The writer is Chief Executive of the Strengthening Participatory Organisation
The much revered and vaguely defined lofty “Ideology of Pakistan” is yet to be deciphered. The arbitrary use of this term in the absence of any standard definition is incomprehensible. It is a pity that a highly credible personality like Ayaz Amir was knocked off his pedals on flimsy grounds of desecrating the national ideology although this decision was thankfully reversed on appeal. Several others are being precluded from contesting the elections because they were unable to satisfy the returning officers concerned about their knowledge of religion. One wonders how a lack of religious knowledge justifies purging people from their right of public representation.
Politicians are also being denigrated for not striking off these clauses through the Eighteenth Amendment. In fact, the Amendment also circumvented several other objectionable clauses in pursuit of a consensus package. It will be unfair to consider the Eighteenth Amendment a panacea for every ailment. Seeking the concurrence of right-wing parties probably cramped revoking such clauses from the Constitution. A similar development in Bangladesh can make for a pertinent reference point. In January 2010, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh removed the Fifth and Seventh Amendments inserted in its country’s Constitution during military regimes. The verdict realigned the Constitution with four basic principles of its original document — democracy, nationalism, socialism and secularism. These Amendments were subsequently validated by parliament with a three-fourth majority. Despite such a valiant initiative, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the prime minster, found it too audacious to proceed with and in October, she and her advisers agreed to not remove the Islamic phrase of inception from the Constitution, which was inserted by dictator General Ziaur Rahman. The decision relegated the legal reforms proposed by the Court and also invited the ire of the liberal and secular parties of the country.
In contrast, in Pakistan, state institutions frequently exude their obstinacy in these matters. Also, a motley of evangelical religious outfits have turned the country into a tinderbox. Such a lethal combination makes it practically impossible for political forces to take far-reaching decisions in isolation, unless society rallies behind them. The recent episode of scrutiny of candidates is a clarion call for our society. If inanities in the name of faith and illusive morality are left unquestioned, the country will plunge into medieval times and nothing will be able to extricate it from such a morass. A politically impotent society will have to face far more serious consequences than just perceived turpitude and corruption. While Bangladesh reversed the constitutional amendments made by its Zia, in Pakistan, still Zia zinda hey.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2013.
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The RO's have not descended from heaven. They are part and parcel of a society which unfortunately is being penetrated more and more by religious thought which is taking precedence over every other thing. When I read such articles I am taken back to a sorry and quite disgusting incident and the role that lawyers, politicians and elements of society played in it. The assassination of late Governor Salman Taseer. 2500 lawyers came forward to take on Qadri's defence, his armoured vehicle was showered with rose petals and greeted by cherering crowds and clerics refused to perform the Governors last rites. The political class should have stood up and sent out a strong message at this time. A message that would have given hope and confidence to liberals and moderates in Pakistani society. Instead the CM of Punjab did not go for Mr Taseers funeral and worst, did not even send his condolences to the grieving family. Secular and Moderate Pakistanis have some fight on their hands. My best wishes with you all!!
P.S- good to know Mr Ayaz Amirs papers were finally accepted. Battle won, the war goes on.
Any party wanting over thousand year old laws are part of this dilemma. here are weird stories in circulation about the questions asked by these ROs (otherwise judges) to determine the suitability of the candidates under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan. One lady applicant for a seat in the assembly was asked her age. To start with, a gentlemen should not ask a lady’s age in good grace! But instead of relying on the ID card, he asked her age. She said she was 35 years old. He did not believe her and asked her to turn around and show her face to all present in the room and asked them if she looked 35! Regrettable. Then another RO asked a candidate as to how many wives he had. This is a completely irrelevant question, to which the candidate said he had three wives. Our RO did not stop here. He further asked which one was his favorite wife and if he actually spent more time with her! Unbelievable. Perhaps the worst and most shameful question was asked by another RO who asked the a lady applicant this question: “What are the days in a month for a woman when she is exempted from saying prayers?” Absolutely shameful question. The lady appropriately retorted and said, “You ask your mother this question.” Such ROs have no business to be there. Another Returning Officer rejected the papers of Mr Amir Ayaz because he could not understand the article written by Ayaz and interpreted it against the ‘ideology of Pakistan’.
Well said. Religious penetration is so deep in Pakistan that its exhibition invokes repulsion among others. A case in point is the religious exhibition by Pakistani cricket team.
Why name Zia only? PML-N, JI, JUI and all right wing parties that enjoyed power, have played their part.
A well penned article by the author. Not only articles 62 and 63 which is only relevant to current elections but even the religious intolerance, hatred and killings in Pakistan are all attributable to his ideology and inoculated into the society by him, makes a huge statement that Zia is still alive and kicking as well in this country.