I couldn’t understand the rationale behind issuance of non-bail able warrants of 25 or so MQM leaders, including the nominated mayor of Karachi, for facilitating and listening to their party chief’s speech of July 12. As per the case filed in Lahore High Court (LHC), Altaf Hussain criticised and alleged Rangers for exclusive action against his party workers who were facing torture and disappearances. In a rejoinder to LHC, he has already apologised with promise not to repeat such a harsh criticism of LEAs. Apparently the federal government has not accepted this apology. Therefore, LHC has kept the ban on his speeches. My question: Is Altaf Hussain the only person to criticise LEAs? Why were FIRs not filed against Jamat-e-Islami’s ex-Chief Syed Munawar Hasan for declaring the Pakistani soldiers dying while fighting Taliban as ‘not martyrs but just dead people’? Munawar Hassan’s outbursts against soldiers were fully supported and justified by Jamat leadership. What about the darling of our interior minister – Maulana Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid — who issued a fatwa asking public not to offer funeral prayers of Pakistani soldiers martyred while fighting Taliban? How many FIRs are against him?
Yes, Altaf Hussain was harsh but what’s the point in continuing the confrontation in Pakistan’s biggest city? This is not the way to win hearts and minds; it’s a way to go for exclusiveness/isolation. Yes, such FIRs, police cases and arrests may satisfy few egos and prove upper hand of certain authorities, but it would lead to a bitter atmosphere for a long time. One may presume that better sense will prevail and mindset of revenge and ‘bloody civilians’ will be put aside. One can hope only.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
