General Musharraf launches All Pakistan Muslim League (APML)

1st October 2010

Launching Ceremony of All Pakistan Muslim League

LONDON: Former President General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf on Friday formally announced his new political party “All Pakistan Muslim League” (APML). Musharraf told hundreds of cheering supporters in London and in Karachi, that the best way to deal with Pakistan’s political and economic troubles is to bring his party to power. He said that there is a need to “bring all patriotic people under one flag — that flag should be All Pakistan Muslim League.”  Musharraf admitted that mistakes were committed during his government and sought apology from the nation for the same. “All Pakistan Muslim League to wage jihad against poverty and illiteracy,” he vowed, adding that the time for talks is over and now it is time to act. He invited all Pakistanis to come forward and join hands with APML and strengthen it. He said that his party manifesto will be governed by the Holy Quran, Quaid-e- Azam’s 11 August 1947 Constituent Assembly address and 12 April 1949 Objective Resolution by Liaquat Ali Khan. He described nepotism and corruption as the biggest curse for any society and vowed to rid the country of the same. “Internal and external threats will be dealt with strongly and the fight against terrorism will continue till the elimination of this scourge.” He said that annual GDP growth will be increased to over 6 percent and recalled that 8 percent growth rate was achieved during his government. “I believe in freedom of media and will support it thoroughly…only those are afraid of media who have got dirty laundry to hide,” Musharraf stated. ”Today I announce starting my political career and joining All Pakistan Muslim League. I want to begin my political career with clean slate.”

Achievements of President Musharraf and his Government

Pervez Musharraf’s Notes

Introduction: 

This document lists some of the achievements of the former President of Pakistan, General (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf. It is, probably the longest single statement of feats of  developments, repairs and enhancements in one of the “most difficult countries to govern” (Time Magazine).

• The Situation on 12th October 1999, when Mr. Musharraf took over was that Pakistan faced:
  • Economic bankruptcy.
  • International isolation.
  • The Country was referred to as a ‘failed state’.
  • Political instability and chequered political history of previous governments. Opposition never allowed an elected government to complete term and derailed the process / institutions.

 

The APML Manifesto – Our Covenant

The APML Manifesto-Our Covenant-Pervez Musharraf-1st Oct 2010

by Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday, 13 October 2010 at 13:19

This, our Covenant is more than a hypocritical political party manifesto. It is very precious to us for we regard it as our Covenant with God and the people hablum minallah wa hablum min alnass “hold on to the rope of God and to the rope of the people “(Surah Aal e Imran). If you do you will not know failure. This is God’s Covenant with Man and Man’s Covenant with God and with his greatest creation, humanity or Al Naas.

We have been taking our country for granted. We forget that Pakistan is the most precious country in the world because it is the only country we have. We don’t realize that without it we would be international orphans, bereft of identity, without hope, shunned by all. It is our motherland and our stamp of identity. That is why Pakistan must come first. 

Our Leader Musharraf on Face Book

We are pleased to inform all Fans and well wishers that Our Leader – General Musharraf has Facebook. The membership is growing with each passing day. We’ll be updating this page, whenever our leader responses to new questions on Facebook. Watch Video of his personal introduction to his FB account.

APML Launch

 joined  

Join him on Face-Book to demonstrate Support and Encouragement!

Answering Your Top 3 Questions – IV

Question: Which political organization supports your vision? Pasdar-e-Pakistan is a grassroots organization of my supporters. The Pasdars have been holding seminars, conventions, press conferences and public demonstrations on issues of national concern. They are engaged in building support all over Pakistan and beyond. As this organization expands its membership of registered supporters, I urge you to offer your support to it.

Answer:

For further information, please contact:
info@pasdar-e-pakistan.org
Phone: +92 51 2814270
Or visit: www.pasdar-e-pakistan.org

 

Economic Indicators 1999 – 2008

Updated September 2009!

Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B and Afreen Baig

• Pak Economy in 1999 was: $ 75 billion (Source)
  Pak Economy in 2007 is: $ 160 billion (Source) and (Source)
  Pak Economy in 2008 is: $ 170 billion (Source)

 

• GDP Growth in 1999: 3.1 % (Source)
• GDP Growth in 2005: 8.4 % (Source)
• GDP Growth in 2007: 7 % (Source)
• GDP Growth in 2009: 2 % (Source) and (Source)

 

• GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in 1999: $ 270 billion (Source)
  GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in 2007: $ 475.5 billion (Source)
  GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in 2008: $ 504.3 billion (Source)

 

• GDP per Capita Income in 1999: $ 450 (Source)
  GDP per Capita Income in 2007: $ 926 (Source)
• GDP per Capita Income in 2008: $1085 (Source)

 

• Pak revenue collection 1999: Rs. 305 billion (Source)
  Pak revenue collection 2007: Rs. 708 billion (Source) and (Source)
• Pak revenue collection 2008: Rs. 990 billion (Source)

