistan, we are called Muhajirs! What a shame! Our society is divided into regionalism and ethnicity, much against the holy principles of Islam. We have not been able to provide even the basic amenities to our people. We continue to beg in front of the World Bank and the IMF just to be able to pay the instalments of our huge loans!
     In 51 years of what I have lived through, I have realised that Pakistan has FAILED and failed miserably and I blame this on our leaders who promised us heaven but brought us to hell. Today, when we look beyond Nawaz Sharif we find not a single leader who is fit to rule the nation. We have to accept the defeated and useless government headed by Nawaz Sharif, as the choices are even worse! May Allah bless our nation.
     
     Mohammad Farookh Choudhary
     Pakistan
     
     
     
107. The agitation by opposition parties in Pakistan has affected the economy. I think the present agitation can be traced back to the Kargil conflict. The parliament was never taken into confidence on Kargil. Had democracy been practised in Pakistan, perhaps Kargil might have never happened. In a democracy after a fiasco like Kargil, people responsible would have been called to account for their actions. But nothing of that sort happened in Pakistan. The money spent on Kargil inevitably had it's strain on the already weak economy. And if the government itself does not give due importance to an institution like the parliament, the opposition has no course but to agitate through strikes and rallies.
     
     Shiva
     India
     
     
     
108. The country can not afford strikes any more. Australia has a democracy too but when a government wins an election it serves for 5 years, the opposition does not come out like hooligans to kick them out of power. These people who are trying to gain power through so-called democratic means of strikes which hurt the common man, are not doing it for the people. They don’t even have an agenda for the people; their only agenda is to get power and gain in their interest. Patriotic parties like Jammat-e-Islami should not stand up to be counted with these people, I would expect this from MQM, PPP, ANP or other so-called parties but QAZI Saheb should set an example, we can’t afford it. Trust me, we’ve been here and done this before. No one can change anything till they get a chance. Let this government do its job, for it is we who chose it.
     
     Kamal
     Australia
     
     
     
109. What is religion? Religion is a set of principle of leading a life. No religion exhorts one to kill another who doesn't follow his so-called religion. In fact, even animals are far better than we are, as they don’t have a weapon that we have now (religion) which is too cruel. Democracy can work only when all have food, clothing, and houses to stay. Most of them are devoid of all these three. We have to understand that to live a noble life we must think before acting (not fit for children) otherwise the country will be ruined.
     Stop population growth, don't justify we can work wonders in this world more than China. By replacing a politician things won't change. Ultimately nature decides when to rain.
     
     Ramachandran
     India
     
     
     
110. The politicians of the subcontinent will go to any extent for their own narrow interests. It is in the interest of Pakistan to have a stable government, which has time to implement long term policies. Frequent elections has been a major reason for the economic slowdown in India. Pakistanis should learn from this and not support such agitation.
     
     Shakeel Sheikh
     India
     
     
     
111. The jugglers are out in the streets and the show has begun... it has been happening since 1985. Nawaz Sharif, Benazir, Altaf, Nawabzada and all dirty politicians are old contributors to the economic and moral destruction of the country. Alas! They can't see the misery of the poor Pakistan and keep fighting for their personal interest.
     
     Najeeb U Khan
     United Kingdom
     
     
     
112. It will be fair to say that majority of Pakistani leaders are corrupt. And how they get away with it is another story. I am hopeless when I look at the Pakistani leaders. However, in the current situation the opposition must allow the government to finish its term.
     
     Nadir Khan
     USA
     
     
     
113. Absolutely unnecessary. There is no need for strikes and rallies. None of these politicians has contributed anything to the country and now they want to push the economy further down the drain, all they want is to remove Nawaz Sharif and make a comeback to power to fill their pockets again. I hope our people realise this fact and stop participating or giving any attention to such politicians and their plans to sabotage the economy. It is high time we thought for the benefit of our country.
     
     Shaheen Adeeb
     UAE
     
     
     

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