March 27, 2013
Mohammad Jamil

In the context of governance or running the state, the Holy Quran has mentioned the word ‘shura’ (mutual consultation), which is hall mark of democracy. The basic pillars of a true democracy are consultation, justice, equality and accountability. There are difference shades of democracy. More than 2500 years ago, Greek city states had practiced democracy but slaves had no vote and no rights.

Today, democracy is a system of government in which the whole population or all the eligible members of a state participate through elected representatives of the people. Western democracy, a byproduct of capitalism, emerged after Industrial Revolution, and has its own bourgeois culture and values. Democracy in Islam, however, has a different connotation. Muslim scholars point out that in Holy Quran the emphasis is on al-nas (in English it is masses). Allah addresses Al-nas for passing on His commandments; prophets were sent to al-nas, who were directed to change themselves and rewards and blessings are announced for al-nas. Holy Quran starts in the name of Allah and ends on Al-Nas.

But some extremist and militants groups in Pakistan, especially Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) oppose democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law. They have also started propagating negative themes like “Why democracy is forbidden for tribes”. A propaganda leaflet distributed by militants of Pasban-e-Shariat Organization in North Waziristan, rejecting the democratic system in FATA, is a case in point. The aim is to reject the process of elections and create an atmosphere of anarchy and lawlessness in FATA. It has to be mentioned that Objectives Resolution was passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, according to which the nation should seek guidance from Quran and Sunnah. In 1956, first Constitution of Pakistan was framed and the country became Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In 1973 Constitution, which was unanimously adopted, it has been stipulated that no law would be made contrary to Quran and sunnah. Pakistan is essentially a democracy guided by the Islamic principles and core values of Islam.

In this backdrop, there is no concept of showing disrespect to the tribe or family. Secondly, political and religious parties participate in the system and the system does not exclude or discriminate any one on the basis of caste or creed. Respecting women is very much Islamic and democracy also advocates the same.

Democracy does not adversely impact cultural bonds and social obligations, so the veil system stays, as democracy honors values set by the society. It does not promote vulgarity in a predominantly Muslim country like Pakistan. It does not tend to destroy the established cultural norms and tribal system. All Muslims believe that Islam is a complete code of life. Allama Iqbal wrote: “The state from Islamic standpoint is an endeavour to transform ideal principles into space-time forces, an inspiration to realize them in a definite human organization”. Freedom means liberation of mankind from forces of exploitation, oppression, suppression and manipulation.

It also means freedom from gods other than God, from idols of traditions and customs, from political and bureaucratic strongholds, from the sorceries of clerics, obscurantist and religious shysters, from ignorance and poverty. Only when a man is freed from all these thoughts, can he think progressively and feel the existence of one God. Since Prophet Mohammad was the last Prophet, Islam therefore is the deen for all the times to come. And which is why periodic reinterpretation of Islamic teachings in the light of inventions, discoveries and new sciences is imperative so that it can offer inspiration to all the people at all times. The principle of such movement is called Ijtihad, which could provide new perceptions to the world vision. According to Allama Iqbal, “The only effective power that counteracts the forces of decay in a people is the rearing of self-concentrated individuals. Such individuals alone reveal the depth of life. They disclose new standards in the light of which we begin to see that our environment is not wholly inviolable and requires revision”.

In a video released to the media, TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said the militant outfit was withdrawing its offer of peace talks with the government. The TTP also asked the people to stay away from elections, which it said, was only serving the interests of infidels and enemies of Islam. Fazallullah had also expressed his disdain for democracy, parliament and the Constitution of Pakistan, after which the entire nation including politicos had demanded action against his thugs. Democracy is a form of government which empowers people to rule and share the authority to govern and make decisions as agreed by the verdict of majority. The system ensures enforcement of rule of law and provision of justice to all and sundry while the process guarantees across the board accountability. Nothing is forcibly imposed on the political will, internal psyche and social leaning of people who fully enjoy the freedom of thought and action. The democratic system is widely popular in the world and every civilized society tends to acknowledge its merits and its associated values.

In Pakistan, democracy is inching forward; however all stake holders including Judiciary, Armed Forces, politicians, media and civil society are keen to see democracy flourishing in the country.

The process is on and steps are being taken in the right direction to make democracy stronger. Unfortunately TTP, the banned outfit, demonstrating its undemocratic trends openly opposes democracy. Over the years in war against terrorism, the brand of Taliban in Pakistan proved to be worst of its kind, highly insensitive towards humanity and vicious in nature. Non-combatant casualties at the hands of terrorists, ruthless beheading of tribesmen/security personnel and exploitation of ignorant Pakistani Muslims for suicide attacks are the proofs of TTP’s un-Islamic and anti-social practices. Moreover, denying education to girls, attacking female teachers, destroy not only girls but also boys’ schools, killing worshippers in mosques, disgracing bodies, desecrating mausoleum and shrines of Sufi Saints, are the patterns of TTP militants which reflect that they neither have basic knowledge of Islam nor they care for the Islamic virtues.

