Articles of the year 2021

There’s a story doing the rounds of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands who lost a castle to Begum Rana Liaquat over a chess game. This is not true. The truth is that Begum Sahiba when she was ambassador was a great friend of the Queen’s who identified this castle as a suitable premise for the embassy residence. She was instrumental in negotiating a very attractive deal for the Pakistani embassy. It was accepted by the Pakistani government and it is still in the possession of Pakistan. The family of Liaquat Ali Khan continued their benefits to his beloved Pakistan even though he has been so cruelly assassinated.

It is indeed a pity that the family of Liaquat from whom the country had benefitted so much by their exemplary conduct in their lives could not be replicated by the Bhuttos or the Sharifs or the Zardaris. Each of these political leaders manage to destroy the image left behind by Jinnah and Liaquat. It maybe of interest to the readers that when Begum Sahiba passed away, Benazir Bhutto who was PM at that time was requested to allow burial of Begum Sahiba’s remains at the Quaid’s Mazaar along side her husband. This was refused by Benazir.

At this point, Makhdoom Amin Fahim threatened to resign from her cabinet. Benazir could not take the departure of such a powerful Sindhi political family. Grudgingly she agreed to this request. This disgraceful conduct by Benazir with such an important person of Pakistan cannot be ignored. These facts should be brought to public notice through this column. The benefits derived from the Liaquat family are indeed full of instances and the response from Pakistan is shabby beyond reasons. Benezir at one point in her arrogant dismissive manner insisted that she be laid to rest in a grave with no recognition for the years of services Begum Rana had rendered in her own right in her exemplary service as an ambassador for beloved Pakistan. This was indeed a cruel gesture from Benazir to a member of a founding family.
The Zardaris and Sharifs have much to answer for in this demeaning conduct certainly not befitting their status.

It shows a petty mean streak not in keeping with the offices they have enjoyed and benefitted from. It is indeed sad and shameful behavior from the rulers of this great nation. The Prime Minister of Pakistan should right this wrong, for he has the education and breeding to ensure that the memory of the Liaquat family should be hallowed for their services for this country. When Liaquat Ali Khan died he had nothing in his bank accounts. The last four Prime Ministers have billions in their accounts facing criminal charges or corruption. The Liaquat family lost everything and are an example of honest leadership. The dishonesty apparent in the behavior of the current leaders should be reason enough for Imran Khan to render exemplary punishment.

Imran Khan should realize that the most important function should be the punishment of the Zardaris and Sharifs. Otherwise he will negate his electoral promises, and will insult the the legacy and memory of the great leadership of Liaquat and Jinnah who made this country possible.
A nation to be proud of and not defiled in this manner. The Supreme Court Chief Justice should take note of his position in history.
This moment will always be remembered and must be acted upon so that it is cherished and not relegated to the dustbin of history.