Adil Najam
It seems that the PPP government has finally found its equivalent to Wasi Zafar (the absurd, and often obnoxious, Law Minister in Gen. Musharraf’s government; here and here). Listen to the Rt. Hon. Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, Federal Minister for Defence Production, proclaiming that it is the “political right” of every politician to do corruption: “yaar, karrapshun pay humara haq nahiN hai, aur unn ka hai!”:
In all fairness, I should confess that there is a certain bholla-pun and naivety in Mr. Jatoi that is markedly different from the viciousness of Mr. Zafar.
Minister Jatoi does seem to be trying (badly) to make a argument – a silly argument, indeed; but an argument nonetheless. But he may also have hit on a real truth. Not only because so many politicians do indeed believe what he has naively said but even more because we have indeed created a system of governance (through the actions of the politicians, of the military and through the reactions – or lack thereof – from the courts and the media) that smacks of political immunity for the corrupt. Maybe we should listen to what he is saying more carefully, after all.
Of course, the host – Javed Chaudhry – is having a field day; and enjoying it too. A big part of this is the host’s inappropriate badgering and the game of trying to ‘corner the guest’ rather than having a conversation. Its a game played by all our leading hosts. But the fact of the matter is that Mr. Jatoi does himself no favors and looses his cool again and again. Even when the host shows some tarss on the guest, the Minister just keeps digging himself into deeper holes.
Seems like this is a pattern with Minister Jatoi, since he keeps coming for more from Javed Chaudhry. Watch them here too, as the host corners Mr. Jatoi to proclaim that he is himself corrupt (around min. 5:50). And, then, again, dig himself even deeper in a hole – trying to make a ‘point’ but making a fool of himself instead, even as the host tries to give him a way out.
And if you want more, see the next segment, when both Mr. Chaudhry and Mr. Jatoi keep at it.
@shiraz
i have grown up in pakistan have been to two major universities, worked in good companies….i am not pulling out things out of thin air.
i can say that in general ppl dont hold high moral values….rishwat, office waqt per na ana, kaam choree, sifarish, all this is common.
so please, dont try to patronize me
Ben Castle,
“I think majority of people who are commenting here will be their self corrupt if given the chance to rule”
It is like saying you will be running naked in streets if given chance to do so ? Pathetic ? Ain’t it ?
Point is simple, anchor is after ratings and just picking on the politician. If he is really sincere he can go to courts and file the compliant. Job of anchors is to R E P O R T, not prosecute. Remember Dan Rather was fired when he couldn’t substantiate the story against President Bush ?
Either back the story with hard facts or keep quiet.
Character assassination, defamation is a disease and should be discouraged.
To give you an example, entire Pakistan is hung up on NRO. 8000 people are corrupt..this and that..
Only two people (Roeddad Khan & Dr Mubashar Hasan) filed the petitions and that too on this ground:
“Both have pleaded that the NRO violates fundamental rights, especially Article 25 (equality of citizens), is against political justice and contravenes the United Nations Convention against Corruption to which Pakistan is a signatory.”
“And please don’t get offended” and don’t assume everyone is corrupt because you cannot read minds.
@ Zubair
+100
I think many Pakistanis have another disease of dragging India, Aliens, Antarctica into every discussion pertaining to Pakistan.
If my flush is overflowing in Pakistan, how does it help if I cite that there is a flush in India which is overflowing too ?
Shall I not focus on my flush and tell world…see Flush in India is also overflowing…
Just saw this video of interview of Dr. Adil Najam. Very well done, sir.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8tl-cU8GTU
wait a minute!!!!
I think majority of people who are commenting here will be their self corrupt if given the chance to rule. And please dont get offended. And I dont feel sorry abt the guy being badgered by the host because this idiot is not only corrupt but also baighairat and stupid. He is being corrupt thinking its his god forsaken right.
And i said all of us will be corrupt not as a personal attack but as a statement that we have very high tolerance for corruption, its an everyday thing for us to bend the rules, oil the system, be smart. what are our values as a nation. what do we stand for. Like @shaidnusa said, we dont need to have religion to be moral.
Can all of us make a pledge here that when we will work as professionals we will stand by rules, be conscentious? I make it here, that from now on I will try my best to play by the rules and uphold honesty and hardwork.
@ Zubair
I had to comment on this because you were more funny than the video.LOL!!
I am sorry Mr Riaz I hope I am laughing with you not at you.