Democratic system must for implementing policies: Musharraf
 ‘Pakistan Times’ Federal Bureau

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf said on Sunday democratic system is essential to make progress and there should be mechanism to implement the policies for the welfare and betterment of the masses.

In an interview with Geo TV, the President said there are comprehensive laws on compulsory education, but problem is their implementation.“Implementation is the most important thing in the government.”

The President said the government has filled the gap between policy making and implementation through revival of Local Government institutions.

He said Pakistan has the potential and desire to make progress and prosperity but there is need to have good governance and dedication.

Referring to the qualities of a good society, the President said, “We should have open society where every one can discuss and exchange views freely.”

Replying to a question, as to how he would like to be remembered as President, he said, “I shall be remembered by the people as a person who has cared for the country, for the people and worked honestly and diligently for them.”

On the question how the people should remember him as a person, the President said, “A very frank, straight forward, honest and practical person.”

Regarding any regret, the President said God has given him a lot and beyond his expectations. “I never worked and influenced any one for my promotion,” he added.

He said the most important challenge and burden is to take the country forward.

The President said decision making is also very important element in the government as the leader has to analyse the things and receive suggestions before taking final decision.

He said the gut feeling, impulse and sixth sense played important role in decision making.

The President said there has been never a “dull moment” during the last eight years of his life.

On the question for one year compulsory military training to every youth, the President said, there has been study on “peoples army” or compulsory army training, but it was not feasible for Pakistan’s environment.

Elaborating his answer, the President said, “We need standing army due to threat on the borders, to maintain deterrence level.”

Regarding potential in the country and among the people of Pakistan, the President said, “We are better than many others but there is lack of leadership.”

He said, “We have travelled a lot since 1947 as there were only a few factories then but we survived.”

The President said, he was a very open person who discussed the things with his colleagues, his family members, who always extend support to him in taking the decisions.

President Musharraf praised his mother who he said, always helped and guided him for a successful life.

He said his father was very honest and faithful person and loyal to the country and he took great care of rupees 700,000 he was carrying while travelling to Pakistan in 1947.

The President said he has very friendly relations with his children and grand-children. “They are also very supportive to me in all my decisions.”

Regarding relations with the children, the President said, “One should be very friendly with them, guide them and train them to stand on their feet.”

He said the intellectual development of the children should be the number one priority for the parents.

On the issue of women rights President Musharraf said there is a need to give equal rights to them in the society.

He said unless, the women are emancipated and educated in Pakistan, they cannot play their role in the society and for the progress and prosperity of the country.

“If we have to improve qualitatively, women have to be empowered, educated and trained.”

Recalling some unfortunate incidents of the past, he said some organisations tried to malign him on the issues of Mukhtaran Mai and Dr Shazia.

He said there has been violence against women and honour killing in India but similar incidents in Pakistan are projected unnecessarily “There are some individuals who are misusing these issues for their ulterior motives.

He said ultimate views of his and people working on human rights are the same; that is to ensure rights of the women.

Talking about the laws which were discriminatory towards women, he said changes were made in Hadood Ordinance to ensure rights of the women.

He said despite the pressure over the last few months, he keeps his spirits high.

Pakistanis, he added, were a determined nation and every citizen should be confident of being a Pakistani.

He said every Pakistani should work together to protect the prestige and respect of the country.●