Musharraf is probably the best thing that has happened to Pakistan in recent years, a tight fist and some degree of control. A country ravaged with corruption, turning it into a democracy overnight would be a delusion. The country requires a stable authority under which step by step corruption is removed, only then can the true Islamic teachings of a democratic society based on mutual consultation can be established.

Among his recent criticisms is the Lal Masjid incident - such people ought to acknowledge that hard core terrorists were inside the compound and they were heavily armed. The problem had to be addressed and he did it in the best way possible given the circumstances.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Musharaf, in his quest to keep his tryst with the history, has come to a point where he finds himself totally alienated, domestcally as well as internationally.
The best option for him would be to, like Iran, strongly rebuff US and persue a totally pro Pakistan policy. Whether anybody likes it or not, the 'clash of civlizations' is unfolding itself and if Pakistan aligns itself with the anti-US forces, it is bound to emerge as a world leader; and if Pakistan continues with its un-natural alignment it is bound to complicate its situation. Mussharraf needs to realize and capture the opportunity to provide leadership to the whole muslim world. Pakistan is a nuclear power.

Qaes, Paris, France

This rule has changed much, infact until a few months back he was quite popular. Everything was showing improvement , economy, industry, media, growth rate, quality of life, foreign reserves, foreign relations, freedom of speech, progress in all spheres of society, but the politicians and religious elements were not happy with the way things were going and the result is now evident.

It's a fact that democracy is bad for Pakistan and it will be. Pakistan never propered in a democratic rule rather it has suffered in the hands of politicians always.

Pakistanis are not sincere with their country. The day they will become sincere, it will be a much much different country.

Shiraz, Karlskrona,

Ahsan has made a critical point here. Pakistan has never been able to up hold democracy for long becuase whenever the western world agenda needs Pakistan's support the military who are the most powerful establishment in the country take over and have the three bags full approach with the west. I hold that against them but I dont blame them for it, over 70% of Pakistans budget goes to the army and most of this comes from western aid, which coincidencially does dramtically rise when Pakistan are in a position to help. A key example would be one of Pakistan's only true democratic leaders Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, he went up against the US regarding Pakistan's nuclear program and was threatened by US officials in exact words "We will make a horrible example out of you" soon after he was over thrown from his post as Prime Minister by General Zia Ul Haq and martial law was put in place. Bhutto was then executed by the Pakistan Army.

Zeeshaan Shah, Doncaster,

Pakistain is in a sad state today. Most of the reason why is because Musharraf is greedy and wants more power. Islam has nothing to do with this John. Are Muslims running the democratic congress in the USA? Yes please look around and see what is really going on. The sooner we open our eyes, the better off we will be.

Sylvia Horton, Ottawa Ontario, Canada

John are you real? Brainwashed Islamic Nutters? You know how stupid that sounds mate? You should'nt repeat things that you hear on news channels and the sun in real life conversation, that's pub talk after 6 pints. If you actually do get the chance to speak to anyone with even the slightest bit of knowledge you will make yourself look highly ignorant and very senseless with comments like that. This isn't hollywood where people get hypnotised and start walking around like zombies blowing themselves up. Just as our soldiers are taught how evil terrorists are, the same way they are taught how evil the people occupying their country taking their freedom, money and oil away are. I mean think about it if our soldiers were not taught how evil these people are, then how would they expect them to fight? Could we have gone and fought Hitler in World War II if the public thought he was the best thing ever? No. Its not bainwashing mate its war, you think they hate you, they think you hate them.

Zeeshaan Shah, Doncaster,

Mussharaf should declare emergecy in Pakistan and throw away the US yoke. If life is difficult for US in Iraq, Pakistan can make it hell for US in Afganistan.

Abrar, Srinagar, India

He's got a tough job in his hands because once the brainwashed Islamic nutters get a taste of power they don't stop & you only have to look around the world today to see this

John, Salford, Engand

pakistan will never enjoy peace: it was built on the backs of millions of civilians who lost their lives during partition.
partition was what jinnah wanted, the ordinary person in india pre-partition wanted independence. gandhi did try to stop this, and he was murdered for his efforts.
except for those with a militant muslim agenda, partition did nothing for those who had to up sticks so that they lived in the right area.
the british were happy to allow india to be divided: they too have blood on their hands: the ppl of india wanted independence: partition, the brain child of jinnah, (nehru went along with it:) since partition of india, bangladesh has fought hard for its own independence, the region is facing meltdown and civil war.
for those still campaigning for kashmir to be part of pakistan: dream on, it was kashmir that jinnah particularly wanted, and will never have. i do not believe pakistan is capable of being a democracy: for far too long military rule has become the norm

lucky, London, UK

Anyone else noticed that mushroom cloud on the horizon?

Paul Neri, Kingston ACT, Australia

Its nothing but history repeating itself. It has always been like this for Pakistan so people are used to it. The only problem with military dictators (who have been placed on top by the USA) is that when their job is finished they try prolonging their tenure of governance, they like to have everythin under control like the army thats why they refuse to come out of their uniforms. Secondly a time comes when they stop taking dictation from the US and then they get assasinated. People then keep blaming different intelligence agencies for that.

Ahsan, Manchester,