STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Spring came early for us when my friend Barrister Iftikhar Ahmed visited his brother, Riaz Awan. We call him “Dr Riaz” for his knowledge of natural herbs and permitting us to hang around at his place every Friday. A tradition started over a decade ago when our lifestyles were much more hectic. “Gupshup” was our catharsis, and his abode was our “rehab” clinic. Moving on in years, this joyful practice continues that our families accept as “boys’ night”.
Barrister Iftikhar is an institution. As a teenager he was asuccessful TV star. From there he joined Pakistan Military Academy where he distinguished himself by becoming Battalion Sargent Major. He passed out in 1968 at 19 to join his unit 30 FF. In March 1971 he was transferred to East Pakistan to fight for his country. He became a POW upon fall of Dhaka and remained incarcerated for over 2.5years. Upon return, through a distinguished record, herose to the rank of Major. He was commissioned under martial law and had lived through the horrors of a senseless war waged by arrogant and ambitious generals. Imposition of another martial law in 1977 by General Zia brought back all those horrendous memories. Despite his best efforts, he could not reconcile and resigned his commission in December 1978 in protest and left for London.
He spent a decade in exile and joined Bhutto family in their efforts to save Z.A. Bhutto’s life. It was a long and arduous journey as a political activist. He became a close aide to Benazir Bhutto at the same time pursuing his law degrees. He was called to the Bar at the prestigious Lincoln’s Inn. Upon his return in 1988 he was charged by the army under General Zia for Desertion from active service. He remained incarcerated for 11 months. Military courts convicted him and gave a death sentence. Mortals have one plan but Providence has its own. General’s plane blew up and there was a regime change that ended in Iftikhar’s release upon acceptance of his appeal.
He served both Benazir governments in various capacities including being elected to Senate in 1996. He served with distinction in Pakistan and international courts. Handsome and suave, he is a brilliant orator, exceptional writer and arespected analyst. With such a diverse background, he had tons of memories to share. They were punctuated with my stories and anecdotes from Capt. Adil Chaudhry from his 48 years of flying as a fighter pilot, an executive aviation Captain and as an aviation accident investigator. Three weeks flew by in a jiffy with a pleasant after taste.
I felt the recap was necessary to put into focus events unfolding in Pakistan. While the win or lose verdict of our army’s conflict with neighbors is dicey and unclear, their ability to conquer their own nation has a sterling track record. They have won 5 times, each time more vicious than previous dictator’s capture. The 5th capture started with General Bajwa and morphed into Field Marshal’s all-encompassing take- over. Rule of law is dead, courts havebeen euphonized, kidnapping and torture is rampant. Form 47 Parliamentarians are like sheep, herded at will in whatever direction desired. The average age of each conquest is around 10 years, except Yahya Khan thrown out for losing half the country.
So, for starters anyone committed to change as envisaged by IK, please fasten your seat belts. We have just completed the 3rd year. It is a marathon not a 100 meters dash. The detractors are quick to point out any disarray within the ranks of PTI as if the party is falling apart. Here is a reality check. When Ayub Khan EBDOED politicians there was hardly a squeal. When Bhutto was forced out,his party leadership structure came down like a ton of bricks. PPP diehards did put up some resistance, but they were brutalized. PPP was revived when Benazir stepped into her father’s shoes. What happened after Nawaz’s 1stexit under Musharraf? PML(N) morphed into PML(Q). On his 2nd departure the party could only muster a handful of protesters.
Now let us view what happened after IK was wrongfully removed. The nation was outraged and his popularity sky-rocketed. There have been more protests and demonstrations in West Pakistan’s history than ever before. Despite that the leader was jailed, election symbol stolen and candidates criminally harassed, PTI won a landslide victory. The election results were stolen and a puppet regime was installed. Constitution has been defaced through 26th Amendment and judiciary subjugated. Despite that, mammoth crowds turned out on every call made by IK.
There were two fundamental flaws in PTI strategy and structure. They were fixated on one location – Islamabadthat allowed Establishment to focus their repression. 2ndthose leading the protest, especially on 26th November,were compromised and failed to score. This strategy has to change. The leadership must be cleaned up on the principal “go out or get out”. There is a strong cadre of PTI workers who have withstood the test of time. They must be brought to the fore. The scope of protest should be spread-out throughout the country. Hoping to get relief from Courts is a pipe-dream. Masses have to turnout like they did in Iran, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Masses have to overcome fear as IK has always preached. There is no force large enough that can squish 5 million protesters in 500 locations.
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