Strengthening  Institutions

Dear Sir:

One of the strongest points  made by  the politicians was that Musharraf had destroyed the institutions and that they will strengthen them to usher in the era of real democracy in the country. However, nothing seems to have been done so far in this regard. The coalition partners seem to be too busy in matters of their own interest rather than those of immediate national import like atta, electricity, unemployment, inflation, price escalation, law and order etc.  Not much has been done either in strengthening the institutions.  If any, the party diehards have been appointed to the positions warranting strict neutrality. Governors in the provinces represent the President and are supposed to be strictly above the party affiliations to treat all alike. Can we expect it from Salman Taseer?  The gentleman is working openly for the PPP and  presides over the party's provincial  Working Committee meetings.  The  President "“ considered to be the symbol of the unity of the Federation and expected to be religiously non-partisan  -  is soon  going to  be yet another Jiala ready to raise Jiay Bhutto slogans from the Presidential palace. Will the gentleman resign from the office of the Co-Chairman PPP if he is "˜elected' by the National and the Provincial Assemblies to the office of the President of Pakistan?  If not, will it strengthen the institution of the presidency in the country or weaken it?  Musharraf was castigated incessantly by all those in power now for patronising the PML-Q  and as such working against the spirit of the  honourable office of the President. Will they do the same?

Truly

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)

30, Westridge-1

Rawalpindi 46000

Tel: (051) 546 3344