Pakistan is passing through a critical period of its history. General Musharraf has succeeded so far, in establishing absolute control over the land of the pure with the support of world's sole superpower, which remains very excited and pleased with him.
General Musharraf deserves the credit, with the PML (Q) and the MMA politicians, for having the national and provincial assemblies functioning, without benefiting to the people.
Infact becoming a burden on the national exchequer.
Most politicians are only interested in a share in the Government, to maintain the status quo and to protect their self-interest.
General Musharraf's natural political alliance was expected to be with the PPP. He has been able to have the support of the liberal MQM and PPP Patriots.
General Musharraf publicly committed that he would make Pakistan as was thought by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who believed that religion should not be used for political objectives and that every citizen should have equal rights, irrespective of faith and the state have nothing to do with religion.
Unfortunately, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto while achieving consensus on the 1973 Constitution, yielding to the pressure of religious political forces, incorporated a number of articles in the Constitution, ignoring the basic guidelines of the founder of the nation.
Furthermore, General Zia-ul-Haq, to prolong his rule, backed by military power, inducted religion into every sphere of the national life, he promoted bigotry, self destructive militarism, sectarian violence, justifying heavy defence expenditure, he was also supported by the sole super power till the Soviet Union was defeated.
Now, General Musharraf, supported by the USA, is fighting against the fundamentalist extremism created by the sole super power in Afghanistan.
The citizens of Pakistan have been voicing their concerns about religion dominating the state and government affairs in vain.
The result is that the nation is still looking for a role model to become a society of Quaid's dream.
General Pervez Musharraf has taken the responsibility of making Pakistan like Turkey or Malaysia.
As these two countries, have wealthy modern societies, where citizens are enjoying quality of life and striving for further progress.
General Musharraf should ignore self-appointed guardians of the nation's moral and should take steps to fulfil his promise to the nation.
He should not take off his uniform, for political reasons till Pakistan becomes like Turkey or Malaysia.