 

• Pak Foreign reserves in 1999: $ 1.96 billion (Source)
  Pak Foreign reserves in 2007: $ 16.4 billion (Source) and (Source)
• Pak Foreign reserves in 2008: $ 8.89 billion (Source)
• Pak Foreign reserves in 2009: $ 14.3 billion (Source)

 

• Pak Exports in 1999: $ 8 billion (Source)
  Pak Exports in 2007: $ 18.5 billion (Source)
• Pak Exports in 2008: $ 19.22 billion (Source) and (Source)

 

• Textile Exports in 1999: $ 5.5 billion
  Textile Exports in 2007: $ 11.2 billion (Source)

 

• KHI stock exchange 1999: $ 5 billion at 700 points
  KHI stock exchange 2007: $ 75 billion at 14,000 points (Source)
  KHI stock exchange 2008: $ 46 billion at 9,300 points (Source) and $ 20 billion at 4,972 points (Source)
• KHI stock exchange 2009: $ 26.5 billion (Source) at 9,000 points (Source)

 

• Foreign Investment in 1999: $ 301 million (Source)
  Foreign Investment in 2007: $ 8.4 billion (Source)
• Foreign Investment in 2008: $ 5.19 billion (Source)

 

• Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 1999: 1.5% ( Source)
• Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 2005: 19.9% (Source)
• Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 2007: 8.6% (Source)
• Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 2008: 4.8%  (Source)

 

• Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 1988: $ 18 billion
• Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 1999: $ 39 billion (Source)  (Source)  (Source)
• Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 2007: $ 40.5 billion (Source) and (Source)
• Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 2009: $ 50.1 billion (Source)

 

• Debt servicing 1999: 65% of GDP (Source) and (Source)
  Debt servicing 2007: 28% of GDP (Source) and (Source)
• Debt servicing 2008: 27% of GDP (Source)

 

• Poverty level in 1999: 34% (Source) and (Source)
  Poverty level in 2007: 24% (Source) and (Source)

 

• Literacy rate in 1999: 45% (Source)
  Literacy rate in 2007: 53% (Source)

 

• Pak Development programs 1999: Rs. 80 billion (Source)
  Pak Development programs 2007: Rs. 520 billion (Source)
  Pak Development programs 2008: Rs. 549.7 billion (Source)

© Our leader – Musharraf 

Musharraf’s validity and endorsements by Supreme Court

 

 

 

 

Chronological record of events, that validates President Musharraf’s election as President and  subsequent endorsements by Supreme Court

Written by: Afreen Baig

1-      On 13 May 2000, Pakistan’s 12 member Supreme Court unanimously validated the October 1999 coup and granted Musharraf executive and legislative authority for 3 years from the coup date. Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was one of the judges that validated. (Link)

2-      On 7 October 2002, the 5 member bench of Supreme Court validated LFO and amendments to constitution. Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was one of the judges that validated. (Link)

3-      On 29 Dec 2004, PML-Q government passed the 17th constitutional amendment bill in National Assembly, with 2/3 majority, also approved by Senate that allowed President Musharraf to hold dual offices. (Link)

4-      Constitution of Pakistan – Article 63 clause (1) paragraph (d), read with proviso to Article 41 clause (7) paragraph (b), allows the President to hold dual office.

5-      On 13 April 2005, the 5 member bench of Supreme Court gave judgment in favor of 17^th amendment and President’s uniform. Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was one of the judges that validated. (Link)

6-      On 28 September 2007, the Supreme Court cleared the way for President Pervez Musharraf to seek another five-year term, and stand for Presidential elections, when six of the nine judges, rejected a tangle of petitions against him and threw out a major legal challenge to his re-election plans. Presided by Justice Rana Bhagwandas. (Link)

7-      President Musharraf was elected President of Pakistan, on 6th October 2007, by a combined electoral of the Senate, National Assembly and the FOUR Provincial Assembles.

8-      President of Pakistan declared emergency on 3^rd November 2007, as per Article 232 of the constitution.

9-      The 10 member bench of Supreme Court (SC) on 24 November 2007 directed the chief election commissioner and the government to declare Pervez Musharraf president for a second term. (Link)

10-  On 24 November 2007, the Pakistan Election Commission confirmed Musharraf’s re-election as President. (Link)

11-  President Musharraf won by 58% votes, declared in November 2007, as the constitutional President of Pakistan!

12-   On 28 November 2007, Musharraf relinquished the office of Chief of Armed Staff, as per November 2007 verdict of the Supreme Court.

13-   On 15 Feb 2008, the Supreme Court validated the proclamation of emergency of 3rd Nov 2007, PCO 2007 and oath of the judges. This full court judgment was written by Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar. (Link)

 

Foreign Reserves Phenomenon: Shaukat Aziz versus PPP

Written By: Afreen Baig  

Foreign Reserves – a significant economic indicator and of vital importance to every expanding economy. Foreign Reserves is the first and basic economic indicator that transmits an air of confidence and trust, amongst the potential foreign & local investors and the nation. Foreign Reserves are held in abundance and accumulated – in order to sustain the confidence of a country’s capacity to carry out external trade confidently, to balance the momentum between demand & supply of foreign currencies, and also used as an intervention tool by the State Bank. Reserves also bail out the economy in times of financial crisis.

