Views of a Pakistani American
By Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)
Rawalpindi, Pakistan


(Kindly allow me to share the views of my college days friend Dr. Muhammad Nawaz - PhD International Law, Ann Arbour University Michigan, USA 1956 - who has been working with various UN agencies, last as Consultant to the World Bank). He writes:
The growing political turmoil in Pakistan is a matter of profound concern for all those who would like to see that society move forward towards modernization and prosperity. That does not seem to be happening. Pakistan, with its violence, extremism, religious intolerance, and what not, seems to be drifting downhill. It gives an image of an utterly chaotic and reign-less society. It seems to be driven by the politicians, blind and selfish to the core of their thought and intellect.
All this is being done to “promote democracy” without paying any attention to the core spirit of democracy – the betterment of common people. Leadership over the period of the existence of the country has failed to adopt measures conducive to a stable political environment and to strengthen national cohesion and outlook. No one has introduced effective systems suited to the resolution of the problems of common citizens and leading the society on the path of progress and modernization. The Generals, over the last sixty years, have been as much a part of this process of decline as the civilians. No leader has acted as a statesman.
Religion does not seem to be giving unity and strength to the society any more, unlike what it did until 1947. As an element of national political interaction, it has been overplayed by every player to the extent of being abused. It now seems to be dividing society instead of uniting it. Extremism and intolerance lead society to self-destruction.
Piety first starts with individual introspection. Return to the fundamental should rather lead to peace and goodness than to fanaticism.
A number of political parties and others are invoking the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, expecting that they would be able to achieve their political goal of stopping the scheduled election of the President. The petitions submitted to the Court have burdened an institution of high national importance and prestige with a responsibility that has many dimensions in addition to the legal one. At this critical juncture of the nation’s life, the Supreme Court’s role, as the final arbiter of the interpretation and application of law, I trust, is to take a pragmatic view of the applicable legal regime in the best interest of society. The Court would be bold and brave to resolve expeditiously the issues it faces, and by doing so, it would prevent the emergence of a situation that could rip society further apart and eventually destroy it.
Nawaz
Washington, DC
e.mail: nawaz@cox.net


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