A good library will never be too neat | The News Tribe Blogs

A good library will never be too neat | The News Tribe Blogs
My piece for THE NEWS TRIBE.

Pakistani Politics, Democracy is the best revenge | The News Tribe Blogs

Pakistani Politics, Democracy is the best revenge | The News Tribe Blogs

Democracy is the best revenge...!!!

“First they will ignore you, then they will laugh at you, then they will fight you and then you will win.” I was only nine years old when my father told me these words of Mahatma Gandhi during a walk when I cried and complained about some class fellows, who used to make fun of me, suddenly started fighting and beating me before securing first position in exams. He persuaded me to follow the quote of Gandhi and take the insult as a key to win. I still wonder that was my first position later in exams was due to that insult or hard work. The purpose to write that incident of childhood and mentioning the quote is Multan election. Because, after decades those words started blinking like a bright flash light when the nation saw the most interesting and tough electoral contest in Pakistan after 1990’s. Although it was a by-election contest on the vacant seat after the dismissal of Pakistan’s another ELECTED Prime Minister by a controversial decision of only three member bench (out of 17) of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan. However, it captured the attention of whole country and media to see the response of public after that dismissal.

Former Prime Minister Gilani’s own son Abdul Qadir Gilani contested against an independent candidate Shaukat Bosan in a nerve wrecking election. Mark Twain has once said that it is not the size of the dog in the fight, it is the size of the fight in the dog. Therefore, nobody took the contest as a single seat by-election but it was taken as PPP’s worth after the grave charges of corruption, poor governance and the rage of public according to media and survey reports. Although, it was obviously likely that Gilani’s son would win as the seat belonged to the areas which are traditionally the stronghold of the Gilani family. Nevertheless, the hype created by the media, the support of all opposition parties and the impression that people would not support PPP after SC’s decision really made the election as one of the great contests in Pakistan’s history of elections. Although Bosan apparently fought as an independent candidate but it was crystal clear that PML-N, PTI, JI, DPC openly supported him and the most surprising thing, which is beyond imaginations that Mr Bosan even used name and photos of Chief Justice during his campaign. Pakistan, where anything is possible in politics, has left another surprise for the critics and lawyers that under which law any political person can use the name and posters of a serving Chief Justice during an election campaign, that the people who support Honourable Chief Justice should vote for him. Not only this, the most surprising thing that why no court took any suo moto action for that action as a contempt. In addition, the major groups of media played a key role to provoke people of Multan, also, opposition parties persuaded them to SAY NO TO GILANIS due to the corruption and scandals charges. Therefore, it was not only a contest of PPP v all, but also a test case for coming elections that what would be people’s mood after a massive media campaign. However, as Gandhi said that when they will fight you then you win, so he won, though with a narrow majority of almost four thousand votes. But he won.

Now, the matter to discuss that why people of Multan did not consider the media propaganda. Why charm of Imran Khan, the romance for honourable Chief Justice and the magic of Nawaz Sharif could not work? Why they again elected a corrupt person? Why PPP won again? Benazir once said that People of Pakistan see her as symbol of democracy, my question that why still charisma of BHUTTO factor overwhelms his followers when no Bhutto is leading the party. Unfortunately, the dilemma of critics and political actors remained beyond repair when they blamed people of Multan for a wrong decision. It was really interesting to see media tycoons biting lips, and ridiculing the people that why they again elected the corrupt. Wonder, if they would really understand the mind set of a rural man and not the surveys of urban organisations. An ordinary person of Multan, Dadu, and Mansehra has nothing to do with the elite class and technocrats. They watch programs, they discuss programs, they like programs, but when it comes to vote, they would not only go to the Biradri system but they would also judge that who is more helpful and influential to solve their problems. Jamshed Dasti is bright example to understand the mind-set of rural voters who thrashed the orders or disqualification of Courts, people elected him again, and may re-elect him again. That is the basic mentality, which is not grasped by an intellectual of Lahore or Islamabad who has never been in the Otaq of any Wadera or Sardar. No matter he belongs to PPP , PTI or PML, but the local influence in rural area would always play key role in winning the constituency. Perhaps that was the basic formula, which compelled Imran Khan to change his policy of change by induction of large number of SIYASI LOTAZ to secure more seats in assemblies. Although in urban areas situation can take any turnover at anytime, although in the battle of “Untouchables” a common man is left empty handed having no electricity, security and peace but the role of impartial media and civil society can play a vital role for the defeat old players. I still remember the reaction of Pindi voters with Shaikh Rasheed, however, Churchil also said that in war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times. Similarly, one can again rise as a TITAN if once defeated. However, for such results, it is necessary to let the system go accordingly.

