On Thursday, the Lashkar-e-Taiba founder, an outfit later banned by the Pakistan government, filed a petition before the Lahore High Court challenging VIP culture for officials enjoying the top most government posts in the country.
Saeed filed through his counsel AK Dogar that all public functionaries who are "living like kings and princes in palatial government houses" are not only committing a grave violation of Sunna of the holy Prophet (PBUH) who preached humility, modesty and contentment with available resoures, but are also guilty of direct contravention of the dictates of the Constitution of Pakistan.
He lamented that governor of Punjab lives in a 68 acres palace.
He submitted that provisions of the constitution need to be implemented to convert the ‘public rulers’ into ‘public servants’.
The petition went on to identify serving commissioners who all lived in houses of 100 kanal each. Saeed said that these officers need to be accommodated in five marla houses and their army servants must go.
As reference, he pointed to the residence of the British prime minister - a small four bedroom house built in the 17th century.
Saeed contested that the way the British prime minister lives is ‘truly Islamic’ and follow the guidelines enshrined in the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
The petition added that government officials enjoyed "air conditioned residential quarters with costly fruit jam" while people in the country scavenged for food from garbage dumps.
The cost of VIPS
Giving details of expenses of different government functionaries the petition said staff, household and allowances of the president amounted to Rs1 million per day, prime minister’s secretariat Rs1.2 million per day, the National Assembly Rs4 million per day, Senate Rs2 million per day and the cabinet secretariat Rs200 million per day.
He said Pakistan in printing Rs300 million per day of the calendar year has driven up inflation. He said over the past four years the public debt has doubled from Rs6 trillion to 12 trillion, with every man, woman and child in Pakistan owing debt to the tune of Rs61,000.
He said that the customs and usages which are a legacy of the colonial era part need to be declared void under Article 8(1)&(2) of the Constitution.
He prayed the court rule that VIP and VVIP status is ultra vires of the constitutional provisions of equality of status, social and economic justice and principle of democracy as enunciated by Islam. He added that the closing of roads for VIPs is in utter violation of fundamental rights of the people. He said the presidency, prime minister house, the governor houses, the CM houses, ministers enclave and the places of all state functionaries be declared violating the principle of social justice.
Extending his grievance beyond offices of government high ups, he further prayed that all elite schools such as the Aitchison College Lahore must open their gates to the children of the poor and under privileged, with children from all social classes sharing the same class room, studying the same syllabus.
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Hafiz saeed lives in a 4 marla house. Said by advocate AK Dogar.
I read in a news paper that the advocate of hafiz saeed said : I am proud of Hafiz saeed who lives in a 4 marla house in Lahore : I think he lives not like a vip. And thoes who objected his security squad they are the indians or american,s hidden soldiers who want to harm Hafiz saeed.
@kaalchakra:
He may have done charity work, I believe you. But why the result of such Charity work always include in the end Jihad against the Pak Government & the educated Muslims & hard working people of Pakistan? Isn't it similar to Muslims Brotherhood of Egypt who ruled a rein of terror against foreign tourists, middle-of-the-line Muslims, the government & it institutions? Why such leaders fail to accept compromise with the people's choice & consequently willing to start a terror campaign against the public? Why such leaders want to kill & die if compromise fails? Why it's so easy & favorite of all religious leaders to eventually start, promote and collaborate for terror campaigns? You know!The fact is the world will not stop turning if such people quit Charity work. Seeing him, the Laal Masqid Squads & thousands of other "Charity" organizations a descent Muslim & all non-Muslims citizens are scared & suspicious of any "Charity" Works by such hard core religious organizations. We know Gengis Khan had a softer-side too "before and after mass killings".
True direction jihad.
HI..I read hafiz's clever statment or trying to show that how he is good as a human being .. But it is no doubt i m surprised to read the comments from maximum pakistani ..that U people did not buy his clever ness.. It is good that educated class is growing and can understand ur better.. No doubt for us ..he is terrorist ..he made kasab.. for his LET...Lakh Hindu pandits murdered or left kashmir .. and ofcourse many kashmiri muslim who joined in LeT was killed ..Both are loss of human being.. We should vouch against such people.. Like i just read in this news paper about Bangladesh massacre by Khan and Niyazi written by one pak army.. How danger this people ..Please denounce voilence and hate this people.. and spread peace and develop ur economy .. this is the first time i read Tribune.. Bahut Achha laga parke..Thank U ..Hindustani -Delhi
Hafiz Saeed Ahmed is a great man and he is absolutely rightful on his this stance because VVIP and VIP culture is also against the Quran and Sunnah as well because Islam teaches us simplicity,humility,piousness,piety and humbleness and VIP and VVIP culture is against the true teachings of Quran and Sunnah and is the most favorite attitude/habit of pagans.
