Issue No 96, June 13-19, 2004 | ISSN:1684-2057 | www.satribune.com

Musharraf's Grip on Power Slipping

Dear Readers:

Even before General Musharraf has committed firmly that he would definitely take off his uniform, things have started slipping out of his hands. His enemies have become bolder, aggressive and are brimming with vengeance. His friends and allies have become greedy and have started playing games to make quick bucks. One prime example is of his trusted aide Tariq Aziz, a small time bureaucrat turned by Musharraf into a super brat, top diplomat, national security czar and what not. Now he has started asking for his price to bring people into power and removing them. Our main story focuses on his activities. That Musharraf is a prisoner of his advice is beyond debate now as Musharraf himself cannot go out or cannot invite and meet everybody. He has to depend on people like Aziz, who are now using him for their own ends.

That this situation had to come was obvious. Because all their efforts are focused on preserving their own power, the larger national objectives of meeting the terrorist threats, stopping violence, sectarianism and uncertainty have fallen on the sidelines. This is no way of running a country which is falling apart under Musharraf’s watch. Reports of discontent and unrest within his Army are more disconcerting.

On a professional note our PIA stories have stirred the Parliament and Senate hearings have been held while a reference has been filed against the PIA Chairman for corruption. Musharraf must move quickly in PIA to stop a national institution falling apart.

Take Care
Shaheen Sehbai