M A I L B A G

Musharraf should quit gracefully

H K Dua’s front-page editorial “Better Musharraf leaves on his own than told to do so” (Feb 20) and the other editorial “Defeat of a dictator” (Feb 21) were timely. Free and fair elections under the aegis of President Musharraf were a remote possibility, but the people’s word prevailed and the much-needed democracy is about to dawn.

As elucidated by Mr Dua, President Musharraf is the common enemy for both the PPP and the PML (N) and both must amicably resolve to keep at bay the man who trampled upon the people’s rights and liberties under his jackboots. He muzzled democracy and ruled ruthlessly. He imposed emergency and emasculated the judiciary. With military at his beck and call, he made the elected representatives dance to his tunes.

It is nor or never for democracy in Pakistan. Both parties with a lion’s share of seats must mend their fences to form a stable coalition government to steer Pakistan clear of the chaotic and catastrophic situation. The Taliban and Al-Qaida terrorist outfits are gaining foothold in Pakistan spelling disaster. India, the US and other countries must diplomatically try for complete restoration of democracy in Pakistan.

It is imperative for the new government at Islamabad to rewrite the Army’s role and clip its wings.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

II

The front-page editorial offers a very sincere suggestion to Musharraf to quit on his own. He is now cornered in Pakistan after the election outcome and is caught in a piquant situation. Indeed, he has no way out than to quit gracefully. He should admit his follies and apologise for his acts of omission and commission.

VARINDER PAL BRAR, Chandigarh

III

I agree that the most honourable course for President Musharraf is to quit on his own and let the National Assembly elect a new President who could reflect the national mood. He has created a mess in the country. He has thrown all decorum to the wind and muzzled the Supreme Court, while appointing his rubber-stamp judges.

The election results indicate a complete rejection of Musharraf’s dictatorship. The PPP and the PML-N should work together for the country’s betterment. If they quarrel with each other over the spoils of office, the Army will exploit the situation and step in. Since Musharraf has crushed democratic rights and sacked the Supreme Court judges, no one will come forward to help him out. It would be better for him to quit the post immediately.

SUBHASH C. TANEJA, Rohtak

IV

Mr Dua has aptly analysed the election outcome in Pakistan. He rightly says, “for the people of Pakistan, Monday’s poll was a sort of date with history, where a long suppressed desire for democracy has found an expression; Pakistan’s endemic problems have not ended with the elections however”. As the PPP and the PML(N) are in the process of joining together, it remains to be seen President Musharraf’s new role in the changing political climate. Will he quit office or not?

In Pakistan, successive democratic governments have been dismissed and the Constitution itself was abrogated many times ever since Ayub Khan’s dictatorial regime in 1958. If wise counsel prevails over Musharraf, he should leave the chair gracefully. The new government should give safe passage to him in case he decides to leave the country.

Maj NARINDER SINGH JALLO (retd), Mohali

V

The writer has very rightly concluded his message for Pakistan thus: “Democracy must not be frittered away because of the fragility of the institutions or fickleness of the politicians”. Dictatorship meets its own death. Musharraf should go on his own. He should go for Haj as he has swallowed enough rats.

He should now lead his life like that of the late Shah of Iran after he was deposed. Meanwhile, Pakistan should restore normal ties with all countries, save money to stabilise its economy and not take revenge against anyone through terror.

S.K. HANS, Jalandhar

Command hospital must improve THE working of the Command Hospital near Panchkula leaves much to be desired. The facilities are poor and the staff not helpful. They care two hoots about old parents. The floors are uneven and are always being renovated while the wards are in a pathetic condition, toilets unhygienic and the patients’ beds full of ants. The nursing staff and other officers need to be trained on how to behave with the patients, especially the old ones who are invariably discharged from the hospital without proper treatment. The administration must pull up its socks to enforce discipline and dedication of the personnel for which the defence services are well known. VIPIN KUMAR, Chandigarh