Adil Najam
Today, March 16th, marks the death anniversary of former Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo who died on this date in 1993. It is not a date that is likely to be marked by much ceremony or rememberance.
Yet he was the Prime Minister of this country and some of his decisions helped shape some of the momentous twists and turns of our recent history. As Gen. Zia-ul-Haq’s chosen appointee, was never a person who held much ‘real’ power in the country. Yet, one could argue that he helped shape the calculus of power that was to follow his tumultuous tenure, including his eventual falling out with Gen. Zia-ul-Haq.
There are those who would argue that Mohammad Khan Junejo was yet one more puppet in hat has been one long putli tamasha. Others, however, would insist – with some admiration – that for all his faults he was an honorable man trying to seek an honorable path out of a dishonorable situation?
Which is it? Could it be both? Or, maybe, neither? What are we to make to Muhammad Khan Junejo? How should we remember him on this day?
P.S. Do watch the video above with some care. It is fascinating to see a much younger Aitizaz Ahsan analyzing the politics of the time. I also wonder who the young man who is standing behind then Prime Minister Junejo (at min. 5:04m on the video) might be? Is it, by any chance, a much younger (and now Prime Minister) Yousuf Raza Gillani? It well could be. Mr. Gillani was, after all, a member of the the Junejo (and, therefore, Zia) Cabinet – serving first as Minister of Housing and Works and later as Minister of Railways.
He was nice, naive, and decent, courageous, and principled man. That is how I remember him. Did he not start the ‘roshni school scheme’.
Some comments from the ATP Facebook Page:
– “I don’t think there is much to remember him. He was just a tool in teh hands of teh most evil of all our rulers: Zia ul Hoq”
– “thanx for sharing”
– “seemed like a decent person. better than many then and now.”
– “decent in what way?”
– “all our leader except M.Ali Jinnah are lotaey”
– “MKJ was a very decent politician! His first step as the PM was to withdraw all the cars from the Baboo’s and put them into then 1000cc Suzuki Swifts (including the Army Generals). That is why Zia did not like him and removed him after a few months.”
– ” Just saw the video and actually that was interesting. Realized why I still dislike Zia so much and it was amazing seeing the young BB and very young looking Aitizaz talking there.”
– “He was not only decent but took a principal and poltical stand right when it was hard to do.
He had a political upbringing and sight. He stood up to Zia on several issues including the signing of the Geneva Accords to end the fighting in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan. Even afterwards, he wanted to bring the Ojhri Camp findings before the House. ”
– “I will just use this occasion to condemn the mad mullah criminal Zia ul Haq who left behind a fire that is still burning Pakistan.”
He may be a footnote in history but an important one because of him Zia’s end was brought near!
How should we remember Junejo?
Maybe we should not remember him at all!
Very very interesting video.
Shows how much has changed. But also how little has changed.