Lament of a Disillusioned Citizen
Fareeha Choudhry June 21, 2006
#1 Posted by paindupastry on June 21, 2006 1:25:33 am
I liked what i read and i have many of the same opinions except
``The greatest tragedy of Pakistan and its people is perhaps simply`` that the ones who are capable and learned enough to ``rise up and scream your lungs out in protest. Scream and scream, individually, collectively, until someone bloody hears you” are too busy screaming from 10,000 miles away.
For the screaming to be heard u ought to be a little bit closer to the action, otherwise you may as well, surf www.pass-the-time.com and enjoy your coffee.
In summary, good article but we already have plenty of cribbers, we need doers….which one are you?
``The greatest tragedy of Pakistan and its people is perhaps simply`` that the ones who are capable and learned enough to ``rise up and scream your lungs out in protest. Scream and scream, individually, collectively, until someone bloody hears you” are too busy screaming from 10,000 miles away.
For the screaming to be heard u ought to be a little bit closer to the action, otherwise you may as well, surf www.pass-the-time.com and enjoy your coffee.
In summary, good article but we already have plenty of cribbers, we need doers….which one are you?
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#2 Posted by zeemax on June 21, 2006 1:34:02 am
Wasi Zafar is technically right. Article 41 (7) (B) was amended through LFO to include the text `` Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article or Article 43 or any other provision of the Constitution..`` This effectively means that if an assembly, any assembly, elects the president for another term, nothing else contained anywhere in the constitution can prevent it. Thus, PM can be president in uniform or a spacesuit or whatever .... Use of the term `Notwithstanding` in legal lingo can work wonders.
I can`t see why Pakistanis bother to refer to the constitution at all. It has been mutilated so much that not only the letter but also the spirit is now undecipherable.
Nevertheless, Musharraf`s days now appear to be numbered. Even if he gets elected president for a further term, it is unlikely he`ll be able to influence the outcome of the next general elections given the consensus of all major parties including MMA on the main provisions of the charter of democracy. In that event, impeachment will not be far off and trial through a Kargill Commission, also proposed in the charter of democracy.
Thus, Musharraf is likely to have a meeting with destiny in not too distant a future.
I can`t see why Pakistanis bother to refer to the constitution at all. It has been mutilated so much that not only the letter but also the spirit is now undecipherable.
Nevertheless, Musharraf`s days now appear to be numbered. Even if he gets elected president for a further term, it is unlikely he`ll be able to influence the outcome of the next general elections given the consensus of all major parties including MMA on the main provisions of the charter of democracy. In that event, impeachment will not be far off and trial through a Kargill Commission, also proposed in the charter of democracy.
Thus, Musharraf is likely to have a meeting with destiny in not too distant a future.
#3 Posted by rf786 on June 21, 2006 2:08:42 am
Re: # 2
{Nevertheless, Musharraf`s days now appear to be numbered. Even if he gets elected president for a further term, it is unlikely he`ll be able to influence the outcome of the next general elections given the consensus of all major parties including MMA on the main provisions of the charter of democracy. In that event, impeachment will not be far off and trial through a Kargill Commission, also proposed in the charter of democracy.
Thus, Musharraf is likely to have a meeting with destiny in not too distant a future}
can u please provide us with a defination of `not too distant a future` so we can keep a tab on your prediction. By the way, which political parties r u talking about? same one`s who helped the military and will most willingly jump in bed if given the green light? Mulla, feudal, nationalist, so-called liberals, technocrats all of these politicians have the army flag up their backside, so who is going to bell the cat? Not going to happen very soon, unless something dramatic happens and Pak establishment has no choice but to surrender.
{Nevertheless, Musharraf`s days now appear to be numbered. Even if he gets elected president for a further term, it is unlikely he`ll be able to influence the outcome of the next general elections given the consensus of all major parties including MMA on the main provisions of the charter of democracy. In that event, impeachment will not be far off and trial through a Kargill Commission, also proposed in the charter of democracy.
Thus, Musharraf is likely to have a meeting with destiny in not too distant a future}
can u please provide us with a defination of `not too distant a future` so we can keep a tab on your prediction. By the way, which political parties r u talking about? same one`s who helped the military and will most willingly jump in bed if given the green light? Mulla, feudal, nationalist, so-called liberals, technocrats all of these politicians have the army flag up their backside, so who is going to bell the cat? Not going to happen very soon, unless something dramatic happens and Pak establishment has no choice but to surrender.
#4 Posted by harish_hyd on June 21, 2006 2:46:50 am
Well written! When democracy was in place, you guys were fed up with BB/NS and their corrupt ways, never mind the fact that the scams that Indian politicians are involved in would make Paki politicians look like kindergarten kids. You asked for a savior and the savior arrived in a PIA flight from Colombo. TV channels beamed visuals showing people jumping in joy at Musharraf`s takeover. Now you`re tired of this savior and want a new one. Thus Pakistan continues to oscillate between dictatorship and democracy.