By October 2007, at the end of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s tenure, Pakistan raised back its Foreign Reserves to a handsome $16.4 billion. His exceptional policies kept our trade deficit controlled at $13 billion, exports boomed to $18 billion, revenue generation increased to become $13 billion and attracted foreign investment of $8.4 billion.

Pakistan recently has seen a drastic drop in its Reserves by 50% and its currency devalued by 40%, which has left ordinary people confused and the usual cynics have started heaping the blame onto the policies of Mr. Shaukat Aziz, without even knowing the basic macro-economic indicators nor understanding the relationship b/w Foreign reserves, Trade deficit and Currency devaluation.

The Trade deficit (Exports minus Imports) is always managed in ratio to Revenue generation, Capital inflows and Reserves. Almost all developing economies face the dread of trade deficit but their abundant foreign reserves gives them the fiscal space to overcome those grievances.

Illustrating in mathematics for ordinary readers, on October 2007, when PM Shaukat Aziz left us:

Exports – $18 billion

Imports – $30.53 billion

Trade deficit – $12.53 billion

Foreign Reserves – $16.4 billion

President Musharraf resigns

The only safe ship in a storm is leadership – Faye Wattleton 

 

18 August 2008, has become a day of gloom for all Musharraf lovers. Today, our eyes and hearts cry! The man we so loved, honored, admired and cherished for his determination to deliver for Pakistan – and deliver he remarkably did! He was a man who believed & practiced in ‘Pakistan First’. The only honest and visionary leader we ever had. Pakistan progressed and prospered under his leadership. Pakistan had hope under his selfless & patriotic policies. We love you Musharraf!

 

Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things – Jesse Jackson

General Musharraf in his historic speech to the nation, also enumerating the successes of his 8 years rule, announced to resign as President of Pakistan. General Musharraf was his confident self and his message optimistic. He bowed out with dignity and courage, to avoid confrontation, and in the best interest of the nation and the country. In his words, it was not the time for individual bravado. He received a guard of honor before he parted the Presidency.

 

Nonetheless, despite his mistakes, he has been that rare phenomenon in Pakistani politics — an honest man with good intentions who tried to serve his country to the best of his abilities. In a country that has suffered so much over the years from corrupt and self-serving politicians, there have been too few figures like him. (Editorial Arab News)

 

 

For us – General Musharraf  is our Hero – Our Leader !

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be – Rosalynn Carter

Highlights of President Musharraf’s last speech  (Here) and (Here) and (Here) and (Video of Speech)

Ayesha Siddiqa’s MILITARY INC: A Deflective and Derogatory Book

Written By: Afreen Baig 

Dr Ayesha Siddiqa’s ‘The Military Inc.’ is a book deflective of reality, highly derogatory and against the very notion of sovereignty.

Dr Ayesha Siddiqa launches the book by giving the impression that her intention is to cover the entrepreneurial activities of military worldwide. However, in depth reading reaffirms suspicions that her book massively targets the Pakistan Military and the top echelons of the Armed Forces, most of which are based upon self serving assumptions and intentional hoodwinking. A labyrinth of financial figures is presented to further obscure the ordinary reader’s intelligence.

The book sets forward four arguments. First, that MILBUS (Military Business) is military capital that perpetuates the military’s political predatory style; and is kept concealed and includes questionable transfer of resources from public sector to individuals connected with armed Forces. Second, the military’s economic greed increases in totalitarian systems. Third, Military convinces the citizens to bear additional costs for security on basis of conceived threats to the State. Fourth, the book considers the Pakistan Military the cause of all ills, social disparity and democratic fiasco.

Let’s start by setting the record straight. MILBUS in Pakistan – is the result of honest intentions and visionary policies – to raise independent resources, to self-finance the on-going national technological development, to modernize strategic assets, and most importantly, the determination to rely less on Foreign Aid. While at the same time, build facilities for retired military personnel and their families; and slowly withdrawing from National Defense budget allocation as a percentage of GDP.

 

 

Overall Economy under Musharraf

1. Pakistan economy was the 3rd fastest growing economy after China & India in 2006.

2. Pakistan in 1999 was an economy of $75 billion and now in 2006 it is a $160 billion economy. [Source].

3. Under Musharraf’s vision: 9 world class Engineering universities being developed. [Source. Project halted due to Political uncertainty]

4. Private sector institutions have increased from 36,096 (in 1999) to become 81,103 (in 2006). (Source)

5. Pakistan is the 3rd best in world Banking profitability. [Source].

6. Pakistan IT industry now values around $2.8 billion, including $1.4 billion of IT exports. [Source] and [Source].

7. Around 80,000 direct jobs & 500,000 indirect jobs have been created by the Telecom sector alone. [Source].

8. Industrial Parks are being setup throughout the country for the very first time. [Source & this & this].

9. Major Mega projects like the Saindak, Rekodiq, Marble production, Coal production and Mining & Quarrying are being pursued. [Source].

