The chief, courage and the charming!
My honorable lord, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, continues to resurrect the dead-and-almost-out insititution of the Judiciary in Pakistan. Today, the Attorney General of Pakistan magically reproduced missing persons after the unrelenting and sustained pressure from the Chief Justice and Supreme Court of Pakistan. This is followed by the release of PML's (Nawaz Group) political activist and president, Javed Hashmi, who was jailed under a concocted case of treason. These are major slaps across the face of the Pakistani establishment!
This is unprecedented in the history of a major Muslim country! I have a feeling that if Pakistan develops an independent judiciary, the effects of this will ripple across all of the Muslim World as an independent judiciary automatically takes care of political representation, autonomy of different components of a state, rule of law, an understanding of due process, fair and free elections, empowering the weak, and most importantly the resurrection of diminishing institutions of a state.
This is why I have always championed the seemingly harder route of principles over pragmatism. Yes, it is dicey and by no means a walk in the park. But, the end results are always fruitful. People who compromise over principles soon lose their identities. Look at the pragmatic champion, Musharraf, today. Where have all his U-turns taken him? Today he is so desperate that he is willing to shake hands with his sworn enemies - pragmatism having fragmented and fractured him.
If there is anything more dangerous than courage to a feeble dictator then it is contagious courage. Dr. Sher Afgan of all people is coming out now and vehemently attacking the foreign policy of the government!
Special mentions needs to be made of Imran Khan here who has become the "voice of conscience" of Pakistan. He is the only political leader who feels the pulse of the nation and speaks what the common man on the streets is saying. It is very hard to find such leaders; even in the "civilized" West! His party may not be as popular as some other political parties, but I feel it is the courage that he showed that acted as a catalyst to everything happening today. CNN ran a short documentary on him and not only is he strikingly handsome even at 55, but the man is inspirational. I recommend that you guys watch this documentary. The ladies love this man!
This is unprecedented in the history of a major Muslim country! I have a feeling that if Pakistan develops an independent judiciary, the effects of this will ripple across all of the Muslim World as an independent judiciary automatically takes care of political representation, autonomy of different components of a state, rule of law, an understanding of due process, fair and free elections, empowering the weak, and most importantly the resurrection of diminishing institutions of a state.
This is why I have always championed the seemingly harder route of principles over pragmatism. Yes, it is dicey and by no means a walk in the park. But, the end results are always fruitful. People who compromise over principles soon lose their identities. Look at the pragmatic champion, Musharraf, today. Where have all his U-turns taken him? Today he is so desperate that he is willing to shake hands with his sworn enemies - pragmatism having fragmented and fractured him.
If there is anything more dangerous than courage to a feeble dictator then it is contagious courage. Dr. Sher Afgan of all people is coming out now and vehemently attacking the foreign policy of the government!
Special mentions needs to be made of Imran Khan here who has become the "voice of conscience" of Pakistan. He is the only political leader who feels the pulse of the nation and speaks what the common man on the streets is saying. It is very hard to find such leaders; even in the "civilized" West! His party may not be as popular as some other political parties, but I feel it is the courage that he showed that acted as a catalyst to everything happening today. CNN ran a short documentary on him and not only is he strikingly handsome even at 55, but the man is inspirational. I recommend that you guys watch this documentary. The ladies love this man!
posted by al-republican at 11:18 AM
22 Comments:
Common man, hopes to live in peace, with loved ones, have a roof over his head and necessities of life. It's unfortunate scrupulous leaders, prioritize individual egos & selfish needs over an average citizen.
Sometimes, I just don't get it - nobody likes to die or live in discomfort, but how come there is much of that going around these days! Why cannot people, just sit up, think and make that change for a better tomorrow?
A political entry and everyone goes quiet, haha! I thought this was the best way to get everyone off the crazy shyte going on in the previous post :P
Rosh, did you get a chance to see "Imran Khan revealed"?
Al - I don't follow politics. To me it's a sad form wherein people give away much power & freedom to someone often without sufficient trust & belief, yet use the phrase "politics" in context to something negative - such as "office politics". There is not one politician whom I respect or a group whom I support - plus I've never voted in life.
You keep talkin cricket to an anti-cricket crusader yo : )
Is he still *playing* cricket? "Auntie's" used to swoon over him. Most of 'em would shout "goal goal" when someone hit a four or a six-er hahahhahha! IK is the cousin of a very close friend who lives in Toronto. I have met him twice over dinner at the friend's house, and yes he's got the charm.
Why am I talkin cricket again?
Ah, Rosh, nice. So you have met the guy. I met him as a child in an elevator when I was coming back from prayers. I couldn't believe my eyes! He was a bit arrogant back then, but the way I am, I didn't make it obvious tht I knew who he was. And even as a kid I gave him the attitude like "Yeah, so you are a big guy.. so what!?" hehe.
