Ghousi (28-03-2009)

Pause. Yes one has to take a pause and reflect in moments of sorrow and happiness. So pause I must not to be silent in memory of my good friend Sabihuddin Ghausi, who is no more. But to reflect on my long association with him, to rewind and replay many long evenings, I had with him over a drink or too many, and to thinks about his multi-faceted personality, which somehow we don’t do when our loved ones are alive and smiling around us. Yes pause I must take time out from the usual terrorism, constitutional booby-traps and economic meltdown, to write about all that Ghausi was. But then Ghausi was all that what I just said I want to put on a pause.

Ghausi was a left-leaning democrat and that is what influenced his writings as a journalist, his trade unionist activities, his struggle for freedom of expression, his love for the people, his strong desire for peace (particularly with India which he lovingly remembered as his ‘Janambhomi’). Once we were together in Mumbai, he took me to show the hospital in which he was born.

He was clear unlike many Pakistani journalists that secularism is an essential part of democracy, which imbibed in him the rejection of political and militant Islam. This does not mean that he was irreligious. Ghausi had performed Hajj with his wife a few years back and was very regular with his Friday prayers. But in discussion on religion he would often lean towards Sufism, which provided space to his pluralistic views.

Given the nature of the multi-ethnic composition of Pakistan, Ghausi strongly believed in true federalism. This was amply reflected in the last few years’ writings of Ghausi, which made him the undisputed champion of provincial autonomy. I told Dr. Jabbar Khattak, Editor of the Sindhi newspaper Awami Awaz at Ghausi’s funeral that today Sindh has lost a crusader for its rights, in the English media. Mukarram Bokhari corrected me that even Sindhi press did not present Sindh’s just rights that effectively as it was done by Ghausi. And he was right, because very few nationalist have presented their case with facts and figures. Some have attempted but at times they were not able to restrain themselves from sentimentalism or exaggeration.

His love for democracy also made him bitter about the military dictators. Sometime I would argue with him that his bitterness encroaches on his journalistic objectivity. But my friend Ghausi loved and hated things with equal vigour.

He was elected many times as President of the Karachi Union of Journalists and was always in the vanguard of the PFUJ. During his younger days he followed PFUJ’s most prominent leader Minhaj Barna blindly. But with age all of us have mellowed. So he had no more boxing bouts with our friend Abdul Hameed Chappra with whom he had a long love-hate relationship.

His trade unionism was not restricted for the economic rights of the newspaper employees; the greater part of his struggle was for the freedom of press. He was always in the forefront and was not shy to go to prison during General Ziaul Haq’s dictatorial regime. He also remained President of the Karachi Press Club many times although I would always advise him that one time is enough. In any case it is quite a thankless job as most journalists are not convinced that KPC should be managed on self-financing basis instead of depending on donations and grants. Early this year he lost the last election of KUJ badly, though apparently he took it in a sporting sprit I feel that he was very upset about this defeat.

One of the many good qualities of Ghausi was that unlike many trade unionists and press club office bearers he never neglected his professional work. He believed that a journalist is known through his writings and not other positions. This is something other activist-cum-journalists should emulate.

As a person he had a soft heart which was easily moved by other people’s miseries. Though he had no children, he loved them immensely. His Rashida, who he loved madly, told me that he showers his fatherly love on the children of his neighbourhood. He would not forget to bring gifts for neighbours’ children, who would pass the examination or on their birthdays.

He died peacefully while sleeping. My regret is that he could not see a Pakistan which we all desire. The desire that is burning out all the sensitive people each day and each night. A wish that is death to hide! (ayazbabar@gmail.com)

Please manage your victory prudently (21-03-2009)

The dawn of Monday the16th was indeed brighter for the people of Pakistan. A great weight of uncertainty caused by the lingering issue of the restoration of judges was lifted from the suffering people’s mind. The massive show of strength by the determined opposition-lawyers’ rally finally wringed the positive decision from the government. Relief was writ on the faces of the people when I went out for my morning walk. Some people even waived and congratulated that the show was over.

