ISLAMABAD – Former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf has expressed his admiration for dictatorship regimes as, according to him, they brought more development in Pakistan as compared to civilian governments, at a time when Supreme Court has disqualified former prime minister Nawaz Sharif over concealing assets.
Talking to BBC Urdu in an interview, Musharraf claimed that dictators put Pakistan on a road leading to development, but civilians always ruined it.
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He further claimed that all countries of Asia observed progress due to the dictators. Endorsing his view point, he said that public did not care whether the country was being ruled by a civilian government, dictator or king, as all it wants was development and prosperity.
He added that military dictatorship always brought the country on track, pointing to the previous records of elected governments and military regimes.
“What is the benefit of holding elections and giving liberty if there is no property?” he questioned.
Musharraf held Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto responsible for breaking Pakistan, and praised former dictator General (late) Ayub Khan for record development during his tenure of 10 years.
He termed General Ziaul Haq’s decision of assisting the US and Taliban against Soviet Union “correct”. Zia’s era was controversial as he pushed the country towards religious extremism, he added.
Replying to a question to BBC Urdu, he said that public should have the authority to remove the government, but it could happen only if there are check and balances in the Constitution.
Referring to his military coup in 1999, he said “people come to me to be saved from elected government,” adding, “I had taken over the government on public demand. We cannot destroy the country just to save the Constitution.”
Musharraf accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of pursuing “total sell-out policy” for India, which is involved in Balochistan.
We should kill those who are involved in any activity against the welfare of Pakistan.
“I have been the head of the army and the army will always save my welfare,” he concluded.
