General Parvez Musharraf - What do Pakistanis think of him?

[pakistani pride]

OK. I have read a lot about him and seen many videos. Either people are very PRO or very ANTI.

Question to PP posters living IN Pakistan.

What kind of leader was he and what are your opinions about him?

 

[Syed1]

I was in Pak all throughout his rule and my observations are as follows:

1. When he took over there was nervous tension, some parts of the the country were celebrating. Others weren't so certain what the future might look like.

2. The initial 2-3 years were a period of consolidation where plans were being drafted and policies being put in place. The country was mildly optimistic and trusted general sahab.

3. 9/11 happened and General shot up in popularity because of the image of Pakistan he presented to the world and how he was able to get our loans written off and sanctions removed, as well as bailout packages from the US.

4. Post 9-11, Pakistani growth rate was touching 8-9. Progress was taking place in all segments of society, he brought a local government system which was very popular despite its shortcomings, literacy rate and health parameters were all improving.

5. Then the downfall started, bomb blasts became a regular affair, sometimes they occurred multiple times a week, loadshedding reached its peak and the overall population was deeply dismayed by Generals performance. The constant terrorism also led to alot of the pop being anti-army as they were of the opinion that army was ruling but bombs were going off and they weren't doing anything. The loadshedding and security issues started causing the economy to lag, further compounding people's disillusion with the government.

6. Then Musharaf sahab fired a CJ and essentially hammered the final nail in what was his plummeting empire. The CJ had blocked out privatization of Steel Mills and then refused to resign when Mush asked him. Thus lead to the lawyers movement which was exploited by political forces. (In hindsight Mush was right in firing the corrupt CJ and we are still to this day suffering from SM not being privatized, it is Rs 400-500b in debt, during Mush era it was in profit)

7. To save his crumbling rule Musharaf struck NRO 2.0 and allowed filth of the earth Benazir and Nawaz to return. This is one of the reasons most patriotic Pakistanis thoroughly despise him.

 

[troodon]

I was in Pak all throughout his rule and my observations are as follows:

1. When he took over there was nervous tension, some parts of the the country were celebrating. Others weren't so certain what the future might look like.

2. The initial 2-3 years were a period of consolidation where plans were being drafted and policies being put in place. The country was mildly optimistic and trusted general sahab.

3. 9/11 happened and General shot up in popularity because of the image of Pakistan he presented to the world and how he was able to get our loans written off and sanctions removed, as well as bailout packages from the US.

4. Post 9-11, Pakistani growth rate was touching 8-9. Progress was taking place in all segments of society, he brought a local government system which was very popular despite its shortcomings, literacy rate and health parameters were all improving.

5. Then the downfall started, bomb blasts became a regular affair, sometimes they occurred multiple times a week, loadshedding reached its peak and the overall population was deeply dismayed by Generals performance. The constant terrorism also led to alot of the pop being anti-army as they were of the opinion that army was ruling but bombs were going off and they weren't doing anything. The loadshedding and security issues started causing the economy to lag, further compounding people's disillusion with the government.

6. Then Musharaf sahab fired a CJ and essentially hammered the final nail in what was his plummeting empire. The CJ had blocked out privatization of Steel Mills and then refused to resign when Mush asked him. Thus lead to the lawyers movement which was exploited by political forces. (In hindsight Mush was right in firing the corrupt CJ and we are still to this day suffering from SM not being privatized, it is Rs 400-500b in debt, during Mush era it was in profit)

7. To save his crumbling rule Musharaf struck NRO 2.0 and allowed filth of the earth Benazir and Nawaz to return. This is one of the reasons most patriotic Pakistanis thoroughly despise him.

Didn't he handle Lal Masjid issue brilliantly? IIRC, he showed no mercy to the fundamentalists.

 

[Stewie]

Pretty much whats been said. He started off well and probably meaning well.. then it deteriorated fast and as always happens, absolute power went to his head.. he was better than zia though.

 

[moghul]

We should not be thinking about him, he was a dictator and a liar.

 

[Savak]

I will take Musharraf over the likes of NS and Zardari any day. The amount of loot and plunder which took place from 2008 to 2018 and compare it to Musharraf's period of reign from 1999 to 2008 is earth shattering.

I also liked the fact how he would vociferously defend Pakistan in the media and abroad. It's sad that his health has now declined and he is no longer his fiery old self. I hope he gets to return to Pakistan in peace and live out his remaining days in his home country in Chak Shehzad.

 

[Savak]

I was in Pak all throughout his rule and my observations are as follows:

1. When he took over there was nervous tension, some parts of the the country were celebrating. Others weren't so certain what the future might look like.

2. The initial 2-3 years were a period of consolidation where plans were being drafted and policies being put in place. The country was mildly optimistic and trusted general sahab.

3. 9/11 happened and General shot up in popularity because of the image of Pakistan he presented to the world and how he was able to get our loans written off and sanctions removed, as well as bailout packages from the US.

