Date:15/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/15/stories/2007111554601203.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Turmoil in Pakistan

The article, ‘Blaming it on the judiciary in Pakistan,’ is an interesting piece detailing the arguments of both sides — the transitionists and the transformationists. In my view, the tranformationists win hands down, because only in securing democracy lies the development of Pakistan.

The country needs change and needs it quickly. It is stuck in a quagmire that is mostly of its own making. History is proof that no country has prospered under military rule.

S. Sudhir Kumar,

Hyderabad

* * *

With pressure growing against him in Pakistan as well as abroad, General Musharraf should step down in the public interest. Democracy should be restored and elections held.

The whole episode of Emergency rule is a threat to civilised society.

Radhika Ramaswamy,

Chennai

* * *

President Musharraf has curbed civil liberties, put many politicians and judges under house arrest and, under pressure from the U.S., announced that elections will be held on January 9 next year. Without freedom and civil liberties, elections will be nothing but a farce. In fact, the President will lose support from other nations. The best way is for him to lift the Emergency and restore freedom to the people.

E. Sivasankaran,

Coimbatore

* * *

The former Pakistan Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto’s demand that President Musharraf step down is a bold statement. If the U.S. is serious about its call for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan, it should support Ms Bhutto without any conditions.

P. Senthil Saravana Durai,

Vazhavallan

* * *

Ms Bhutto’s demand for General Musharraf to step down will have little effect because till the other day she was hand-in glove with him. Only when her plans misfired did she join the anti-Musharraf group.

P.U. Krishnan,

Udhagamandalam

* * *

The mass support for Ms Bhutto shows that she is not out of people’s favour generally. She is seen as the only hope of democracy being restored.

Though the PPP leader has pledged to uphold all human and democratic values, the question is whether she will be able to do all that the Pakistanis expect her to do.

A.S. Farida,

Kancheepuram