World | Pakistan
Expatriates in UAE have mixed reactions
Pakistani expatriates in the UAE have expressed concern over the imposition of a state of emergency in their country, saying it was a "black day".
- By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief and Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:28 November 3, 2007
- A police officer barricades a road with a concrete block near the Presidents' House in Islamabad.
- Image Credit: AP
Al Ain/Dubai: Pakistani expatriates in the UAE have expressed concern over the imposition of a state of emergency in their country, saying it was a "black day".
The news came as a shock as many expatriates believed the country was heading towards a democratic government.
Tanveerul Islam Khwaja, chairman of the Pakistan Business Council in Dubai, said: "We are back to square one. All our hopes of having a democratic system in the country have been dashed. May God save our country."
Sardar Javed Yaqoob, a supporter of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), said the news has come as a shock as they were preparing for the general elections. "All the people should get united, forget their political affiliation, and fight for democracy in the country," he said.
Munir Ahmad, a businessman in Al Ain, said: "It is truly a difficult state in Pakistan. The country has been pushed into political turmoil to save the interests of just a single person.
"I strongly criticise the imposition of an emergency in Pakistan. It would seriously hurt us politically, economically and socially."
Mohammad Iqbal, an employee of a private firm in Abu Dhabi, said: "I am not surprised by the news that an emergency has been declared in Pakistan.
"It was obvious since religious and political fanatics were driving the situation to a dead end," he said.
Iqbal also believes a group of judges and lawyers are responsible for the situation.
"They should have been more considerate instead of pushing for a solution strictly according to the book."
Badar Iftekhar, a jeweller in Al Ain, said: "The country is in deep crisis and imposition of an emergency is going to further deepen the difficulties of Pakistan.
"I cannot consider Musharraf's decision a wise act from any aspect."
Suspicion
Abbas Alam, a Pakistani expatriate in Abu Dhabi said: "I was suspecting it from the day Benazir Bhutto left Pakistan in a hurry.
"It was a strong indication that something was going to happen. Musharraf was left with only two options, either martial law or emergency," he said.
"But it is surprising the government has suspended the constitution. It cannot be done until martial law is imposed," he added.
Chaudhary Ahmad Ali, a civil engineer in Dubai, said: "It is the toughest time in the 60-year history of Pakistan. It shows the country is being run by corrupt people.
"It is a sham for our politicians, judiciary and generals who are putting the existence of Pakistan in danger through repeated imprudent acts," he said.
Murtaza Butt, an IT professional in Dubai, said he believes the situation has taken a turn for the worse.
"An emergency is a bad act, but I think the politicians and the judiciary failed to find a proper solution to the situation," he said.
Your comments
I think the emergency was inevitable since the judiciary was interfering too much in the country's state of affairs. I haven't seen any where where the supreme court asks the government to reduce the price of petrol or wheat or sugar.
Hamid
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:47
I am with the decision of Mr. Musharraf to impose the emergency. This is mainly because the supreme court despite being one of the most prestigious institute of a country was on ride by Iftikhar Chaudry.
Ghazanfer
Auckland,New Zealand
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:44
I believe that people around the world might or might not agree with Musharraf's decision, but I would only like to say that Musharraf has done a good job. Seeing all this I feel that it's not the people of Pak who are uneducated it's actually the judiciary. Why are they having a problem with Musharraf? Why not with Nawas Sharif who has not done any good to the country.
Hina
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:36
Mr. Musharraf should now leave the government alone. His age is not to rule a country. He is simply messing around with the country just to keep his uniform and rule.
When Pakistan Army takes a Oath they clearly state that they will not involve themselves in any political and government related matters, so where did that oath go?
No matter how long the emergency situation is and will be it will simply turn down the country economy. Why to hurt a country just sake of one single person. Mr. Musharraf shame on you.
Ahmad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:34
I consider it martial law, it's not an emergency; Gen.Musharraf is trying to fool whole nation but now we are in better position to judge who is destroying Pakistan.
Yasar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:29
I think at this time of crisis, the educated population, should come forward and provide Mr. Musharraf an alternate leadership under his top leadership, as he is seeing no hope in the existing leaders.
Zafar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:21
Democracy is the best form of government for a mature citizen, unfortunately country like Pakistan and India around 90 percentage of population are not mature. They react spontaneously without thinking the consequences. If we take an overall, you can see the politicians and bureaucrats are highly corrupt. Ordinary people may enjoy Emergency if they get justice. I feel bad about my Pakistan brothers and only I can do is to wish them all the best for a future and developed nation.
Wilson
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:18
Well I believe President Musharaf has taken the right decision, suicide bombers have ruined pakistan image. Supreme Court was misusing his authority. Islam has been misrepresented by the extremist in Pakistan. In fact this is not what we are at Pakistan, we are a peaceful nation and we will remain.
Mohammed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 10:10
I strongly believe that Musharraf did the right thing for Pakistan. Our country needs strong leaders and Musharraf is a symbol of strength and stability. From the day, he gave permission to PPP to arrive and start on the road of a Diplomatic Govt but see what these corrupt leaders brought with them. Bloodshed. Chaos. We need new and strong leaders, the present ones have made there empires at the cost of the country.
Razia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 09:58
I think Musharaf has taken the right step by imposing emergency. These so called political bodies were exploiting the judiciary and Supreme Court against him. They failed in the past and there is no point for them to try again. With current circumstances something good will emerge for Pakistan and it will certainly lead towards a total democracy.
Saad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 09:49
It is not good for the situation of Pakistan. Because all over the world the image of Pakistan is already very bad. And in these condition the nation will go back into poverty. Pakistan needs a person who vanish away corroption from the country.
Muhammad
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 08:54
It was very wise of General Musharraf to impose a state of emergency in Pakistan. He is the only one who understands politics in Pakistan and how politicians need to be reigned in.
Farhan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 08:52
Musharraf has always boasted about more foreign investment coming in due to his but I do not feel safe investing in my own country anymore. Also, if everything has been so "good" under his rule then why this semi-martial law?
Waqqas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 08:45
This is good decision from Musharraf, though the decision is a little late. I agree with Musharraf because nowadays, the extra interference from the judiciary has gone way out of control.
Syed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 07:59
Musharaf took the right step since the country was going toward suicide by excessive lawlessness, judiciary rift with government, extremism and terrorism.
Rana
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 07:38
It was the terrible day in the history of Pakistan. One man is doing everything negative to push the country into deep trouble just to save himself from true justice.
Shehbaaz
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 07:30
It is about time we as a nation come together for once. Everyone has been working for their own interest so far, pushing Pakistan towards anarchy. The common man is too busy surviving, the terrorists are self-seeking and the ones who are passionate about the progress of Pakistan are unable to come to power.
Leena
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 07:27
Pakistan has two main problems: Corruption and bad politicians. People should learn from these developments.
Burhanettin
Hamburg,Germany
Posted: November 04, 2007, 04:15
I think its the right decision to impose emergency in Pakistan. Our nation was heading towards self destruction and someone should be there to stop them.
Behzad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 01:59
I think Musharaf may get information that the Supreme Court's expected decision is against him, therefore he took this action. But he is absolutely wrong in making it.
Dilshad
Jeddah,Saudi Arabia
Posted: November 04, 2007, 01:22
Finally a step in the right direction. Well done, Musharraf. Impose Martial law if you have to stop these corrupt/wayward politicians.
Adnan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 01:04
A temporary emergency situation might help the government to fully concentrate on combatting the rising terrorism in the country.
Waqar
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: November 04, 2007, 00:57
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