By Michael Morton/Daily
News staff
The MetroWest
Daily News
Posted Aug 19, 2008 @
12:28 AM
When Framingham resident
Parwez Wahid attended a large regional party Sunday marking Pakistan's
independence, talk turned to the expected presidential resignation of the
country's Pervez Musharraf.
"I said, 'Are we
celebrating the independence or are we celebrating the resignation of Musharraf?" said Wahid, whose father migrated to
Pakistan after the country's split from India in 1947. "I think the
general feeling was that it was time for him to move on."
That sentiment became
official yesterday, when Musharraf stepped down ahead
of possible impeachment. His departure left MetroWest
residents and businessmen with ties to Pakistan debating the former leader's
legacy and wondering how the coalition government that called for his ouster
will respond to the challenges of a declining economy and the fight against
terrorism.
For businessman Mahmud Jafri, Musharraf's
decision also marks a crucial development and test for civilian rule in a
nuclear-armed nation known for military coups and leaders brought down by
corruption allegations.
"It's a milestone in
our country," said Jafri, the owner of Dover Rug
in Natick. "None of the dictators have left peacefully. The transitions
have never been so smooth. It's a clear victory for democracy."
Then the head of the
Army, Musharraf came to power in a 1999 coup and
appeared to have broad support early in his rule. But his popularity waned
after he imposed emergency rule and dismissed a number of judges last year. He
gave up his military post under pressure and in February his political allies
were defeated in Parliamentary elections.
While Musharraf
announced his support for American anti-terrorism efforts soon after the
attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, his commitment had been questioned by skeptics. Some
American officials suggested making the nation's Pakistan policy less dependent
on support for the strongman.
Upon his resignation,
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice voiced support for the government now in
power but offered "deep gratitude" for Musharraf's
help.
However, in a statement
U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., called Musharraf a
"discredited dictator" and said his resignation was the "latest
reminder of the perils of this administration's personality-driven foreign
policy that turned a blind eye to Pakistan's people."
In a televised speech, an
emotional Musharraf told Pakistanis he wanted to
spare his country a dangerous power struggle with opponents. He said he was
satisfied that all he had done "was for the people and for the
country."
Jafri said he found Musharraf's announcement believable since the
then-president could have dissolved Parliament and reclaimed his military
command. He could have also challenged an impeachment through his handpicked
Supreme Court.
"He decided to
respect the wishes of the people," Jafri said.
"He made an important statement."
At the same time, Jafri pointed to concerns about the coalition government,
consisting of two parties marred by previous corruption allegations and led by
politicians from the country's recent past. The partners will now need to pick
a new president, with political jockeying a possibility.
"How sincere are we
with this democratic process?" Jafri asked,
referring to impeachment calls based on Musharraf's
judicial dismissals and imposition of emergency rule. "Is it just another
ploy?"
Wahid said Musharraf leaves a mixed legacy, coming to power illegally
and making several missteps but also providing better governance than many of
his predecessors and leaving without the taint of corruption. With the
political crisis over, he called on Parliament to improve the economy and hunt
down militants.
"Appeasing them
isn't going to be helpful," Wahid said.
Westborough resident Tahir Ali agreed, noting that the United States has lost an
important ally in Musharraf. He said the former
leader lost the support of his people for appearing to follow American wishes
blindly, when in fact most of his decisions likely benefited his country.
"He was probably
doing something for the country that was good all along," Ali said, adding
that Pakistan was now in a "wait-and-see" situation with the
coalition government. "How are they going to bring the country together?"
With questions about Musharraf's next stop left unanswered for now, Ali and
others in MetroWest with Pakistani connections called
for the protection of the former president.
"If something
happens to him, that could further destabilize the country," Jafri said.
(Associated Press
material was used in this report.)
(Michael Morton can be
reached at mmorton@cnc.com or 508-626-4338.)
Reference:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/the_world/x1892834621/Locals-praise-Musharrafs-resignation