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/article/213903/

March 27, 2013

Shaukat Hayat Buneri

As we all know that for the first time in the history of our country the roots of democracy seems to be strengthened and consolidated with the continuation of democratic process in our country.

The government formed in the wake of the February 2008 election has completed its five years constitutional and legal term. During the course of five years the people have also gained much knowledge and awareness about the role and significance of democratic culture in our country. So it can be said without any exaggeration that the government that will come in to power after the next election will be more scrupulous and cautious to fulfill the wishes and aspirations of the people by whom vote it comes in to existence.

The credit of for the continuation of five years term is no doubt goes to the outgoing rulers of the country. Despite the fact that the people have to confront many hardships and challenges at all fronts of their life. Particularly the heinous acts of violence and target killing in Khyber Pkakhtunkhwa, FATA, Baluchistan and Karachi have shaken the very existence of the integrity and solidarity of our state.

Some time the situation were seems to be so much alarmed and aggravated that that very one echoed the resonance of the military revolution. But it is also a good omen and a break though that the military leadership by the dint of its wisdom and acumen took every decision in the largest interest of the people of Pakistan and did not derail the democratic process of the country. Thus the role of military leadership is also laudable in this regard.

Moreover it also merits mentioning here that why the continuation of democratic process is much needed for the strength and development of a country. The best answer to this question is that in the absence of a proper political will and awareness, the rulers and the people both suffered the most to cope with the existing challenges of the state.

The discontinuation of democracy and the concentration of power in few hands keep the people aloof to take part in the affairs of their state. Resultantly, the elements of despair, hopelessness, inferiority complex and dependency on the back of others have grown up in them tremendously.
The people too failed to differentiate between good and bad. In this way their right to vote and thought was curtailed and usurped by the dictators comfortably. Media and judiciary also became tools at the hands of the rulers while the executive and legislature were used as a rubber stamp only.

That is the reason that whenever the people and their leadership were given a chance to rule, they committed many mistakes to deliver in true sense. The politics of selfishness or the lust for power or to perpetuate their evil designs greatly lowered down their images in general public. As a result the military leadership got an easy plea to take the rein of the state in to their hands.
However this time the vehicle of democracy continued unabated on its track due to the political wisdom and acumen of both the political and military leadership of the country and the process is still going on unabated. Albeit they have not delivered in true sense and the people have suffered a lot during the last five years. The excessive energy shortfall, the worst law and order situation, sky rocketing prices and untold episodes of the growing menace of corruption raised many eye brows and doubts about the credence of the outgoing rulers of the state.

So it is now unpredictable for all the political analysts of our country that which party or political alliance will form the next government in the wake of the election to be held expectedly after two months. All are agreed upon the notion that formation of the governments at central or provincial level will be an uphill task for any party single handedly.

A hung parliament is expected to come in to existence. However it is also expected that this time our people will surely be able enough to make choice of better and sincere representatives for themselves as compared to the past. They will mostly cast their vote irrespective of any regional, provincial or linguistic grounds. They will keep their performance and track record of development while casting their vote in polling booths.

The creation of this trend among the voters also goes to the continuation of democracy in our country during the last five years. For the continuity of democracy and an atmosphere of free media and judiciary have created a lot of political awareness among our people which is indeed a good omen and bright prospect for the flourishing of democratic system of our country. They will definitely abstain to repeat the mistakes committed by them in the past. The turn courts will no more deceive them.

They will surely keep watch on the performance of the government. The days of the politics of drawing rooms are vanishing away rapidly with the continuation of democratic process in our country. The more you strengthen democracy, the more you realize the concept of the good governance. Let us pledge to wok day in, day out for the strengthening of democratic culture in our country. Only through this way we can remove and overcome the shortcomings and draw backs of democracy and poor governance. Let us hope for the best.

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/article/213904/

By: Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi

There is difference between procedure of democracy and substance of democracy

The election schedule has been announced and the voting will take place on May 11, 2013. The politics in Pakistan will be dominated by the election process for the next three months, involving a lot more controversies, negative propaganda, character assassination of candidates and political leaders and court cases. There will be outside runners who would question the electoral process and attempt to make it difficult to hold the elections on time in the name of free and fair elections.

It is a matter of satisfaction that the outgoing assemblies have completed their terms which has strengthened the formal and procedural aspect of democracy in Pakistan. However, the substance and quality of democracy continues to be poor. The elected governments have performed poorly and the political leadership often found it difficult to rise above their narrow, subjective and partisan mindset.

The inability, if not failure, of the two major political parties, the PPP and the PML-N, to agree on a caretaker prime minister is the latest example how the political parties take up the issues of democratic politics as an ego competition and how they can play tough with each other. This was meant to show to their supporters and voters that they had not allowed the other side to get away with its choice.

