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).ÂÂÂ
As for politicians’ role, I see it this way;
– Most politicians stood put and on the fence until they could see the popular sympathy for the CJ that they could cash on.
– PPP and MQM are still on the sideline.
– Nawaz Sharif is making noises but his actions can hardly be considered noble as he himself has not been honurbale to Udlia (to put it mildly) and he has an axe to grind against Musharraf.
– Molivs are making noises and have effectively hijacked the political side of the protest. If history is anything to go by then these Mullahs (in effect B-team Army) will make some formal noises before bringing the matter to an amicable (for Army) close. If however issue gets out of hand and ‘Buray Sahib’ decides that Musharraf has to go then Molvis would be used to support the next general in line.
Where does MQM stand on this issue? We didn’t hear a beep from them — one way or the other.
http://geo.tv/geonews/details.asp?id=3357¶m=1
Talking to newsmen after his arrival to Supreme Court, Iftikhar Chaudhry said that the Judicial Council comprises of those judges against whom he was preparing to file references. Some of them having personal grudge against him, he said. He urged the lawyers to be patient and stay calm.
i think the thing about beating him up is incorrect — but what has happened is not much worse
What a shameful day for the country. Even criminals are not treated this way whereby they are manhandled and denied access to legal representation *well* before proceedings and their families held hostage.
Is there a shred of dignity in this? Can this be considered a legal process by any standard? No.