Hi guys:
Although I usually don't do a lot of postings regarding Pakistan's internal politics but last weekend's traffic of this website made me think about the political inclinations of people of Pakistan. Why do people become die hard supporters? Why can't their opinion be changed? How do they see other parties?
I, for one, don't have a particular diehard inclination. I support whichever party serves me better. I sincerely believe that this keeps the political parties in check and they can't abuse the powers of votes to achieve their corrupt plans.
I recommend the following. Why don't we make a list of all the big political parties and state three things we like about them (pros) and three things we hate about them (cons). This will help us understand and respect each others opinions and will make us less confrontational. This way we will stop each other calling traitors and will work towards a common goal. That is, prosperity of Pakistan without political differences.
Note if you can only find pros regarding a political party or only cons, then you are not doing a good job. It means that you are not using your analytical skills and you are bias.
Following are my opinions re the parties I am concerned with (you can add other parties). Please note that these are my opinions only and could be based on my perceptions. There is no intention to disrespect someone else's political stance.
PPP Pros
1. The only National Party of Pakistan. Has representation in all the 4 provinces.
2. Majority of the people within the party are educated and liberal.
3. A part which has some leaders who are ethically strong. For example, x-information minister resigned when channels were taken off the air.
PPP-Cons
1. Leadership lies and breaks promises on a perpetual basis and the registered party members still follow the leaders. The most corrupt party and leadership in my opinion.
2. Party of one family and Feudal lords.
3. Party leaders, big and small, run away if a dictator shows up.
PMLN Pros
1. Seems there has been a change of heart. Trying to do things the right way. Helped in restoration of justice. Follow up on its own leaders, once the media has disclosed their wrong doings.
2. Leaders appear t be reasonably good administrators.
3. Admit their mistakes in the past. Shehbaz admitted that they should have not have attacked the Supreme Court when they were in power.
PMLN- Cons
1. Concentrates only in Punjab and Sharif family. No intention of going national. Hence perceived as a Punjabi party. They got to penetrate in other provinces otherwise they will always be at a threat to lose confidence vote, when they are in power. National approach will also improve their image throughout Pakistan.
2. A very bad opposition. Seems to be in cahoots with PPP on any national issue or corruption. Dont want to make any significant comments if PPP is caught with something. Almost seems if PPP has something on them and will use it if PMLN acts the right way. Probably things had been better if their leaders had not run away for 10 years.
3. Dont do good screening of their members when tickets are offered for elections. Almost seems as if thugs and feudal lords are welcomed. Leaders have been involved and caught with crimes like rape, theft, religious violence and some petty thefts.
MQM-Pros
1. The only party which encourages people from the working class to represent them. You dont have to be the leaders relative to get promoted. Performance based system.
2. Probably the best administrators in Pakistan.
3. Have changed Karachi significantly for better.
MQM Cons
1. Will always be a small party and concentrates only on Karachi and neighboring cities with Urdu speaking majorities.
2. Looks only for the Karachis interest. National interest appears to be second. Specially, the lack of support for the restoration of the chief justice and the current support of Musharaf will make MQMs and its supporters lives difficult if PMLN comes in to power.
3. Gives rd time to people within Karachi for any anti-MQM comments. Seems to be involved in a lot of illegal stuff including hurting the people against MQM and raising the funds for the organization and its leader residing in England. Followers are suffering in Karachi and the leader is enjoying his secured and relaxing life in London.
Thehreeke Insaaf (TI) - Pros:
1. Probably has the most sincere, honest and charismatic political leader, Imran Khan. Although had a dodgy past, which is not relevant anymore.
2. All the followers appear to be educated and have a common goal, prosperity of Pakistan.
3. Party believes in Justice.
TI Cons:
1. Makes politically naive decisions. For example not running the elections. Cant properly read the minds of the Pakistani people. Does not understand the fact that to do a greater good, sometimes one has to do a smaller bad. Also, not supporting the armys Swat operation was a huge mistake. He totally misread the situation.
2. Seems like that the party is only good at criticism. No realistic improvements are suggested.
3. Does not look like that this party can make it in Pakistan in near future unless the education rate in Pakistan improves unexpectedly.
Musharaf Pros
1. Confident and liberal.
2. His defense expertise can be an asset if he comes back in power.
3. Believed in what he is doing was the right thing to do.
Musharaf Cons
1. Selfish and scared of USA. Broke the constitution to retain his power. Did whatever US asked for or expected. Including Lal Masjid and NRO.
2. Corrupt. His son got bounty rewards from USA for handing over Pakistani citizens on a silver platter to US agencies.
3. A dictator and the worst administrator. Power crisis would have not happened without his and his advisors incompetence. Gave India the upper hand when accepted that the Pakistani territory was being used for terrorism.