This is a good example of the difference between the procedural and performance side of democracy. The political activists of both parties are arguing that this is not a failure. After all, the nomination of the caretaker prime minister by the election commission is a constitutional procedure. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in it. From the perspective of procedures and formalities, it is constitutional for the election commission to nominate a caretaker prime minister if the political leaders fail to do that. However, from the perspective of the quality and performance of democracy, it is poor politics that the political leaders and parties cannot settle political issues and they approach non-elected institution for getting their problems resolved.
The election commission option is a conflict resolution method provided in the constitution that becomes operative when the ego-oriented politicians with feudal-tribal notion of political competition cannot solve the political problems which is their primary responsibility.

One major challenge to democracy and representative governance in Pakistan is that political leaders have a tendency to look towards non-elected institutions for settling their political scores. Political leaders and parties will not accommodate each other but would approach a non-elected state institution for helping them out or for resolving the problem. They may discreetly cultivate the military to strengthen their political bargaining position. If there is a tension between the civilian government and the military top brass, the political opposition is likely to lean towards the military or exploit the civil-military tension to its advantage at the expense of the civilian government. The Memo Issue (2011-2012) is a good example of such a political fight.

The superior judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, has become the key arena of political contestation for the competing political interests. A large number of political cases are filed in the Supreme Court or the Supreme Court (sometimes even High Courts) take notice of the matter on their own. The political issues have to be addressed at the political level by political leaders and organisations and dealt with through the elected assemblies and their committees.

Now, the election commission, a constitutional institution, nevertheless non-elected, settles the matter that the political leaders should have done it through mutual accommodation.

There was no reason to make an issue out of it because the constitution talks of the caretaker prime minister or chief minister only in the context of holding the elections. This means that caretaker prime minister or chief minister is not expected to make major policy changes. The primary objective of caretaker administration is to facilitate free and fair elections by making sure that the state institutions and officials do not adopt a partisan disposition. It also provides the necessary support to the Elections Commission for holding fair, free and transparent elections. Another important function of caretaker administration is to manage the day-to-day working of government and to maintain law and order through various state agencies performing this task, especially for the election purposes.

Another divergence between the procedures and substance of democracy will cause tension in the political circles and it is expected some of these issues will go to the courts. The election commission has given a short margin of time for filing nomination papers i.e., March 24-29.

The new nomination papers require a lot of information that places the candidates in a difficult situation. There is a widespread support for scrutinising the candidates minutely because the underlying assumption is that tough scrutiny of candidates will ensure that only angel-like people will go to the assemblies in a society were corruption is rampant. General Musharraf thought before the 2002 elections that the people with the graduation degrees will make a better parliament. He imposed that condition. How far the 20002 assemblies of academic degree holders performed better than the earlier assemblies is known to all of us. The fallout of this law is still with us as some people are facing court trials or strong propaganda barrage for making false statement about their educational qualification. It is not clear if the voters cared for the academic qualifications of the candidates.

We will soon start seeing the political and societal fallout of the new nomination papers. The political opponents are getting ready to raise objections on each other’s nomination papers. This is likely to open flood-gates of charges and counter charges. There will be more controversies and court cases this time regarding the nomination papers than ever.

Imran Khan started his election campaign with a public meeting in Lahore on March 23. His discourse (especially the initial part) comprised highly religious and nationalist statements. However, the promises he made were secular in nature. It is not clear if his close associates and policy advisers share his religious disposition. There was music and dancing for the liberals and moderates. Imran Khan is offering something to everybody, although his statements projected him more religious than the Jamaat-i-Islami.

Pakistan is on the election ride. Hopefully, the political leaders will attempt to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, promise and delivery as well as between the procedures and substance of democracy.

The writer is an independent political and defence analyst.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/columns/

March 29, 2013
Malik Muhammad Ashraf 0



For the political forces that have been eager to see democracy taking root in the country and power transferred through the ballot, the dream has come true with the nomination of caretaker Prime Minister by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

A new tradition would have been set if the political leaders themselves had nominated him. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to note that the process has culminated without any hiccup.

As soon as the nomination of Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as caretaker Prime Minister was announced by the ECP, the PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, MQM and JUI rightly hailed the decision and expressed confidence in his ability to hold impartial elections in Pakistan. But it was really disappointing to see that these parties, except PPP and ANP, did not attend his oath-taking ceremony, which would have set yet another healthy democratic tradition in the country.
Political pundits assume that they, probably, did not attend the ceremony because of their grievances against the PPP. That behaviour is regrettable and unbecoming of the political entities practicing the art of politics at the national level.

The PML-N did not participate because the oath was being administered by President Asif Ali Zardari that is even more reproachable.

Whether someone likes it or not, Zardari is the President and it was in this capacity that he was administering the oath.

If the PML-N leadership had any personal grudge against him, it should not have been allowed to cast its shadow on matters of national importance.
The President deserves the protocol and respect that is attached to his august office and our political leaders must learn from the leaders of other democratic countries to rise above narrow political or personal considerations.
For democracy to function on healthy lines, it is imperative that politicians exhibit democratic behaviour. It would be unreasonable on anybody’s part to expect high standards of morality and political behaviour by our politicians like in the established democracies, but one can surely gravitate to see them making an auspicious beginning by doing small things like showing tolerance towards each other and participating in events of national importance.

