A Pattern of Violence
By Wasim Zaidi
Los Angeles, CA
The black coats do not have a political party of their own though almost all of them have political affiliations of one kind or the other. Their ‘struggle’ suits the political parties and each expects support from them. It is a perfect ‘marriage of convenience’ between the two. However, of late there has been a distinct division in the ranks of the legal fraternity – whether of their own accord or manipulation – dividing them into a placid pro-government or the neutral faction and the proactive anti-government element.
The despicable behavior of the lawyers in Lahore has shocked the nation and the world. They not only kidnapped and injured former federal minister Dr. Sher Afghan Niazi but threw rocks and flattened the tires of the ambulance that was taking him to the hospital for treatment. Following the incident, Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, the leader of the lawyers, announced his resignation from his position as the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
While some may be tempted to call it an isolated incident, the facts speak otherwise. Several months ago, similar violence was perpetrated by lawyers outside the Supreme Court building against a few people carrying pro-Musharraf banners in the midst of a sea of black coats opposed to Musharraf. Dr. Farooq Sattar and Senator Tariq Azim were also subjected to violence and needed hospitalization. The shameful behavior of the lawyers makes a mockery of their claim that their movement is aimed at restoring "democracy" and "rule of law". It also raises questions about the readiness of Pakistani civil society to govern itself in a democratic manner. The conspiracy theories and the claims of "invisible hand" will not satisfy those of us looking for hard facts. Unless there is a full, impartial and apolitical investigation of this incident it will be seen as part of a pattern of violence that has characterized the entire lawyers movement supported by politicians now at the helm after the elections.