10. GDP growth is now 6%. Earlier it was 3.5%.

11. Foreign Reserves from $1 billion to $17 billion. (Source)

12. Karachi stock market: rose from 700 points to 13,000 points. [Source].

13. Literacy rate has improved by 11%. [Source].

14. Poverty levels have decreased by 10%. [Source].

15. 3 dams have been constructed: Mirani, Subakzai, Gomalzam dams. [See this, this, and this. (Kurram Tangi Dam)].

16. 6 Motorways completed or under construction: M1, M3, M8, M9, M10, M11. [Source].

17. Six major highways under construction. [Source].

18. GWADAR advance Mega Sea port developed under Musharraf’s vision. [Source].

19. Historic 100% increase in Tax collection of $11 billion. [Source & this].

20. Large scale manufacturing is 30 year high. [Source].

21. Construction activity is 17 years high.

22. Newly found World class copper- gold deposits in Chagai will fetch around $600 million per year.

23. A new Oil refinery with UAE will fetch $5 billion & will process 300,000 oil barrels a day. [Source].

24. CNG sector has attracted over $70 billion investment in last 5 years. [Source].

25. Industrial sector registered 26% growth. [Source].

For detailed Information see – Musharraf Era: Pakistan Flourishes

©Our leader – Musharraf

 

War on Terrorism in Pakistan’s National Interest

Written By: Afreen Baig 

 

“Political instability, a growing insurgency, a demoralized army and an intensely anti-American population are the hallmarks of today’s Pakistan,” remarked US Senator Thomas Cooper recently.  

 War on Terrorism (WoT) did not start with the advent of 9/11, rather it started in 1980’s when Russia was defeated in Afghanistan, and the USA pulled out abandoning the hundreds of thousands of equipped and trained guerillas. Those guerillas and militants integrated in small pockets in various regions of Afghanistan and NWFP. They utilized their militancy to influence domestic tribes and mosques to instigate and promote radicalism. In 2000-01, Government of Pakistan was forced to ban several extremist outfits due to increase in sectarian violence and its effect on the lives of ordinary Pakistanis. For Pakistan – it was already at war with extremism!

 9/11 further changed the political dimensions for USA, and also changed Pakistan’s destiny. A destiny that is full of expectations, decision making, media trial, uprising opportunist and extremist hoping to destabilize Pakistan. Who will be the ultimate winner is yet to be seen. The regional environment is a complex one and Pakistan is fighting a multi-faceted battle that will change the course of history.

 9/11 put Pakistan in a complicated situation, where tough decisions had to be taken. Richard Armitage’s threatening message forced Pakistan to gauge the urgency and seriousness of the episode. The message was clear – the USA will do anything, to do what it had to do in its National Interest. NATO will follow suit. Pakistan was left alone to decide and protect its National Interest. The President decided in Nation’s self-interest and self-preservation. War on terrorism (WoT) marked its presence – it was inevitable!

Musharraf Era performance: Pakistan Flourishes

Compiled By: Mirza Rohail B

©Our leader – Musharraf

All this is all the more amazing when one considers that just six years ago, Pakistan was on the verge of bankruptcy, with only a little more than $1bn in foreign exchange reserves and its stock market teetering at 1,000 points (worth $5 billion only) and foreign debt servicing at 65% of GDP. Our exports were at a pitiful $7.5 billion.

The once ever-declining rupee stood stable at around 60-61 to a dollar since Musharraf took over. Of the 184 member countries of the IMF, Pakistan’s rate of economic growth 7% is one of the best in the world. The Karachi stock market is now above 13,000 points and worth around $65 billion. Now foreign debt servicing has lowered to become 28%. Our exports increased to become $18 billion.

1. Pakistan economy is among the fastest growing economies in the world as its economy has reached the size of $170 billion from a mere $70 billion in 1999. Pakistan attracted a record FDI of $8.4 billion in 2007.

2. 2007: National revenues had swelled from Rs 308 billion during 1988-99 to around Rs 800bn in 2008; and Federal Board of Revenue estimates now 2.8 million Income Tax payers.

Year             Total CBR     Direct         Indirect      Custom     Sales     Central excise 

1998-99       308.5bn        110.4bn       198.1bn     65.3bn      72bn         60.8bn

2005-06       712.5bn       224.6bn       487.9bn     138.2bn    294.6bn      55bn   

2008-09       810.3bn        305bn             –          105.3bn    319.3bn       80.5bn (2008-09 Progressive)

3. Public sector development program (PSDP) has also grown from Rs 80 billion in 1999; to Rs 520 billion in 2007 and increased further to Rs 549.7 billion in 2008.