Nonetheless, it is gratifying to note that the caretaker PM enjoys the confidence of all major political players on the chessboard of Pakistani politics. Justice Khoso has had an impeccable career as a judge and enjoys good reputation.

Another positive factor is that he belongs to Balochistan that might help in placating the Baloch nationalists and tempt them to join the mainstream of national politics by participating in the ensuing elections.

The caretaker PM, immediately after his nomination, told the media that his first and foremost priority would be to help the ECP ensure the holding of free and fair elections and that he would treat all the political parties equally. That, indeed, is very reassuring. The words of a savant like him can be safely taken at their face value.

He also made it clear that the President did not have any role in the elections; an implied reference to the often repeated allegations by a political party that free and fair elections could not be held while Zardari was in office.
He is right because the elections will be held by the ECP with the support of the Chief Executive and the President does not figure in the scheme of things in this regard.

With a neutral and honest man heading the Executive, assertive ECP, pro-active judiciary and the ever vigilant media, it would almost be impossible for any entity or individual to influence the outcome of the elections in any unconstitutional manner taking advantage of his position.

Much will also depend on the way the political parties conduct themselves, in regard to the efforts of the ECP and the caretaker setup in the holding of elections in a transparent manner.

They need to behave in a responsible manner and focus more on their election campaigns, instead of mudslinging and launching personal attacks on their rivals because ultimately it is on the basis of their performance, or the programmes for the future, that the people have to make their choices.
For the polls to be free, fair and transparent, it is essential that they are held in a convivial atmosphere, and traditional hostility and animosity among the political parties gives way to a healthy and productive competition.

Now that all is set to translate the dream of transition of power and consolidate the gains of democracy, all stakeholders, especially the political parties, owe it to the masses not to do anything that shatters their faith in the democratic process or provides any excuse to the forces inimical to the democratic dispensation to make their move and drag once again the country back into the dark alley.

The political parties and their leaders must also desist from statements or actions that could make the role of ECP or the caretaker government controversial.

They should keep faith in the impartiality and the capability of these institutions to make the 2013 elections a significant milestone in our march towards a political polity envisioned by the Founding Father.

Another very important factor in this respect would be the acceptance of election results with an open heart, the lack of which has been the bane of democracy in this country.

The nation has suffered the consequences of this kind of behaviour and we surely need a break from this dreadful experience of the past. Merely paying lip service and making tall claims about their love for democracy is not enough.

Political parties will have to show their commitment through their actions. That is the only way forward. Any digression from this path may produce negative results.

The media and intelligentsia also have a great responsibility in guiding the people to understand what is at stake, and reporting the unfolding events in an objective and impartial manner to play their contributory role in strengthening democracy.

The writer is a freelance columnist. Email: ashpak10@gmail.com

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-ne...inions/columns

March 29, 2013
Azam Khalil 0



“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
– Corinthians

As expected, the burden to nominate caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab had been shifted to PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif. This has once again highlighted the extreme polarisation that exists in our political culture.
When the PML-N expressed serious reservations over the PPP nominated candidate, Shaukat Basra, it was evident that both parties would pursue a hard line, making it extremely difficult for them to reach a consensus on the matter.

It would have been better if the leaders of the house and the opposition in the Punjab Assembly themselves had succeeded in nominating the caretaker Chief Minister. Unfortunately, they failed to do so, thus indicating little chance of the Parliamentary Committee’s to succeed too. However, Nawaz Sharif’s intervention, though quite late, helped resolve the issue and Najam Sethi was appointed as the caretaker Chief Minister Punjab.

Having said that, the next most important challenge confronting not just Punjab, but all other provinces in Pakistan is: will it be possible to hold impartial elections in a peaceful environment? Apparently, the law enforcement agencies, it seems, are not well prepared to handle the situation, which leads to the fact that the coming elections may be a bloody affair.

It is not merely the rivalry between different political parties and their candidates that will boil over, but the role of those who seem determined to create conditions to derail democracy. While the security agencies are planning to ensure that the electoral process remains peaceful, there are signs that undemocratic forces may succeed in case things tend to go out of hand. Thus, it is important that they take preventive measures to stop any mischief in its tracks.

Besides the law enforcement agencies, it is hoped that political parties will promote tolerance ahead of the polls and educate their workers about the peaceful and orderly transition of power. It must be remembered that the people’s will must prevail and no excuse, however strong, should be accepted that may result in an early demise of democracy.

Add to this, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal’s return from Dubai to participate in the elections is a positive sign. It would be in the fitness of things if the federal and provincial caretakers encourage such politicians, who are the true representatives of people.

They also need to send out a loud and clear message that unruly conduct will not be tolerated during the elections and those found guilty will be punished severely. However, some political analysts believe that they have been slow on this issue.

More so, they failed to move swiftly to have the highly politicised civil bureaucracy replaced from their current positions. In case this is not done, the whole exercise of conducting free and fair elections would remain an illusion.