The main reason of whole disturbance and chaos is the vigilant role of some media people and unelected parties to provoke courts and hidden forces to derail the democracy. We are perhaps the only country where our judges make up the mind after watching talk shows, and the echo of boots starts haunting within few years of a democratic process. Let the people decide their fate as democracy is the best revenge. It is not the prophecy of media to dictate or the non-political actors to overcome for the change of system and leave it with more wounds. The filtration or accountability is only possible by a true and fair process of elections, not by laughing, and then fighting because it would end up only in another victory.

Saint George, The dragons and the city of Chaos | The News Tribe Blogs

Saint George, The dragons and the city of Chaos | The News Tribe Blogs

Saint George, The dragons and the city of Chaos.

Pakistan is perhaps a unique country in the whole world where the word “NORMAL” is slowly diminishing or being extinguish. It is either news, incidents, or stories. All would falls under box of Abnormalities. Actually, a continuous series of unfortunate events seems never ending. It is the only country, which owes to fight against terror; it gives sacrifice of thousands of civilians, army men, and an ex-PM’s life but then also convicts the main person or a hero who helped to vanquish the mastermind of terrorism. It is at the same time the only country, whose parliament passes resolutions after resolutions for sovereignty yet at the same time helplessly witness drone attacks. It is the only country, where you would witness no law and order in the biggest city. Dozens are killed every day for no reason, also police has arrested no one for the assassination of a woman due to open fire on road, who was victims of death only being part of the protest rally against movement of refugee province. It is the only country where you would daily read a great number of kidnappings for ransom or rape incidents of young girls even of age four and six., no matter how against the whole nation, government, administration is, but no one has ever been able to stop the incidents, or convict the defendants publically. In fact, no one even bothers to follow the trials of proceedings indeed. Media only cover the story of the rape, organisations issues statements on channels, and then another incident happens so the show goes on. This is also the only country, where Prime minister rudely says to the one-third population to leave and choose even hell to settle down, because if they are not happy within the country, then they should rather leave it forever. This is the only country, where you would see its own citizen (honourable ambassador to US), ridiculed in the media and in the courts, but a foreigner citizen to not only be treated as darling but giving directions to the courts and commission to take his statement in some other country. Finally, this is the country, where you would see a culprit, a corrupt making signs of victory with pride, and appearing proudly before the courts. You would see politicians penalised due to political disputes in courts but not a true culprit or corrupt convicted for wrong doing, however, I was very hopeful and optimist during the recent shocking proceedings of Family gate Scandal. Luxury flats, London and Monte Carlo trip, Buddha bar Casino, a beautiful companion and the name of the DON, who was no other but Arsalan Iftikhar, son of Supreme Court’s chief justice. One of the country's top business tycoons; Malik Riaz showed the list to a specific group of journalists. That he was black mailed by Arsalan Iftikhar’s false hopes of helping him for his cases in “His father’s court”. The matter was first discussed in closed drawing rooms for months, until one of those journalists leaked the story on you tube and then the case was opened in court by CJ’s suo moto action. I still cannot believe that is that really a true scandal or a plot of some successful Bollywood ‘Masala’ (Fast and Furious kind of Spicy plot) movie. As the allegations were seriously grave and prima facie credible. Also, so authentic that it is still hard to believe that how could CJ remained unaware of such a big scandal within his own home. How could he believed that his son started earning millions of dollars suddenly who had no job a few year ago, how couldn’t he think that what magic his son showed in business which 98% of other businessmen can’t. However, his honesty is beyond all reasonable doubts and he was rather seen with more respect after suo moto action against his own son’s case, although later he excluded himself from the bench. And the case became a hot topic to be discussed in all TV and talk shows. Pakistan is, nevertheless, again a unique and for sure only country in the world, where the prime entertainment time is fully hijacked by political talk shows. The case is not that the media has no entertainment channels, but it is because of the pubic that political shows are now more entertaining than any other entertainment. Like old roman days where the only entertainment of romans was to watch their gladiators fighting to death. Similarly Our public has also said GOODBYE to cinema, theatres, and drama industry for their media gladiators. They get excited by seeing their favourite politicians raising fists and abusing each other’s. In other words, these political actors are fulltime entertainers to satisfy the torturous lust of our frustrated public. Who themselves cannot do anything against the corruption, load shedding and terrorism but at least feel good by watching their opponent leaders insulted by their favourite leaders at the peak dinnertime. Any ways, summing up the point that the case had become a blasting topic to be discussed and watched over dinner tables, offices, social media and perhaps even in bedrooms. Also, Due to not tackling the matter carefully in media, the family gate scandal turned to filth gate scandal. However, first time, we witnessed a major