Although I usually don't do a lot of postings regarding Pakistan's internal politics but last weekend's traffic of this website made me think about the political inclinations of people of Pakistan. Why do people become die hard supporters? Why can't their opinion be changed? How do they see other parties?
I, for one, don't have a particular diehard inclination. I support whichever party serves me better. I sincerely believe that this keeps the political parties in check and they can't abuse the powers of votes to achieve their corrupt plans.
I recommend the following. Why don't we make a list of all the big political parties and state three things we like about them (pros) and three things we hate about them (cons). This will help us understand and respect each others opinions and will make us less confrontational. This way we will stop each other calling traitors and will work towards a common goal. That is, prosperity of Pakistan without political differences.
Note if you can only find pros regarding a political party or only cons, then you are not doing a good job. It means that you are not using your analytical skills and you are bias.
Following are my opinions re the parties I am concerned with (you can add other parties). Please note that these are my opinions only and could be based on my perceptions. There is no intention to disrespect someone else's political stance.
PPP Pros
1. The only National Party of Pakistan. Has representation in all the 4 provinces.
2. Majority of the people within the party are educated and liberal.
3. A part which has some leaders who are ethically strong. For example, x-information minister resigned when channels were taken off the air.
PPP-Cons
1. Leadership lies and breaks promises on a perpetual basis and the registered party members still follow the leaders. The most corrupt party and leadership in my opinion.
2. Party of one family and Feudal lords.
3. Party leaders, big and small, run away if a dictator shows up.
PMLN Pros
1. Seems there has been a change of heart. Trying to do things the right way. Helped in restoration of justice. Follow up on its own leaders, once the media has disclosed their wrong doings.
2. Leaders appear t be reasonably good administrators.
3. Admit their mistakes in the past. Shehbaz admitted that they should have not have attacked the Supreme Court when they were in power.
PMLN- Cons
1. Concentrates only in Punjab and Sharif family. No intention of going national. Hence perceived as a Punjabi party. They got to penetrate in other provinces otherwise they will always be at a threat to lose confidence vote, when they are in power. National approach will also improve their image throughout Pakistan.
2. A very bad opposition. Seems to be in cahoots with PPP on any national issue or corruption. Dont want to make any significant comments if PPP is caught with something. Almost seems if PPP has something on them and will use it if PMLN acts the right way. Probably things had been better if their leaders had not run away for 10 years.
3. Dont do good screening of their members when tickets are offered for elections. Almost seems as if thugs and feudal lords are welcomed. Leaders have been involved and caught with crimes like rape, theft, religious violence and some petty thefts.
MQM-Pros
1. The only party which encourages people from the working class to represent them. You dont have to be the leaders relative to get promoted. Performance based system.
2. Probably the best administrators in Pakistan.
3. Have changed Karachi significantly for better.
MQM Cons
1. Will always be a small party and concentrates only on Karachi and neighboring cities with Urdu speaking majorities.
2. Looks only for the Karachis interest. National interest appears to be second. Specially, the lack of support for the restoration of the chief justice and the current support of Musharaf will make MQMs and its supporters lives difficult if PMLN comes in to power.
3. Gives rd time to people within Karachi for any anti-MQM comments. Seems to be involved in a lot of illegal stuff including hurting the people against MQM and raising the funds for the organization and its leader residing in England. Followers are suffering in Karachi and the leader is enjoying his secured and relaxing life in London.
Thehreeke Insaaf (TI) - Pros:
1. Probably has the most sincere, honest and charismatic political leader, Imran Khan. Although had a dodgy past, which is not relevant anymore.
2. All the followers appear to be educated and have a common goal, prosperity of Pakistan.
3. Party believes in Justice.
TI Cons:
1. Makes politically naive decisions. For example not running the elections. Cant properly read the minds of the Pakistani people. Does not understand the fact that to do a greater good, sometimes one has to do a smaller bad. Also, not supporting the armys Swat operation was a huge mistake. He totally misread the situation.
2. Seems like that the party is only good at criticism. No realistic improvements are suggested.
3. Does not look like that this party can make it in Pakistan in near future unless the education rate in Pakistan improves unexpectedly.
Musharaf Pros
1. Confident and liberal.
2. His defense expertise can be an asset if he comes back in power.
3. Believed in what he is doing was the right thing to do.
Musharaf Cons
1. Selfish and scared of USA. Broke the constitution to retain his power. Did whatever US asked for or expected. Including Lal Masjid and NRO.
2. Corrupt. His son got bounty rewards from USA for handing over Pakistani citizens on a silver platter to US agencies.
3. A dictator and the worst administrator. Power crisis would have not happened without his and his advisors incompetence. Gave India the upper hand when accepted that the Pakistani territory was being used for terrorism.
