Adil Najam
Pakistan seems to be in a whole new phase of ‘politics by References.’
The speaker of the National Assembly has forwarded the disqualification reference against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, which was filed by opposition members of National Assembly Thursday in the chamber of Speaker National Assembly.
The opposition members in the reference have demanded of the speaker to send it to Election Commission within 30 days. A reference, signed by 31 opposition members, stated that prime minister is not eligible for Assembly membership under articles 62 and 63 of the constitution.
According to a charge framed in the reference, prime minister had caused stock market crisis through his front man Arif Habib and earned the money by illegal means. Privatization of Steel Mills also mentioned in the reference and stated that the verdict of the Supreme Court in this connection is sufficient for disqualification of the prime minister.
Addressing a news conference in Parliament cafeteria after filing the reference, opposition members Liaquat Baloch, Khurshid Shah and Khwaja Asif said that speaker is bound to forward the reference to the Election Commission within 30 days. They demanded the speaker to send the reference against Shaukat Aziz with the same swiftness with which he sent the reference against Imran Khan to Election Commission.
I must say, I do not like any of these references. Mostly because I do not like the idea of ‘Politics by References.’
Individual references could well have merit and as a political tool they are perfectly legitimate. However, what this new “Politics by References” signifies is an urge to use this particular tool because other political tools are either unavailable or have become defunct. In being so, this “Politics by References” is an indicator of an assault on politics. Not just ‘democratic politics’, but politics.
When political processes and options are restricted, political operatives (whether they are elected or not) find alternative means by which to indulge in politics. At the very extreme these ‘alternative means’ are violent. That is why the democratic political space must never be constricted.
In general, it is better for politics to be played out in the arena of public will and public voice, rather than through the legalities and technicalities of references. However, when the politics of public voice is constrained, it is then that the politics of technicalities takes center stage.
Can someone explain why Pakistani newspapers ( Dawn, Nation) have started addressing Mr Iftikhar Chaudhry as “Chief Justice of Pakistan” once again? Till recently, they were calling him “suspended CJ”. Just curious to know if Mr. Chaudhry has won any legal fight?
http://dawn.com/2007/06/25/top2.htm
Can someone tell me why the Pakistani newspapers ( Dawn”, Nation”) have started addressing Mr. Iftikhar Chaudhry as “Chief Justice of Pakistan” again, as they have been addressing him as “suspended CJ” till recently? Just curious to know.
http://dawn.com/2007/06/25/top2.htm
It’s interesting how we pick sides based on an individual’s personality. 7 years ago I saw Musharraf as a saviour, so now I am reluctant to see Imran Khan in the same light – Despite his flawless english.
You & I could attempt a cause-effect analysis to arrive at a panacea for all our problems – provided we had a good idea of all our problems – and still be as confused as a stray cow on Bandar Rd. Hence the need for leaders.
Now execution of justice is important, whats more important, however is law-making and thats what politicians should do. A vision, sound policies and the commitment/dedication/perseverance to make changes – until I see these from Imran Khan, excuse me for not running to the ballots. Then again, substance is the least improtant thing when it comes to winning elections – its all about personalities.
It was disgusting to listen to Babar Ghauris idiocy but on the other hand I felt sorry for him as well. As Imran Khan rightly pointed out that one sector controller or whatever they are called in MQM mafia can finish Babars life. So the poor guy had to speak all these nonsense to save his life. It was really abhorrent to see MQM degrade themselves like that in national TV. I am Urdu speaking myself and I felt ashamed but I know one thing that these Mafiosos are not representing me.
Article 62/63 is quite vague. It seems to be kept like that for some reason. It seems the qualification or non-qualification of a person to represent the august assemblies of Pakistan are left to the discretion of the interpreter. I wonder how many of the present assembly people can even stand up against a strict compliance of these policies ? There are numerous assembly member with cases against them , some have NAB files on them. We have a governor with murder cases registerd against him. We have a party in power whose Chief (Don ?) is an absconder. We have a government servant (the defender of the country) saddled on us as president, we have a law minister (law minister oh God) who abuses journalists on international media, we have a railway minister ( wasnt he convicted for keeping a klashinkov ? ), a prime minister who was mentioned in money laundering report, a state minister (ex ???) who apparantly lures people out from abroad and spells the end for them, no need to go on and on and on the list is endless.
Persons sitting on glass rooms should not throw stones on others. Imran Khan has a clean and spotless record in politics. He was not even tempted by the offer of the highest of the land , his entire political career can be seen to reflect his honesty, integrity and passionate love for the country. His political acumen and farsightedness can be gauged by the fact that he is the first person to really stress that independence of judiciary is paramount to progress of Pakistan. Infact it can be easily said that the present movement by the lawyers is upholding the political philosophy of Imran. To send a vindictive, personal refernce against Imran is another indictment against MQM. The sands of time will record the impressions of all players in this game. While Imran will be talked about as a visionary Altaf will be relegated to the bin of history as a gangster.
Even now there is time. Sanity must and should prevail. Lets take back the refernces and let the mutilated house retain some of its dignity.
CJP’s speech on Aaj TV RIGHT NOW , 8:38pm eastern time.
It can be viewed on jumptv.com on Aaj TV channel.