None of the caretakers have so far announced their cabinets that will take care of the day-to-day work in the areas of their jurisdiction. Also, reportedly, the newly-inducted caretakers have shown no keenness to attend the briefing sessions arranged for them by senior bureaucrats.

Sethi’s nomination as PPP and PML-Q candidate in Punjab, however, will have many detractors, as he was a close friend of ex-President Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari - a man disliked by many PPP jiyalas. This has, indeed, surprised many, especially those who believed that he was backed by the establishment and, therefore, ineligible as caretaker Chief Minister Punjab. But generally with a limited mandate that the caretakers enjoy, it is not possible for them to influence the election outcome in a significant manner.

Hopefully, the interim governments will succeed in maintaining peace in the country. Otherwise, all their good intentions and efforts will go in vain, while the dream of conducting transparent elections will remain elusive.

The writer has been associated with various newspapers as editor and columnist. At present, he hosts a political programme on Pakistan Television. Email: zarnatta@hotmail.com

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-ne...inions/columns

Malik Muhammad Ashraf

For the political forces who have been salivating to see democracy taking roots in the country and power transferred through ballot, the dream has come true with the nomination of the caretaker Prime Minister by the ECP as required under the constitution, removing any doubts about people finally exercising their right of franchise without any hindrance or intervention from any quarter.

A new tradition would have been set if the Prime Minister and the opposition leader had agreed on the name of the caretaker Prime Minister. Nevertheless it is encouraging and satisfying to note that the process has culminated without any hic-up.

As soon as the nomination of Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as caretaker Prime Minister was announced by the ECP by majority vote, the PPP, PML (N), PML (Q), MQM, JUI hailed the decision and expressed the confidence that he would make sure that free, fair and transparent elections are held in the country.
But it was really disappointing to see that these parties except PPP and ANP did not attend the oath taking ceremony of the care taker Prime Minister that again would have set yet another healthy democratic tradition in the country. PML (Q) and MQM have been allies of the PPP and the political observers believe that they probably did not attend because of their grievances against the latter. That behaviour is regrettable and unbecoming of the political entities practicing the art of politics at the national level. The PML (N) ostensibly did not participate because the oath was being administered by President Asif Ali Zardari. That is even more reproachable. Whether somebody likes it or not Asif Ali Zardari is the President of Pakistan and it was in this capacity that he was administering the oath as required under the constitution. If the PML (N) leadership had any personal grudge against him it should not have been allowed to cast its shadow on matters of national importance. The President deserves the protocol and respect that is attached to his august office and our political leaders must learn from leaders of other democratic countries to rise above narrow political or personal considerations. For democracy to function on healthy lines, it is imperative that politicians exhibit democratic behaviour. It would be unreasonable on any body’s part to expect high standards of morality and political behaviour by our politicians like in the established democracies but one can surely gravitate to see them making an auspicious beginning by doing small things like showing tolerance towards each other and participating in events of national importance.

Nonetheless, it is gratifying to note that the care taker Prime Minister enjoys the confidence of all the major political players on the chess board of Pakistani politics. Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has had an impeccable and unblemished career as a judge and enjoys good reputation. Another positive factor is that he belongs to Balochistan, that might help in placating the Baloch nationalists and tempt them to join the mainstream of the national politics by participating in the ensuing elections. The care taker Prime Minister, immediately after his nomination told the media that his first and foremost priority would be to support and help the ECP to ensure holding of free and fair elections in the country and that he would treat all the political parties alike. That indeed is very reassuring. The words of a savant like him can be safely taken at their face value. He also made it clear that the President did not have any role in the elections; an implied reference to the often repeated allegations by a political party that free and fair elections could not be held while Zardari was in the office. He is right, because the elections are to be held by the ECP with the support of the executive and the President does not figure in the scheme of things in this regard. With a neutral and honest man heading the executive, assertive ECP, pro-active judiciary and the ever vigilant media it would almost be impossible for any other entity or individual to influence the outcome of the elections in any unconstitutional manner taking advantage of his position.

Much will also depend on the way the political parties conduct themselves in regards to the efforts of the ECP and the caretaker set up in holding elections in a transparent manner. They need to behave in a responsible manner during their elections campaigns and focus more on selling their manifestoes instead of mud-slinging and launching personal attacks on their rivals because ultimately it is on the basis of their performance or the programmes for the future presented by them that the people have to make their choices. For the elections to be free and fair it is essential that they are held in a convivial atmosphere and the traditional hostility and animosity towards each other gives way to a healthy and productive competition among them.

Now that all is set to translate the dream of transition of power by reference to the people and consolidating the gains of democracy, all the stakeholders especially the political parties owe it to the masses not to do any thing which shatters their faith in democracy or provides any excuse to the forces inimical to democratic dispensation to make their move and drag the country back to the dark alleys again. The political parties and their leaders must also desist from statements or actions that could make the role of the care taker government or the ECP controversial. They should keep faith in the impartiality and the capability of these institutions to make these elections a significant milestone in our march towards a political polity envisioned by the founding father.

