When PM, President, Chief Ministers, Speaker, Chairman Senate and Cabinet Members get elected, it is the Constitution of Pakistan from which they derive the powers and legitimacy to perform their designated role. Nowhere does Constitution or democratic norms and traditions grant any constitutional office holder power to intervene nor seek their prior approval before arresting any criminal or any individual involved in corruption or irregularities such as abuse of power, money laundering, illegal recruitment and grabbing state or private property causing huge financial losses to the national exchequer. It is unfortunate that unchecked regularising of irregularities has over a period of time assumed almost an accepted precedent, although they have no legal cover as per law.
Why should PM or CM be in the loop if Dr Asim is to be arrested for criminal offences, including money laundering, land grabbing and providing medical aid to them without any medico-legal cover etc? Unchecked corruption by ruling elite and powerful stakeholders weakens rule of law and creates ideal environment for chaos and disorder to prevail. When crime goes unpunished, criminal economy booms and attracts international criminals to seek a share of this tax free black money. Terrorism has gained roots in Pakistan because of weak law enforcement cum prosecution as in the words of Theodore Roosevelt: “No man is above the law and no man is below it, nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.”
ANEELA CHANDIO
Sukkur