4. FACT: The rate of growth in Pakistan Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) is at a 30-year high. Construction activity is at a 17-year high.

LSM: 1999-00 was 1.5%, and 2004-05 was 19.9%, and 2006-07 was 8.6% and 2007-8 is 5%.

5. FACT: The Infrastructure Industries Index, which measures the performance of Seven industries, i.e. Electricity generation, Natural gas, Crude oil, Petroleum products, Basic metal, Cement and coal, has recorded a 26.2 percent growth in Industrial sector of Pakistan.

6. FACT: Jan 14: Pakistan now has a total of 245,682 Educational institutions in all categories, including 164,579 (i.e. 67 per cent) in the public sector and 81,103 (i.e. 100 per cent) in the private sector, reports the National Education Census (NEC-2005). The census — jointly conducted by the Ministry of Education, the Academy of Educational Planning and Management (AEPAM) and the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) — reveals that the number of private-sector institutions has increased from 36,096 in 1999-2000 to 81,103 in 2005, i.e. by 100 per cent. 45,007 Educational Institutions have increased in Musharraf Era.

7. FACT: Pakistan is 3rd in world in Banking profitability, a report of IMF said. On the IMF chart, in late 2006, Pakistan’s banking profitability is on third position after Colombia and Venezuela. On the IMF chart, India is on 36th position and China is on 40th position. Pakistan’s Banking sector turned profitable in 2002. Their profits continued to rise for the next five years and peaked to Rs 84.1 ($1.1 billion) billion in 2006.  Pakistan’s Financial Services

8. 11 May 2009: By producing 7.746 tonnes of gold during the last five years – 2004 to 2008 – Pakistan has joined the ranks of gold producing countries. According to the data with the Saindak Metal Limited – during the last five years – Pakistan has produced 86,013 tonnes of copper, 7.746 tonne gold and 11.046 tonne silver, besides the production of 14,482 tonnes of magnetite concentrate (iron), bringing in a total of $633.573 million.

9. In 1999, what we earned as GDP: we used to give away 64.1 % as foreign debt and liabilities. Now in 2006, what we earn as GDP: we give ONLY 28.3 % as foreign debt and liabilities. Now we are SAVING 35 % of Our GDP for economic growth.

External debt & liabilities (EDL):

1988 – $ 18 billion

1990 – $ 20 billion

1999 – $ 39 billion

2007 – $ 40.17 billion

2008 – $ 45 billion

 

10. According to Economic Survey 2005. Poverty in Pakistan in 2001 was 34.46%. And, now after 7 years of Musharraf; Poverty in 2005 was 23.9%. Poverty DECREASED by 10.56%. Overall, 12 million people have been pushed out of Poverty in 2001 -2005!

11. Literacy rate in Pakistan has increased from 45% (in 2002) to 53% (in 2005). And, Education now receives 4% of GDP and English has been introduced as compulsory subject from grade 1.

12.  12-4-07: The IT industry, which was virtually non-existent seven years ago, has grown to be worth $2 billion of which $1 billion is export related. It registered a 50% growth. 55 foreign IT companies have already entered the market. Now the sector employed 90,000 professionals.

Electricity: Solutions and Ongoing Projects

Written by: Afreen Baig

 History

 After the construction of the Hydro-Electric Tarbela Dam and the Mangla Dam, by General Ayub Khan and General  Yahya Khan in the 1960’s, our governments failed to conceive and initiate major electricity projects.

 The inept governments of PML-N and PPP, that still consider themselves vital to democratic dialogue within the provinces, failed to create dialogue within provinces, on the most important issue facing Pakistan’s energy survival – the Kalabagh Dam. Their governments failed to plan for the future growth and energy requirements. Recently the government of PPP has scraped the project altogether.

 

Unexpected Economic Boom & Energy Consumption in the last 10 years

 Pakistan’s $75 billion economy boomed into a $160 billion economy, with the consumption of gas, electricity and coal increasing YEARLY to an average rate of 7.8 percent, 5.1 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively.

 The number of electricity consumers grew from 15.9 million in 2005-06 to 16.7 million in 2007, showing a growth of about 70 percent over the last 10 years.

Blackmailers and Biased – Our Notorious Journalists!

(C) Our Leader – Musharraf

Our famous manipulators and distorters of truth; who have best abused the freedom of media to achieve their personal agendas and selling themselves off to the highest bidder – Yes, our suited booted prejudiced story tellers – Media anchors & News commentators!

These News & Views analysts, who never left any opportunity to slander and smear President Musharraf and his policies, are now falling left and right to lucrative offers by PPP government. Their useless, baseless and distorted lies are now being paid off rewardingly. Their revealing blackmailing personalities should serve as an eye-opener for our deaf & dumb public – who vastly followed their deception programs. These pundits have always served as spokesperson for our shady politicians, thus largely misleading the public!

