Is Ahmad Faraz becoming nationalist?

Musharraf should not call himself a liberal ruler, says Faraz

Aqeel Yousafzai PESHAWAR: Prominent Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz has said President Musharraf had no right to introduce himself as a liberal minded ruler. "He is trying to miss guide world community but every one knows better that present government is violating basic human and political rights of people from last seven years", he added. In an interview with The Frontier Post, he said military regime believed to exploit the basic philosophy of liberalism in order to protect their own political system. Musharraf has provided an environment to jihadi based religious groups in last election to stop and isolate the liberal and democratic political forces like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP) and few other nationalist parties. Blaming MMA for supporting military policies, he mentioned this alliance openly played the role of friendly opposition and got personal and political advantages that they had needed. He said as per agenda of Pakhtuns on both sides of Durand line were introduced extremists and election victory of MMA was a part of same dirty game. "Pakhtunkhwa is the historical soil of Rehman Baba, Khushal Khan Khattak, Hamza Shinwari and other peace believers and Pakhtun nation have a strong background of liberalism and democracy", he observed. The poet claimed majority of people was looking for a peaceful cultural based society. Replying to a question, Ahmad Faraz expressed that as a member of Pashtun society, he would be like to play a positive role for maintaining peace in this region that is why he had attended the ANP called Pakhtun Peace Jirga few days back. He further said poets, actors, writers and columnists were failed to play a proper role for protection of democracy, harmony and bringing peace in the present political era as nation demanded and expected. "They should realise that country and society was looking for their active role and responsibilities. "Literary people are suffering badly in personal capacity in such violent environment and that was the reason when he refused to accept any award offered by present military regime", he concluded. Regarding renaming of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the poet has also said that the NWFP province should be renamed as 'Pakhtunkhwa' which it would be for the betterment of Pakhtun nation. "It is not only a political demand but also demand of people of the province", he added.
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