The Triumphant Musharraf
By Marya Mufti

PRESIDENT General Pervez Musharraf is back home after a highly successful visit to the United Nations. His eight-day odyssey can safely be considered as a turning point in the history of Pakistan in many respects, commented the Editor-in-Chief of a group of newspapers who was accompanying the President’s entourage.

The President, who represented Pakistan at the annual United Nations General Assembly, had extensive and hectic engagements during his visit.

Besides his address to the UN and various bilateral engagements, he met US President George Bush, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, other Heads of State and Government, and top-ranking officials on the margins of the General Assembly.

Major initiatives taken by the President during his hectic engagements there have unfolded a process that would ensure safeguarding of Pakistan’s future, its strategic interests and prestige in the comity of nations.

“It can be said without fear of contradiction that as a consequence of the epoch-making developments in New York, not only the President himself would emerge as still taller personality in the days to come but Pakistan would also become a country to be reckoned with in regional and international context in general and the Muslim world in particular,” noted journalist Zahid Malik wrote in his special editorial for 'Pakistan Observer'.

The President had nearly 50 commitments in all that included his interaction with the mainstream American media and addresses to a number of other important forums.

In addition to the customary address at the UN General Assembly, which assumed added dimensions in view of the record gathering of world leadership, the President forcefully articulated his world view, cause of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah at all the forums and back-to-back meetings with other world leaders on the sidelines of the world summit.

A number of Heads of State and Government wanted to meet the President but could not meet him due to time constraint and his extensively busy schedule.

In his address to the Columbia University on September 16, President Musharraf highlighted main features of Pakistan’s foreign policy, its role as a front-line State in war on terror and the country’s efforts for peace in the region and the world.

He made a convincing case for Pakistan and Islam and it became quite apparent that a lot of homework was done by him. His choice of words to suit the occasion and the audience and his body language coupled with his now fully developed oratory and negotiating skills have made him a great communicator.

President Musharraf addressed a conference of the Pakistan American women on September 17 in which he focussed on the steps taken by the Government to curb violence against women and promote and protect their rights. His address to the American Jewish Congress, the first ever by any Pakistani leader, was an important high mark of his visit.

The President used the opportunity to underline the importance of resolving the long-running crisis in the Middle East and creation of an independent State of Palestine.

“The reaction and charm of the audience at the Jewish congregation clearly showed that the President was successful in conveying the desired message on all subjects,” said Tariq Sumair of NNI who was with the entourage.

Besides, his corridor encounter with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and interacting with people from various walks of life, two of his engagements deserve special mention: his meeting with Dr Manmohan Singh and his address to the American Jewish Congress.

General Musharraf took a firm stand by telling Dr Singh that while Islamabad was committed to the peace process, it could not abandon its principled stance on Kashmir.

General General Musharraf talked about Pakistan-Israel ties, saying “Islamabad poses no threat to Tel Aviv and we also trust that latter also poses no threat to our national security. But our people have a deep sense of sympathy for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations for statehood.”

Another high point of his visit was an assurance given by General Abizaid during his visit to CENTCOM’s Florida HQ, the first ever by any Pakistani President, that the USA would provide the latest defence systems to Pakistan and would not leave it alone at any time.

Singh’s acceptance of the invitation to visit Pakistan is reflective of some forward movement on the peace process. Similarly, diplomatic observers are expressing confidence that Musharraf-Bush meeting has set the process in motion that would, some day, culminate in bilateral cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The most significant achievement of President’s visit was his skilful marketing for Pakistan as a rising nation with promising future. He not only projected Pakistan’s economic successes achieved during the last six years but also its strengths as an attractive destination for investment and potential to become hub of regional and intra-regional trade.

The President also made effective use of his access to highlight the plight of the Muslim world and present Islam in its true perspective. He represented sentiments and state of mind of over one billion Muslims in a cogent manner.

Zahid Malik wrote: “Many of Islamabad-based diplomats of Arab countries personally informed me that they are thankful to President Musharraf for utilising his access to corridors of powers and influence in media for the cause of the Ummah. President’s handshake with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (be it at the instance of the latter) and his address to the Jewish Congress were motivated by his desire to get space for Pakistan to be able to play some kind of role to safeguard interests of the Palestinian people.

His emphasis on solution of the Palestine issue at different platforms was in consonance with national aspirations and principled stand. In fact, the role played by him during few days in New York surpasses the role played by any Muslim leader including Palestinians.”

Opposition parties, the MMA being in the forefront, have been trying their best to discredit the President. Qazi Hussain Ahmed has even threatened long march, yet again. Internal politics and opposition for strengthening the democratic institutions is welcome.

But the opposition aimed at sabotaging the collective cause of the country and unified goal of the nation will only harm Pakistan’s interests. The country’s foreign policy, for the first time, has set its true course.

It needs to be continued. There is an urgent demand to demonstrate similar courage and vision on the domestic front as well. National reconciliation should be number one priority as this is the sure way to face internal and external challenges.●

© 2005 Marya Mufti