split. Although, no one had any doubt on the honesty of Chief Justice, who has an image of Saint George of Pakistan, Yes the same Saint George who fought against dragon in the city of silence. Here in this case, our Saint George fought against the dragons of corruption in the city of chaos. He became the sign of freedom and hope of any poor. Although, the split was actually on his son’s role, one group called it conspiracy while the other insisted that the corrupt son shall be punished, and CJ must sacrifice for his son for the sake of saving the institution. Nevertheless, Friedrich Nietzsche perhaps said a quote for our current scenario that “He who fights too long against the dragons becomes a dragon itself.” the CJ fought against the dragons, the nation made him saint, and made him so powerful that he himself became a symbol of resect and not the Supreme court. However, the question is that if he himself becomes a dragon then what may happen. Like, in past few months, a few media correspondents and some politicians persuaded his attention for their own agenda.. It happened in past campaigns, especially in Memo gate Scandal, where only due to news reports PML-N jumped to the SC about the inquiry. Or SC took actions against government for planting a conspiracy by only depending on media reports of a specific group. He is no doubt honest, but no one can deny that he gave many controversial verdicts against a specific party, which is in government. There are many other cases against other groups and parties, but the main target since his restoration remained only one party. Similarly, his suo moto actions in number of cases were calculated, he took a great effort against missing persons, but he never reached to the main cause of those missing people. He never listened to the other side of the story by the agencies who had their own logics of taking those people. However, I myself am against of that kind of prosecution as every human even a criminal has basic rights, they could be taken publically and brought before the courts, no matter even military courts, but at least they should be given chance of a fair trial. But the way CJ behaved in the proceedings , gave other impression to the agencies. He took suo moto in many cases but surprisingly he never reopened any trial proceedings against 12th May 2007 incident. Where more than seventy people were killed only due to him. The whole nation saw a hostile commission against Mr Haqqanni and then the laughable report of the commission. However, for his own son, his own created bench only issued a short order by referring the matter in hands of Attorney General, who immediately said that there would be no action if the culprit returns the money. It is beyond thinking that if SC had to do so then what was the need of taking suo moto action? People are compelled to think that by giving the matter in the hands of government who itself is involved in corruption cases is more likely to balancing the equation. As it simply would end the matter and people would see another smiling face walking away from the court with the sign of victory... Like Shah Rukh Khan said in his blockbuster movie that it is not only difficult but also nearly impossible to catch a DON. On the other hand, the filth gate scandal has now turned into Media gate. A list of journalists suddenly circulated in social media that they were bribed from MR and at the same time, the other group leaked a “Behind the Scene” conversation of two anchors with MR to establish it as a planted interview. It is irrelevant to write that one of them is fired from job, and other is going through the process of survival... However, even if they would survive, they would not go out to face the hostile public. Not only this, but the full court had a special session on that interview, that why it was released, which means that the judges would be considered like prophets or holy cow and anyone who would ever dare to speak on their corruption ( if any) may be in breach of their self created blasphemy rules. They could have call the session for the supremacy of the Court, but not for their own selves. Now, my question in this media gate scandal to my media brothers and sisters, that aren’t we all slanders of behind the scenes or in OFF THE RECORD conversations. As a media woman, I know how do we instruct or get instructions by our employers, directors or even from influential guests…. Therefore, if it is all published, then we all are not slanders, but libels. So if it is so, then where are our human rights…? Therefore, here is the point where journalists like me are scared to write that if any of their word offends a specific group with harsh mentality and extremism, then anything could happen to them, they could be fired by their organisations, they can be ridiculed by extremists on Twitter, and other social media. Alternatively, that hostile group of lawyers who even beat the judges in lower courts can beat them. Because, the trend is scaring me that anyone is punishable who would raise voice with their own opinion. Why our level of tolerance has gone below zzero level that we only see other person’s corruption but if it comes to our own wrongdoing, we become ready to cut their throats. Although I am within the reach on Social media, but physically, I am little saved for not being in Pakistan. Otherwise, I would face the same kind of bullies, who threated me to death only due to giving water to stray dogs and cats in extremely hot weather of Pakistan only due to that reason that they would grab them and touch their clothes in the way to mosque for prayers. Those poor creatures used to cuddle on every road passer that they would be also kind like this crazy writer and would give them food and water. It is irrelevant to write that those all poor creatures were poisoned to death by the same group. Therefore, you never know the level of frustration of the other, and you never know about their beliefs. We are again emerging as a unique nation, who says hip hip to sweet and thu thu to bitter.