Is the show really over? The legal fraternity has already started saying that CJP Iftikhar will have to clean the house first by sending the PCO judges home. At the same time there is issue of increasing the strength of judges in the superior judiciary. Many judges and lawyers feel that the Supreme and High Courts judges’ strength cannot be increased through a finance bill, as it was done by the present government with the consent of PML (N). Now if CJP Iftikhar will take this view then another tussle between the government and judiciary may start.

Interestingly the lawyers who have been protesting against these PCO and reappointed judges kept on appearing before them. Many judgments of these judges were accepted by them. Now it remains to be seen how the same lawyers would campaign that these disputed judges are shown the door by the CJP, while their judgments are taken as are accepted.

All eyes would now be on CJP Iftikhar. Last time when he was restored in July 2007 he had the same dilemma whether to come up to popular expectations, or tread the path prudently. One of the problems with some judges in the past has been that they love talk in ‘headlines,’ while listening to the case. This is what happened and pre-warned President General Musharraf in the case against his elections. The judges have to dispense law and not compete in the popularity competition. I am afraid that the recent movement may encourage imprudent populist streak in some judges. They should do justice but keeping a low profile. Let the judgments speak. The judges should refrain from playing to the galleries. The judges and legal fraternity strategy should be one step at a time it’s the great leaps which lead to the clash of institutions.

Now that major demand of the lawyers has been accepted they should go back to their chambers and start taking a hard look on the rampant corruption and inefficiency at the lower level of judiciary. It is at the lower level that the people suffer from the injustices, as only a few can appeal to the high courts.

At the same time the lawyers should do some soul searching for they are one who play every delaying tactics in the book, when it is in their own or in their client’s interest. That is one of the reasons that cases are not decided for decades. Some black sheep also act as the touts for the corrupt judges. The Bar Associations have led a two-year long movement, they are galvanized enough to reform their own organisations also and ensure ethical practice.

On the other hand it seems that Prime Minister Gilani is being encouraged to claim his rightful constitutional position by the establishment and the opposition. And President Zardari is being pushed to remain within the four-walls of the constitution. If the President’s power to dissolve the government is taken away, as offered by him in his address to the parliament, then his only strength would be his position as the PPP Co-chairman. Now political circles are debating would President Zardari be able to control the party once the Prime Minister and the establishment starts calling shots and his wings are clipped? One view is that the establishment would like a meek person in command who listens to them instead of President Zardari and his kitchen cabinet. Zardari team is considered too soft on India and too committed with the Americans to fight Jehadi organisations.

However, people of Pakistan are hoping that the leadership should now stop political bickering and let the present dispensation complete its term. If the opposition does not like anything it has a democratic right to speak up and say that they would change such polices after they are elected in 2013. (ayazbabar@gmail.com)

Stand Off (14-03-2009)

It would be hazardous for any political analyst to forecast on a Saturday afternoon, what would be the out come of the opposition-lawyers sit-in on the coming Monday the16th. As I write this column the political situation is in state of flux. So let’s examine the attitude of all the players so far.

Everybody, whether it is a friendly country or independent political commentator, is pleading for sanity. But both the government and PML (N) lawyers’ alliance have so far not shown some flexibility perhaps for fear of loosing face. Both are not realising that when the people are sick and tired of this stand off, anybody who would show flexibility would be the end beneficiary. People and history always side with those who have sagacity and statesmanship, and not with hard nuts who suffer from ego.

The major burden of showing flexibility is always on the government. President Zardari should not think that by showing flexibility unilaterally, he will be weakened and it would be political success of Sharif brothers or the lawyers’ movement. He should remember that higher one rises the lower he/she should bend in humility. In this difficult time when it seems that the Sharif’s are cleverly trying to isolate him, a retired Sindhi politician, who does not have good relations with Zardari, the other day was found defending him. His plea was that most of the people who dislike President Zardari for his past and present mistakes fail to recognise that he has a few plus points also – “he is showing flexibility on the issue of Governor’s rule, on letting majority form the government in Punjab, find some way to get the Sharif’s disqualification over-ruled, take a courageous stand against all the Jehadi forces, speak in favour of improving ties with India and still enjoys the support of the army and the West.”