Rosh, I have to disagree with your take on politics though. Granted that a lot of folks misuse it especially in our part of the World. But, the fact is that politics is what makes the world go round (and not music, i*maginate :P). Politics, by definition, is the relationship between state and its citizenry. This can be expanded over a more global scale in terms of International Politics and foreign policies.
Unfortunately, the word "politics" has taken negative connotations (very much how religion has these days) and so to the disenchanted, educated class, politics is a real bore and a waste of time and effort. The net effect, in my view, has been catastrophic. Look at us, Rosh: We are busy making money and living for ourselves when priviledged people such ourselves can do so much more for the under-priviledged. That is the essence of politics in my opinion. And some people will misuse it just like some CEOs of companies misuse their powers. You find this corruption in every aspect of life, so why single out politics? But blaming politics alone in itself is proof of how FOCAL it is to all of us (we admit this unintentionally). We get more disappointed when politicians don't deliver on their promises, which shows how much emotions are involved in all of this.
Lastly, look at people around you who have forsaken politics altogether. Look at what they have become - bollywood/hollywood loving freaks who are totally detached from reality. They have sex, party and booze like this all way too cool, yet they have simplistic political opinion on complex topics and are WAY too emotional with their uneducated and, frankly, nauseatingly ignorant view.
As Imran Khan says (and I will paraphrase him here), any person with even an ounce of conscience would take politics seriously.
Al, I actually did watch the film and thought that it was very interesting.
The reason for not commenting is simply because I do not feel that my knowledge about Pakistani politics is sufficient to actually get involved in a serious debate. However, I did post your blog to my adopted “senior brother” today to request a general insider opinion. :- )
My knowledge about your country is just limited to development in general and more specific to HR, environmental and gender issues – so better to keep quiet on this one.
What I did like about the film, is that someone actually went back to his home country and made a difference. (but that is just a very general judgment and CNN is certainly not known for its accuracy) The guy is certainly a charming fellow and has a good taste when it comes to women…. So depressing that it didn’t work out: Could you please come up with a best practice success story for a change! :P
Agree with you on politics and ROSH – please go and vote!!!!
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Al - I shall be back with a commento for ya!
7S - I ain't voting for any Canadian government, I don't care who rules Canada, for they shall always do what US wants them ta! I wish I could vote in the UAE. Can't vote in India, 'cause I am not a citizen (nor are my parents). I don't vote in the UK, cause I've never lived there, never cared to anyway.
I can't vote in America, 'cause am not a citizen. But if I could, I shan't 'cause each candidate is a shallow hearted liar & slap in the face than the other.
lol Al - I like your approach with IK mate :)
Yes, they are a bit pompous and arrogant. And IK knows he is a good catch in the eyes & hearts of many women - infact you can see them trying to make an effort for an "oblivious" flirt attempt :)
Sometimes, it's worse than the bollywood drama crap! :)
Imran Khan's documentary rocked! He's such an inspiration and great example for many. I met him in Toronto in 2004 at an Islamic conference and he is not only a dashing man at 55, but he is also a very humble person.
I don't like politics too much, but two of the most important men in my life (I won't mention who hehe) are REALLY into Pakistani politics. So I must admit, it does rub off on me, which is a positive thing I guess. Without it we wouldn't have laws, regulations, and security.
I hope Imran Khan can be President of Pakistan one day *sigh*
al republican I'm certainly not an expert on Pakistan's politics but there is so much going on there not to take an interest. I see some huge changes going on at the moment, and the future seems to be unpredictable.
My view is that Musharraf is not the "terrible dictator" he's branded as. OK, he's a dictator because he seized power. But hasn't be brought good to the people? Haven't things improved in Pakistan? As far as I know, he's "put everybody in place"!
I heard he met Benazir Bhutto in Abu Dhabi recently. Looks like she's going to be in some form of alliance with him? I have no idea...but if she's going back, it doesn't look like good news for Pakistan.
I'm not an expert on the judiciary system either, but I read that the new Chief Justice is bringing back Nawaz Sharif, even though he had been banned from entering Pakistan through some official document where he promised to stay in Saudi Arabia. Isn't that slighly hypocritical? Someone in the judiciary system not sticking to a contract?
I'm obviously not looking for a debate here, what I'm doing is stating what I know, and what I can deduce from it with my limited knowledge! Perhaps you could give your insight into what I've said and what it means for Pakistan.
Last point: Imran Khan sided with the mullahs to get votes.
i*maginate:
Let's start with Imran Khan: He didn't side with the Mullahs at all. He sided with Musharraf post 9/11. He backed out of his alliance with Musharraf when he saw Musharraf rig the referendum (in which Imran supported him), followed by Musharraf dropping all cases of corruption against politicians and making a "King's" party (which is known as the PML-Q).
