Adil Najam
The way that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was removed was bad enough. But what has happened since then is even more disturbing.
The Chief Justice removed. Media being muzzled. Lawyers protesting beaten up.
One can debate whether Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry should have been removed or not, or even whether the way he was removed was appropriate or not. But there is no question that the way the government is dealing with this issue is shameful, distressing, and dangerous.
The shamefulness is obvious in these pictures; just as it was when a young man’s shalwar was taken off as he protested ‘disappearances’ some months ago. It is distressing because it demonstrates the sanctity of our most important institutions - the judiciary and the media - is under stress. It is dangerous because if one keeps slipping down this road then it is not merely the future of this government but that of the entire country that will be at stake.
Whether the lawyers here instigated the violence or not, I do not know. They very possibly did, and that is itself disturbing. But that is not the point. The question is how a society and a state deals with dissent and protest. Once again, the answer is: “Shamefully.”
I do not know who is advising the government on all of this. I just pray that someone is. I hope there is someone who stands up and says:
“Don’t do this.
Please don’t do this.
This is not good for you.
This is not good for the country.
This cannot be good for anyone.
Please - for God’s sake - STOP!”
I wish I had something more profound to say right now. But as I stare at these pictures and this video clip, I hold my head in shame; I am distressed; and I ponder on the dangers before us.
All I can think of right now is: “Allah khair karey!”
(Also see a BBC video report here. All pictures above from BBC website; video from GEO News).ÂÂ
Pakistani Sahab,
Ghar mein aag lagi ho, sab khaak hone ka khatra ho, bas baahri logoN ko khabar na ho….I marvel at your thinking.
Waise, Ghar mein gale kat jaayeN, baahar naak na kaTe….yeh soch to hindostan mein bhi hamesha rahi hai…..
Don’t you guys have any shame.
DOn’t you know how much your are hurting Pakistan’s image by putting up these pictures and writing these comments.
Think about it. How will someone from outside look at Pakistan after seeing and reading this.
Sometimes its just better to remain quiet, for the good of your country.
The mockery of justice and law that has been made by different governments and now by General Musharraf is one of the biggest curses of our country. The fact that lawyers have to seek justice on the streets through such acts demeans them and their profession (specially throwing stones) but in the end it happens because our rulers have left them no chance and no hope of getting justice in the courts.
[quote]”I am just wondering what kind of things Shiekh Rasheed would have said if he were the disinformation minister.”[/quote]
Aqil,
The tragedy of our country is that each time a new set of leaders take over the last ones start looking much better. Nowadays when I see “Durr Fit” on TV, I tell you, his predecessor looks benign and sophisticated.
Adnan,
Can’t help laughing out loud!
Despite being brought up reading DAWN and jang in urdu every morning I must say “the news” was most up to date on their latest updates yesterday. It is sad to see dawn chicken out like this. From a business perspective news outlets should know that events like this can make or break their future.
Regarding CJ using MNA’s car all I have to say is Durr Fitte Moo’n (and a big one too). Sorry folks can’t help it.
Unwinding Musharaf…
New Pakistani leaders. A new recipe from Washington cookbook…
http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,213 78237-2703,00.html?from=public_rss