This is with reference to the article “Is Pervez Musharraf gaining ground?” (Feb. 27) by Salahuddin Haider. It is difficult to say as to how the writer arrived at such a conclusion? Perhaps, the former president’s media appearances swayed him. The writer does not offer any concrete argument to support his analysis. Apparently, it is the writer’s personal wish to see the former strongman back in power. Otherwise, the current scenario does not indicate such a development in Pakistan’s politics in near future. From a reader’s point of view with a little political know-how, the article was a huge disappointment and very misleading.

However, it is true that Pakistanis in general miss the good old days of Musharraf. A common man is not very much interested in the technical jargon various economic and political analysts have to offer. An average Pakistan is not very much bothered about the economists’ claims that the progress during Musharraf’s era was artificial. Where are those elements who made tall claims about judicial reforms and a free judiciary?

The situation did not change even after the departure of Musharraf and reinstatement of former Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry. Pakistanis want peace of mind and economic stability. Be it democracy or any other form of government, people are more concerned about the impact it has on their living standards. We have been enduring democracy for the past few years and one has to admit that it has not been a very pleasant experience. In Pakistan, democracy is just a game of musical chairs. Power remains between a few families, who act as if they own the entire country. We Pakistanis serious need to revisit our electoral preferences in the greater good of the country.

Musharraf faced immense criticism in the aftermath of the Lal Masjid operation. At that time the same media, which is airing emotional songs thrashing the Taleban these days, had emerged as the protector of human rights.