4. Post 9-11, Pakistani growth rate was touching 8-9. Progress was taking place in all segments of society, he brought a local government system which was very popular despite its shortcomings, literacy rate and health parameters were all improving.

5. Then the downfall started, bomb blasts became a regular affair, sometimes they occurred multiple times a week, loadshedding reached its peak and the overall population was deeply dismayed by Generals performance. The constant terrorism also led to alot of the pop being anti-army as they were of the opinion that army was ruling but bombs were going off and they weren't doing anything. The loadshedding and security issues started causing the economy to lag, further compounding people's disillusion with the government.

6. Then Musharaf sahab fired a CJ and essentially hammered the final nail in what was his plummeting empire. The CJ had blocked out privatization of Steel Mills and then refused to resign when Mush asked him. Thus lead to the lawyers movement which was exploited by political forces. (In hindsight Mush was right in firing the corrupt CJ and we are still to this day suffering from SM not being privatized, it is Rs 400-500b in debt, during Mush era it was in profit)

7. To save his crumbling rule Musharaf struck NRO 2.0 and allowed filth of the earth Benazir and Nawaz to return. This is one of the reasons most patriotic Pakistanis thoroughly despise him.

Musharraf's downfall truly started from the end of 2006 to beginning of 2007 onwards, even back then some people were aware of the CJ Iftikhar Chaudry's sons corruption and the fact he was close to the PML-N but everyone was so anti Musharraf at the time that they turned a blind eye to these transgressions.

As far as the NRO is concerned, Musharraf admits coming under foreign pressure who were desperate for him to get a deal done with Benazir, Benazir wanted Musharraf to do 3 things, i.e. get rid of the army uniform, get rid of 58-2(b) and get rid of all the cases. Mush initially refused but was told by many legal and PML-Q advisors that he was better off doing away with the cases against Zarfari and Benazir as they have been cleared in 80% of the cases and the remaining 20% of the cases were going no where due to the absence of evidence, witnesses and judges being killed so he took a practical decision which made the PPP happy. He now in hindsight regrets the NRO given the massive corruption which took place in Pakistan from 2008 to 2018.

 

[gazza619]

I will take Musharraf over the likes of NS and Zardari any day. The amount of loot and plunder which took place from 2008 to 2018 and compare it to Musharraf's period of reign from 1999 to 2008 is earth shattering.

I also liked the fact how he would vociferously defend Pakistan in the media and abroad. It's sad that his health has now declined and he is no longer his fiery old self. I hope he gets to return to Pakistan in peace and live out his remaining days in his home country in Chak Shehzad.

My views are a bit different. When Musharraf left, he left the country in the hands of Zardari. And those 5 years were the worst in the history of this country. Musharraf made blunders, bad deals, he handed over Khi to MQM just to remain in power.

Musharraf had all the power in the world but he made a total mess. For me he was the big evil I am sorry to say.

 

[PakLFC]

I a not doubting his patriotism and at the time believed he was doing the right thing by Pak. Only later did I begin to dislike him after realising he was another American sellout.

 

[UmarMalik]

Hes the Bernie Sanders of Pakistan

 

[sshakir411]

Always been a fan. True Pakistani..never took any crap and still doesn’t. Loved his India Today episode too.

He came in power at the wrong time in History..yet played an integral part in determining its course.

Salute!

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

He was cool and then he was not

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

12 May 2006.....Look it up!

The guy was no better than any dictator whatsoever. Hate him!

 

[adil_909]

had he called for elections in 2006 and stepped away, he would be regarded as the greatest leader in our history. but unfortunately he ruined his legacy 2006 onwards.

 

[Junaid_ahmed]

NRO was the requirement of that time. Many people won't agree but it was NRO due to which we still have a Pakistan with four provinces. You can't vacant the political ground for non-political /non-popular players.

 

[the Great Khan]

my take..he was a weak, uninspiring, womanising, fool who left us with the mess we are in today. His blind secularism and desire to be the enxt attaturk(without understanding who attaturk was) was a disaster for our country...I eman he didnt even know a coup was going on for goodness sake. He didnt know he was the president until he landed on the ground. His negotiating after 9/11 was feeble beyond belief. The americans were ready to negotiate as they knew most of the pakistani side for years. Theyw ere friends and ex colleagues but they were shocked at thee ase with which Mush capitulated. They couldnt believe it..he was also a drinker so no not my favourite..

 

[Greenstorm]

He was our worst ruler if we ignore NS and AZ. Had no idea of statecraft and made blunders after blunders.

 

[the Great Khan]

He was our worst ruler if we ignore NS and AZ. Had no idea of statecraft and made blunders after blunders.

And the worst part is, he thought he was some saviour. This intellectually limited man who wasnt even supposed to be the chief, ended up the President. his service record wasnt even that spectacular. i mean he wasnt awful but he wasnt "chief" material. The number of able officers they retired to get him to become chief is well known. Generally detested by so many when he continued on as president. To the point where those who put him in power realised the mistake they had made..

