I have no political ambitions: Fasih Bokhari

Former Navy Chief Fasih Bokhari's unedited clarification as follows:

“I have read a story published by you titled “ Musharraf planned coup much before Oct. 12: Fasih Bokhari”. The story is not entirely factual and contains misquotes. A correction is therefore in order.

“(a) The journalist came to me to discuss the naval perspectives of possible renewal of US military sales to Pakistan. The story reported is entirely a different subject, and has been pieced together from past reports on other issues.

“(b) In September 1999 I had indeed assessed “that General Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif could no longer co-exist”, and that I should use the issue of seniority and Chairmanship of JCSC, to make an exit before being faced with actions by Sharif or Musharraf that could drag me into situations harmful to the nation, or to the violation of my oath to the constitution. To say that I “knew about his plans to topple Nawaz Sharif”, assumes that “plans” existed to which I had become privy. This is therefore not an accurate portrayal of what I had said.

“(c) At no time did I use the words “dirty games” in relation to the activities of either Nawaz Sharif or General Musharraf.

“(d) The story concerning discussions I had with Generals Sahibzada Yaqub and Talat Masood, needs to be corrected factually. These are officers and gentlemen of the highest caliber and morals. We did discuss the possibility of an exit strategy for General Musharraf because of our concern for the derailment of the democratic process and the undesirability of direct governance by the Army. They had not been “sent by Gen. Musharraf”. I had indicated to them that I did not think that Gen. Musharraf would be ready to pursue an exit strategy. I do not know whether they went to Gen. Musharraf. I did tell the reporter that such a discussion had taken place to highlight concerns at that time. Tying up later events to this story does not do justice to these senior and respected Officers, whom I am sure have acted in the interests of the country throughout.

“(e) I categorically told the reporter that I had no political ambitions, nor had any Political party approached me.”

Elections another failure?

Tomorrow’s election can be used by concerned stakeholders and citizens to break the hold of strong vested interests; or, at least, to expose them in the eyes of the voting public. As Pakistan takes the first difficult step back towards democracy with tomorrow’s (Oct 10) elections, everyone in the country and outside awaits the results of the transition with bated breath. In the run-up, sceptics and cynics still shy away from debating the real issues; there is no dearth of vested interests, jockeying for positions and tickets; the press remains largely silent on the real issues; the election process is again personality-centric. The results are all too predictable, pointing to yet another failure. Have we learnt anything from the past? Are the people again to be denied true representation? Are we bound to repeat our failures? —Fasih Bokhari

Home | Main