Freedom of expression and right of dissent are assured to every citizens of Pakistan. This right, which when exercised, often has lead to vicious attacks by certain fascist elements within our political parties and even the security establishments. Unlike the few “fly by night” expatriates who having acquired foreign nationalities have never left an opportunity to benefit financially from their situations, there are others like Lord Nazeer who have always stood up for the cause of democracy, rule of law, transparency in Pakistan and rights of people of Kashmir.
There are many expatriates of Pakistani origin who have become billionaires in their adopted countries and who have chosen never to raise their voice and concern in support of their native country. A few like Mansoor Ijaz offer their services to their new countries and never spare an opportunity to rebuke Pakistan. Others prefer to remain apolitical. Lord Nazeer, on the other hand, has gained political prominence and got recognition for community and welfare services in UK. He is amongst the few who have been given the honour of being made members of the House of Lords in UK. His services and efforts to raise funds for unfortunate victims of the devastating earthquake that killed thousands in Azad Kashmir and those made homeless by the floods in Sindh have been appreciated by millions in Pakistan.
Lord Nazeer has spoken out against the politics of violence and religious fanaticism that has harmed the Pakistani economy and lead to deaths of thousands of innocent citizens. While many political opportunist in Pakistan – for whom politics is no more than a tool to gain ill-gotten wealth – chose to support military dictators, men like Lord Nazeer stood up to oppose military dictator Musharraf and the war against Iraq. The recent orchestrated attacks on Lord Nazeer for his politics of conscience by an ethnic political party and the AJK government are in bad taste.
What is wrong in demands made by men of conscience who seek punishments for those involved in target killings of over 10,000 in urban Sindh and Dr Imran Farooq in London?. Only those who have a guilty conscience would oppose such a demand. If these allegations levelled by Lord Nazeer are baseless, then there are strict laws in UK for defamation, which his what his opponents can resort to.
GULL ZAMAN
Peshawar
Attacks on Lord Nazeer betray the fascism of those whose policies he is critical of. He is a man who has stood up for Pakistan and Kashmir, the victims of Iraq war, the Palestinians, the Afghans while others have by their sickening silence supported those who are responsible for crimes of violence and hatred. Justice demands that those who are responsible for target killing, extortion, kidnapping in Karachi be brought to justice. Following Dr Imran Farooq unresolved murder in London, almost 50 innocents were killed in Karachi. Why?
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