Politics

Elections

Who is going to be the caretaker PM?

Two Likely Dark Horses

Pakistan today is the center of attention of the entire world. It is the only Muslim Nuclear Power. It is surrounded by friends and neighbors who have strategic policies that are at variance with each other. The rise of terrorism in the world has created further problems. Therefore Pakistan finds itself today in a predicament of momentous obstacles and momentous opportunities.
he elections of 2007 are round the corner. The people are craving for new faces that bring the reassurance of a new determination in their lives. President General Pervez Musharraf more than anyone else is aware of Pakistan's predicament and has repeatedly echoed his concerns. The President is also a man of strategic vision. The question arises as to whom will the President select to be his next Interim Prime Minister to conduct free and fair elections. The need for a new face of a visionary Prime Minister is therefore an essential prerequisite of the President's strategy. As front runners two names come to mind. Both men are well known in Pakistan and are of impeccable reputation. Senator S.M. Zafar is the Old War Horse who is well known throughout the country. Rhodes Scholar Irshad Ullah Khan is the legendary student leader of Pakistan who in the 1960s triumphed in every election that he fought. Senator S.M. Zafar brings with him vast experience as a Senior Advocate and an outspoken Human Rights Activist. He was the Secretary General of All Pakistan Muslim League from 1982-86. He has served as Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Pakistan from 1965-69. He served as Constitutional Adviser to the Opposition Parlia-

By AAMIR JAVED

SENATOR S.M. ZAFAR

RHODES SCHOLAR IRSHAD ULLAH KHAN

mentary Party in National Assembly which jointly drafted the consensus Constitution of Pakistan 1973. He is also the Author of a number of books and is a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Rhodes Scholar Irshad Ullah Khan has had a brilliant academic career. He left Government College, Lahore with five Rolls of Honour and one Gold Medal. He is an internationally known writer with twenty-five volumes of poetry and four plays. His work has been translated into Persian, Arabic, French, and Russian. Rhodes Scholar Irshad Ullah Khan is a leading Rotarian and Secretary General of the Oxford and Cambridge Society which has produced two Presidents, one Governor General and six Prime Ministers. He has served as a Member of the Dean's Council, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Har vard University, U.S.A., was a Member of the Advisory Council, Centre for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, U.S.A., and served as a National Trustee, of the National Symphony Orchestra, U.S.A., and is an Advisory Professor of Tonji University, Shanghai, China. In agriculture the largest ever and most successful project which affected seventy percent of Pakistan's population was the

Integrated Rural Development Program which was born out of the Shadab Pilot Project developed by Rhodes Scholar Irshad Ullah Khan. This project was recognised by the F.A.O., I.B.R.D., U.N.D.P, U.S.A.I.D, and other international organizations. Rhodes Scholar Irshad Ullah Khan is the pioneer today in Pakistan in Deep Sea Fishing, Gems and Jewellery, and Solar and Wind Energy. As a dynamic businessman he has led organisations successfully in the U.A.E, Singapore, and Pakistan. The most important part of Rhodes Scholar Irshad Ullah Khan's profile is his caring for the poor, the under privileged, and the middle class of Pakistan. His entire work whether in his writing or in practical business or as a leader in Rotary and other forums for the under privileged represents this compassion. Since 1961 he has enjoyed a special relationship with the armed forces of Pakistan through his personal friendships and his articles published in support of our armed forces. We have two excellent men before us. Both Senator S.M. Zafar and Rhodes Scholar Irshad Ullah Khan would make dynamic Interim Prime Ministers. Their proven loyalty to Pakistan and their impeccable character would serve our country well. Either of them will make an excellent choice in this crucial period of our history.

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