#5 Posted by sanjay on June 21, 2006 4:21:06 am
A well-written article which needs sincere appreciation for the disgust shown by a nationalist, a true patriot for his/her country.
But the thing is, as somebody has pointed out, words are no match for the action. What is required is the action--something what Nepalese have done.
But what appears is(we dont know the real truth here in India), is that a normal Pakistani is not very much dependent of Pakistani State for his survival--either he survives from the money from the Gulf or through agriculture or through zamindars etc. that he is not much bothered how the country is ruled.
It is only the very minuscule populace which thinks about democracy and such things. Their numbers is not enough to cause much ripples in the political waters of Pakistan.
So all in all Sir/Madam, it is still some time before voices of people like are heard in Pakistan. But the real danger facing people like you is that Musharaff is not going to leave his post or giveup his Uniform. Thats for sure. Nobody should have any doubt. Elections 2007 will be as good as Elections-2002. In such a scenario, Pakistan runs the danger of getting into the pariah status. What I feel that Musharaff has understood it so on his own he is insulating himself from the outside world. Most of the time he is talking about China, he is conspicious by his absence from western media etc.
But the thing is, as somebody has pointed out, words are no match for the action. What is required is the action--something what Nepalese have done.
But what appears is(we dont know the real truth here in India), is that a normal Pakistani is not very much dependent of Pakistani State for his survival--either he survives from the money from the Gulf or through agriculture or through zamindars etc. that he is not much bothered how the country is ruled.
It is only the very minuscule populace which thinks about democracy and such things. Their numbers is not enough to cause much ripples in the political waters of Pakistan.
So all in all Sir/Madam, it is still some time before voices of people like are heard in Pakistan. But the real danger facing people like you is that Musharaff is not going to leave his post or giveup his Uniform. Thats for sure. Nobody should have any doubt. Elections 2007 will be as good as Elections-2002. In such a scenario, Pakistan runs the danger of getting into the pariah status. What I feel that Musharaff has understood it so on his own he is insulating himself from the outside world. Most of the time he is talking about China, he is conspicious by his absence from western media etc.
#6 Posted by nasah on June 21, 2006 5:20:08 am
``Can Pakistan become Nepal? That is the crucial question.(Ayaz Amir in Dawn)
of course -- Pakistan can become Nepal -- except for one difference -- Nepal will have a constitutional monarchy -- Pakistan will have an unconstitutional monarchy....
of course -- Pakistan can become Nepal -- except for one difference -- Nepal will have a constitutional monarchy -- Pakistan will have an unconstitutional monarchy....
#7 Posted by ShoreSahib on June 21, 2006 5:25:24 am
Fareeha Sahiba, Bravo! I bow before you....
I love your muzmoon. Khudi Beydaar aap ki. I am sure Allama and Jinnah smile down upon you from whereever they are...giving them a much needed respite from all the tears they shed.....
The last time I saw Mr. Wasi Zafar was when I was 9 years old in 1985. I remember kindness from him and his wife. My, how things have changed in Pakistan and how things remain the same. Sigh
I love your muzmoon. Khudi Beydaar aap ki. I am sure Allama and Jinnah smile down upon you from whereever they are...giving them a much needed respite from all the tears they shed.....
The last time I saw Mr. Wasi Zafar was when I was 9 years old in 1985. I remember kindness from him and his wife. My, how things have changed in Pakistan and how things remain the same. Sigh
#8 Posted by pseudointellect on June 21, 2006 8:27:17 am
All this rattle tattle and hoo ha about democracy, freedom, human rights and ``end is near`` slogans by forces of Left are a bubble waiting to be burst.Even a 5 year child knows the real players and hands behind the face of the Pakistani politics.The great expectations of freedom and rule of constitution, despite knowing the fact that democracy in pakistan has always been delivered through the barrels of the guns, and waiting for civilian leadership to empower the people will prove a swansong.Only literate and educated voter can elect an able politician and Parliament.The problems you`ve mentioned are also the hallmark of the civilian governments and are probably in their worst form in these governments.
Change will not be from above, it`ll be from below and an educated and politicaly aware civil society is the key to it.Currently your political system doesn`t allow any genuine and sincere leadership to emerge out of the crowd.People enter politics to safeguard their own interests and to gain power.Principle centered politics days are over in Pakistan.It`s more of a game of mutual advantages and what`s in it for me now.Poor voter and constitution is standing somewhere in the corner waiting to be noticed.