Another very important factor in this respect would be the acceptance of elections results with an open heart, the lack of which has been the bane of democracy in this country. The nation has suffered the consequences of this kind of behaviour and we surely need a break from this dreadful experience of the past. Merely paying lip service and making tall claims about their love for democracy is not enough. Political Parties will have to show their commitment through their actions. That is the only way forward. Any digression from this path may produce negative results. The media and intelligentsia also have a great responsibility in guiding and helping the people to understand what is at stake and reporting the unfolding events in an objective and impartial manner to play their contributory role in strengthening democracy.

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/

Professor Ali Sukhanver

Do we really enjoy being in a state of oblivion or it is the result of some international medication that we have turned a blind eye to the realities around us; that is the question to which I very often try to find out an appropriate answer. Confusions and confusions; we, as a nation, have nothing else in our pockets. Be it the religion, the politics or our relationship with the neighbouring countries and even our strategy regarding the international affairs, we are always in a state of perplexity.

The people enjoying a cup of tea at roadside tea-stalls, the passengers waiting for the bus at bus-stations and even the employees of the government and private offices; all feel pleasure in discussions on the things they don’t have even the basic knowledge of. Just a few days back, I was really stunned rather shocked when I overheard someone at a roadside restaurant convincing vehemently his fellows that the army would never let Mian Nawaz Sharif come into the power. I stopped there and asked the person why he thought so. He simply said he got the impression from the media.

It is something very strange that in spite of last five years’ complete indifference to the political affairs and all honest efforts of sheltering the democratic process, the army is still considered the strongest force which is eager to derail the democratic process in Pakistan. Particularly in the present scenario when the political parties failed in choosing the name of the care-taker prime minister and the matter had to be referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan, rumors are there that it is the army which is behind all this complexity. In fact blaming army and defaming the intelligence agencies has become a fashion in Pakistan. From Imran Khan to Dr. Tahir-ul- Qadri, so many popular political leaders are portrayed as the puppets in the hands of the army and the intelligence agencies. They are blamed for helping out the army in constitution of a ‘hung parliament’. When we find no clues to the ground realities, we do nothing but point our fingers to the security forces. Unfortunately dragging the army into the irrelevant issues has become a culture in Pakistan.

Why could be army against Mian Nawaz Sharif; it is an important thing to be pondered. If in the past, the head of the Nawaz League had some difference of opinion with Gen.Pervez Musharraf, the Ex-Army Chief; it doesn’t mean he was against the whole army as an institution. We see that in the last sixty six years, it happened so many times that politicians had clashes of opinion with the persons heading the army but these clashes or differences were based on differences of point of view, not on liking or disliking of the institution. Moreover it is not the job of the army to look after the state of internal political affairs particularly in a scenario where the army is always engaged, or I would say over-engaged in fighting against the terrorists inside and along the borders. I don’t think that the army has such leisure to spend on the things like politics. Whoever comes into the power, it is certainly the duty and responsibility of the army to give him a helping hand of subordination. Just like the whole of nation, everyone from the army is also eagerly waiting for the upcoming general elections. Just like teachers, doctors, engineers, religious scholars and students, our soldiers are also keen to use their right of vote. Officially or un-officially, they are never guided or directed or forced by their superiors to vote for the PPP or not to vote for the Muslim League. They are as independent as the rest of the nation in using their democratic right of vote.

The Pakistan army must have been criticized if it were involved in any kind of moral or financial corruption as that of the Indian army. It must have been taken to task if there were officers like Col Ajay Chaudhry of the Indian army who was arrested for smuggling 24-crore worth of illegal drugs to Myanmar this year. It must have been trialed and tested if there were officers like Indian Air Chief Marshal Shashi P Tyagi who received massive bribes in Augusta Westland VVIP helicopter deal. For a prosperous today and a brighter tomorrow, we as a nation need strong defence but we can never strengthen our defence just by piling up arms and ammunitions. Strong defence needs unbeatable, undefeatable passions and passions are always thirsty for appreciation and moral encouragement. The matter of the fact is that an atmosphere of distrust and doubts is being created just to defame the army and the intelligence agencies at the desire of the international conspirators who are very well aware of the fact that unless as institution the army is deprived of its trust, repute and confidence, no one can defeat the Pakistani nation at any front.

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/category/40/

Pakistan’s democracy: past and future

Inayatullah

In this benighted country of ours, how were opportunities to make amends and do better, availed of, during the last 66 years. A look back would be instructive. One may in particular see how democracy zigzagged over time, how it got overrun by the top brass and how it bounced back only to be pushed aside by the establishment, time and again. It is a sad story of ambitious generals, inapt politicians, docile judges, some weak-kneed civil servants, wayward youth, insufferable feudal lords, myopic clerics and an ineffectual civil society as well as international interventions.