Dr Shahid Masood of GEO fame – was appointed as the PTV chairman, through the Establishment Division letter No 1/64/2008-E-6, dated May 31 2008.He was given the additional charge of the MD through the letter No 1/64/2008-E-6, dated June 21 2008. (Source)

After his appointment as MD PTV, Dr. Shahid Masood has been seen appeasing President Musharraf and endorsing the President’s views. See the video (Source)

Pakistan’s Economic success: Mercy of 9/11 or Macro-Economic Policies?

Written By: Afreen Baig

 

The 1990’s was a lost decade for Pakistan, mismanagement at its helm and corruption rampant. Formation of failed policies, coupled with sheer incompetence and lack of commitment, kept deteriorating the economy of the fragile Country. Benazir’s era was further characterized by ungoverned manipulation and personal extravagance of her husband Zardari.

By 1999, not only were the $10 billion Foreign Reserves misspent without any accountability, but it also shattered the confidence of our nation. Expatriate Pakistanis kept a cautious outlook of the situation and held their foreign reserves back.

In 1999, Revenue generation of around Rs.308 billion could not meet the growing expenditure requirements; with only an average of Rs.80 billion being spent on Public sector development programs (PSDP) annually, and no visible project to boast about. From this Rs.308 billion around 65% was being utilized for debt servicing. In 1988 Pakistan’s foreign debt was $18 billion, but at the end of 1999 it had accumulated to become $38 billion. A 100% increased burden on the already crippled economy. Public and external debt exceeded 300% of Foreign exchange earnings. Pakistan had become a highly indebted poor country. Poverty levels also increased to become 35% according to economic survey. This glooming situation was not being dispelled.

While the world was progressing, Pakistan’s economy was stagnated. Overall there was a feeling of despondency and uncertainty. It not only lowered the morals of the business community, but also affected adversely the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Foreign Investment started diverting to other promising Asian markets, especially that of India for their future prospects.

Nawaz Sharif and People’s Party often lament that during their tenures US and IMF Aid was suspended; and that President Musharraf’s government received huge aid after 9/11 to overcome the economic problems. To set the record correct, USA and IMF aid was suspended only after the Nuclear Atomic blasts of May 1998, but that too was RESUMED later that year in November, a week before Nawaz met President Clinton in USA. Before May 1998, the governments of Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto well-received worldwide aid and assistance from USA, IMF, OPEC, European countries, ODA & OOF bilateral agreements and World Bank.

The inheritance of the ailing economy that took place after October 1999 was not an easy task for the leadership of President Musharraf. Pakistan needed quick reforms, resource allocation, stabilization of policies and alluring back the Foreign Reserves and Foreign Direct Investment.

A misperception persists within some critics that attribute completely the turning around of Pakistan’s economy to: US aid or 9/11. Therefore, let it be clarified that major economic indicators had improved before 9/11, and the economy had already started showing signs of recovery and revival.

In that SHORT span of 2 years BEFORE 9/11, Pakistan’s revenue increased from Rs.308 billion to become Rs.395 billion. Exports increased from $7.5 billion to become $9.2 billion. Foreign Reserves increased from $1 billion to become $3.25 billion. Debt servicing as a ratio to Revenue decreased from 65% to 57%. Public and external debt as a percentage to Foreign exchange earnings declined from 300% to 250%. Current account deficit decreased from $2.4 billion to become $510 million. And, Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing grew by 11% in June 2001 against 3.5% in 1998. These facts should set aside the skeptical grumblers.

Musharraf Era: Ushers in Multi-National Corporations

Compiled By: Mirza Rohail B

 

The right Manager manages his company with whatever resources he has, and manages to set it towards an unprecedented growth and prosperity, utilizing all internal and external factors. Musharraf proved to be the right Manager for Pakistan! MNC’s also provide excellent job opportunities; and with them bring in the required Capital, latest Technology, developed Human resources, management, quality & safety standards.

 

1.     Dubai Ports World announced on 1 June 2006, that it will spend $10 billion to develop Real estate, infrastructure and transport in Pakistan.

2.     Emaar Properties announced 31 May 2006, three Real estates developments in the cities of Islamabad and Karachi. The projects with a total investment of $2.4 billion will include developing commercial and residential property.

3.     Emaar Properties also signed a unprecedented $43 billion deal to develop two Island resorts – Bundal Island and Buddo Island – over the decade.

4.     International Petroleum Investment Co, owned by the government of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; has received approval from Pakistan’s government to build a $5 billion Oil refinery at Hub in Baluchistan. The refinery, which will be Pakistan’s biggest, have the capacity to process 300,000 barrels of oil a day.

5.     2006: The government is all set to establish an ‘Oil city‘ with an investment of $40 billion at Gwadar Port to make it the biggest crude and refined oil storage base in the region. The government has allotted 12,500 acres of land in Gwadar. The Chinese Petroleum Chamber would come up with $12.5 billion investment plan for the project.

