The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called the disqualification of ex-Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani a sad and depressing occasion in a country where democratic traditions have perpetually been denied the nourishment they need to take roots. We all very well know who the HRCP has been pointing at for consistent and perpetual derailing of democracy in Pakistan. That’s why HRCP was right to highlight the fact that Supreme Court’s judgment (to dismiss an elected prime minster) was perhaps not unexpected.
Will this judgment lead to better quality of life for masses, improved economy, resolution of power, water and natural gas shortages, elimination of terrorism, get the Baloch back in the mainstream, jack up the stocks market, improve the relationship with the US and neighbouring countries, or will it lead to further political turmoil, enhanced uncertainty, dipping down the stocks market, forcing outside world not to deal with democratic government as it may get dismissed over a sneeze of a judge.
I have failed to understand the logic behind such an action except that apparently we are all set for clash between institutions. To start the game judiciary has thrown its ‘contempt’ bait to catch anyone on any pretext. All the political parties who are at present rejoicing Gilani’s dismissal need to understand the trap; today it’s Gilani, tomorrow it could be their men getting thrown out of elected institutions at the whim of judges. Institutions war of power and ego is on. Good luck to 180 million people who are just puppets, have nothing to do with the corridors of power.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia