“Whenever a man does a thoroughly stupid thing, it is always from the noblest motives.” Oscar Wilde
National Reconciliation Ordinance was declared null and void by Pakistan’s Supreme Court under the questionable leadership of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, a man many believe to be inspiring for a higher office. As soon as the news of this judgment came out, a Sindhi friend who is based here in Washington called me to bitterly complain that once again, a Sindhi is being singled out and deliberately targeted by the nexus of Army and Judiciary in Pakistan. When I pointed out that there are a lot of people from all over Pakistan included in the list, he responded that the entire purpose of this judgment is to malign Zardari. Obviously, I did not agree with him, but it sure seems odd that as soon as Zardari took over as Pakistan’s president, vitriolic personal attacks on him have been a daily routine.
It is worth repeating that when Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry was touring Pakistan to get his job back, it seemed possible that all will change and improve as soon as he was back as the Chief Justice, but, alas, things have gotten worse even though Chaudhry got his job back. Ordinary people across Pakistan want peace, security and a decent job, and they are least bothered by anything else. However, instead of putting everything to work to help Pakistan overcome poverty, disease, hunger, lawlessness, terrorism, there are certain people, or perhaps powers within Pakistan more interested in keeping the country and the democratic set up week so that they could continue their dirty games. Otherwise, why would Pakistan be dealing with the mess of NRO instead of dealing with other pressing issues of missing flour, electricity, gas, and water?
I am no conspiracy theorists and I loath people who come up with bizarre theories, but, I think there is a link between the current chaos in Pakistan and the role Pakistan’s power brokers are playing. For example, according to a report in The New York Times, Intelligence and military officials in Pakistan are harassing American diplomats. This, according to the story is the result of Zardari getting too close to the Americans. So, in a way, rogue elements in Pakistan’s military and civilian establishment are putting pressure on Americans to split Zardari and the Americans. I hope these people won’t succeed, but given Pakistan’s current political temperature, it seems very clear that things are not going well for democracy, and Zardari has been cornered.
Pakistan’s electronic media with help from intelligence and military is also working hard to give this impression that the sky is falling and if only Zardari gives up presidency, things will change, even improve. But, in reality, nothing is going to change even if Zardari is forced out. However, unlike Nawaz Sharif, who signed a confession statement accepting his role in hijacking Musharaff’s plane to secure his release from prison, Zardari is expected to fight back. But we will have to wait and see how things develop from here.
It is too early to tell whether this judgment is a victory for anyone, or another attempt by Pakistan’s Chief Justice to become Pakistan’s president. It is also too early to expect that the current Supreme Court can do anything else to force the government to take steps that have been recommended in the decision. However, it seems that the decision by Iftikhar Chaudhry is the beginning of a power struggle between Zardari and democratic forces on one side and questionable jurists like the Chief Justice, rogue media and hardliner, Taliban sympathizers elements in security, intelligence and military establishment on the other side. Let’s see how it ends, but one thing is clear – ordinary Pakistanis will still struggle for daily necessities no matter it who wins the current battle.
“If we don’t change our direction we’re likely to end up where we’re headed.”
Chinese Proverb
