So here we are with two deadlines expiring and no result in sight. WHY?

Seems the answer lies with Zardari as presently he is looking to his own future and the likes of himself rather than to the nation or the kind of precedence he will leave behind. It is true what some people say that it is not the uneducated and uncivilized that are the real criminals but the educated and the civilized. True enough Zardari knows very well what lies in store for him after the reinstatement of the judges. Maybe he could lose the very power he is holding on to maybe all his previous cases will come out of the closet to haunt him the rest of his life.

But this is all for Zardari and his likes but where do the common people come in. NO-WHERE? Why should a hundred and sixty million people suffer for what Zardari has done during his tenure in the previous governments? Today if he is being held accountable then he should reap the benefits, as the old saying goes “as you sow you shall reap” but Zardari is trying all tricks up his sleeve to do otherwise. Now there are others too rocking this boat including Musharraf and the Chaudries of Gujarat. What is important to note is that in the best interest of this nation as they all keep saying, they keep forgiving each other, striking off huge debts and loans taken from banks, withdrawing cases of corruption, murder, theft, abuse of power, etc saying that if these people go then who will rule this nation. Is our nation to be ruled by thugs and corrupt politicians cant we find good honest people who are above their own interests to stand for Pakistan. Don’t tell me this is all the mothers of Pakistan can produce? Aren’t there any intelligent and honest men out there who are willing to take the reins of this country and bringing peace and prosperity?  

Anyway all this is forgiving and patching is done among the elite ruling class but what of the poor and middle class who are languishing in jails and have sold all their property and lands to pay up bank loans including the huge interest rates, who are waiting for a miracle in the jails to get them out or strike off their loans, forgive them for their crimes, withdraw cases initiated against them, etc  they are all waiting for someone to provide them justice which in this case was uprooted by the famous American puppet Busharraf, This tree of justice is now like an uprooted tree wanting relentlessly to be planted back by a hoard of greedy and corrupt politicians (mafia) who are waiting for it to die so it can be cut and sold out.

Now another bomb shell, reported by the News on May 10, 2008 our Sindh Information Minister Shazia Marri in a seminar organized by the Women Action Forum (WAF) said, “people should forget May 12, 2007 and move forward. What is she talking about? Does she have the nerve to tell the same to the families of the victims that died during that fateful day, then she goes on to say “For God’s sake give your sentiments a direction for a goal and that goal should be peace,” she said. “We also want to give the direction of peace to those forces which are hyper and aggressive. We want to build a new society where people’s problems are resolved and peace prevails”. Yes, build the society by not overlooking facts that require justice and are still burning in the hearts of the families of the victims.

In the media there is talk of increasing the strength of the SC judges to 27, then there is talk of having two Supreme Courts one for Criminal issues headed by CJ Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry and the other for Constitutional issues (with all powers) headed by another selective CJ Mr. Dogar. Wow!  This clearly shows how much we keep the interests of the nation when trying to solve problems. We have talk shows that bring in people who feel that the judges issue is not as important as Roti Kapra aur Makan, they forget that what use is the Roti Kapra aur Makan when there is no law and order and no justice to rule insane minds. Already we are in a fiasco with the feudal lords running the affairs of the country in connivance with the military or vice versa. There is no peace if there is no writ of law. Selective judges will only make matters worse for anyone and everyone and people will feel the brunt sooner or later.

Even in Islam if there is no justice there is no peace and only a proper and transparent judiciary with absolute power can bring peace and harmony. There is an old saying, “justice delayed is justice denied” but what if, justice is delayed and denied to justice providers themselves. One should ponder for this is a crucial matter for our political community and the issue of resolving the judges’ reinstatement should be quick and any delay in this regard should be avoided.

It is understood that some of the chaps have a lot to lose with the reinstalling of the judges but if they get above their personal views and think in the best interest of the nation it will be clear to them that this act of theirs (reinstating the judges) will create a precedence this country has ever known and will strengthen the judiciary for a long time to come plus they will be honored and the nation will be in debt to them forever.

