Articles of the year 2014
Published on October 10th 2014
The Sharif Brothers have indeed put together a formidable political machine, but sadly the treatment of their cabinet members leaves much to be desired, and is causing difficulties in the smooth operation of this PMLN set up. This treatment does in fact affect the morale, and the performance of these Ministers.
As in all political arrangements, the centre of power is important, and the proximity to this centre is the measure of the power. However the people in the corridors of power are all too conscious and aware of these distances and their respect varies in direct proportion to this proximity. Nawaz has been taught to distance himself from the ‘people’ as proximity could lead to exposing weaknesses. And so the visits to the Assembly were curtailed, with Chaudri Nisar acting as the stand in Prime Minister while Nawaz Sharif was busy elsewhere. This policy backfired, and the Prime Minister became isolated from his own party members. His policy of denying appointments to meet with party stalwarts, further isolated Nawaz, and worse it did not allow criticism of any kind to get through. This led to mistakes in Governance and finally we saw the treatment of the Tahir ulqadri visit turn into a compounding of errors, till now the PMLN face a fully blown crisis which has shaken the Government. Also the contempt coupled with arrogance for any coalition members has driven away the other support.
Another example of the arrogance of their power is in their choice of President. In India the President was always someone of impeccable credentials. Also highly educated, and an outstanding achiever. Yet in Pakistan they have appointed a person who has no outstanding achievements in any field a shopkeeper at best– save that he used to deliver Dahi Barhas to the Sharifs on their infrequent visits to Karachi. Surely this Nation of 180 million people, deserve a better choice. Is there no one in Pakistan better qualified as the public face of Pakistan than Mamnoon Hussain? The Presidency of Pakistan surely deserves better? Nawaz Sharif should be chastised for trying to insult the intelligence of Pakistanis. Why not his Cook, or his Masseur, for both I understand are excellent at their jobs.
Tahirul Qadri has done it. He has proven how the Sharif Brothers can rise to their special level of incompetence. Before Qadri had even entered Pakistani airspace, the Sharif kitchen cabinet had bunkered down, and Islamabad was sealed off. Section 144 was applied. The police were issued special riot gear as if Darth Vader was coming to town. The Emirates flight carrying Qadri was ordered to circle eight times over Islamabad. With not a cloud in sight and a runway clear of any obstacles, the Emirates pilot could not understand the reason for the diversion. After all to divert from the official flight plan clearance is first taken from the CAA, or else it could be considered a high jacking. However being the Kingdom of Pakistan, Royalty does not need permission. It is a royal decree, a command. No questions asked, ever. The passengers who had bought tickets for Islamabad found themselves on their way to Lahore, after eight circuits sightseeing Islamabad, courtesy Chaudri Nisar, Minister of Interior.
Are the passengers, and their relatives on the ground not entitled to any explanation? The IATA violations not withstanding, is our leadership completely unaware that in the 21st century, educated (degree holding) members of our elected government cannot or should not behave like African dictators, on a rampage? Who can challenge these violations of our precious constitution one that has been the victim in all these acts? By these elected persons. We the people did not approve such behaviour, as it was not in their manifesto. Their mandate was certainly not behave in this manner, to disgrace and insult the sensibilities of the people of Pakistan.
Where was the threat to democracy? Is this behaviour by elected representatives showing such an extreme reaction to a threat (perceived at best ). One wonders what would happen if a real crisis was to materialise. This has happened twice in the past. Once at the time of the Kargill crisis, when an attack from India was expected, Nawaz Sharif begged President Clinton for an appointment, and such was the urgency that Clinton did meet, on July 4 the US Independence Day. Did we Pakistani people deserve to have such buffoons as our leaders? That our Prime Minister had to beg the US President to intercede and to stop a perceived Indian attack?
The latest uproar over the delayed PIA flight to Islamabad was indeed shameful. Worse has been the subsequent attempts by PIA management to gloss over the shocking breakdown of discipline. Also the manner in which senior politicians rallied to the defense of Senator Rehman Malik. The statement by Khaqan Abbassi lending support to Rehman Malik, is also surprising, especially as he owns and operates an airline–Air Blue. If his airline did not adhere to a strict schedule, the airline would lose its passengers and maybe it’s operators licence. 1) If the flight was delayed, then the passengers are not allowed by law to check in after the check-in time. This time does not change.
2) The airport facility, security, procedures, including check-in times are very carefully calculated to ensure the safety of the aircraft and passengers to prevent any untoward breach by criminal elements, who would wish to jeopardize the smooth operation of the airline. The passengers and their baggage are bound by a strict protocol which applies to all Airlines. If PIA is found to have been violating these procedures then it could face serious penalties, by Civil Aviation authorities. It is quite clear that everyone in Pakistan aspires to a VIP status which translates into the rest being treated as chattel – a lower status.
Imran Khan has changed all that, and has brought an awareness in the people. Now we will see many incidents of the public turning on the errant Ministers, and they may get a sound beating, so fed up are the people of this VIP behaviour. This is a true awakening of the people of their rights. No longer will we be pushed off the roads by Gun-toting body guards. People will react.
This is true freedom.