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Zardari rules out power-sharing under present set-upKARACHI, Nov 27 : Asif Ali Zardari, spouse of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has categorically stated the country’s popular leadership would not take part in ‘power sharing’ under the present set up.
“The Pakistan People’s Party-Parliamentarians (PPPP) had refused to join such scheme while Sharif brothers were also not willing to accept any such formula,” former Senator said in an interview local English daily.
“We are the biggest stake holders,” he said. He apprehended that the country was facing dangers, therefore, it was wrong to sit idle under these circumstances. “Martial thought (military thinking) had caused increase in the country’s problems and troubles for the people,” Asif Zardari said who was released on bail in last BMW case by Supreme Court on Monday after eight long years in jail.
Military generals have ruled the country for 40 years while democratic forces were allowed to run the country for only 15 years. “My personal assessment of the situation was that the new general elections would be held in 2005 and for this purpose, a new stage has to be prepared because the ‘old heroes’ did not deliver,” Asif Zardari said.
He said that there was no need of President in army uniform in democratic set up. “We want complete and transparent democracy to the country,” he declared. He added that Benazir Bhutto would return in the country, however date has not been fixed in this regard.
“PPPP had never refused dialogue but Establishment should realize the gravity of situation in the country,” Asif suggested.
He promised that they would seek cooperation of other parties even in getting two-third majority in the Parliament in next elections. “Deprivation was leading towards extremism in small provinces whose causes must be addressed,” Asif said. Altaf Hussain, founder leader of MQM should be given right to live in London or Karachi according to his free will, Zardari suggested.
About the Kashmir issue, Asif Ali Zardari said that ‘unilateral decision’ would not be accepted. But he added it is time to take ‘historic decisions.’ He rejected the notion that movement for restoration of democracy has been defused with his (Zardari) release from jail. He vowed to continue the struggle for democracy. Asif Ali Zardari suggested that the PPPP and MQM should collectively strive for resolution of the ‘Karachi crisis.’
To a question, Asif said that his immediate purpose after the release was to bring all political parties on one platform and create unanimity of thought among them because the country was facing dangers.
He admitted the political importance of Sharif brothers and added that their importance in the politics of the country would not be diminished by negation of someone. “Where the country was leading, stock exchange has improved, foreign exchange has been increased to 12 billion dollars but no improvement in lives of the people had been witnessed,” the former senator regretted. “Establishment has one role and I admit it but its role has to be refined and changed,” Asif Zardari opined. “We have to move towards democratic society from Martial law,” he added. About dialogue with the Establishment, Asif Zardari said that the PPPP had always wanted the dialogue. “Amin Fahim was involved in the dialogue process with the Establishment and the party was also involved in it,” Zardari pointed out. “No one would come and go without our consent because we are the owners of house,” he claimed.
To a question about possible general elections in year 2005, Zardari said there was no option without it.
To another question as to whether he wanted replacement of the present President prior to new election, Zardari said that everyone harbours illusions about ideal situation but look what ‘they’ performed in ideal situation.
He categorically stated that the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) movement was going on for restoration of “true democracy” in the country. “We want free and fair elections which brings democracy in the country. He hinted combined platform in the elections but added that even in two-thirds majority, they would tend to seek help from other parties.
To a question that he was second man after President Pervez Musharraf who was facing threats to his life, Asif Zardari said that he had taken precautionary steps in this regard. “Those who want to harm the country, may attempt on my life but Almighty Allah is the great saver,” Zardari said.
He alleged that the Establishment was trying to weaken political civil society. In this regard, he referred the regimes of General Ayub, Gen. Yahya, Gen. Zia and now Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
He rejected the impression that Taliban were created in regime of the PPP. He said that Taliban had emerged but they could not have reached Kabul. He said that the interests of Pakistan and US were involved in first and second war of Afghanistan. Asif claimed that there was no danger to our nuclear programme. About the role of army, the leader replied in his own style by saying that the military was not in majority; therefore, they can’t claim the role. “The military has committed mistakes,” he said.
“Pakistan needs soft touch not hard touch because hard touch could not solve the problems,” Asif suggested. Instead such thinking compounded the problems, he added.
To a question as to whether the PPPP would initiate accountability against present and other army generals, Asif Zardari said that if his party’s manifesto allows, they would set up ‘truth and reconciliation commission,’ on pattern of South Africa.
Asif Ali Zardari asserted that Pakistan has potential of establishing real democracy and has a future ahead. Whatever happened in the past is all but bygone. The politicians in this country are visionary. Benazir Bhutto is a lady of great vision. Politicians are not made by getting a chair. They have to have a vision which she has.