KARACHI: The screening of candidates prior to their nominations as candidates standing for elections sounds very optimistic. But will this promise by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ever be delivered? I have my doubts.
Do Articles 62 and 63 screen powerful leaders and serving senators, who believe that there is nothing wrong with women being buried alive and justify it by saying that it is part of their culture and tribal customs? Will the morality and ethical conscience of feudal lords, who abused their power to divert flood waters towards the homes and villages of poor peasants to save their properties, be considered before handing them elections tickets? During the 2010 floods, I visited a village in Ghotki district, where a powerful family had broken the embankment of the flooded canal to protect its property. This caused the village of 200 families to be submerged under six feet of water. The living conditions of the villagers were deplorable. The same feudal is a sitting MNA and has never been questioned or challenged in court.
Will candidates like one of our former prime ministers — who disgraced Pakistan in front of the UN Goodwill Ambassador, Angelina Jolie, by his extravagant lifestyle, and was heard saying that those not happy living in the country should leave it — be given another chance?
The answer is yes. These people will come to power again, not just for the next five years, but for the many decades to come. This country will continue to be plundered and polluted by this breed of dishonest, corrupt and morally inept politicians and feudals.
Dr Jahanzeb Effendi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2013.