6.     Kuwait will establish an Oil refinery at Port Qasim, 50 km southeast of Karachi, at expected cost of $1.2 billion. Refinery would have the capacity to refine 100,000 barrels of oil a day.

7.     The Canadian conglomerate Cathy Oil and Gas signed a memorandum of understanding in late 2006 to invest $5 billion in oil and gas exploration, development, production and commercialization in Pakistan.

8.     Canadian Oil & Gas Company signed with Pakistan a $ 200 million project that would generate 50,000 direct jobs in Sindh. It will explore, develop, produce and commercialize of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) in Pakistan up-to 70,000 barrels a day for about 20 years.

9.     July 2006: The Government awarded three blocks in the country’s offshore Indus Delta to British Petroleum Pakistan. BP Pakistan (formerly known as Union Texas Pakistan) will Explore gas blocks U, V and W, covering an area of 21,000 square km, for oil and gas reserves.

10.  Dubai’s Foreign investment in Pakistan’s capital markets recorded significant growth in 2006 and more than doubled to Dh1.278 billion ($351.5 million) by June 30 this year. It stood at Dh554.9 million last year.

Foreign Polls and Surveys: Reality, Deception and Hidden Agenda

Written By: Afreen Baig

 Recently, it had become sort of a fashion, to give reference to Foreign Polls and Surveys while speculating on the future of Pakistan and the popularity levels of our leaders. Later it was Pakistan’s election process and its consequences. The Media religiously quote these Polls & Surveys to pursue their specific agenda and give credibility to their rumoring views and specious news. The faith is so great that the credulous Pubic doesn’t even bother to check on the reliability, funding and intentions of the lobbies behind these Polls & Surveys.

A survey released by the U.S based International Republican Institute predicted, seventy-five percent of Pakistanis want President Pervez Musharraf to quit. The surveyors also speculated that a major victory for opposition parties could force President Musharraf to step down. Keeping in mind 75% of the 3000 people polled. What could be more unreliable?

These polls come out, and presto! The election results are already forecasted and prejudged even before taking place. Some telepathy! The drama begins, with the international lobbies and leaders pressing the current leaders to accept the results of elections, that haven’t even taken place. Diplomatic missionary’s frenzied interactions with the opposition leaders further imprint the impression of US and foreign meddling in Pakistan. The honorable President Musharraf is left to elucidate upon something beyond his control: The up-coming Elections!

The credibility of these organizations leaves a huge question mark, when they fail to come clean and clear about their affiliations and their loyalty to their financers. Who funds them and for what purpose?

Founded in 1983, the International Republican Institute (IRI) is an organization, funded by United States government. The IRI operates as a political organization abroad, providing training and assistance to political parties. One could question the interest of the IRI in elections of other countries and the kind of assistance or leverage it provides to their political parties? Why would Pakistan’s political parties require assistance from abroad, specifically the IRI?

As a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, IRI plays no part in domestic U.S. politics. It further raises suspicions, as to why a US organization is not allowed to publish polls and surveys about their own elections, while meddling in Pakistan?

International Regional Conspiracy and Pakistan’s standing

Written By: Afreen Baig 

 

When President Musharraf took over, Pakistan was on the verge of default and bankruptcy, with less than a billion dollars in its foreign reserves and 65% of the revenues being spend on debt servicing. The external debt had grown from $ 18 billion in 1988 to become $ 38 billion in 1999. Pakistan was also being tagged as a terrorism supporting state, due to persistent Indian efforts.

 

 

The timing coincided with the great game that was about to take place on the map of the worlds. The US had drawn up plans to somehow secure the Oil fields of the Caspian Sea region that competes in scale with the riches of Saudi Arabia and counter the regional dominance of China and rising India.

 

 

By 2010, the Caspian Sea reserves are expected to yield 3.2 billion barrels of crude oil per day, in addition to 4.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year. The shortest and safest route for the oil pipeline was designed, starting from the Central Asian states through Afghanistan and ending in Baluchistan. The Afghanistan war was implemented to give success and prominence to the US conglomerate Unocal Corporation over the Argentinean conglomerate Bridas, and wipe out the obstinate Taliban.

 

 

September 11 was a planned tragedy converted into an opportunity for the USA and its regional dominance to confine and circle China.

 

 

For that plan to be executed safely, the USA needed a destabilized Pakistan, a Pakistan full of political circus and corrupt leaders. Corrupt Pakistani leaders who would prefer US regional dominance, in return for some billion dollars tucked away in their foreign banks.

 

 

Initially, the USA supported President Musharraf thinking that he would heed to the US regional aspirations, but it dawned upon them only 3 years back that General Musharraf had double crossed them, only to gain time and fortify Pakistan.