He then mobilized against Musharraf when he saw him bending over backwards in this farce called the "war on terror" - Pakistani military killing its own people in what can only be termed as "extra-judicial killings". And then finally the CJ case.
Imran Khan opposed the Mullahs during the passing of the 17th ammendment that gives Musharraf his "legitimacy"; he still opposes them forming a coalition government in 2 provinces; he opposes MMA in its policies in Balochistan and there are a host of other places where he disagrees with them. But, just because he disagrees with them doesn't mean he totally boycotts them just because they are bearded and look like terrorists.
That is what is refreshing about Imran Khan's politics - he seems to understand that good can come from either a liberal or religious person. The biggest mistake Muslims make these days is that they just get completely turned off at the sight of a turbaned and bearded man.
As for Nawaz Sharif coming back to Pakistan, I think he was "exiled" under wrong pretenses. Which court decided to exile him? In fact, who the hell administered the "contract" signing between Musharraf and Nawaz? No one (not even the Supreme Court) knows of this clandestine document, which has only now come to the fore. So, clearly, this document holds no legal validity as it was never chartered by the Supreme Court and neither did the Supreme Court hand out this punishment of exile. It was completely the handiwork of one crazy dictator. I know Nawaz is a bad guy just as Bugti was (on whom I commented in a previous post). But, I do not agree with extra-judicial memorandums and high-handedness even against criminals and/or terrorists.
And, yes, i*maginate, Pakistan has prospered macro-economically under Musharraf. But, Pakistan prospered tremendously under General Ayyub Khan, too. But, was his economical success worth the breakup of Pakistan in '71? No, i*maginate, our ummah needs to understand that we have to start valuing the law and our institutions above any shaykh, imam, politician, technocrat, bureacrat or any other rat out there.
It's about principles, which always remain constants whereas faces such as Nawaz, Musharraf, Benazir etc come and go. So why should we allow these transitory faces to set up their own petty little systems rather than have a system under which they should all ork or perish in the dustbin of history?
Lastly, I agree Benazir is MAJOR bad news for us, hehe.
errata:
ork = work
There's a lot of stuff going on in Pakistan that you really need to know the history and the "tensions" between the various states (provinces?) to be able to have an informed opinion, which I really don't. I just know a few bits and pieces.
I've been to a couple of events here where Benazir has also attended...I swear, the people just flock around her!
I recall the expression "Mr. 10%" as well...!
I like Musharraf. He appears to be a great representative for Pakistan and seems to be doing really well.
As for the law, I'm sure it's a complicated issue as to why people don't respect the law, and whether or not a good leader can instill values in people to respect the law. Isn't that a leader's responsibility?
Yes, it is. But, if the leader of the country is the one breaking the law at will and making a mockery of the constitution then how do you expect to break out of the status quo?
This is not just about Musharraf, this is about every other person who aspires to come into the political arena. Unless and until they do not respect the law the effects just won't "trickle down" (to use an oft-repeated phrase of our puppet PM, Shaukat Aziz).
BTW, i*maginate, if you recall the phrase "10 percent", then you are pretty well-versed with Pakistani politics! I am impressed!
But, think here for a minute: What is this "great representative" doing shaking hands with Benazir and the 10% clique? Look through the facade that people like BB and Musharraf wear and it will all make sense.
Ref: the judiciary system (I'm reading up a little;) )
Doesn't the constitution keep changing every once in a while?
How come NS wants to come back when PMs are not allowed to hold office more than twice?
If he goes back, he's going to face charges. This is a guy who tried to stop Musharraf and a whole plane full of Ministers from landing and was charged for treason. On top of that, he had swindled the govt of loads of cash before he left office.
So what's your view on what's best for Pakistan? How can things change in the current climate? What needs to change, and why?
i*maginate:
Stay tuned to this blog. You will find out in due course, I guess.
Yalla! I wanna see what you have to say with the current turn of events!
i*maginate:
I am just a little caught up with some personal problems and it is going to be very hard to blog in the coming days.
I was at a Pakistani charity program tonight at the Murooj Rotana - The Citizenry Foundation. I was impressed by the work that was being done, but totally not impressed by the gentry. A whole bunch of wannabe brown sahebs! Maybe I might blog about it. Damn, I wish I took pics!
Hey, take your time, I didn't mean any pressure.
Hope you sort your stuff out, and look forward to reading whenever your next post is.
I remember you said you'd take it easy with blogggin, so do so ;)
As for those "brown sahibs" I have never understood what they meant.
Your blog makes me wanna read up on a lot of things, and I will do! :)
Chin up and take care, see you soon
Al - you remind me of a good Pakistani uaeian, friend I've known all my life.
The few differences, he likes to be cooped up in his apartment and trade on the stock market 24/7, hardly sleeps and hates anything remotely related to bollywood & cricket - hence we are friends :)
His logic, thought process on Pakistan, Islam etc all is pretty much a replica, of yours :)
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