The rot started with the first martial law. The political process was halted. The constitution was thrown into the wastepaper basket and the politicians demonised and humiliated. A new kind of politics was fabricated to provide a cover for the military’s heavy hand. While a serious effort was made to plan and execute economic development projects, there was little of sharing of authority and involvement of the stakeholders in decision making. A direct result of this concentration of power was the alienation of the people of the eastern part of the country, who refused to be satisfied with economic lollypops, deprived as they were of a place at the higher echelons of the decision-making mechanism. Resentments developed into protests and after the denial of their right to form a government after the 1970 elections on the basis of their winning majority of the seats, they were hardly left with any alternative but to opt for a parting of the ways.

The military regime was followed by a civilian elected government led by a charismatic leader. There were great expectations. A new political party, which championed the cause of the poor and the deprived, had assumed power. Here was the great chance for democracy to take root in Pakistan and to work for the good of the people. A government of the chosen representatives of the masses could work wonders. There was an air of excitement. It made a good start. It was able to forge a unanimously approved constitution. It, however, did not take long for the political head of the government to fall a prey to the temptation of taking to undemocratic ways, maltreating political opponents, dismissing elected provincial governments, ordering military operations and not hesitating to rig elections for acquiring unbridled authority. The letter and spirit of democracy stood botched. There were countrywide protests. Bhutto had to pay dearly for his follies. The military lost no time to stage a return to power. The country was back under another martial law. The military dictator promised to hold elections within 90 days. He, however, clung to power for almost 11 years till he was bumped off. The cruel hand of fate removed him from the scene.
Another opportunity came Pakistan’s way to establish democracy. A young Benazir returned to the delight of cheering mobs. She led a promising PPP government. The military, though, kept some of the levers in its own hands. Unfortunately, she fell short of expectations and was dismissed by a civilian President for corruption and poor governance. She got another opportunity, but did not complete her term and was again thrown out.

Nawaz Sharif, too, had had two stints. The first time, he fell out with the presidency, and the second time, he failed to get rid of a threatening Army Chief by mishandling the latter’s dismissal. The military was back in the pavilion. More than any of the previous dictators, he sought to militarise the administration. While the media flourished during his time, the judiciary was badly mauled. The lawyers’ movement for the restoration of the Chief Justice and his colleagues, plus blunders like the massacre at the Lal Masjid and the killing of Akbar Bugti, paved the way for his exit.

Enter Asif Ali Zardari as successor to a slain Benazir. A new chapter of a democratic experiment ensued.

The elected houses have completed their constitutional terms - quite an achievement, thanks to Zardari’s shrewd handling of the political players, Nawaz Sharif’s cooperation and General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s remarkable restraint. The PPP-led government, however, was badly disfigured by poor governance, rapidly deteriorating law and order, electricity shortages, soaring prices, terrorism and unprecedented corruption.

An assessment by the London Economist says it all. It recognises Zardari’s “deft” handling of the political challenges and the first time a Pakistani democratic government completing five years that will be succeeded by another elected government. There is a “cause for celebration in a country where the army has so often stepped in, to halt experiments in democracy.” And “yet the mismanagement and naked money making under Zardari have been such that this milestone gets few cheers from Pakistanis.”

How about the coming elections? What are the prospects of a turnaround, a change for the better? In an article, Robert M. Hathaway, Director at the Washington Woodrow Wilson Centre, has taken Pakistanis to task for suffering all along “shoddy governance, venal practices…...and failing institutions.” He concludes that Pakistan is heading towards a “terminal decline”.

If one goes by the recent opinion polls, the next elected government would be led by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. There, probably, will be a hung Parliament giving rise to traditional wheeling and dealing, obscuring the opportunity for drastic changes and a pro-people governance. (Shahbaz Sharif’s impressive performance in the Punjab notwithstanding.)

Will Imran Khan make good his claim of a tsunami? The political pundits are not that sure. Will he live up to the six promises he recently made at Minar-i-Pakistan? Michael Kugelman, a well known American writer, in his latest column, says: “Odds are against Imran Khan assuming power.” If, however, he does succeed in securing the helm, Kugelman has his reservations about his leanings towards the Jamaat-i-Islami and his views about USA and Taliban. He does not rule out Pakistan moving towards “a downward spiral”. He concedes that PTI embodies what Pakistan needs most - hope. He recognises that PTI’s internal elections will help strengthen democracy and the “party’s clean reputation brings credibility to its intention to root out corruption.” But for him, “Khan is the quintessential high-risk investment.” The party lacks experience and “if he were to take power, the returns could be intoxicatingly high - or dangerously low.”

Pakistan today faces formidable challenges and there are several urgent tasks to be addressed. These include the menace of terrorism, militant extremism, energy crisis, the economic meltdown and poor governance. Will the next government have the vision, the will and the capacity to attend to these formidable challenges and tasks successfully?

There is little doubt that this election will determine the direction Pakistan will follow in the years to come. Up or down. The people are on trial. A testing time, indeed!

The writer is an ex-federal secretary and ambassador, and a freelance political and international relations analyst.

Email: pacade@brain.net.pk

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Khurshid Akhtar Khan 0



It has been quite a while since our country had an element of tranquillity. However, since the caretaker Prime Minister and Chief Ministers have been appointed, there is hope all around.

