Pakistan Coup

Re “Pakistan’s Aborted Rebirth,” editorial, Oct. 26: I am appalled at the military generals (Pervez Musharraf) overthrowing a democratically elected government. Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister, has been declared guilty and imprisoned without a trial. The real reason for his overthrowing the prime minister is that Musharraf was supporting the Kashmiri terrorists while Sharif was trying to create peace in the Indian subcontinent. By his own admission this man and his cronies were sending Pakistani troops disguised as freedom fighters across international borders to foment trouble in India without the knowledge of Sharif.

Musharraf attributes the sorry state of Pakistan’s economy to corruption, but the real reason is that he bankrupted Pakistan’s fragile economy by spending recklessly on a huge military machine.

Western countries should punish this general by breaking off all diplomatic ties with Pakistan unless democracy is restored within 30 days. In addition, they should impose sanctions on any country that recognizes the military regime. Tolerating this man would mean terrorism worldwide.

V. PARAMESWARAN

Anaheim

*

Your editorial shows a lack of understanding of local conditions and the common practice of analyzing every situation using the same Western yardstick. Democracy works well only when people casting votes have the freedom to exercise the right to choose and are educated enough to make the right choice. When these two essential elements are missing (as in Pakistan), democracy becomes a tool in the hands of the feudal lords and other power brokers to legitimize their suppression of the masses and plundering of the country.

We have seen during the past 30 years that the “democratically” elected governments in Pakistan did not fare any better than the military rule. This may very well be Pakistan’s last chance to rid itself of those “lords” who not only own the land but also the lives of those who till their land. The present regime deserves our support in its effort to save the country from total destruction at the hands of our “democratically elected” leaders. For what good is democracy if the country does not survive?

IMDAD AHMAD

Upland