Musharraf addresses to the nation after imposing emergency.... Key Points
Sunday November 04, 2007
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has to take some important but painful decision otherwise the solidarity of the country will be endangered. I have made the decisions under the principle of Pakistan First.
Pakistan comes first, is my guiding rule and it is above all personal gains.
The situation rapidly changes in last some months; terrorism and extremism are the affliction throughout the country.
The heart of Pakistan Islamabad is also afflicted by the extremism; the extremist elements want to enforce their archaic, outdated notions on all.
In my view, senior office-bearers are going to the Supreme Court and they are being insulted; so, they are reluctant to take any action.
I am being told that there 1000 cases regarding these officials are pending in the apex court. The air of disappointment prevails over the country.
The assemblies completed their full terms; I hoped that when the assemblies complete their full terms, the transition to the democracy would be completed.
Accordingly, I am very sorry to say that the economic boom has come to a halt. The investors have stopped investing in the country.
There is a boom in every sector including building and construction, agricultural system; I fear that my struggle of seven years may not be spoiled; I cannot see it declining and being spoiled.
I am being phoned and asked and taunted and said that you are such a decision-maker; why are you lagging behind in your decisions. The situation was going from bad to worse.
The media could not lend a helping hand to improve the situation but added insult to the injury, rather. This is the same media, which I gave full freedom; I said frequently that the media should not be negative; but, on some channels the situation was not bit better.
There has been clash between the legislature and the government institutions and the judiciary; both sides were in trouble; the government system was semi-paralyzed.
I hammered out a strategy in 1999. I played the professional role from 1999 to 2002. From 2002 onwards, the democratic system was run. This second phase was well steered.
It would be the first time in the history of Pakistan that National Assembly and Local Bodies would complete their tenures.
The third phase of transition was set in 2007, when the assemblies were coming to the conclusion of their term on November 15; and the polls would be well convened; first the presidential and then general elections scheduled to be held.
The first time in the history we introduced the transition under a strategy and it was making headway. But, the vested interests were obstructing its path.
There were only three months left; however, for the personal gains, the process was being halted by some unscrupulous people.
The economic conditions were on the rise towards well being; but the hurdles were put by these people and the investors ceased to be interested any more to invest in the country.
On the recommendation by the Prime minister, I sent reference against chief justice; it was a constitutional measure. This reference went into the Supreme Judicial Council as well.
Afterwards, the situation worsened; the political elements aggravated the already declining situation.
The Supreme Court gave verdict on the reference against the chief justice, which I accepted with an open heart, as this was the verdict of the highest court of Pakistan.
I wanted reconciliation and wanted to work for the stability of the Pakistan; I tried my best; extended cooperation; but, the standoff could not be resolved.
Meantime, the Lal Masjid tragedy occurred; the extremists took law in their hands; and all this happened in the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad; we were exposed to the whole world insulted; we were abashed that we could not control the capital; our image was tarnished.
The extremists were on the rampage with their will unbridled; they martyred the policemen, abducted them; torched the shops; took hostage to the Chinese nationals, manhandled them; I had to seek forgiveness from the Chinese government.
I want to address the foreign world, particularly the United States, European Union, Commonwealth.
Kindly understand the situation in which I have taken this decision. Pakistan is on the verge of destabilization.
I cannot allow this country to go through suicide attacks.
I had planned a programme for democratic transition. I started a three-phase programme in 1999.
I want to complete the third phase with all my conviction. Therefore, I request you to stay with us against all these evils.
Please do not expect your level of democracy, which is centuries old. Please give us time to take our country to stability.
Pakistan News Service - PakTribune