STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
“Masi Barkate”, Aunt Barkate was a permanent fixture in our ancestral “dera” in Lyallpur. She was widowed at a young age with no offsprings and was woven into our joint family structure. She ran the staff with an iron fist and spoilt us to bits with “taaza Lassi”, fresh butter milk and “chopri rotis”, oven–fresh bread lavished with home–made butter. I was one her favorites, every so often she would slip me a “lado” or “missi pini”, homemade sweet desserts. That could be one of the reasons for my sweet tooth! Masi always had strong opinions; on one occasion one of our cousins was having a rough time in her marriage. She gave a radical solution, unheard of in a conservative family like ours. “Bhatt piya sona jera kanna nu laray” translates “to hell with that gold that damages your ears”. “kuriyaghar wapas a ja” translates “girl come back home.”
I am reminded of Masi’s advice on gold when I reflect on what is going on in our beloved homeland. Especially when what is on display is not even real gold, just ordinary gold–plated metal. This relates to recent comments by Army Chief claiming that “all is well and Pakistan is making tremendous progress on all fronts.” I am pressed hard to find any evidence of such a bold claim from any corner of the country. The only thing that is glittering these days on our TV screens are dresses and jewelry of Maryam Nawaz. Reportedly, General Asim is extremely impressed with the way she carries herself and how she communicates. It was apparent in the recent visit of Turkey’s President Erdogan. Maryam was thrust to the forefront; as she received Mrs. Erdogan in the capacity of the 1st lady instead of the prime Minister’s spouse.
In a photograph making the rounds, President Erdogan is standing on the right in his dignified manner, army chief is in the middle strutting like a peacock and ‘orderly’ PM is confined to the corner with folded hands. Pictures convey more than a thousand words. That is the reality prevailing these days. All pretensions are gone. Chief is the boss and PM Sharif is his humble servant. So now what is happening all around whether good, bad or ugly lands squarely on the boss. That is why the recent array of open letters from Imran Khan are directly addressed to the army chief. Before we go to the contents of these letters, the comment of Chief is amusing. “I did not receive any letter, if I do, I will not read it and will pass it to the Prime Minister.” Dear Sir open letters that are resounding around the world are never hand delivered!
The din to “Free Imran Khan” grows around the world. It is exemplified by the recent conference organized by US based Pak Pac. Congress members, one after the other,joined this chant. As the momentum grows, action itemsdemanded by International Organizations continue to balloon. The IMF delegation in Pakistan continue to soak in the malfeasance of this illegitimate regime. They are seeing through the façade of the glitter on display and cutting through BS being fed to them.
The 3rd letter of IK to the army chief confirms that he is not seeking any deals. He has highlighted the humungous mistakes being committed by this regime that is widening the gulf between Pakistanis and their defenders. In a matter-of-fact manner he has laid out the five reasons that are paving the way for a total disaster. First, the imposition of a government of the most corrupt politicians. The cases instituted against Mayfair Apartments of Sharif, Surrey Palace of Zardari and his blatant ring of bribery pre-date PTI’s Government. They were all drycleaned through army’s intervention.
Second, Pakistan was inching towards a democratic rule. That process was rudely interrupted through dislodging a legitimate government. Elections were delayed in gross violation of the Constitution. When they finally occurred,the verdict of the voters was robbed. PTI’s 2/3rd majority was stolen; they were replaced through violence by a 17–member party using 64 new fraudulent tricks as identified in PATTAN’s report. The voice of media was emasculated.
Third, the present regime is pursuing all the wrong priorities since its inception. Pakistan is headed into a pitfall. Instead of pursuing institutional reforms that are desperately required, the last three years have been wasted in dismantling PTI and neutralizing IK. Rule of law and safety net of a fair judicial system has been demolished. We are under undeclared martial law.
Fourth, Pakistan is hemorrhaging from a brain drain of intellectuals and flight of capital. There are no new investments and existing capacity is fast diminishing.
Finally human rights are in tatters. We are re-living the disaster of 1971 that dismembered Pakistan. Punjab Police has turned into goons, arresting and torturing political workers and destroying private property. Innocent protesters were massacred on Nov 26th. Military courts abomination is in full display. Baluchistan is simmering with hate and KP is descending into a terrorist haven.
Army’s attempt of creating false glitter is akin to their “sufaidi”, whitewash for a Commander’s visit. The split between the masses and their defenders is widening. It will turn into irreparable fault lines. Chief Sahib, please listen to lament of a true Pakistani languishing in your jail. Prevent disaster, let the army return to their barracks. Let people decide their own fate to prevent a tragedy of your making.
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