Adil Najam
The judiciary issue remains an irritant to the mainstream political forces in Pakistan – including not just the current establishment but the current opposition forces struggling to become part of the new establishment.
The announcement from Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif that they intend to restore the judiciary within 30 days of the formation of the parliament is good news. But given the constitutional shenanigans that we have all become used to it remains unclear (a) whether they will be ‘allowed’ to do so, and (b) if so just what form a ‘restoration’ might take.
More importantly, this announcement is a recognition of the political reality that the judiciary issue has become. Thanks, in part, to the tenacity and sagacity of Aitzaz Ahsan – who has not emerged as the key leader not only of the “Justice Movement” but of a larger civil society rising – the issue not only survives, but thrives. It never really was just about the Chief Justice, and is now clearly about much more – especially including the independence of the judiciary as an institution, about the rule of law, and about the sanctity of the constitution.
The call for the Lawyer’s Black Flag Week comes from Aitizaz Ahsan in his capacity as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, but it is clearly a call that he makes in his stature as a now national leader of a national civil movement. It is a passionate call. A well-worded call. A heart-felt call. A non-partisan call. A call to support constitutionalism. A call that asks no one to break the law, but everyone to register their calling. It is a call that is compelling.
We have admired Aitizaz’s political acumen as well as his poetic instincts in previous posts. He rises above the fray once again in how he words this call for “Black Flag Week.”
I disagree with ‘temporal’ regarding timing of this call by Aitzaz Ahsan. It is his pressure and the call of the Civil Society which has brought this 2 corrupt parties to at least agre on something good. It is high time for Pakistan that the road to Rule of Law and good governance be not put to back burner.
This whole argument about new parliament is itself so senseless knowing that Mushy guy and ISI (and establishment) is still hell bent on doing behind the deals and blackmails.
I prefer Rule of Law over sham democracy and corrupt politicians.
Having said that I am developing some sense of respect about Zardari. Since winning the elections he seem to be showing up a very mature politician.
Bring down Musharraf!
should i forget the fact that AITIZAZ was part of the PPP govt in which Taliban came into existence & Naserullah Babar the king of extra judicial killings was let loose on the citizens of KARACHI ?? why should i discount all of his past behavior just bcz he is the media darling?? i am sorry i can not jump on this Band Wagon no thanx
can some one plz explain why is every one so pumped up about re-instating CJP when he himself took the oath on the basis of 2002 PCO ? i am having problem understanding the motif ???
People like Atzaz Hasan play with the emotions of the people of Pakistan. They are the cancer of Pakistan. How can you trust these people who call Zardari their leader and Musharraf criminal. With great sorrow, this sounds true also as it was part of the (late) BB deal to allow her in again and now the amnesty has been transferred to Zardari who is declaring not to have any intention to become a prime minister ( because he suits better for Crime Minister)but in fact, he is dreaming every day to become the PM and he is coming out talking nicely about going hand in hand with all the political parties trying to undo the bad image he carries due to his notorious past. And even, once he becomes Prime Minister, our great GEO TV commentator Hamid Mir ( or rather Meer Jafer) will make a super hero out of Zardari again. After all Zardari and his party has been chosen to rule our country by the dumb A$$eS call “THE MASSES”.
The media is well paid for it- they are unfortunate to have no morals at all and are selling themselves at the expense of our nation!
Check out this link guyz: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/2008/02/news _blackout.html –Will our media ever learn to behave so responsibly in the geater interests of this nation?
Atzaz Hasan’s Long march calls for only one issue. If he starts long march on the issues below I will support him in those even if they go against Musharraf. But the Agenda of Atzaz Hasan is different not the interest of Pakistan but personal grudges against Musharraf.
Below are the issues for whom long march is due since the birth of Pakistan.May be now opposition should start those long marches?
No Long March for Atta Issue
No Long March on Mahngai Issue
No Long March on abuse to women in Pakistan
No Long March on electricity issues
No Long March on terrorism and extremism.
No Long March on kids bagging on the streets of Pakistan.
No Long March against child labor.
No Long March health coverage for all Pakistanis. No Long March on education for all in Pakistan.
No Long March on domestic violence.
No Long March on corruption in Police.
No Long March on corruption in Government.
No Long March on Clean water and clean food for all.
No Long March on the fact that Pakistan is under attack and suicide bombers.
Atzaz Hasan Plays with the emotions of the people of Pakistan and tells us all about Law. Then He calls Asif Ali Zardari his leader. I challenge TV Media of Pakistan to clear Asif Zardari’s name and bring the accuser in surface as one of them deserves punishment.