Periscope on Pakistan

Consequently, we have a special and deep sense of unity. But make no mistake: Pakistan is not a theocracy or anything like it. Islam demands from us tolerance of other creeds and wewelcome in close association with us all those who, of whatever creed, are themselves willing and ready to play their part as true and loyal citizens of Pakistan.8221; Jinnah was the first governor-general of the Dominion of Pakistan and died as such on September 11, 1948. From that day onwards, his successors in office,the presidents and prime ministers that followed, have misgoverned.

Mohammad Ayub Khan: The first martial law administrator of the Republic of Pakistan adding on the title of president on October 27, 1958. He is remembered for being the man under which this country, for his first few years in power, was seen to be truly a developing country. He is remembered for his innovative system of Basic Democracy, rather a flop, for his decade of development, a misnomer, and for his disastrous 1965 war with India and his speedy decline thereafter, until sick and tired, he handed over power to his army chief on March 25, 1969.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto: First ever civilian martial lawadministrator holding jointly the post of president from December 21, 1971, to August 14, 1973. Unforgettable. Remembered for all the wrong things, for the evil he did, and for being hanged to death. His elder son was murdered during the prime ministership of his elder daughter Benazir, and his younger son died in mysterious circumstances during the presidency of his successor and executor.

Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, always afraid of the army, to replace the retiring army chief Tikka Khan in February 1976 chose a junior general, sixth down the line, Zia-ul-Haq. Zia was selected for the subservience he had exhibited whilst a corps commander. The fact that his confidential report declared him to be ambitious and not to be trusted was ignored. In 1977 he deposed Bhutto, became the country8217;s third martial law administrator, announcing he would march back to his barracks in 90 days. In September 1978, he became president until blown into the skies on August 17, 1988. He is rememberedfor much wrong, most importantly for the misuse and abuse of religion to keep him in power. His legacy haunts us.

Sardar Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari: Elected president on November 14, 1993, by his party chief Benazir Bhutto. Much was expected of him, his record as a civil servant and a minister being whistle-clean. He, as do all, succumbed to the heat from the seat of power and his good deeds faded into oblivion. He is now remembered for his notorious land deal with the doubly notorious Yunus Habib, for what is known as the Mehran Bank scam, for failing the nation8217;s expectations that he would clean out the political sewers.