Change will not be from above, it`ll be from below and an educated and politicaly aware civil society is the key to it.Currently your political system doesn`t allow any genuine and sincere leadership to emerge out of the crowd.People enter politics to safeguard their own interests and to gain power.Principle centered politics days are over in Pakistan.It`s more of a game of mutual advantages and what`s in it for me now.Poor voter and constitution is standing somewhere in the corner waiting to be noticed.
#9 Posted by HisExcellency on June 21, 2006 8:29:50 am
re: Fareeha
You wrote:
We all crave democracy
This is the (weak) premise of your article. The reality is that only some of us crave democracy. Others admire it when it works and brush it aside when it doesn`t. I count myself in this group.
You wrote:
We all crave democracy
This is the (weak) premise of your article. The reality is that only some of us crave democracy. Others admire it when it works and brush it aside when it doesn`t. I count myself in this group.
#11 Posted by rozaiba on June 21, 2006 9:53:27 am
The 1973 Constitution is supreme - the constitution is Pakistan.
There`s little point in arguing with the military and its henchmen who rejects this point. Everyone - every single party agrees to the 1973 constitution. But the nation is held at gunpoint.
If we accept that Pakistan broke up due to the lack of a consensus constitution, then it`s shameful to think it is not important today.
There`s little point in arguing with the military and its henchmen who rejects this point. Everyone - every single party agrees to the 1973 constitution. But the nation is held at gunpoint.
If we accept that Pakistan broke up due to the lack of a consensus constitution, then it`s shameful to think it is not important today.
#12 Posted by faisaluno on June 21, 2006 11:40:18 am
aunty, please take a ride in one of the lahore public busses. the day you can travel without geting assaulted will be the day pak will be ready for democracy. until then, dunda rule zinda baad or as someone wrote on another website:
Jo Mushi ka ghaddar hai
woh maut ka HUQDAAR hai!
#13 Posted by Salim_Chauhan on June 21, 2006 2:13:46 pm
Fareeha Choudhry, {``whatever it is, each new government makes us yearn for those gone, to jail cells or foreign lands, locked either in the land or out of it and we slowly realize that the compromised angels weren’t those who were coming our way but rather those who were being dragged away in trumped up cases, their foreigner-saved-my-neck deals and disowned palaces and billions of stolen dollars hidden in foreign accounts waving cheerio right behind them.``}
Farheeha Sahiba,
Please speak for yourself. I think that there is ample evidence that both Benazir and Nawaz stole, embezzled, and stashed away their ill-gotten money - all at the expense of the poor and short-changed people of Pakistan. Shame on you for even wishing their return to power. You must be from Punjab - it`s so obvious.
{``what makes me the angriest is the how easily and guiltlessly our Constitution is raped, plundered, twisted, destroyed and then suitably recreated to cater to the whims of those in power. ``}
Again, Fareeha Sahiba,
It is far better for the Constitution of Pakistan to be raped, plundered, twisted, and destroyed, than the people of Karachi to be raped, plundered, tortured, and massacred at the hands of Paki Punju Rangers deployed by the ``democratically elected`` authoritarian regimes. Once again, shame on you for even advocating a return to the bad years of the late 80s and 90s.
Before we can even talk about elections, democracy, and civilian rule, there must be fundamental changes in Pakistan:
1. All the provinces need to be subdivided into several smaller autonomous provinces to preclude power being grabbed by the largest province as a manifestation of mob rule.
2. The rights of minorities and smaller provinces must be safeguarded against an imposition of the will of the majority at the expense of human rights.
3. Pakistan should be declared a secular state with guaranteed freedoms of conscience, religion, speech, and press.
4. All elections should be conducsted under the watchful eyes of dependable, honest, and numerous foreign observers.
5. There should be an immediate reversal of the anti-Ahmedi laws with a full and open apology and appropriate restitution to this persecuted group of patriotic Pakis.
6. Last, and most importantly, there should be immediate repatriation of stranded Pakis in BD (the so-called ``Biharis,``), also accompanied by a full and open apology with appropriate restitution to this neglected, long-suffering, and cheated group of loyal Pakis.
Without a solid foundation of sincerity, honesty, justice, fairness, humanity, and rights of citizens, a ``democracy`` for the sake of counting votes, is merely a facade.
Farheeha Sahiba,
Please speak for yourself. I think that there is ample evidence that both Benazir and Nawaz stole, embezzled, and stashed away their ill-gotten money - all at the expense of the poor and short-changed people of Pakistan. Shame on you for even wishing their return to power. You must be from Punjab - it`s so obvious.
{``what makes me the angriest is the how easily and guiltlessly our Constitution is raped, plundered, twisted, destroyed and then suitably recreated to cater to the whims of those in power. ``}
Again, Fareeha Sahiba,
It is far better for the Constitution of Pakistan to be raped, plundered, twisted, and destroyed, than the people of Karachi to be raped, plundered, tortured, and massacred at the hands of Paki Punju Rangers deployed by the ``democratically elected`` authoritarian regimes. Once again, shame on you for even advocating a return to the bad years of the late 80s and 90s.
