The New Man

By Michael Fathers, Hannah Bloch

In an interview with TIME's Michael Fathers and Hannah Bloch, Pakistan's new ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, discussed his vision for Pakistan's future:

TIME: Having ended 14 years of representative government, what do you plan to put in its place?

Musharraf: I would like to move toward the substance of democracy and away from the sham democracy we have had. I want a true democracy at the grass-roots level in which people can govern themselves and run their own health programs and road construction. Members of the National Assembly were doling out uncontrolled funds and controlling people's destinies at their whims. I'll change that.

TIME: How long will your honeymoon last?

Musharraf: I cannot really give any time limits because I do not know how much time it will take. It's the people of Pakistan on whom I am banking. I'm pretty sure when we are performing, when we are delivering, when there is better governance, when there is justice for the poor, economic advancement, provincial harmony, the people will see and the honeymoon will continue.

TIME: In New Delhi you are held responsible for last summer's war with India. How do you hope to normalize relations with India?

Musharraf: I was chief of army staff, so I take full responsibility for whatever my army does. However, Kargil has to be seen in the total perspective of Kashmir, and such far-reaching decisions are not taken by one man alone. Everyone was on board, including the Prime Minister. As far as my attitude toward India is concerned, I've been very realistic. I surely believe there has to be peace in the region and we have to resolve all our issues with India. But can we do anything without progress on Kashmir? No, we can't. It's just not realistic.