Now let’s see the next part of the mullahs and the Madrassah. During the golden age of the Muslims, they were scholars in science, art, medicine, astrology, physics, chemistry, geography etc.. and had written thousands of books on every subject it is noted that just Cordova had 70 libraries that consisted of more than four hundred thousand volume both religious and non religious books from all over the world, cities like Baghdad and Cordova were the seats of learning and in a period of the dark ages of the West, Islam shone as a bright light, bringing people from all religions to study and learn various subjects. People from all religions, Christians and Jews alike learnt Arabic and studied at the universities in these great lands. There was no such thing as School and the Madrassah was the place where great ideas were discussed and books written. Islamic Philosophy knew no bounds and the books of Ibne Sina (called Avicenna in Europe) and Ibne Rushd (called Averroes) were used in the western universities up to the 16^th and 17^th centuries. The West today is greatly indebted to Islam for their progress and the advanced state of affairs.

An internet site on YouTube  called “Islam in Europe --When Muslims Ruled in Europe” is a must see for all who want to understand the golden period of Islam in Europe. Also an article in the Business Recorder dated 11^th August2007 in the weekend section had an article, “ Influence of Muslim Philosophy on the West” is some good reading, and here is the website address to access this article

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?show=detail&id=604536&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

The conquests of the Europeans over the Muslim world began with a well thought out plan. To uproot the education system of the muslims. Hence when the British entered Sudan there were already a total of 55,000 Madrassah’s  within three years of their colonization only 3000 Madrassah survived, the rest were all closed down and hundreds and thousands of learned scholars were put to death or imprisoned. Muslims were forced to learn the language of the foreigners and the new system of schools was put in place, as time went by the schools gained prominence and the Madrassah system stayed stagnant as there was no funding of any sort and most of the learned Muslim scholars were terminated systematically. The new found English education gave prominence to people at the grass root levels hence schools began to flourish. On the other hand Madrassah were restricted to only learning the Quran, and the meaning and interpretation of the Quran and all other knowledge on other subjects that was once part of the Madrassah became extinct.

Now after gaining independence from the colonization and with new found freedom our so called leaders did nothing to revive the old Madrassah system, there was no room for Islam or the Quran in the modern educational system. Hence the Madrassah had to survive on its own therefore turning to educate the poor who could not afford the expenses of the schools. Students at these Madrassah’s turned to teaching and that taught the poor free of cost in return for handouts from the local people thus continued a long circle of the same following. With no funding and no restoration of the old teaching system the Madrassah's gradually became closed to new ideas and imposed strict interpretations of Islam. Education of all sorts needs to be revitalized new research is needed in all fields, new ideas etc  which unfortunately has not been the case in Madrassah’s that turned into breeding grounds for a strict interpretation of Islam creating the so called stereotype mullahs.

I at times find it unfortunate to see people opting for western type of governments and democracy when the best forms of governance and rule is the Islamic law. Look at all the Hollywood movies that depict the future or the best of analysts or experts that speak or predict the future, non have been able to be accurate as compared to what the Quran has predicted 1400 years ago that have all proven true without any mistake whatsoever. How can we then accept something that is alien to us and based only on making us into puppets or slaves of the capitalists.

It’s important to do some reading of Islamic history apart from that which is taught in schools and those who are blinded by the western system will see that neither the Islamic system nor the Muslims are inferior.

One should watch this Indian movie “Chakdey India” (starring Shahrukh Khan) especially the first part which says it all about our political system. In the first part of the movie, women players of different state hockey teams are selected to form the Indian National Women’s Hockey Team. Each member being a star in her own state feels she is not obliged to play with others and can manage on her own. They fight and quarrel with one another and with Shahrukh who plays the role of an Indian hockey coach. With the course of time he teaches them that collectively they represent India and are known as Indian players to the outside world and not state players.

Now this was for the movie how that movie has similarities to Pakistan’s political parties is anyone’s guess. Look around every leader of a political party behaves as a superstar with his or her own agenda to promote. They forget that at this stage they represent the people and are representatives of the people and not their masters. They should discuss their moves in accordance with the wishes of the people. Keeping Pakistan in their sights they should decide what is best for the country and not themselves. They have to overcome differences and shun their personal agendas if they want to overcome this martial law.