But what he failed to mention, in spite of his bitter relations with Zardari for last many years, is that the President like Caesar is ambitious. His ambition to control Punjab through shenanigans of Taseer and his over-zealous supporters is creating a Brutus (read: Gilani). It’s high time that President Zardari should rise in his own long term political interest shunning away petty short-term gains and ask Gilani to announce that infamous November 3 order of Musharraf will be presented before the parliament for review immediately.

This will take the discussion back to the parliament where it actually belongs. And give an opportunity to Sharifs and lawyers movement to step back. But the problem is because President Zardari has reneged from his earlier promises; the other side may see it as a time gaining tactics. For this the forces which are working behind the scene for the compromise should stand guarantee that the November 3 order would be quashed minus the NRO. This would give the NRO security blanket to many politicians of PPP, PML (Q) and MQM, who are beneficiary of this order.

Those who oppose this order should get real. In this country amnesty has been given many times to the military dictators who have violated the constitution of the country; no action was taken against the supreme court judges who validate such coups (and that include the currest hero Ch Iftikhar); generals, who were responsible for breaking the country, creating number of private armies of Islamic militant organisations were buried or seen off with full military guard of honour; they were never tried for mutilating the constitution and killing elected prime minister in a fabricated case. Then why the politicians could not be given an amnesty particularly when their cases were not proved by the military government. And more so because the people of Pakistan have elected these politicians in spite of 9 years character assassination.

The country is facing serious insurgency and is likely to see more commotion as it would have to dismantle the militant organisations. It needs reconciliation of political forces and the army, as Ms Bhutto had envisaged.

As I said the first responsibility is always on an incumbent government, but the secondary onus is on the opposition and the leaders of lawyers’ movement. They have not shown any flexibility so far. While all democrats condemn the arrests of political workers by the government to foil the long march, there is also concern over lawyers demand to hold an indefinite sit-in on the Constitution Avenue. Such a sit-in would paralyse the Federal government and embassies, as all important offices are in the same area. The lawyers’ leader should think about the great economic and prestige loss to the country, if the government comes to a stand still. The entire democratic dispensation is at the risk of being trampled by the high boots. The lawyers’ leaders’ attitude would also be dubbed as irresponsible, if they do not accept the alternate venue for sit-in. There are many sensible people in the lawyers leadership they should not let the agent provocateurs and some hot heads lead them the brink. Today their head strong attitude is not going to do any good to the people of this miserable country.

Their demand for the restoration of judges has been partly met. Rest can be achieved by getting November 3 order quashed by the parliament if not fully may be partly. They should insist that this order should be taken to the parliament and reviewed, instead of making it a person specific demands. Ch. Iftikhar has become of symbol of defiance and is honoured for that. But he should also rise to the occasion and say that he would resign once he is reinstated and vindicated. The next senior most Judges then should be elevated as Chief Justice of Pakistan.

So all these options are available. Will President Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani, Sharif brothers and lawyers leaders save the poor people from the agony, should be come clear today. It’s not show of state or street power that will solve the impasse, it is humility, sagacity, flexibility and honest love of the people that would find the workable solution.

For the first time I hope that by the time this column is read it has become redundant and the impasse is resolved by the leadership showing maturity. But then if wishes were horse we the beggars would ride them. (ayazbabar@gmail.com)

Stop all nonsense and focus on terrorism! (09-03-2009)

Stop the nonsense please!! This is the message people of Pakistan should give to their political and military leadership. It’s high time that this message should go out loud and clear to all those who matter and are involved in routine politicking. They are not realising the gravity of the situation. How many Swats, how many FATAs, how many Mumbai and Lahore type attacks, how many suicide killings and how much blood of the innocent people would bring them to their senses? That is the question which haunts every person who can see where the country is going.

