A Short Note on President General Musharaf:

?????? ?????? ????????? ???????? ??????????

We must make supplications that we all should embrace death with 'Imaan' (reciting Kalma-e-Taiba) and with ease. May Allah SWT guide us all (Aameen).

Musharaf's first two years were brilliant, when he had technocrat government. He was a brave soldier, who assertively and courageously took his enemies head-on and spoke on their face to show them their ugly picture in the mirror. But later he tried to become a democrat and shook hands with a political party. Thereafter, he made unlimited compromises (including ruining local culture / social fabric thru free-media, handed-over Pakistanis like Aafia, fisaco of Lal Masjid, last but not the least, the NRO), which resulted in his downfall.

Reference to economy; the focus was on superficial aspect rather than real economic development i.e. attracting forex towards speculative secondary / stock market. While the biggest mistake was unilaterally (without taking discussing / taking prior consent of others) entering in an unwanted war in search 'for?a few dollars more'. He was a secular leader, who perhaps never mentioned Prophet Muhammad SAW in speeches nor idealized HIM. Whereas, Ataturk was his mentor; another secular leader.

Once this author was surprised, when he asked the audience to raise hands if they want 'moderate Islam'. It seemed that he was inventing a new religion like 'Deen-e-Elahi' of Mughal Emperor, Akbar.

Indeed, it was a great opportunity lost for Pakistan, because Musharaf ruled for almost ten years. He had no opposition and had all the power which one could desire. He couldn't do anything for welfare of general public, nor for transformation of the economy. Whereas, he could have done effective privatization of white elephants, could have constructed Kalabagh dam, could have divided the country in more provinces for better administration and to kill slogans of provincialism, and above all, he could have changed the economic system, as capitalism exploit the masses.

But since he was secular minded and gathered likes around him; therefore he could not even think of a radical change to make the economy to be immaculately Islamic. The prevailing system of Islamic banking & finance initiated during his reign was a big compromise too, which has accepted Riba / interest / Kibor in Islamic scheme of things.

Henceforth the conclusion; the superficial / figure based economic growth didn't last long, because it was neither based on real economic reforms, nor on real economic activity which involves lower section of the society, as laborers, workers and farmers. It was made-up on 'trickle-down effect theory', which only gives crumbs to general public.

In the end and to save himself, he made another compromise for an honorable exit and allowed re-entry of tainted politicians by extending them NRO (which he confessed, was the biggest mistake). Hence, all was back to square-one!

Alas, "an opportunity lost" and we regret it, because it is as painful as loss of the eastern wing...........

May Allah SWT have mercy on his soul (Aameen).