Before we can even talk about elections, democracy, and civilian rule, there must be fundamental changes in Pakistan:
1. All the provinces need to be subdivided into several smaller autonomous provinces to preclude power being grabbed by the largest province as a manifestation of mob rule.
2. The rights of minorities and smaller provinces must be safeguarded against an imposition of the will of the majority at the expense of human rights.
3. Pakistan should be declared a secular state with guaranteed freedoms of conscience, religion, speech, and press.
4. All elections should be conducsted under the watchful eyes of dependable, honest, and numerous foreign observers.
5. There should be an immediate reversal of the anti-Ahmedi laws with a full and open apology and appropriate restitution to this persecuted group of patriotic Pakis.
6. Last, and most importantly, there should be immediate repatriation of stranded Pakis in BD (the so-called ``Biharis,``), also accompanied by a full and open apology with appropriate restitution to this neglected, long-suffering, and cheated group of loyal Pakis.
Without a solid foundation of sincerity, honesty, justice, fairness, humanity, and rights of citizens, a ``democracy`` for the sake of counting votes, is merely a facade.
#14 Posted by hshahbaz on June 21, 2006 6:25:05 pm
Mr. Saleem Chauhan you have certainly enlightened us with many problems that face us before elections, democracy and civilian rule but may I ask you who exactly will fulfill these demands. Mr. President, maybe, who has nothing more important to do than to hang on to power ( or his uniform). Or maybe you are waiting for another martial law and another general who will promise us much and give us nothing after another 11 year stint. Ah! Yes, now I understand, maybe you are waiting for the messiah.
Sir, please first read the article which clearly states that democracy evolves through mistakes and you cannot abolish democracy for the reason that one or two leaders were a failure. Sir, USA did not put aside democracy after the Watergate scandal. Although I might disagree with some of your points I do agree with them on the whole and the only way they will ever be implemented is through an established democracy and civilian rule.
As far the Punjabi part goes you seem to be a much more biased man against Punjab than the author is against any region. How do you propose to control an even further divided Pakistan while already the provinces are being kept together through the barrel of the military’s gun? I feel that the author has spoken a much needed truth and rather than complaining about the minor mistakes in the govt. has identified the responsible source, the President
Sir, please first read the article which clearly states that democracy evolves through mistakes and you cannot abolish democracy for the reason that one or two leaders were a failure. Sir, USA did not put aside democracy after the Watergate scandal. Although I might disagree with some of your points I do agree with them on the whole and the only way they will ever be implemented is through an established democracy and civilian rule.
As far the Punjabi part goes you seem to be a much more biased man against Punjab than the author is against any region. How do you propose to control an even further divided Pakistan while already the provinces are being kept together through the barrel of the military’s gun? I feel that the author has spoken a much needed truth and rather than complaining about the minor mistakes in the govt. has identified the responsible source, the President
#15 Posted by hshahbaz on June 21, 2006 6:36:23 pm
To sanjay : I totally agree with you that actions are needed. But sir, actions do not come out of the blue, they are always inspired by words. And if the Pakistani people had not cared about their govt. they would not have stood up for their rights along with Bhutto, nor had they chanted slogans against Ayub and no matter what the reason for Ayub`s downfall there is no denying that people did come out against him. It is just that the population is frustrated after getting no rewards for their work, but pessimism can be ended. This country is ours and it is our duty to run it. It is high time that we realize our duties! Nobody could have said a month ago that nepal was ready for such a large-scale opposition. You never know what`s going to happen and it is just some pessimistic seers who never will agree even if the opposition faces them in the face. Afterall it was the pakistan public who broke the gates of the diplomatic enclave a few months back.
#16 Posted by sanjay on June 21, 2006 10:12:08 pm
#15
I do not want to dispel your optimism, but it doesnt appear that something is going to happen in Pakistan, atleast for the next 5 years. There have been words and words and words all over for the past so many years regarding restoration of democracy in Pakistan but now it is clear that those words have gone into deaf ears.
So my advice to Pakistanis is that either you have to get into action ,that is, take it on to the streets(like the Nepalese have done) or accept the status-quo as your fate.
There is no other third option.
I do not want to dispel your optimism, but it doesnt appear that something is going to happen in Pakistan, atleast for the next 5 years. There have been words and words and words all over for the past so many years regarding restoration of democracy in Pakistan but now it is clear that those words have gone into deaf ears.
So my advice to Pakistanis is that either you have to get into action ,that is, take it on to the streets(like the Nepalese have done) or accept the status-quo as your fate.
There is no other third option.
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