Adil Najam
Over the last number of weeks now we have quietly followed the news on the Chief Justice’s removal case even as the paishis keep happening but also keep getting postponed.
That may happen again today but it should be clear by now to everyone that this issue is not going to die away and as it winds through the system, instead of other (very dramatic) news eroding the importance of this case, the symbolic value of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s stand is actually increasing.
The lawyers will be at the court once again today. Once again there is talk of protests and showdowns. Once again, the likely result is of hearings being postponed. But important events also continue unfolding even as this happens.
A few that are worth reminding ourselves of include:
A bench of the Supreme Court has now served notice on President Pervez Musharraf on the CJ’s petition challenging the filing of a reference against him.
Prominent lawyer Sharifuddin Pirzada has agreed to represent the government in the Supreme Court on the issue, after having declined to do so earlier.
PML-Q is planning a major demonstration in response to the anti-government demonstrations on the issue and, reportedly, has brought in its supporters from other cities for this. There are indications that we may be in for a ‘clash of the protestors’ today.
The National Assembly saw an uproar over the judiciary issue and there were heated exchanges between government and oposition leaders on the CJ issue; not surprisingly, Law Minister Wasi Zafar was in the forefront of trying to suppress the debate.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry continues to attract much support and large crowds, especially within the lawyer community, including judges.
Acting Chief Justice Rana Bhagwandas continues to talk the nation ‘will hear good news soon’ line, but it remains clear what that might really mean.
Piecing together the puzzle and making sense of it all is, of course, leading to much speculation everywhere and by everyone. Much of it is exactly that – speculation. But one thing is clear; this case has taken on a life that is bigger than either Gen. Musharraf or Justice Iftikhar would have imagined it would have when things started unravelling three weeks ago.
a very thought provoking site
keep it up
yp kapoor
as for as the rally went, CJ is 110% responsible for the violence. He was told not to come. he was told not to hold the rally on the same day as MQM was holding. CJ is responsible for 40 deaths. Who shot the first bullet will always remain mystery but 40 people died some from MQM, mostly from PPP and ANP. this can lead to more violence in the coming days between Pushtoons and Urdu speaking people of karachi.
there should be a new presidential reference against CJ for the deaths of 40 people and it should be presented to Supreme court ASAP.
CJ currently is playing the rolly of a cheer leader in the hands of big parties like PPP and ML. these parties knew this will happen. They still took their people out and I can say PPP and ML wanted to start the violence among Pushtoons, Punjabis and MQM and they have Succeeded. I am a punjabi myself but in this case support MQM and Musharaf.
as for as the rally went, CJ is 110% responsible for the violence. He was told not to come. he was told not to hold the rally on the same day as MQM was holding. CJ is responsible for 40 deaths. Who shot the first bullet will always remain mystery but 40 people died some from MQM, mostly from PPP and ANP. this can lead to more violence in the coming days between Pushtoons and Urdu speaking people of karachi.
there should be a new presidential reference against CJ for the deaths of 40 people and it should be presented to Supreme court ASAP.
CJ currently is playing the rolly of a cheer leader in the hands of big parties like PPP and ML. these parties knew this will happen. They still took their people out and I can say PPP and ML wanted to start the violence among Pushtoons, Punjabis and MQM and they have Succeeded.
well after going thru the comments I would like to say that Pakistan at this time is one of the fastest growing economy in the world (7–8%) growth rate. CJ is just loving the attention which he is getting. Won’t last for too long. My only fear is that Cj will be given enough exposure..these dramas will last for a while and I won’t be surprised if he is gunned down by PPP or Mulim League to put Musharaf’s gov’t on the back foot. CJ after this type of death will become a hero (for a while) musharaf will become a zero (in the world’s eyes and will have to take off) and PPP and ML will use that moment to get back into power.
As a Pakistani, I pray to Allah that Musharaf stays in power since country is growing at it peak. We need leaders like Musharaf to survive in this world. After Quaid, he is the leader who is working for Pakistan with such dedication. Compare to Nawaz and BB he is a saint. He is getting rid off the ignorant Mullahs and extremists. During his regime Pakistan has gained respect in the world. Not every one is going to be happy with Musharaf but Majority is with him. Inshallah he will stay in power and his vision will launch us properly into 21st century.
As for as inflation goes, every growing country has gone thru this process. People have more money and more buying power so they are buying more…deman goes up, so will the prices. Economy will eventually get adjused as the time goes by.
But again CJ drama should be ended ASAP. Musharaf should remain in power for at least another 5 years. Let Pakistan grow and don’t follow the western media and west’s ideas to how to run our Country.
I find the attitude of the Pakistan masses towards the military government really stupid. What has democracy ever given Pakistan. In the last so many years of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, what did Pakistn achieve.
You all have such short memories, it is poeple like you who are now unable to extract their means through unlawful means that complain the most.
Inflation or mehangai is a cover for the end result of another corrupt democratic government. Pakistan is fortunate to not have missed out on the global economic expansion because of Musharraf’s willingness to accept the rules that all countries must play by. Whose ever they are, if you can make a difernec dont curse the master curse yourself, changing the system is not bringing in a democratic corrupt govt. it is changing the way things work.
If any of you have any opinion on how Musharaf is in bed with the American’s well then dont go to America, dont watch American media and stop delain or hording dollars.
You all are just a bunch of self serving, corrupt hypocrts.
With folks like you there cannot exist a Pakistan, I’d rather hand it over to the Indian’s instead of you folks.