Just today the Motharma gave a deadline of the 13^th of November to the government to remove the

emergency and hold elections or else she will organize a long march. The reason behind this is of course is to negotiate a deal as is being done by her and Musharafs aides and further to show Musharraf that she will begin an agitation if he does not reason with her. On the other hand Mulla Fazal ur Rehman has demanded that the Motharma join him as he has his own agendas. Nobody seems to care to get Imran Khan out of hiding or secure the release of the HR activists and other political leaders under house arrest freed. Nobody cares either for the restoring the Chief Justice to his pre 3^rd November position or to stand up to restore the Constitution.

Why should they? A previous issue when Nawaz Sharif was forcibly deported to Jeddah, the PM Shakat Aziz along with other members of the parliament bragged about the way they were clever in dividing the opposition parties and beating them at their own game. Bravo!! Once again but this time it will be the President who will be making that claim. Here it seems everyone is playing his game to get glory and be crowned but what about the people.

None of the parties thought that the very people they are representing  are some among the list of missing persons now in the Courts and it is due to the efforts of the then CJ that many families were reunited with  their loved ones. This was their duty to stand for their people rather they chose to pursue their own agendas. The people of Pakistan are now worried as to why the independent channels are off air but to think of it I believe that it is good to have them off air as they were of no help in bringing about the people of Pakistan to makes changes for a better future. All the talk shows on ARY, GEO, AAJ etc on the role of the politicians and the changes needed for Pakistan have been useless as no doubt we were well informed about the corruption of the politicians yet we re-elected the same politicians instead of showing them the door.

Our loyalties have got the better of us and we overlook all the flaws of the people that represent us. Once I asked my cousin why he did not vote for someone else than Mehmood Khan, he remarked Mehmood Khan looked better in the Assembly, I then asked will you stop wearing the turban if it looked good on his head also. Hence our state of affairs thanks to our loyalties. Looking at the present setup of our so called champions of democracy it is clear that they use the masses to their advantage and the civil servants as their personal servants.

With the current situation it is clear that what is needed is unity among these politicians if they are to have democracy in Pakistan. Shelve their personal agendas and work as a team to bring peace and prosperity to this nation of ours.    

 So here we are in one of the darkest episodes in Pakistani politics. Destiny has once again favored the brave to change the nature of Pakistani politics but do we have any braves left or only coyotes, jackals, and hyenas in lion's clothing. The imposition of this new kind of PCO or is it Martial law or Emergency we still don’t know as this time as the fox (Musharraf) has played a new kind of game by suspending the Constitution, judiciary and the media. He has allowed the assemblies to function which is totally absurd as the assemblies were elected by the so called people according to Musharraf who wanted to see a change at the grass root level in accordance with the constitution. Now that the Constitution is suspended all the assemblies should have automatically been dissolved but this country of ours is full of surprises and its leaders, masters in the art of molding wax (law) with impunity.

 As usual what people say is true that nothing in Pakistan happens without the blessing of the USA and then they (Americans) show surprise as to why is there so much growing anti American sentiment in Pakistan. An article in the "Nation" dated 5-11-07 states that the emergency in Pakistan had the approval of Bush, which should not surprise any of our readers, America (King maker) is now at its height in meddling in Pakistani politics. So don’t be taken with all the riffraff that you hear on the international media that the Americans are very concerned by the current developments in Pakistan.What they are really concerned is about their own interests and would like to see Benazir in power. 

Now the most important thing to bring forward, the struggle alone by lawyers and human right organizations to bring about changes in the country is not enough, it is the role of the political parties to ensure that true democracy is brought about by uniting people together and striking while the iron is hot. But alas! some of our politicians have all the backing of the people yet they barely understand this as they lack experienceof working with one another and have never led a democratic process through difficult times. What is that Urdu saying, “Dubetey ko tinkey ka sahara chaiye”, (“A drowning person looks for a straw to survive”) but in our case the general whose ship is sinking and is trying desperately to grab on to a straw is being given a rope by our power hungry opposition leaders.