@Jawad U Rahman: Good link.Its a must read for those who say there is no evidence against Jamat Ud Dawa. Shows that the Jamat and Let are one and the same
Does this mean Hafiz Saeed is giving up his cavalcade of SUVs and armed escorts.
Military officers enjoy the most lavish life style in Pakistan, Hafiz saeed should start this jehad from Pakistan Army.
HamzaNaveed......I m with you....l
I'm a moderate muslim living a comfortable life. But if I have to fight & do Jihad for this noble cause I will be with 'Hafiz Saeed'.
Hafiz Saeed, Thank you. majority of us respect you. We know you are not what your enemies accuse to be. They are trying so hard that they even placed $10 million for evidence to convict you. the indians still shamelesly accuse you without any evidence. Keep on doing what you do and let the enemies rot in their own venom.
I'd have respect for Hafiz Saeed the day he starts a Jihad against suicide bombings, sectarian violence and women being marginalized in Pakistan.
I concur. But why does everything has to be linked to Islam? Ohh we're using religion as a tool to gain public support. Not surprised.
he has no complaint against the chief minister of punjab, only against the governor. i wonder why is that ...
Deep state we know what you did, do and will do. You can't fool people for very long. Tell your minions to shut up. If you don't stop your tricks you will face a very bitter fate.
I hope Hafiz Sahib is not looking to apply for British Visa. Anyhow all who read this report/petition would love to see first Hafiz Saeed Sahib moving around not in a car but Camel if he can not afford a car. What about shifting in a tent as a residence and security guards with Spears, Shields and Swords?????
Nobody is here to represent HS hence a good chance for liberal and Indians to vomit out all the filth they are carrying with them from years.
"offense is a best defense" What India did in East Pakistan and now doing in Baluchistan is an open secret and still our liberals are showing affect ignorance.
although he's a terrorist, whatever he's saying is absolutely correct..
VERY APT SAYING Aitchison College Lahore must open their gates to the children of the poor and under privileged, with children from all social classes sharing the same class room, studying the same syllabus.
Every Pakistani wants social justice in Pakistan without jeopardizing the interests of privileged classes
We also applaud the western culture for having equal opportunities for all its citizens and dispensing out social justice in the real sense of term.
Thank God, you thought about that. Keep on tackling these kind of issues. It is also Jihad.
Moulvi sahib wants to divert attention from NATO supply issue. President is an easy target. Will he ask the same question to some serving general?
@kaalchakra: From when did this mass murderer become 'Sir'?
Please stop using our youngsters as bricks and mortar for your so-called Jihad, support women education, behave like a common citizen yourself first, stop exporting terrorism to the neighboring countries, stop killing witnesses and destroying evidence against you, pay taxes, declare your own assets, remove boundary walls from your fort-like madressahs and get them inspected from the local authorities, stop encroaching upon state land to build illegal seminaries covering areas more than commissioners and governor houses and lastly surrender yourself to the police authorities after removing layers upon layers of illegal security to let those people whose sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives have been murdered by your loose men to get justice. I hope you very well understand this.
He received millions from Punjab Budget! Who is he trying to fool?
@Ishrat salim: Leaders and public servants should be ideals before the people. It is not happening. There is general deteriration of social and personal values. It comes from education and from the peers. We cann't change it overnight by court orders or Government orders. Society needs to be educated and made conscious about the need for simple living. On the other hand, we still have hundred and thousands of politicians and bureucrats, who are examples for the mass. The mass needs to learn and appreciate them. The criticism should always be constructive and appreciate the goodness, when discarding the evils. Anyway. We need an evolutionary change, which will be long standing.
The likes of Hafiz Saeed are a poison for our society. This is the latest trick he is using to mislead the gullible people of Pakistan. He is talking of ending VIP culture and nobody is asking him about source of the money that he uses to have security, personal guards, arranging jalsas and I am sure he must have a palatial residence for himself. Even if we listen to him, how about the palace like homes that Generals live in. I am amazed and disappointed at some of the comments supporting him. God help us!