The burn victims of Pakistan..!!!

She gave up…! She had to…, She fought for justice for twelve years, but finally she gave up. She should have… She had to…!

I still remember that morning of 15th May 2000, when I read about her in a newspaper, saw her terrible condition in photos, and prayed for her death, as in this ISLAMIC DEMOCRACTIC OF PAKISTAN, I could not hope for any miracle for her. As who would give justice to a woman, who belonged to Napier Road? These incidents rather are lesson for such women, who dream to lead a respectable life and attempt to marry a RESPECTED man. No matter if, third or fourth, but one should appreciate that a whore has become a LEGAL wife. I, therefore, forgotten her in few months. Her name went out of memory, like other unimportant things, however, she again came under headlines when Bilal khar released on bail in 2003. The private media channels gave her coverage, and I wondered, that why that crazy girl still hoping for justice? And this happened, she never found justice, neither anyone else did, women like her kept facing more burns, or other assaults. Mukhtaran Mayi was raped, many others too, who were not lucky enough to find even a sub line in any newspaper. Some of them persuaded but even then disappeared in the files of ACTIVE JUDICIARY. Media, however, played a vital role, like for finding of a dancer Sapna, who also disappeared after getting divorce by another feudal. Nevertheless, nothing happened, neither it can be. However, our parliament did pass a bill in 2012, which has become a law after assent of Senate and later from president Zardari. Nevertheless, to give a tribute to this law, next day a woman again burnt by acid, another killed as Kari by her brother and the show continues, it will unfortunately continue. Such a great implementation of the law, to give rights to victims against acid burning and sexual harassment.

Therefore, what a great joke it would be, if women continue to hope for the miracles that these defendants would get death penalty, in the country, where more than half of the men take it as their right to beat their wives, daughters, or sisters. Who cares, that it is not the right given by any constitution or religion. Where anyone can throw an acid and then run away, or even if he is caught, a clever lawyer can get him out of bail, and then the victim either runs through the courts for years or commit suicide like Fakhra. As miracles, do not happen in reality. Where police officers are responsible for raping schoolgirls, where politicians are free to take any woman as granted and then do whatever they want. Where even a highly educated woman is a victim of domestic violence, Where women, who fight for their rights, are..…! (Readers may know or guess that what word should be there to fill these blanks) Where 90% of husbands beat their wives, no matter what social status, even these human right activists would never complain. As what society would say that her husband also beats her too? Where abusing, slapping or punching a woman is not even a considerable issue, but a common thing. Where complaining for rape or violence or sexual harassment either is an attempt to lose your dignity or is taken as a cheap and quick way to get money and fame, or to get asylum in European countries. Where working women have taken this as their destiny to tolerate the sexual harassment as a part of normal life, no matter that they are a lower middle class receptionists, a high class business icon, an actress, or an active member of any political party, because can anyone imagine that a woman party worker could make a complaint against her party leader or official. Can anyone think that such accused like Bilal Khar or Khosa will get any conviction by our judicial system? We are the citizens of the country, where “Paisa bolta hai” (Money talks), where victims sell their property pay money to get the justice done, and defendants throw money to get it delayed. Therefore, can, we find justice? Where the easiest way to get rid of troubles is to commit suicide like Fakhra did, Therefore, she did right, she absolutely did right. I only wonder, that how could she fight for twelve long years, she should have done it a long ago. As victims will continue to be burned, raped, or killed, by these barbarians, and if someone survives, then the betterment for their own safety and respect is to keep quiet or to commit suicide, as the bill is only to present a softer image of Pakistan and then to get aid. It has nothing to do with the justice. Our chief justice is only to see NRO and disqualify officials; he has nothing to do with the speedy justice. so the lower judiciary is free to keep cases pending for decades, Where if some woman like Sharmeen, gets Oscar, is rightly to be ridiculed by majority of the media and CIVIL society that she has rather brought defame for the country for showing dirty laundry to the world. Therefore, why one should worry for this woman and her note “I am ending my life as a protest for injustice done with women like me”. She had to give up; she had to commit suicide, as that was the only way to escape the miseries. Therefore, Rest in peace Fakhira, you finally found peace.

Good Luck Marvi

After almost one year of resignation, an intense dramatic crush and then separation with PTI, finally the fully loaded but unguided missile of Sindh has landed in the fields of Raiwand. Many authentic sources and then later her own tweets already confirmed a day before that the young lady had decided for her new political venture. However, the issue is that would the rebellion survive under the supremacy of Takht-e-Lahore.

In a press conference with Mian Nawaz Sharif, she did not do any effort to hid her excitement and happiness, and expressed her emotions that she is relieved after a long run. She further said that she could not tolerate to struggle for democracy within the parties of establishment.

