Those who opposed the creation of Pakistan and have not accepted it even after 66 years; they would be delighted at the events which took place on January 1. Where else in the world can a retired Khaki, who has been charged with subversion of constitution, dare to defy courts and get away with it? May Almighty save this country from tyranny of those, whom this country has given honour and power, which they never deserved? Pakistan was created through a constitutional struggle, but unfortunately after the Quaid’s death it has been ruled by despots, dictators and midgets, for whom neither writ of law was important, nor any restraint by few powerful elements to publicly ridicule 1973 Constitution. The net result of our collective follies is the chaos that we witness today, within our borders and terrorism of all forms threatening our lives.
In a country where sanctity of constitution and judicial rulings are considered less important than ego of an individual, it sadly qualifies either as a ‘Banana Republic’ or a failing state. Remember Somalia which exists as a geographically specified area, but was declared as a rogue country, with a dysfunctional judiciary, and armed gangs exerting domination through guns. When Bhagat Singh was sentenced to death in 1931, his hanging was detested and opposed by citizen of undivided India and no Magistrate was willing to supervise his execution, save one man, an Honorary Magistrate, Mohammed Ahmed Khan, who volunteered to please the Viceroy Lord Irvin, in return for favours. Bhagat Singh lives today after his death, remembered as a freedom fighter.
It would have been far better if Musharraf could have been dissuaded from returning to Pakistan, or forced to leave before charges of high treason were filed by federal government, so that Pakistan could have been saved the ridicule it is undergoing. Now that charges have been framed and judicial process started, neither establishment, nor any foreign country should be allowed to intervene, otherwise for forever this country, its judiciary and constitution would be doomed.
MALIK TARIQ ALI,
Lahore, January 3.