Media glorifies terrorists. Why is he the lead story. Sins can't be washed by apparently liberating discourse. Why does he exclude military elites. He is a terrorist period
@Abdulla diwana: you are right Hells'Angel do bike rides for kids.
Hafiz Saeed is himself a VIP: he has a security detail provided by God knows who, he gets chanda from the poor masses to be spent on violence and arms, he issues orders for the Punjab govt. to comply...
Abdulla Diwana
True, both Edhi and Sir Professor Syed Hafiz Saeed have dedicated their lives to doing charity, but Sir Professor Syed Hafiz Saeed has played a more active, broader social role. Understandably, that he represents a small threat to lavish and easy living of those who have strayed from the right path or from their duties to the nation, but would top layer of Pakistani elite not be willing to make a small sacrifice for the sake of Pakistan's overall benefit? They must.
About No. 10 Downing Street: Situated on Downing Street in the City of Westminster, London, Number 10 is one of the most famous addresses in the United Kingdom and the world. Almost three hundred years old, the building contains about one hundred rooms. There is a private residence on the third floor and a kitchen in the basement. The other floors contain offices and numerous conference, reception, sitting and dining rooms where the Prime Minister works, and where government ministers, national leaders and foreign dignitaries are met and entertained. There is an interior courtyard and, in the back, a terrace overlooking a garden of 0.5 acres (2,000 m2). Adjacent to St. James's Park, Number 10 is near Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British Monarch, and the Palace of Westminster, the meeting place of both houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Number 10 was originally three houses. In 1732, George II offered them to Sir Robert Walpole who accepted on the condition that they be a gift to the office of First Lord of the Treasury rather than to him personally. Walpole commissioned William Kent to join the three houses together. It is this larger house that is known today as "Number 10 Downing Street".
The LeT leader has used and promoted the use of violent means to get his way and force change on others according to his own world-view. Is that not the worst possible way to make yourself a VVVIP? "Sau choohey khai-ke ..." comes to mind.
@An Indian: My dear, I have replied to Raheem, which you did not. Thanks.
@Eik:
Hafiz Saeed is not a public servant. He does not loot public's tax money to enjoy the perks. Whatever he gets does not rip a normal citizens money.
Big Difference!
Yusuf: Why sarcastic title to the news? I believe journalism needs to be neutral. This is pale journalism ET!
I 100% agree! Saeed did a lot of work for Pakistan. His group does lot of charity work running medical centers, quake shelters, flood relief, madrassas & mosques etc. IK Saheb also set cancer hospitals. Both are true believers in the Holy Quran, both want to establish a true Islamic state. I wish both join forces & inshallah they will be a real tsunami.
I think Hafiz Saeed is jealous of the security provided to President....If he wants ,he can come to India....Indian govt spent more than 30 crore for the security of Ajmal Kasab and feed him mutton biriyani We do promise that we will treat Hafiz Saeed with utmost respect...
Hafiz Saeed is our Hero
@Raheem Bukhsh: My dear friend. It is not India killing Kashmiris, its your sponsored terrorists inciting violence and getting killed. Kashmiris are our countrymen, inseparable brothers and sisters. Plz dont shed crocodile tears for our countrymen.Mind your business at Karachi and Balochistan and elsewhere and everywhere. You have lost East Pakistan and try to retain the rest by proper governance.Indians know your abilities and your hero's abilities. We are a country of thousands of years and with billions of people. We don't bother for your hollow criticism simply because we are in the right tract of democracy, secularism, and social justice. We know it well that you are trying to learn everything from India but you are not honest enough to appreciate India in public. Doesn't matter what you talk publicly but right now more than 90% of Pakistanis want a friendship with India because they have already tasted the dreams and sweet promises given to them by their rulers in 1947. Better for you, my dear friend appreciate Indian way of living and administration and implement that in your country, which is rich with resources but lacks determination to establish itself as an honourable country in the World.
Hafiz Muhammad Saeed is and was good man... Only thing is openly speaks against Endian State terrorism, so occupaied Endian army would not love him and Endian government is following military dictation...
@Ishrat salim: What kind of logic is this? If you are against VIP culture then support Hafiz Saeed???? Does he own this issue? (Reminds of Zia-ul-Haq's famous referendum, which basically asked the people if you support Islam then guess-what you have basically elected Ziaul Haq for another five years !). If he has opinions on issues affecting common Pakistani citizen, he should renounce violence, cut all links with domestic and foreign violent organizations, and run in a national election. Let the people decide if they want their lives to be run according to Hafiz Saeed's beliefs and fatwas. We will also be able to see what sort of life he will lead at that point.