 

 

President Musharraf took all this time to strengthen and revive Pakistan’s ailing economy and outdated Military. The USA could never have imagined that under Musharraf’s leadership, Pakistan would have started large scale manufacturing and serial production of Al-Khalid Tanks, Ballistic missiles, Agosta (French) Submarines, and JF-17 Thunder Jets.

 

International Wheat crisis and its effect on Pakistan

 Written By: Afreen Baig

Pakistan produced RECORD wheat

In 2005-06, Pakistan produced 21,591,400 metric tons of wheat, more than all of Africa (20,304,585 metric tons) and nearly as much as all of South America (24,557,784 metric tons).

The Federal Bureau of Statistics valued Major Crops yields at Rs.504,868 million in 2005 thus registering over 55% growth since year 2000. 

Wheat crop damaged in USA and Australia

The U.S. is the largest exporter of wheat, followed by Canada, Russia, Argentina and Australia. Wheat prices soared to record highs on the Chicago Board of Trade and European markets on Wednesday as news of damage to key exporter Australia’s crop heightened concern about shrinking global stocks.

The US Department of Agriculture has projected that world wheat stocks will drop to 114.8 million tonnes by the end of the 2007/08 marketing year, a 26-year low, following poor weather earlier this year in parts of Europe and the United States. “Australia’s crop concerns will definitely add pressure on global stocks already hit by dry conditions and strong demand,” an official at a South Korean flour miller said. 

Reality of USA Aid: Public being misled

 

Lisa Curtis, a senior Heritage Foundation analyst, reminded that Pakistan’s critical cooperation in counterterrorism has led to numerous successes in the region and also helped save American lives.

At a Washington think tank, a senior expert Flynt Leverett acknowledged Pakistan’s key efforts in the fight against terrorism and came down on critics who in their discussions keep harping on US extending 10 billion dollars in assistance to the ally. He noted that statements that the United States has provided Pakistan with $ 10 billion in assistance since Sept 11, 2001 are misleading.

“Let’s be true, more than half of that amount is not true “assistance” but rather reimbursements for costs accrued by the Pakistani military supporting US counterterrorism operations,” he said at the New American Foundation. (Source)

Further, the San Francisco Chronicle reports in their 5^th November 2007 issue, the United States has provided Pakistan with $10.59 billion in military, economic and development aid since Sept. 11, 2001. A breakdown of the assistance:

1. The majority, about 60 percent, has gone toward “Coalition Support Funds,” intended to reimburse the Pakistani military for their assistance in combating terrorism. The U.S. government considers it repayment rather than aid.
2. About 15 percent, nearly $1.6 billion, is for security assistance. The Pakistanis have spent the majority of this money on purchases of major weapons systems.
3. Another 15 percent is for general budget support for the Pakistani government.
4. Approximately 10 percent was allocated for development or humanitarian assistance, including the U.S. response to the October 2005 earthquake.

Courtesy: Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Here is Mr. Musharraf clarifying the reality related to $10 billion USA aid, on a show with Fareed Zakaria on CNN, dated 16 May 2009.

Musharraf on Frontline with Kamran Shahid and related controversy

Interview given on 13th September 2009

A particular section of this interview by General Musharraf, was misquoted and misinterpreted by the international, Indian and Pakistani media. Indians including the Indian Minister for external affairs Shahsi Tharoor , accused General Musharraf and Pakistan of misusing the US aid, and cited these media reports as proof of Pakistan’s mala-fide intentions in its WoT. Please read a wonderful article and refute by Mr. Nadir Hassan below courtesy Newsline and view that particular video at YouTube.

Musharraf with Fareed Zakaria CNN

 

CNN (Video-1) (Video-2) 

(YouTube 1) (YouTube 2) (YouTube 3)

Read Full interview below: This is a rush copy and may be updated.

17 May 2009 – FAREED ZAKARIA, HOST, GLOBAL PUBLIC SQUARE: This is GPS, the GLOBAL PUBLIC SQUARE. Welcome to all of you in the United States and around the world. I’m Fareed Zakaria. If Pakistan and Afghanistan are the biggest global stories of the moment, the man who can shed the most light on them is surely Pervez Musharraf, who was Pakistan’s president for almost a decade until just last year. He is my guest today for the hour.

ZAKARIA: Joining me now is President Pervez Musharraf. Welcome, sir.

PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, FORMER PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN: Thank you.

ZAKARIA: Well, a lot of people watch what’s happening in Pakistan and ask, why is this happening in Pakistan? Why does Pakistan seem to be filled with these radical elements, extremist movements, Taliban, elements of al Qaeda? Ten years and $10 billion later, it appears they are stronger.

But why has it not been successful? Let’s just take what the end result is. You have the Swat Valley overrun by Taliban.

MUSHARRAF: Why is it not succeeding? Because of Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, more than 50 percent of Afghanistan is under Taliban control. Why are U.S. forces and coalition forces not — if you succeed in Afghanistan, all of this will be over.