Everybody is feeling ashamed of the broad daylight attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. Our heads hang in shame. Only the other day guests at a wedding bee-lined to apologise to the only Sri Lankan they found attending a wedding in the city. News papers are full of letters to editor and TV channels are loaded with the tickers in which the common man of Pakistan is expressing his disgust over the incident. Genuine questions are being raised on the security lapses. The Sri Lankan team and government must be shocked to read reports that there were civil and military intelligence reports forewarning a RAW engineered attack on the team. They have the right to ask us that if we knew about the threat way back in January then why the hell did we not share this information with them. Indeed, this is not cricket. People are asking whether these reports are genuine or inspired to shift the blame on the Indians and get even with them for their allegations on Pakistan after the Mumbai attacks?

On the other hand nobody in the government is accepting that there was a security lapse and has resigned from their position. Grace is in dearth in this country anyway. On the contrary the whole government is busy in trying to knock-together a sham majority in the Punjab Assembly to make the government. Wait a minute; the irony is that the opposition is also trying to use the Lahore tragedy to score points against the government.

And lo and behold, the opposition parties want to carry on with the long march and indefinite sit-in for the restoration of the CJP Iftikhar Chaudhry and a couple of judges. Their demand is just but timing and tactics is not right. They should realise that the country is going through a serious insurgency. What could be more alarming then reports that our army has to take permission from the likes of Fazlullah in Swat before moving from one place to another, while Taliban rule with impunity. What could be more upsetting than that the terrorists can strike in any city of the country? What could be more disturbing that everyday scores of people are killed in internal skirmishes? What could be more than that the whole world is warning us to close the militants’ training center in Pakistan? What could be more dangerous than that Pakistan has been hyphenated with Afghanistan by the Americans? What could be more pre-monishing than that the war in Afghanistan is going to escalate in the coming months and is bound to spill over with increased intensity into Pakistan? And this is taking its toll on the economy which needs the stability to recover from the present dire condition, something which is an immediate concern of the common man of Pakistan.

The opposition should fight out on the political issues remaining within the democratic norms in the Assembly and not on the street. Agreed that holding rallies and processions is part of the democratic norm, but at this juncture there is always a danger of the militants exploiting the opportunity. All they have to do is to start the fire and then the police would go wild, whether they are ordered to do so or not by the high ups. We have seen many rallies where only a handful of people can convert a peaceful rally into a violent battle field.

Having said that I think the greater responsibility is on President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani. They have imposed the Governor’s rule in Punjab which should be withdrawn and the majority party should be allowed to form the Punjab government. They should settle the issue of judges and announce who would be the next Chief Justice if CJP Iftikhar is not acceptable to them. If they are afraid that Iftikhar would undo the NRO, they should work out a deal with Mian Nawaz Sharif to pass a bill in the assembly giving legal cover to the much cherished law.

Both the opposition and the government should give top priority: to combating terrorism in the country; to restraining all Jihadi organisations from interfering in our neighbours’ affairs; to dismantling the Jihadi organisations as no country can afford to have private armies, period.

We have seen what this policy of nurturing militant Islamic organisations has done to the country. Today our children are ashamed and terrorized to live in the country. Nobody wants to visit Pakistan. Those who dare have to pay a much higher insurance and are discouraged by their family and friends. We are fast becoming a pariah of the world, if we are not one already. Please focus single-mindedly on these issues first. Rest we can handle once the precariously ill Pakistan is out of the ICU and its security and economic condition is stablised. There is a right time for everything. Get your priorities right or else history will not forgive the present political and military leadership. (ayazbabar@gmail.com Blog: babarayaz.wordpress.com)

Of justices and injustices (27-02-2009)

Decision to disqualify Mian Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif was neither surprising nor shocking, as some commentators and politicians are putting it. All along the Sharif’s alleged it publicly that justice was not expected by them from ‘PCO judges.’

They have been rightly questioning the independence of judiciary and are committed to bring back CJP Ch. Iftikhar back. Though not rightly formulated, as it is personality-driven and not issue driven, politically it is a principled stand and cannot be brushed aside. In this situation when their proposers’ appealed that a larger bench of ‘non-PCO judges’ should be formulated to hear their case, they did not get justice. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find people of substance in this society who would rise above their egos and personal prejudices. So the expectation that Sharif’s lawyers’ plea would get a sympathetic hearing was not realistic.

