Writers are welcome whose work is a
tough-minded
exploration
of
why the world is in trouble,
starting with
the basic issues
of
who gets
heard,
who gets
ignored,
and
why.
Abid Ullah Jan is an independent author and journalist. |
The Musharraf Factor ISBN-10 0-9733687-1-3 Pakistan was established 58 years ago as a state, with the aims of providing a homeland for the Muslim of India, and of becoming a bulwark of Islam. Under a succession of self-serving leaders, both these reasons for the country’s existence have been eroded away. However, the current so-called President, General Musharraf, has taken matters further. As this book demonstrates, he has made a mockery of Islam, subverted all democratic processes, uses the Pakistani army as a tool of severe repression, and is nothing more than a mercenary in the service of American interests. In effect, Pakistan is an occupied nation. The occupation is not carried out by foreign troops but by its own armed forces, trained and financed by America. At a time of unprecedented poverty, army officers enrich themselves through land grabs. The President, and all the political parties including those that are supposedly inspired by Islam, do nothing that might upset the crusading foreigner. Dissent can be squashed by identifying it with support for terrorism. The inevitable result of these unwise choices will be the collapse of Pakistan as an entity. There are strong parallels between Pakistan now and the Soviet Union at the time of Gorbachev’s rise to power. The signs were there for the demise of the USSR but few could see them. The signs are there for the demise of Pakistan. A book worth reading for the foes and friends of Pakistan. COMMENTS “In this incisive book, Abid Ullah Jan asks searching questions and offers provocative answers. The Musharraf Factor is an impressive contribution to our understanding of the crisis of identity and way of life that lie darkly ahead.” —MEDIA MONITORS NETWORK “In his book, The Musharraf Factor, Abid Ullah Jan convincingly demonstrates that Musharraf is merely one in a long series of corrupt leaders who have ruled Pakistan during its 58-year history. The very raison d’être of Pakistan’s existence - to establish a state based on the principles of Islam- is falling apart and was, in fact, never really taken seriously by its leaders despite all their high sounding speeches. In the words of Shahid Javed Burki of the World Bank and former Finance Minister of Pakistan, Pakistan ‘is in danger of losing Jinnah’s legacy.’ This book thoroughly outlines how Pakistan’s demise is imminent and how both internal and external factors have played a part in this process. Solidly researched, The Musharraf Factor is essential reading for those following political developments in South Asia.” —Yahya Abdul Rehman, Editor MONTREAL MUSLIM NEWS “Abid Ullah Jan’s The Musharraf Factor is a learned, tough-minded, intellectually courageous and timely warning that easy bromide about sham democracy and the military’s never ending interference in politics under foreign influence, if taken for granted, could make South Asia a more dangerous and less pleasant place.” —Dr. Khawaja Ashraf, Editor PAKISTAN WEEKLY, USA. “Abid Ullah Jan covers an immense historical and ideological ground in the eloquent examination of Pakistan’s existence. Mastering the nuances of every corner of the world, discussing the critical (and virtually unexamined) problems of Pakistan, analyzing what he call ‘the demise of Pakistan,’ Abid forces us to think in new ways about values that Muslims in general and Pakistanis in particular take for granted.” —Sajjad Haider, Editor AAFAQ, Canada
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