It is time for the people of Pakistan to realize and especially the lawyers who have stood up to this tyranny and as a matter of fact belong to various respective political parties, that they are alone in this fight for justice and for upholding the Constitution. This fight is not only the responsibility of lawyers but it is incumbent on every citizen of Pakistan to stand up against injustice regardless of any political affiliations. It is a shame that three days after the imposition of emergency rule, for the exception of a few politicians who are under house arrest or gone into hiding non of the political parties joined the struggle.  Their tall claims that they have thousands of supporters who are ready to lay down their lives for their country is nothing but a farce.

 Clear enough Benazir has not been placed under house arrest and she is free to move around while having the power of the masses who adore her as the daughter of the brave Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. But what is she waiting for? Well, lets see, first she has no interest in standing for the judiciary as the National Reconciliation Order (NRO) deal which was so grandly brought about is already in the Supreme Court and a slash of the pen by the then Honorable Judges could bring down tumbling the NRO and re-initiate all the cases of mass corruption against her, her spouse and many of her party stalwarts who have amassed fortunes in their hay days, also the  appointment of the new SC judge Mr. Dogar was possible only after  top government quarters took Benazir into confidence, is is worthy mentioning here that Justice Dogar was appointed by Benazir Bhutto in 1995 which is quite appropriate for her. Secondly she doesn’t want to anger the General as it will only cut her out of the deal she so ardently and patiently worked for with the connivance of the American and British Governments, so why should she interfere when the going is good,  instead she has called upon the people cut down on agitation and work for the elections (to bring her back to glory and power) in the country. Even now, as I write this column the news on CNN is that her party officials are in secret talks with mediators from the government on a power sharing deal. 

What matters now is that the people of Pakistan whether from the PPP or any other political party should realize that their leaders are only paper tigers who don’t have the will nor the feelings of their people, they are neither sincere nor can they make a decisionto benefit the future of this country.

This opportunity will never ring twice, it is time people should forget their differences, and to which party they belong and stand with the brave lawyers, judges, media and civil rights activists who are fighting against this corrupt system enforced by a dictator to usurp power. The likes of the unholy fathers (Mullas), have said that hundreds of their workers have been arrested overnight, they have exaggerated this point since we have had no news from any of their leadership from anyone place in the country of opposing the dictatorial rule or leading processions. The champions of democracy who made relentless speeches of providing freedom to the people of Pakistan are no more then like the dictator himself and care a damn for the people of Pakistan. People like Aitzaz Hassan and his likes, should realize this by now and take it upon themselves to bring the people together and stand up against dictatorship of all forms.

The historic action by the Honorable Judges, lawyers, human right activists and media shows that all is not lost and there are some people who want to see a change from dictatorship to democracy. But what will that change be, to throw off the yoke of one dictatorship only to be harnessed by the yoke of another upon their necks? We talk of sacrifices now is the hour and we need to know our friends from our enemies. Our current politicians have proved once again that their speeches and struggle is only to gain power for themselves at the expense of the people of Pakistan.

This reminds me of a joke once sent to me,

One Sunday morning during service a 2,000 member congregation was surprised to see two men enter.

Both covered from head to toe in black and carrying submachine guns.

One of the men proclaimed,                                           

"Anyone willing to take a bullet for Christ, remain where you are

 Immediately, the choir fled,   the deacons fled                             

Out of the 2,000 there remained only 20

The man who had spoken took off his hood...

He then looked at the preacher and said,

"Okay Pastor, I got rid of all the hypocrites,

Now you may begin your service, Have a nice day!”

We need people true and sincere perhaps like the Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudry, other judges, lawyers, activists  and many others who have stood their ground  and despite being beaten mercilessly and jailed under various charges have refused to be coerced and dictated by a ruthless and power hungry dictator.  

Why are we always looking to the west to provide us answers to our problems. Let us be practical, Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and is called the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, why then may I ask, Why then do we have an "ENGLISH LAW" hammered out by our British Masters and we oppose the introduction of Islamic Law I mean the "Sharia" What kind of Muslims are we?