A process of power transfer was initiated and has been completed almost gracefully. Confidence in the new setups in the centre and the provinces is oozing from all corners. Powers that had always been vested in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), but were never allowed to be used, are being exercised in a transparent manner. All political parties, including nationalists, are on board. Everyone is talking about holding free and fair elections and maintaining peace. A new beginning is on the horizon.

The VIP culture, ostentation and indiscriminate use of public funds have been a few of the most visible menaces that have plagued our elected democrats. Large gun-toting security entails at government expense have been a frivolous exhibition of one’s status, disregarding the extent to which it detaches the elected officeholders from the public they represent. Is the safety and life of a common citizen of any less importance? Such security measures have in any case proved to be more ceremonial than effectively preventive under the prevailing spate of determined and well planned suicide attacks and bombings.

One of the welcome first steps that the ECP has taken is to ban the display of arms. Subsequent to the first full five-year rule of democracy (though chaotic), the public will get some relief from such displays, at least for the next few months.

The parting shot of the outgoing legislators has been to enhance their own perks disproportionately to the prevailing financial constraints in the economy. Large sums of money have allegedly been transferred under various heads for political gains, leaving their successors to manage the national coffers that stand at critical levels. (In an unprecedented bending of the rules, banks were kept open on Saturday and Sunday to complete the last minute transactions.) Though the caretaker’s role may be limited to conduct elections, yet immediate financial management is imperative to curb the downward slide. A competent financial team must be put in place at the centre as the very first priority.

Many legislators have left unpaid utility bills of their government residences and even more have failed to acquire a National Tax Number (NTN) that is essential for all salaried or self-employed citizens. Personal assets are invariably under-reported and many have lied about their educational qualifications. Hardly brilliant examples to follow for the people they are supposed to lead. It is time all these wrongs are put right according to the verdicts of the Supreme Court and those found guilty are deprived of the opportunity to present themselves again to the public.

The emphasis of the last governments in the centre and the provinces has been towards constitutional reforms and grand development projects.
Maintenance and improvement of the existing facilities have been at a lower priority, since they are less visible (though more beneficial to the public). The existing schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, irrigation works, public transport systems and entertainment places were allowed to deteriorate, while they could be upgraded with little expense. Likewise, art, culture, uniform educational curriculum, scientific and technical advancement, public utilities, resource generation and industry were almost entirely ignored. The caretakers have an opportunity to set these shortcomings on the right course.

The political culture has been acrimonious buried in squabbles. The nation could not be united to combat the menace of extremism, despite being in a state of war along one long border and being surrounded by hostilities both from within and externally. Financial discipline has remained a far cry and the public was left on its own to protect their lives and properties. The saving grace has been the resilience of Pakistani people that has been proved yet once again against all odds.

The citizens have patiently endured kidnappings, killing of innocent people by suicide bombers, a malfunctioning government apparatus, shortage of utilities and services, high inflation and erosion of the value of their currency - all for the sake of democracy. The people allowed the democratic process to continue to its logical end. Now they must prove the evolution of their maturity by electing leaders of high calibre and by discarding rogues and freebooters with sweet tongues and silly hearts.

Some would lead us to believe that all politicians, bureaucrats and people in authority are corrupt, incompetent and ill intentioned. If it were so, our country would have ceased to exist many moons ago. On the contrary, we have a huge reservoir of patriotic and talented men and women in all fields waiting to be tapped. The gruelling last five years have been a learning (sine) curve that has traversed its downward trajectory and is now on the rise after hitting the bottom. The country and our people have emerged from this training session wiser and fully conscious of their rights and the power of their vote.

The youth are into the third generation since the inception of Pakistan and constitutes over 60 percent of our population. They are moulded into the high technology of mobile phones, computers, internet and easy access to information. They are free of the tremors of 1947 that their ancestors faced and are gradually freeing themselves from the shackles of tribalism and feudalism. The independence of thinking that democracy introduces will galvanise them into a force that will claim their rights and will resist injustice. The government alone cannot accomplish much without the support, involvement and watch of the people. The vibrant youth must come forward and play an active role to set a new path to glory.

The writer is an engineer and an entrepreneur. Email: k.a.k786@hotmail.com

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The UN’s assessment that Pakistan’s politics has become the inheritance of only 100 families shows the depths to which politics has been personalised. According to its human development index, 49 percent of the population has been pushed below the poverty line; besides, the standards of public health and education have considerably deteriorated. The UN report was also critical of the Benazir Income Support programme saying that better programmes would have to be introduced to fight poverty.

In the light of these findings, there appears to be a correlation between despair characterising Pakistani society today and unchecked personalisation of politics. For various reasons, Pakistan remains a country where development continues to elude. But complicating the matter is the fact that the parliament is taking on the character of an elite club, closed to the general masses. The result: a debilitating impact on democracy as we went through a spell of the kind of governance that paid no heed to the call for removal of hunger and provision of basic services to the people. That means that democracy in real sense is not being practised. The people will not have any say in corridors power, nor will their interest be watched when only certain families keep ruling over them.

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