And what is the party doing except trying to defend the instruments that contribute to its power?
OTTAWA, CANADA: This is with reference to the Jamaat-i-Islami’s dharna over the weekend in Islamabad and your report on December 6 of the event.
The most organised, rightwing, middle class reactionary force in Pakistan is showing its true colours again. One of the biggest problems with Pakistani politics, thanks to years of genetic engineering by the khaki, is the diametrically opposite positions that such ‘political’ forces take to their natural alignment. This ends in tragically funny ideas like a ‘progressive’ Jamaat-i-Islami, a ‘liberal’ Muslim League, an ‘all-inclusive’ MQM and so on.
Those clamouring for the return of army rule should understand that any more adventures will not improve matters. Given more time, the people of Pakistan can ultimately get rid of corrupt politicians themselves by voting, unless the army intervenes again. The mangled constitution and the blasphemy laws are gifts of the army’s alliances with parties such as the Jamaat-i-Islami. And what is the party doing except trying to defend the instruments that contribute to its power? Surely, we cannot expect any better from it.
Kamil Bangash
Published in The Express Tribune, December 7th, 2010.