This action is strategic and he wants to build up a different image. The fact remains that he is a supporter of violence, whatever may be his vision. Violence is to be shunned by everybody at any cost.Arms and ammunitions should be the possessions of the State only. No individual or organisation should be allowed to spread violence in the society.
Mashallah... God Bless you Hafiz Sahab..
Are you guys against VIP culture & the amount of un-necessary expenses by these VIPs or not ? If yes, then support him.."...not need to be an critic on this important issue....for once & for gods sake shun hypocrisy and join him on this cause....or you will be equally responsible and an accomplice with the present VIP culture.....and history nor the poor people will ever forgive us.....
@ET well done, this kind of news will show that u ppl r unbiased
@Kalchakra: His social services fall pale in front of what Mr Edhi is doing for Pakistan. Mr saeed is doing social work to cover up his terrorist activities. Even gangsters are known to do some social service among poor people from where they recruit members.
The far right groups in Europe also receive donations and at times quite a lot, but the Government never allows them to roam around freely igniting hatred.
Its good that Mr. Saeed talks of this special culture, are civilians the only ones enjoying this privilege?
Why does not he question the integrity of other islamic parties? Why not talk of the political hooligans of JI and JUI?
Why not condemn sectarian violence?
This is why I never support religious leaders doing politics. They sanctify or desecrate what they think is right using religion as a tool.
I wonder if many in Pakistan know about this charitable work of Dr. Saeed and his accomplished successor-in-waiting, Talha Saeed: http://www.scribd.com/doc/89282160/Ahmad-gov-Sentencing-Memo
Jubair Ahmad is serving 12 years in prison, while Dr. Saeed and Talha continue to enjoy freedom with armed guards (and probably the state) protecting them.
@Sapan Kapoor: Everyone is not praising him here. Some are agreeing to his statement and only few give him full support him. And why should you be surprised? You must have come across many Baal Thackeray supporters haven't you?
Hafiz Sb, NOW THIS IS TRUE JIHAD. It starts from SELF .. The literate will never support you for the concocted Jihad against any other country, but will 101% support you for Jihad that rectifies your own home. This is why they say "Barkat is only attained, when you have cleansed your ownself".
@Babloo: Are you doing deep throat as what he said to Bob Woodward re watergate investigation "follow the money"?
It is not who says it but what is being said should be discussed. What the gentleman says and the media publishes is just the need of the hour. Austerity is the most urgent reform needed. Well done for saying what you have said, Hafiz sb.
The NATO supply route drama has exhausted its usage........so now lets get after the VIP thing, although this will resonate well with the people because it's visible to them and it hurts.
@kaalchakra: If a murderer does charitable work all his life, does that make him less guilty of murder? His exalted and esteemed holiness sir professor Hafiz Saeed saheb (and his accomplished son Talha Saeed) have been named in person in many murder/terrorist trials by none other than their/LeT's former trainees (David Headley, Ajmal Kasab, Jubair Ahmad). Their continued terrorist activity and support is now well documented in three court systems at least. If we Pakistanis remained disillusioned and fooled by such characters, soon our final few friends in the world will start deserting us. But, wait! that has already happened... Saudi Arabia has already handed over one of LeT collaborators and Saeed trainees over to India. I think we should be careful lest China runs out of patience with our lack of action in the North Waziristan sanctuary for East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) folks.
well i am pretty much amazed... comments in favor of hafiz saeed on et........... anyways i do agree with him on the issue to end vip culture..
May I also know who pays Mr Hafeez Saeed daily allowance for past 10 years ? He reportedly has 3 layer security, with the innermost ring guarded by his personal body guards number over 10. Someone is paying for them too. Who ?
@Raheem Bukhsh: Those are quite a few things you have thrown in there in your comment and if they were indeed true then surely India is evil, never mind if Pakistan was already evil before and after those supposes actions. But none of those are true and every issue has many facets depending on which way you look at it. I can't explain everything in this comment but enough debate has taken place on each of those issues. Just because the world does not see your way on those things dosen't men that Hafeez Saed should engage in terrorist activities.
Is Hafeez hoping to follow the footstreps of IRA where terrorist reformed as politicians? In that case he has to renounce violence and come clean in number of ways as IRA did. Fianlly last week Queen shook hand with those IRA members.It was hard work for IRA but they did it.
