Musharraf wants his countrymen to remember him as an honest, frank person

Islamabad, Mar 17 : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that he wanted his countrymen to remember him as a "very frank, straightforward, honest and practical person", who cared for his country.

President Musharraf said there had not been a single "dull moment" during the eight years of his tenure.

"I would like people to remember his presidency as one that was backed by a person who has cared for the country, for the people and worked honestly and diligently for them," the Daily Times quoted as saying in an interview with a TV channel.

Musharraf said that his government had filled the gap between policy-making and implementation through the introduction of local government institutions.

A democratic system was essential for progress, he said and added that there should be a mechanism to implement policies for the welfare of the masses.

Pakistan has the potential and desire to achieve prosperity, but this cannot be achieved without good governance and dedication, said Musharraf.

He said decision-making was a very important element of government and a country's leader had to analyse all eventualities before taking a final decision. Impulse and "sixth sense" play an important role in the decision-making process, he added.

Talking about women's rights, the president said there was a need to give equal rights to women in society. Women would be unable to play their due role in society if they were not emancipated and education.

"If we have to improve qualitatively, women have to be empowered, educated and trained," he said and added that the Hudood Ordinance, which originally discriminated against women, had been changed to assure their rights.

ANI