Long March - A Positive Movement

Agitation movements have always been criticized in Pakistan. This is probably the second in Pakistan that such a movement is being welcomed by all sects of society. The first one was against Ayub Khan, which forced him to resign.

Regardless of the the debate that agitation is good or bad, the lawyers movement in Pakistan is a sign of life in the Pakistani society. The people of Pakistan were so immune to political changes, corruption and misuse of power, they never really bothered about coming out on streets. Probably the credit goes to free media, or indirectly then COAS Pervez Musharraf. It is due to this political awareness that lawyers movement is gaining momentum and people from various segments of society are realizing the importance of participation.

The more people realize their power to act and force democratic governments and dictators to bow down to their demands, the better it is for Pakistan. Its time now that people of Pakistan start making their own decisions and at least try for the betterment of the society.

Where are the supporters of Musharraf?

The so-called President of Pakistan General (R) Pervez Musharraf had always been saying that 98% of Pakistanis support his policies and he is one of the most popular “dictators” of Pakistan in the world. Plus, there were so many people who were crazy about him and gave justifications for each of his actions and policies. I’m wondering that with the change of power equation, what has happened to these supporters and even Musharraf’s boastings.

Ok. Mr. Musharraf is under immense pressure, but what’s wrong with those people who were their to praise him and his policies day and night. Where are our nice fellows who tried to convince us that Mr. Musharraf was the only solution for Pakistan and whatever he was doing is justified?

I don’t know why people don’t listen to logic and rationale, when they are in power or they are supporting those who are in power. Their mentality is the worst mentality of slavery and it only opts to worship the power symbols. It does not recognize right or wrong, it just recognizes a Lord, consciously or subconsciously.

The concept of ‘free mind’, irrespective of the power centers is yet to be explored by that ‘elite class’ of Pakistanis. There is no doubt that how strong one person or a country is, its power has to end and those who have a ‘free mind’ will ultimately survive. I hope the Pakistanis understand this during the misuse of power. Only then they will be able to use the power of ‘free minds’.

Judges and The Peoples Party Government

It has been more than a month now and there seems to be no progress on the restoration of judiciary from the newly elected PPP Government. The impression that people are getting from the actions of Asif Ali Zardari is that PPP government is not serious in restoring Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chahudry.

Reasons are of course obvious. Asif Ali Zardari is considered to be one of the most corrupt personalities in Pakistan and the benefits he is availing from the NRO might be at stake. Restoration of judiciary on November 2nd position will obviously result in probe for the illegal actions of President Musharraf, including the NRO.

So, once again, we see personal vested interest in the path of our national interest. During this time, the role of political parties and personalities is becoming evident. Nawaz Sharif is indeed commendable for taking a stand for judiciary and motivating the people for the real interest of Pakistan.