Legalised Corruption

Legalised corruption is economically and politically the most destructive trend that has developed in Pakistan over the years. This trend has led people in authority to rob the state of its valuable assets without fear of retribution. The modus operandi is to arm the head of government with discretionary powers. Armed with "discretionary powers," the head of government can override any rule and regulation to make the robbery legal. No question is ever asked, even when he is out of power. Pakistan would not have been begging from door to door if its assets had not been used by the leaders to oblige friends, relations and political cronies. Our elected representatives have never objected to this form of corruption because at some stage they also expect to benefit from it.

The army had always been considered above malpractices. Its chief was perceived a man of character and dignity. But the Gen Musharraf destroyed this image for the furtherance of his personal ambition. A COAS bribing politicians to win their support so he could perpetuate his rule was something which was unheard of. He did not bribe from his pocket but gave away precious military land to win over the JUI's support to retain his uniform. The total area thus given away came to 1,200 acres, all situated in Dera Ismail Khan. The revelation which appeared in The News on Nov 2 gives names of the beneficiaries, none of them a soldier or martyr.

Gen Musharraf has been very generous to his personal staff, at state expense. Before leaving the Presidency in ignominy, he allotted plots of land in Islamabad to his cook, barber, valet and masseur. So he exercised good judgment in resigning rather than face impeachment proceedings.

In recent days there were speculations that Gen Musharraf would enter politics to lead the "Q" League. Senate leader Mian Raza Rabbani announced in the Senate that if Musharraf wanted to enter politics he should be ready to answer for the constitutional and human rights crimes committed by him. Prime Minister Gilani said the same thing to a Turkish newspaper, but added that no action would be taken against Gen Musharraf if he stayed away from politics.

This is warped logic, and an entirely negative approach. If Gen Musharraf has committed crimes, which he has, then he should be tried whether or not he enters politics. His crimes are many, including subverting the Constitution, human rights violations (the missing persons), sending Pakistanis to Guantanamo Bay, getting head money for men wanted by the US; destroying the independence of the judiciary, and bribing the JUI.

Prime Minister Gilani's passion for national reconciliation is praiseworthy. Gen Musharraf is a beneficiary of the prime minister's national reconstruction efforts. "National reconciliation" was also a catchphrase of Gen Musharraf's. By national reconciliation he meant that every politician should fall in line to demonstrate his patriotism. However, Mr Gilani should not extend his reconciliation efforts to violators of the Constitution and of human rights. People are curious and confused because Senate leader Rabbani and Mr Gilani have both assured Gen Musharraf that no action will be taken against him if he does not join politics. Is the PPP government fearful that if the retired general – according to the prime minister a relic of the past – entered politics, he will be swept to power by popular will or through intrigue?

By the time you read this article, Barack Obama would have made history, as the first non-white to win the presidential election in the mightiest empire in the world. On Jan 20, 2009, Mr Obama will sit in the Oval Office in the White House, the most famous, prestigious and powerful office in the world. The whites have at last expatiated themselves for all the wrongs they have committed against their non-white population.

Mr Obama's latest statements on US foreign policy reveal that he is learning fast about our troubled region. He has recognised the important role of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. He wants Pakistan to be fully focused on this issue. He said that to ensure Pakistan was not distracted by other regional problems the US should facilitate a better understanding between India and Pakistan and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that the two neighbours can stay focused on the situation with the militants.

Mr Obama also backed the efforts of the Bush administration to persuade Pakistan that the biggest threat to Pakistan now is not India which has been the historical enemy. "It is actually the militants within its own borders."

It is a candid statement showing better American understanding of the crucial issue of Kashmir. It is not that Kashmir will be his top priority when he takes over as president, but at least he now knows that this dispute is a great hindrance in Pakistan's fight against terrorism.