We believe in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed), believe in the last Messenger(PBUH) of Allah, believe in Allah's Prophets, his Books and in Angels and also in Life after Death. We also believe that the Quran and the Sunnah and the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the perfect examples according to which one should lead his life. Why then, when it comes to implementing the Sharia Law we look the other way and accept English Law as the true law of mankind but are reluctant to accept Islamic law.
What kind of Muslims are we?

How much more can you want and get especially when first, you are the prime minister of Pakistan, then second the richest man going in Pakistan, and third to top all that you have a dual nationality. What more can an individual want? But, then some people’s wants never end as is the case of our dear PM (Oliver) who wants more. The recent article in the “The News dated 26/10/07” clearly shows how sacrifices are being made by our echelons for the cause of this great country. Living in one of the poorest countries its leaders require the privileges of the most advanced nations, perhaps even more as so gracefully stated by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sher Afgan Niazi, saying that it was not illegal to grant perks to a former prime minister as this was a practice all over the world”. The article states that the PM has moved a bid through the Prime Minister’s Secretariat to make a law providing lavish perks, allowances and privileges to former prime ministers, called the Prime Minister’s Pension and Benefits and Privilege Act, but only to those who were in office after 2002. A special clause has been added to disqualify former PMs Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. It proposes that benefits would be given to every person who after having held the PMs office after October 2002 for not less than one year, “has not been removed for violating the constitution or gross misconduct”.

Here in a nation where half the population lives below the poverty level, unemployment is at it high, health care is almost nonexistent (only available to the privileged). Our so called leaders, champions of making empty speeches, calling on the people to make sacrifices are covertly moving bids through law makers to get higher benefits at the expense of the people they claim to represent.  I just wonder what made the French peasants revolt against the aristocrats during the famous French Revolution.

So far the presidency has not cleared the bill, but I don’t think it will be ignored for long. According to a copy of the bill available with ‘The News’, a total of 23 new perks and privileges have been proposed. These include:

1- Exemption from the provision of the Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965 (WP Ordinance No XX of 1965) or any other law at the time being in force relating to the possession of arms, firms arms or ammunition.

2- Diplomatic passports for self, wife and dependent children.

3- Access to government guest houses, rest houses and circuit houses in the country free of charge.

4- Installation of telephone at residence at government expenses and exemption from payment of its rental charges and of charges of calls made there from to the extent of Rs60,000 during a financial year in the aggregate.

5- Services of one private secretary in BPS 18, one security guard, one driver and one cook for life from the date on which right to receive pension under this accrues.

6- Free medical aid for life in Pakistan and abroad subject to approval by the medical board for self, wife and dependent children.

7- Free official residence for life or rent at the rate of Rs50,000 per month if official residence if not provided or occupied to be maintained at government expenses.

8- Free provision of electricity to the extent of monthly consumption of 2000 units, gas to the extent of monthly consumption of 10HM3(consumption of the electricity and gas to be adjusted at the close of each financial year) and water.

9- An amount of Rs100,000 for movement of household effects and collection of papers and books.

10- Purchase of one car exempted from levy of customs duty and sales tax if not already availed as the prime minister.

11- Car allowance at the rate of Rs20,000 per month or such higher amount as the federal government may, keeping in view the price of motor fuel, cost of car and its maintenance determine from time to time.

12- No income tax shall be payable in respect of the facilities, benefits and perquisite admissible under this schedule.

13- Security escort as and when required

14- Arrangements for special security measures for the former prime minister and his family either on his request or by the federal government on its own accord taking into account the circumstances past and present.

15- Pension for rest of life at the rate of 80 per cent of the current salary.

This also includes one very interesting aspect that says that even the ‘widow’ of the prime minister shall be entitled to the benefits and privileges and expenditures on the pension and other facilities aforesaid shall be charges upon the federal consolidation fund.

God Help us if this bill is passed, as our Olivers are getting greedier than ever and constantly wanting more and more……