Establishment’s parties..?

The party which launched her and made Marvi Memon or the party where she was thrown out before arrival.

Any ways, well said Ms Memon and well done for your marketing for Chaudhry brothers. And well done for the statement that she has entered in the party as an ordinary worker. One must learn from the experiences and the talented lady like her shall not make the same mistake again.

Her skills are certainly be assessed by the statement of Mian Nawaz Sharif, who has finally accepted the return of Chauhdary brothers. He could even show his more kindness if would welcome Shaikh Rasheed too.

This is the dilemma of Pakistan Politics that nothing is impossible; as we could see the extract of impossible turning to possible in the welcoming speech of Mian Sahib for leaving an invitation to PML-Q.

 Another dilemma that the leadership always remain in the family. BB came after Bhutto, then Bilawal replaced BB, and perhaps he would surrender when Asifa will be able to command. It is same in PML-N, same in PML-Q; PTI is display of Imran’s charisma while MQM is nothing without Altaf Hussain.  Therefore, people with potential like Marvi would never be able to find top place in any party.  In fact, it is not only Marvi, Javed Hashmi and many others faced the same, and unfortunately, one does not see any ray of hope either for anyone in future as well.

Nevertheless, when she started her political career in Musharraf’s regime, it was obvious that Miss Memon is not going to compromise being an ordinary member of national assembly. She successfully made her place not only within the party but also in the media due to her provoking statements.

She was rather more successful being in opposition, however, when PML-Q allied with PPP, her decision gave birth to a rebellion.  She confronted with the leadership on that issue and then to resigned from her own mother party; media gave her maximum coverage, appreciated her decision and sacrifice.  Therefore, she came under an impression that she can bring the change. However, that is irrelevant to write that Shaikh Rasheed also had same impression that his media presence can bring the change in the country.

 Imran, however, could give her best place in PTI, as he had the same slogan, people believed in him, the Lahore rally was really a tsunami, and the team would certainly bring a positive change in the country, if Imran would not change the lines. Nevertheless, as politics is the game of dirty promises, therefore, he went under invisible obligations of unseen guarantors or mentors.  The power players found a better medium or short cut to come in power, and he compromised on the hope that his tsunami will vanquish all opponents. However, the team he has inducted is so powerful that even he could not dare to disagree the decision of the committee. That is now part of the record that how he signed the letter for assurance; but then failed to convince the party giants.  Because the big players knew that, the rebellion will keep fighting on compromises, which could ruin their plan to do anything to get power.

The trauma of this sudden separation and the media war were too much to bear for Marvi. However, she did not surrender or kept quiet, besides she had a visible support of PML-N in all media war. It was obvious and predicted by many analysts that the next venture of her political career is now PML-N.

Now, the question that why she chose PML-N, people would certainly not have that short memory that the how Ms Memon fought on all forums and remained against to PML-N, So why another crush with the enemy?

The fact is, that she would never go to PPP due to fundamental differences despite the fact that a part of PPP has some soft corner for her. However, the presence of other strong, loud mouth, and young women like Shazia Mari and Sharmila Farooqi would make it impossible for her to come in lime light and make the place what she always needed.  She always dreamt to get a prime position, while PPP’s is basic criteria is about sacrifice. Same would happen in MQM, the strict party lines and the discipline under the shadow of Altaf Hussain could make it impossible for her to tolerate. The last factor was a nationalist, which is the actual reason that PML-N decided to make an investment. It is crystal like clear that Marvis is leftist, even if she denies, but her moves, her presence to go in rallies, fight for the rights or labourers and speak out  on other issues has developed close ties and contacts with nationalists. PML-N has no place in Sindh, their four-year’s desperate efforts has given nothing but sheer disappointment to the party. Therefore, Marvi can be the key to open to doors of PML-N on nationalists or can become a source for any future alliance to counter PPP’s hold in interior Sindh. Politics is the name of give and take; she was desperate for a platform while they needed a loaded gun to not onlyto  start fire on PPP,  but to replace the respected Gaus Ali Shah in future, as his age is his biggest enemy to play on front foot. Therefore, not a bad choice for PML for the next president of Sindh PML-N and GOOD LUCK for Ms Memon too that sooner or later she will get some position to fulfil her dream. Now, the actual drama is going to start that who will use who?

As compromises and give and take is fine at it's place but the rebellion will always inside her.   Mian Sahib has nevertheless, has declared her as a new asset of PML-N but isn't he  well aware of the potential of this fully loaded missile and must have kept the strategy to keep the rebellion in control?