Adil Najam
Much, too much, is afoot in Pakistan. Talk is rife of changes: in the President’s stance; in the Prime Minister’s tone; in the President himself; in the international response; in the Military’s preferences; even, maybe, in the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Change seems to be afoot. It is not clear what. But it is clear that whatever it is will leave much, too much, still in limbo. There is no one that anyone seems to have much confidence in.
The media is being gagged again. Civil society forces remain defiant as ever in the face of increasing crackdowns. The politicians fail to inspire confidence. And the military and international actors remain kingmakers. The dominant sense one gets is of a country that is afraid of its own politics. Very very afraid.
The litany of breaking news tells the story (all from the homepage of The News today):
GEO News blocked in different cities of country. The transmission of Geo News has been blocked in some parts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad, Deepalpur and Sargodha. The concerned officials have directed the cable operators to place Geo News channel at the tail end, making it difficult for the viewers to watch the channel. PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif, Tehreek-i-Insaf Chief Imran khan and Senator Babar Ghauri condemned the blocking of Geo News.
Lawyers to intensify campaign. The lawyers challenging the government will step up their cross-country protest campaign despite beatings and arrests by the police, the President of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Ali Ahmed Kurd said on Friday. Black-suited lawyers and flag-waving opposition activists launched the long march protest in the cities of Karachi and Quetta on Thursday, despite a ban on rallies and the detention of hundreds of activists. Baton-wielding police clashed with protesters in Karachi and arrested several of their leaders as they tried to stop a convoy of cars and buses leaving the city.
Containers placed around Pindi, Islamabad to block marchers. Several containers were placed at all entry points of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in an attempt to thwart the lawyers’ long march. In Rawalpindi, containers were placed near Faizabad Fly over. Besides, several containers were lined up near Kashmir Highway, Parliament House and all other entry points of the federal capital. More containers, dumpers and trucks are likely to be brought there to block the marchers from entering twin cities.
U.S. Ambassador calls on PM: U.S. Ambassador to Islamabad Anne W. Patterson called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Friday. According to sources, country’s prevailing political situation in view of the long march was discussed in the meeting.
Miliband telephones Nawaz. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has called Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif on Friday and discussed with him the overall political situation. According to sources, country’s prevailing political situation in the wake of long march came under discussion.
Zardari agrees to resolve crisis in light of CoD. In response to the reconciliatory efforts of Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, President Asif Ali Zardari has agreed to resolve prevailing political crisis according to the charter of democracy (CoD). According to sources, Army chief’s meetings with the President and the Prime Minister are producing results. Gen. Kayani held separate meetings with President Zardari and Premier Gilani to discuss various options for solution of prevailing political crisis confronting the country. Sources further told that Prime Minster was in favour of restoration of deposed chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. However, the president’s close aides said that President Zardari wants his restoration through CoD. The President is willing to lift governor rule in Punjab while besides Army chief, British and American governments are playing the role of guarantors. President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani are expected to meet again tonight in which some important decisions are expected.
We have been here before. Too many time. Too painfully.
I just read – Sherry Rehman has resigned and that means more pressure on Zardari… we have to wait and see how he buckles…
Can’t figure what disease can cure these politicians? Martial law wasn’t effective.
On 18th February, i had a hope that democratic governments in Pakistan have been able to learn some lessons from the past and will change their way of governance.
Unfortunately, the reaction of the PPP-led government to the long march has proved that this democratic government is an elected dictatorship. Our democratic leaders have failed to learn anything from their past mistakes and require the men in khaki to guide them how to run or manage governments. I felt like crying, when i saw Mr. Kiyani holding talks with our respected head of states.
I hope and pray Sherry Rehman stands by her words, as she had promised that she would resign if a news channel is blocked during the present PPP government rule. Madam, dont stick on to your prestigious ministry saying you were not aware of it. PLEASE.
Sorry, i forgot promises are made to be broken.
Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad (Ameen)
Hammad ul Haq
http://beta.vajood.com/
well, call me anything, its actually a good news that GEO is blocked. They always create Chaos. I dont know what they are upto. They knew that Musharraf is best in worst lot. people calling it middle class struggle must understand that news channels are most profitable business in the country now. people at GEO are not us. Top anchors are highly paid, they get more than any multinational Executive in Pakistan.what i see is they are never happy with anyone. i understand that this is what journalism is, This cricticism is will not lead to improvement in society instead it will lead to more problems. if they are running this for some revolution, How can we expect revolution in a country where 70% cant clearly read and write. They are using emotional Music and stupit promos to brainwash people that they have bought the wrong peace. Pretty hillarious that GEO news is very similiar to “AS Seen on TV ADs”. They always show you old products as crap once they were selling and new product is always better. Well, Pakistan ko Waqaii Allah Chala raha hai….
To me this is PML-N charade. If there was no decision against Sharif brothers this lawyers movement wouldn’t have got so violent and gained much attention. Nawaz has said he is not for Taliban, but when did he ever come out against what is going on in Swat and FATA. Innocent people are dieing and country is getting in the grips of the terrorists, and this guy is presenting himself as savior? it is just a power grab opportunity for him. “Pakistan ka Khuda Hafiz”.