STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
I have shared the following anecdote before, unfortunately ignorance and stupidity has no bounds and history repeats itself. Habibullah Kalakani ruled Afghanistan for nearly ten months known as “Bacha Saqao”, the son of a water carrier. That was his occupation, filling water in the Royal Palace. During the civil war of 1928-29 he defeated King Amanullah and captured the throne of Kabul. It was due to his physical prowess and ability to organize. An illiterate from working class background, he wanted to make alasting revolutionary impact on the nation. He introduced a new Afghan currency; coins made of leather. His affinity to carrying water in leather bags known as “Mushk” was his raison d’etre, his justification of such an act. It led to a huge debacle of the Afghan economy.
It appears history has repeated itself in Pakistan. After a disastrous 16 month rule of PDM One led by Shahbaz Sharif brought us to the brink of disaster, he has been re-installed as the Prime Minister again. This blacksmithfamily of “lohars” were embraced by a military dictator 40 years ago. They have weaseled their way into power again. Sitting in the laps of military rulers has been their pathway to success multiple times in ruling the Centre and Punjab. This time with an interesting twist; the leading contender of Sharif family, Nawaz Sharif has been ousted by his own younger brother. At the time of crafting the infamous “London Plan” by former Chief Bajwa and Nawaz commitments were made to facilitate a glorious return of Nawaz as 4th time Prime Minister. It started with ousting Imran Khan facilitated by Army and USA.
After the takeover by a brutal regime run remotely by GHQ, there was a change of guard at the helm. General Bajwa’s promised extension was vetoed by Nawaz and General Asim replaced him. Bajwa’s parting shot “you think I am cruel, wait till the new incumbent steps in” proved to be a prophecy. The ruthlessness and viciousness of General Asim has no comparable in West Pakistan, and now the remaining Pakistan. During PDM One, a love affair developed between General Asim and Shahbaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif still had some spine left; he was willing to take dictations but on his own terms. His arrogance and the fire in his belly to get vengeance was a poor comparison to his younger brother. Shahbaz has infinite capacity to accept abuse from the powerful and shine their shoes.
Shahbaz fits the plans of General Asim who wants to rule wearing a face-mask for 10 years. Nawaz Sharif was ditched unceremoniously. He is seething with anger at this insult; his alter ego Ishaq Dar could not contain himself as is evident from his leaked audio. Nawaz’s sole outlet for revenge is now Maryam. As CM, her venom has no bounds. She picks her targets one by one. After the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif in Kenya and having gloated over it; her next enemy is Imran Riaz Khan. Imran Riaz was subjected to torment and torture for months during round one. He came out as a shadow of his former self; a broken man unable to speak coherently. He overcame his impediments through the will of God and his own determination. The moment he was fit enough, he jumped back into the arena welcomed by millions. He is a prisoner of conscience again. From the latest reports he is going through another cycle of entrapment in false and fraudulent cases. He is facing the full wrath of CM Maryam; the embodiment of vengeance. Independent media has to raise their voices very loudly and clearly that such brutality is abhorrent and unacceptable.
Going beyond these palace intrigues, the resultant PDM Two had thrown Pakistan back into a quagmire. The “before and after” events of these looted elections paint a horrid picture. Every dirty trick was resorted to prevent PTI from participating in Feb 8th elections. Yet voters turned out in droves in a display of loyalty to IK never seen before in Pakistan. They gave PTI supporters an overwhelming majority. These results were stolen through forgery and fraud by ECP; the errand boy of GHQ. It has been highlighted around the world as a dacoity. It will bring neither political nor economic stability. Those who should be charged with high treason continue to sit in high offices.
Those looking-in from outside are disgusted with the happenings with IK and his team. We all need to look deeper into PTI workers languishing in jails since May last year. Women have been tortured and men subjected to abhorrent abuse unlike ever before. Individual stories of bravery, valor and commitment make you proud. IK is the luckiest man ever to invoke such undying and total devotion. This unseen and faceless cadre is the true treasure of PTI. They should be honored and revered as national heroes.
As PTI gears up to recover their stolen seats in parliament and regain their women and minority quota, the specter of May 9th is raising its ugly head again. This false and cooked up event is being prepped to be used against IK. The Corp Commanders distanced themselves from the fraud committed by ECP. So when voices are raised against this fraud why is IK being blamed for confronting the army? Only General Asim has that answer.
