• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

DATE=10/10/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-267693

TITLE=PAK / MUSHARRAF (L-O)

BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER

DATELINE=LAHORE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: After nearly a year in power, Pakistan's military leader General Pervez Musharraf is dismissing criticism of his government's policies, which are aimed at reviving the economy and restructuring the political system. From the Pakistani city of Lahore, Correspondent Scott Anger reports, the general has again vowed to return the country to civilian rule within the timeframe set by Pakistan's Supreme Court.

TEXT: Defending his government's first year in power, General Pervez Musharraf told journalists at a crowded news conference that during the past year, his government has rebuilt a relationship of trust with the people of Pakistan.

/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///

We do not tell lies. We have enforced a strict code of ethics for holders of public office. Macro-level corruption has been rooted out. Our government has facilitated freedom of speech. And lastly, our government has strengthened Pakistan's relations with the international community.

/// END ACT ///

General Musharraf seized power last October after ousting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless military coup. Most Pakistanis welcomed the coup because corrupt practices by successive civilian governments had eroded the people's confidence in the country's politicians.

After taking power, the general promised to revive the ailing economy and root out corruption from the country's political system. In order to do that, the general has established an anti-corruption commission, which has prosecuted a number of former politicians including deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. But critics say the commission denies due process of law to those accused and invites politically motivated prosecutions.

The biggest challenge facing the military government is economic reform. Pakistan's economy is burdened with about 38-billion dollars of foreign debt. Less than two-percent of Pakistan's 140-million residents pay income tax. The country desperately needs financial assistance from international lending institutions in order to service its debt and carry out economic reforms.

General Musharraf says one of his government's most noted accomplishments has been the implementation of tax reforms. The International Monetary Fund and other lending institutions have been pressing Pakistan to widen its tax base in order to receive additional loans.

The general must complete his reform goals by October 2002, a deadline Pakistan's Supreme Court has set for him to return the county to civilian rule. Political change is due to start this December with local government elections, which the general says will be followed by regional and national elections. (SIGNED)

NEB/SA/RAE