Now let’s look at another aspect of this case. Sharifs have openly blamed that President Zardari has influenced the court’s decision. The general perception is that they are right in making this assumption. And if this assumption is correct then the question is why PML (N) expected any favour from President Zardari. Their short honeymoon, which gave starry-eyed analysts like me hope that the democratic system would be finally strengthened in this country, was over long ago. In this case it was the Sharif’s who divorced Zardari in favour of their love with the lawyers’ movement. Although, political sagacity demanded not to break an alliance on a single issue. The country needed this alliance as it is faced with a much bigger threat of Talibanisation and American pressure.

The Sharifs have pledged to participate in the long march and the indefinite sit-in in Islamabad on 16^th March. This perhaps was the last salvo for President Zardari. And then don’t forget he has not forgotten incarceration and humiliation he suffered during the Sharif’s regime. So once again expecting favours or high-political ethics from the President was day-dreaming.

Most legal experts are of the view that disqualification of Shahbaz Sharif was not the right decision, because he has been exonerated by the court after his elections. It cannot be held that at the time election he was still a convicted person for two reasons: one, if the court exonerates a person then it means he was never guilty; and two, the Prime Minister himself was exonerated after taking office.

However, in Mian Nawaz Sharif’s case the PPP supporters are saying that his sentence was upheld by the High Court. Leaving aside the merits of a flimsy case against him, the court could have considered the fact that soon after conviction he was packed off to Saudi Arabia under a deal. So he was not able to file his appeal against the High Court’s decision.

In any case no law of the country allows exile of a citizen. The government can say that it was a self-imposed exile. But then the same applies to the PPP leaders who went abroad and did not return till they were given amnesty under NRO. Why this NRO cannot be expanded to give amnesty to Sharifs? Particularly when the fact is that Sharif’s government was removed by General Musharraf unconstitutionally. Charges that as Nawaz Sharif was trying to hijack the COAS plane, the army was forced to bring the coup have been proved wrong even by General Musharraf’s own account in his book ‘In the line of fire.’ The army was all set to bring the coup in any case on the COAS’s return; Nawaz Sharif failed to check-mate him.

While the disqualification decision would remain questionable in the legal history of Pakistan, the immediate imposition of the Governor’s Rule in Punjab implicates the PPP leadership in this legal coup.

If PPP wanted to carry BB’s ‘Reconciliation’ agenda forward to be benevolent to Sharifs, it would have given time to PML (N) to nominate another Chief Minister and seek his election from the house. This could have raised the stature of PPP leadership. But the horse-trading which was considered bad during the senate election has now started hectically. And the dead horse of PML (Q), I am told has the highest price. Interesting, isn’t it.

The PML (N)’s major mistake was that while it anticipated a decision it did not prepare for it. In the first place they should have nominated some other leader of the party as Chief Minister till Shahbaz Sharif had cleared all legal hurdles. But as my friend Kamal Azfar once said the problem with most political parties in Pakistan is that the leadership does not see beyond their families. The PML (N) is the majority party in Punjab Assembly, but it can only form the government by joining hands with some other party. PPP had the right to pull-out from the coalition and see how PML (N) cobbles a fresh alliance.

The court decision and subsequent imposition of Governor’s rule does not augur well for the democracy in the country, which is still in its infancy. Normally such political shocks are absorbed by a democratic structure in many countries where the institutions are stronger. But unfortunately Pakistan has always had the shadow of a third force (military establishment) lurking on the country. Infighting of the major political parties; Taliban’s insurgency in the PATA, FATA and Pukhtunkhwa; expected escalation of war with Taliban in Afghanistan and its outfall on Pakistan; increased American pressure; armed upsurge in Balochistan; Jihadi organisations attempts to spoil our relations with India; and economic crunch is enough for some General to address the nation on PTV on one dark evening. Politicians and lawyers, please be aware of this danger. People of Pakistan want stability as uncertainty is nerve-wrecking. Please be kind to them.

(ayazbabar@gmail.com Blog: babarayaz.wordpress.com)