In a news conference followed by a Q&A with Elon University students, former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf discussed on Wednesday his vision for the future of his nation, the need for the United States to maintain a military presence in Afghanistan, and how economic development in the Muslim world is critical for reducing terrorism and extremism around the globe.
The second day of Musharraf’s visit to campus also included a discussion with students in an international relations class led by assistant professor Jason Kirk. Musharraf then spoke with media during a news conference in the Alamance building, followed by a Q&A with students in Whitley Auditorium.
The Wednesday events came after his keynote address during Fall Convocation one day earlier. It afforded students and reporters an opportunity to ask questions to Musharraf about his remarks during Convocation, as well as to inquire about his goals for forming a new political party, the All Pakistan Muslim League, which may serve as a lever for his ultimate return to politics there.
In several instances on Wednesday, Musharraf criticized the current Pakistani government as not responding to the needs of the people, and for allowing the country’s economic growth to falter. He cited the recent floods in Pakistan – and the massive losses of home and livestock – as just one example of how the leaders there today lack the resources and know-how to address domestic concerns.
A self-described proponent of democracy, Musharraf set out to transform Pakistan into a progressive, moderate and prosperous Islamic state. During his tenure, he restructured the country’s political system to empower citizens at the grassroots level through a new local government system.
“Everything has been tried,” Musharraf said in the Whitley Q&A, citing the need to have a government that answers to its people, though with a caveat. “Democracy is the answer. But don’t let democracy bring the country down, because the country is more important than democracy.”
Watch excerpts from Musharraf’s news conference by clicking on the links to the right.