 

[Savak]

Too much criticism against Musharraf. Yes he made mistakes towards the end of his tenure and the NRO is responsible for the economic mess we find ourselves in today. But I repeat I will take the guy any day over the likes of NS, Zardari, Benazir, Yahya Khan and even Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

I remember as a student at IBA from 2004 to 2007, IBA graduates even with a simple bachelors were highly sought in the Job Market because the economy was booming and in some cases they were able to dictate their starting salaries. Sadly since then things went downhill.

 

[srh]

OK. I have read a lot about him and seen many videos. Either people are very PRO or very ANTI.

Question to PP posters living IN Pakistan.

What kind of leader was he and what are your opinions about him?

He should be hanged

 

[pakistani pride]

He should be hanged

Why?

 

[the Great Khan]

Too much criticism against Musharraf. Yes he made mistakes towards the end of his tenure and the NRO is responsible for the economic mess we find ourselves in today. But I repeat I will take the guy any day over the likes of NS, Zardari, Benazir, Yahya Khan and even Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

I remember as a student at IBA from 2004 to 2007, IBA graduates even with a simple bachelors were highly sought in the Job Market because the economy was booming and in some cases they were able to dictate their starting salaries. Sadly since then things went downhill.

I was very close to going back to Pakistan during those years. But then the war began and he brought back zardari and NS and the rest is history...

 

[srh]

Why?

Treason. As per Pakistani constitution Musharraf should be hanged.

 

[Fineline]

Not much better than any of the dictators we have had!Want to see him behind bars just like Zardari and Nawaz Sharif!If those two are paying the price for their crimes,so should he!

 

[Greenstorm]

And the worst part is, he thought he was some saviour. This intellectually limited man who wasnt even supposed to be the chief, ended up the President. his service record wasnt even that spectacular. i mean he wasnt awful but he wasnt "chief" material. The number of able officers they retired to get him to become chief is well known. Generally detested by so many when he continued on as president. To the point where those who put him in power realised the mistake they had made..

General Ali Kuli Khan could have been much better as COAS but NS wanted a yes man.
You are right, Musharraf considered himself some sort of saviour hence he attempted Kargil, coup etc but he was a coward at heart which was visible with his dealing with the US and as you said, was intellectually limited.

People often blame Gen Zia for all of our problems but this man was way worse.

 

[PetroDollars]

alot of people talk about the economy during his tenure, but what made him great was the way he dealt with india and usa, he made an image for pakistan abroad and his foreign policy was brilliant.

He knew how to deal with people, what noo other leader of pakistan did.

 

[DRsohail]

Traitor who went against constitution.

 

[Savak]

Traitor who went against constitution.

Screw the constitution, the state and the country comes first. Not a piece of document which prevents you from going after looters and plunderers.

 

[Badsha]

His intentions were always right but he never had the nuance to be a good politician. He did some good stuff in the beginning but he thinks too highly of himself.

Some of the things he says is your typical "fauji soch" mentality. Very simplistic. Unlikes other politicians, he wasn't a crook but just a little naive.

 

[Pak Warrior]

I have generally positive memories of him, maybe it's just nostalgia but i thought he did a better job than his successors. I always admired his patriotism, pride, and his defending of our country. He also came into power during a very volatile time, and with the Americans pressuring us during 9/11 time period I think he had to make decisions where he didnt have much choice to do otherwise. His reign didnt end well, but I missed him during Zardari and NS reign

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Imo, a pompous egotist. He made some horrible decisions. Initially welcomed but later reviled.

 

[the Great Khan]

General Ali Kuli Khan could have been much better as COAS but NS wanted a yes man.
You are right, Musharraf considered himself some sort of saviour hence he attempted Kargil, coup etc but he was a coward at heart which was visible with his dealing with the US and as you said, was intellectually limited.

People often blame Gen Zia for all of our problems but this man was way worse.

yup most of the top brass at the time wanted Ali kuli khan but NS interfered and tried to destroy the army itself..he is a traitor and a stupid one at that..I hope he rots in jail..or they could send him up to the LOC so he can show us what a patriot he was..

 

[Waq]

my take..he was a weak, uninspiring, womanising, fool who left us with the mess we are in today. His blind secularism and desire to be the enxt attaturk(without understanding who attaturk was) was a disaster for our country...I eman he didnt even know a coup was going on for goodness sake. He didnt know he was the president until he landed on the ground. His negotiating after 9/11 was feeble beyond belief. The americans were ready to negotiate as they knew most of the pakistani side for years. Theyw ere friends and ex colleagues but they were shocked at thee ase with which Mush capitulated. They couldnt believe it..he was also a drinker so no not my favourite..

Sorry bhai, I’m more interested in the womanising aspect. Was the miss world rumours true!! Lol

 

[Zhasan]

Could've been Pakistan's De Gaulle, but was no more than a poor man's Qadaffi, couldn't even manage an (in)glorious death...