Wednesday, 20 August 2008
After Pervez Musharraf resigned as president of Pakistan after nine years in power, Pakistanis reflect on his legacy and their expectations for the future.
HBINA WAHEED, 36, BUSINESSWOMAN, LAHORE
“President Musharraf is one of the greatest leaders of Pakistan. He has worked selflessly for the greater good of the country.
He brought us prosperity and because of him women like me have been able to run businesses, travel anywhere and wear anything. All charges against him are baseless and false.
It is a sad day that unelected party heads like Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari are running a personal vendetta against him to further their personal goals. It is with tears that we bid him goodbye.
Our future is uncertain and scary. Without him we will fear for our safety because the politicians who have been in power for the past few months do not inspire any confidence when it comes to our security.
They do not care about the real issues facing ordinary Pakistanis, such as our daily power supply. All they care is about themselves.”
MUHAMMAD WASEEM ELAHI, 46, LAWYER, GUJRANWALA
“I am very happy and satisfied about the resignation. Our country has suffered a lot because of this man.
The borders of Pakistan are not yet safe, the unwanted war against terrorism has damaged the interest of Pakistan, the economic condition of Pakistan is not stable.
Law and order has broken down. People are being looted on roads and while in their homes. Poverty, price hikes and the rate of suicide have increased.
In short the era of Pervez Musharraf was a complete failure.
As a lawyer I also believe the legal profession will be happy. The deposed judiciary must now be restored at once without any policy riddles and political gimmicks.
The coalition government is finalising the name of the new president. If promises cannot be delivered and if the economic situation of Pakistan does not improve, then lawyers will launch a new and fresh movement against the present government.” Read more.