Altaf’s hot and cold retrieval statement

POLITICIANS and stake holders in Pakistan have taken a sigh of relief over the latest statement by MQM Chief that his party would never support military rule. In line with sentiments of the people, Altaf Hussain thought it appropriate to clarify his earlier statement asking Army Generals to take action against corrupt politicians which caused turmoil in the country.

The interview by Altaf Hussain on Saturday is being taken as a retrieval of his earlier statement. But if one analysis between the lines, it becomes clear that the MQM Chief has blown hot and cold. While he categorically stated that he did not mention Martial Law, yet in the retrieval statement he again spoke of good Generals and again mentioned corruption. What is noteworthy is that he called for setting up of a government of honest bureaucrats, generals, judges, intellectuals and journalists to replace the present system. The interview of Altaf Hussain was well worded like a couplet of towering Poet of the Subcontinent, Mirza Ghalib, which could be interpreted in hundred and one different ways. In the interview MQM Chief though explained that he had never sought imposition of Martial Law but wanted the Army to act within the constitutional limits, help the poor and clean up the corrupt system. Though he did not attack the Government directly but kept on criticizing the corruption of rulers and said he did not own Palaces and expensive flats in London, a categorical pointer to the properties of Pakistani politicians in the foreign land. Political analysts and commentators would surely make many interpretations of this wide ranging interview in which Altaf Hussain advocated a new set up as according to him the present system would never change even if repeated elections are held under the present leadership. He wanted that Bangladesh model be followed with some changes according to the peculiar conditions of Pakistan. Therefore the Altaf Hussain retrieval in our view is not definitive and categorical but he has kept many ifs and buts which would be interpreted by many according to their liking. In our opinion, the only way to pre-empt Martial Law is to ensure good governance, transparency and meeting the expectations of the people at this critical time but we regret that the present government is lacking to deliver on these counts.

Short URL: http://www.daily.pk/?p=21095

on Aug 31 2010. Filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.