The PPP-led federal government has enacted the Contempt of Court Act 2012, approved by the President, passed by the Senate and NA in one sitting. The opposition instead of presenting any amendment to the bill preferred a walkout. Now the new contempt court law has been challenged by staunch supporters of the judiciary’s independence.
The SC is likely to nullify the new contempt of court law as being against the basic principles of the constitution. The court order might be right or wrong but it should be implemented by the government either which way if democracy has to flourish in the country. Why is the government extending immunity to other government officials and public office holders when in an Islamic state every man, including the head of the state, is equal before the law?
The leaders must live a simple life as servants of the people and should possess virtues such as honesty, truthfulness, integrity, fairness, equality, compliance and observance. I would like to ask the PM and leaders of the opposition: Why are they not making laws to change and improve the existing laws which fail to deal with the demands of special circumstances created by terrorism? Not a single person involved in terrorist activities has been punished.
Why has accountability law not been passed during the last four years when the opposition is taking out rallies against rampant corruption? The other legislation which required the protection of servants from violence has been put on hold. Why?
It is an imperative responsibility of the PPP and PML-N, the two largest and mainstream political parties, to cooperate with each other in making such laws which are for the welfare of the people and strengthen people’s basic rights. Only by winning the hearts and minds of the people will the political process and democracy in the country be strengthened. It is important that politicians reduce the trust deficit of the people by strengthening the state institutions rather than individuals.
Pakistan needs a peaceful transition of power from civilian governments to another civilian government elected by the people to have the benefits of the democracy. Only the many rounds of elections will change the fate of the country. Pakistan has done many experiments with military rule and technocrat setups but they have only created more problems and hardships for the people.
It is only democracy, despite all its shortcomings, that can put the country on the road to progress and gain its rightful position among the international community.
S T HUSSAIN
Lahore
