Courts’ impartiality

When Pakistan’s ex-Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, wrote the book titled ‘Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military’, he invited wrath of all those quarters who were implicated in his book. But that was 2005 when Pakistan was being pulled apart by these two forces. We are now in 2012 wherein some other forces have taken over this task. These forces have a new weapon in their hands with which they may shoot anyone daring to stand their way. Religious parties are now armed with blasphemy law which is available to settle scores, resolve property disputes, evacuate occupied (legal or illegal) land etc. On the other hand, superior courts are using the contempt charges to implicate politicians, ministers, bureaucrats, police officers, lawyers and have hunted as many as well. Those shot down or being implicated in contempt cases include ex-Prime Minster Yousaf Raza Gilani, present Prime Minster Raja Parvez Ashraf, ex-Law Minster Babar Awan, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Sindh Cabinet Ministers Sharjeel Memon and Taj Haider, Real estate tycoon Malik Riaz, numerous government officers and functionaries.
Now the Supreme Court has issued contempt charges against MQM Chief Altaf Husain on his criticism of remarks made by a judge during a hearing on Karachi unrest case. Earlier, Justice Jamali remarked that Karachi constituencies shall be re-arranged in such a manner that no party (read MQM) shall have ‘ajaradari’ (monopoly) over the Karachi seats. Altaf Husain also took exception to court’s order to implement delimitation of constituencies and pointed out that as per constitution census shall be held prior to adjustment/delimitation of constituencies. Court has found Altaf’s speech as contempt of the court and asked him to attend the court in person to face the charges.
We see this whole exercise by the Supreme Court, which may be an attempt in good faith, to improve law and order situation in Karachi, ending up in more tension, divisions and violence in the city. It is in everybody’s interest not to provoke unnecessary issues and work for the peaceful elections due next year. If delimitation of constituencies is that necessary, we shall go through the census exercise. Accordingly, the number of Karachi seats and its share in NFC award shall be increased with equal reduction in seats/NFC award share for those provinces whose manpower has settled in Karachi since last census. Half-hearted efforts to solve Karachi’s issues are going to have an otherwise impression of courts’ impartiality.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia