"˜AT LAST'

By: Amjad Malik

Its show time and 2007 is a year of felicitation as the order of the day is that no one will be missing, no one will be deprived of justice and basic human rights and none will be supra constitution and nation is congratulating each other every other day as we have reborn in Pakistan after 60 years.

Sharifs were given relief to enter and remain and continue political activity as guaranteed in the 1973 Constitution as a basic right of every Pakistani citizen. With this decision this also gives rise to a good omen about the current judiciary which is taking a new turn and bringing Pakistan from a crossroad towards the path of real democracy where judiciary plays its role as a monitor and institutions work as per constitution. This was the link which was missing during all martial laws in Pakistan.

Its irony that for basic clarifications of human rights of people and leaders of Pakistan, citizens have to knock the door of the top judiciary for relief whereas the constitution was and is clear about some of the rights like freedom of speech, movement and taking part in political activity but that is the state of play today that we need declarations for our basic rights to avoid ultra constitutional situations.

Judiciary has reclaimed its position after sheer criticism and hard struggle, media uprightly fought for its freedom and army already is an established wing in Pakistan, necessary to address the threat from our nuclear armed arch rival. Now is the turn of political clan to show maturity and work for Pakistan. From 20 July 2007 onwards, we have entered into a new Pakistan and sooner our political class realises that the better it is for them as they are to lead the nation towards a tolerant, vibrant and progressive democratic society which will not be easy if they are not united on some of the basic national policies for example complete freedom and submission to independent judiciary and promoting the concept of free media and no compromise on nation interests and urgent need of some of the social reforms packages which a common man is waiting for 60 years. The very media and judiciary will be a hurdle to cross for any potential leader who aspires to run Pakistan in coming years. Wheeling dealing is not in demand any more as it's what people desire matters.

Our military rulers must show little more courage and let the ball rolling and the nation must see the day light in the form of govt of the people for the people and by the people. Pakistan was made for the Muslims of subcontinent in order to protect their belief and to avoid slavery of Hindu majority. In 60 years we are neither truly democratic nor free. Our masters just changed faces and colour and Quaid's words were never implemented.  Pakistan is going through one of the worst crises of internal stability, future concerns and unrest at our rear borders which is ever escalating and growing. Pakistanis on two fronts are mourning their dead one at the tribal's and the second at armed forces personnel and we are hearing threatening voices to do more in the "˜war against terrorism' otherwise US will strike itself in the tribal areas. Nation question as to how long we will continue fighting a proxy war against our own for other's interests. We must call it a day and start learning to say  "˜NO' like veteran Nawaz Sharif did to Bill Clinton. We need a man of vision who can save Pakistan from internal as well as external threats. How long we will remain slaves and did we obtain nuclear arms to remain slaves and to keep compromising on national interests, we need to show some courage on the issue of national self respect and strategic interests of the state before it's too late. In this struggle, gaining public support and continuing political process is the key to tackle western forces. 

If President Mushraf after his failure to address US concerns and unsuccessful Afghan policy wishes to be remembered for his media growth and economic progress then he may consider one ideal choice by addressing the nation that he is neither Presidential candidate nor he wishes to retain his uniform, allow free and fair elections to take place under a legally constituted set up which are not only free but appears to be free and independent monitors and courts confirm its fairness and allow the political exit of military from politics peacefully without fail and any derailment. This way he will allow the historian to judge him what he gained and lost during 8 years of his reign.

Pakistan after 60 years is still fighting for the very question of its birth and nation demands justice with Pakistan as we have allowed too far for this onslaught on a nation and state which has been bearing with our inefficiencies and cheap slogans.  Pakistan a land of pure and a dream come true desires some hard work from its sons of soil and we must pledge to make Pakistan a state it truly deserves to be recognized in the world, a modern, tolerant and democratic with Islamic values where voice of public matters, and justice is seen to be done at a door step of a common man and state takes responsibility of poor and sick and health and education is given to all and state looks after the needy and those who deserve true  attention and above all where we do not have to run backwards but forward. We can make Pakistan a better country if we remove the difference from our sayings and doings and serve the state as it truly deserves. As it stands we have disappointed our country and let's make it better for next time.

Amjad Malik is a Chair of Association of Pakistani Lawyers (UK).

24 August 2007