Abdulla Diwana, do you have any idea how much public service, how much charity work Sir Professor Syed Hafiz Saeed has accomplished in his life. You will be so impressed you will stop supporting anyone else in Pakistan. Please be fair.
While quoting the four bed room apartment of British PM, he forgot the VIP culture promoted by same British in India. Its British who built palatial homes for their officers all over India. Its they who started the peon and the batman culture. How come Mr Saeed forgot to mention the Army officers who live in big houses and maintain a platoon of peons for personal use? How come Mr Saeed himself is surrounded by gun totting security persons all the time? Is he any lesser VIP?
Why sarcastic title to the news? I believe journalism needs to be neutral. This is pale journalism ET!
Absolutely right Hafiz saab. There will be few bad comments by our so called pseudo liberals against your stance.
@Nadir: he actually can't rely on police escort, he has its own ;) JeHADI SWATS
@Raheem Bukhsh:
i completely support you brother
After reading many comments I can say how easy it is in Pakistan to make fool of people with just one statement.This is one great Pakistani. Quaid eAzam who always promoted frugality would have been proud of all Sir Professor Hafiz Saeed has been able to achieve in his Pakistan.
DPC long march has failed miserably so need a new stunt. Some gullible would fall for it every time.
Hafiz saeed's petition is a need of an hour.pakistan could not sustain lavish n luxury lifestyle of rulers,MNAS,MPAS,BEAURUCRATS,GENERALS ETC.THERE WILL BE NO PERKS N PRIVILEGES OF ALL THESE CULPRITS.TAX PAYER MONEY SHOULD BE SPEND ON NATION NOT TO THESE THUGS.
Such things are not expected from someone like him....Anyways have to Applaud!!!
Is he aligned with Nawaz or PTI?? that is why he is saying this?
so he will contest election now and will be part of political process
Typical attempt to confuse the masses. Mix 'good' jihad with 'bad' jihad. Most terrorists do that in Pakistan. Remember Lal Masjid brigades CD-burning, Prostitute-kidnapping, fahashi-opposing campaign? Do activities like these make their other actions justified? Think about it.
@Nadir! Who has stopped you from filing another petition questioning the perks of generals ??? Just go there and file another petition. We would support you.
Hafiz Saeed is a VVIP himself. What he means is end VIP culture for others.
Hafiz Sahab for both the positions of PRESIDENT and PRIME MINISTER!!!!!!!!!!
This guy if not handled soon will be a threat to National Security. He could correct his ways and become a VIP himself by leading a party for the "co-existence with peace & harmony". He knows the first person to be brought to justice as soon as Pakistan get on a peaceful path with India will be this person. Consequently he is against any or all that will bring Pakistan to live & flourish peacefully with neighbors. He is afraid his fate is sealed like his past heroes.There is nothing illegal to be rich or resourceful in a Muslim country. Thanks Goodness there is no Communism Left to fund or support him or today he would have been promoting their cause too_ to nationalize assets of rich and powerful people. When everybody become equal he will look big & mighty from his pulpit, that's all folks!
Well done.Where are all the so called liberals are?They must support him now and get rid of these bunch of robbers out of the government.
Now this is the Jihad that is worth something!!
Now That's the kind of Jihad we need.
The mastermind of Mumbai attacks is being praised by the Pakistanis. Why am I not surprised?
He is the mouthpiece of deep state assigned to weaken and defame politicians. The day he asks the same question from the generals and military then i would say this terrorist has turned a new page foe good.
but he remains a terrorist
Now he is talking the way to go sir public is with u if u do it.
@Eik: Thats none of your business. He is a civilian and can spend even billions if he wishes. I am sure he wouldn't spend on security. They are charitable organization which receives donations from across Pakistan due to their credibility.
Global community agreeS that VVIP culture in Pakistan should end and all non state actors should not be treated like VVIP.
This is good and reasonable jihad.
The real side of Hafiz Saeed comes on to the scene. ET must have had made a mistake by publishing this =D
Errr...excuse me, isnt he the one who has a police escort? This is nothing put political mud slinging, as if the Army house is a dump or corps commanders live in poverty. Hes not going to say anything against them is he?
Can someone tell us that howmuch Hafiz Saeed spend on his secuityWelldone Hafiz Sahab.
Now liberal Elite will surely call him terrorist.
I was not expecting this from Hafiz Saeed. Good Job :)