Even though PTI distanced itself from the statement, the MNA is still in a position to influence laws. PHOTO: FILE
That extremism and a radical mindset, as well as a disregard for the norms of justice, have seeped deeply into our society is something that has been quite apparent for a long time now. But to see its manifestation in the form of an elected parliamentarian demanding the release of a convicted murderer is highly deplorable and shocking. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA from Mardan, Mujahid Ali, has stoked huge controversy after demanding on the floor of the National Assembly, the release of Mumtaz Qadri, who shot dead the former governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, for his apparent opposition to the country’s blasphemy laws. Qadri was later sentenced to death for his gruesome act.
Although the PTI later dissociated itself from Mr Ali’s statement, calling it an individual act and not reflective of the party’s policy, the matter simply cannot be allowed to rest at that as this comes from someone, who is in a position to influence the kind of laws that enter our statute books, and ultimately, the course the country takes. PTI leader, Arif Alvi’s clarification, that “the party’s policy will remain under the country’s law and the Constitution” is kind of meaningless as it clearly had no influence on Mr Ali, who had no trouble in expressing a view that was in contradiction to the PTI’s policy.
One cannot help but refer to the ruckus that was created after Javed Hashmi famously declared at the inauguration of the new parliament that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is and will remain his leader. He was eventually forced to retract his statement. If such a hue and cry can be raised over a harmless statement like that of Mr Hashmi’s, and if a leader of his stature does not have a problem withdrawing it, then the party must demand a similar retraction from Mr Ali, who has ignored all norms of justice in airing such views. If Mr Ali fails to retract his statement, then the PTI should initiate disciplinary action against him. It should not be this easy for our lawmakers to condone, directly or indirectly, the acts of convicted criminals.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2013.
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COMMENTS (13)
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IK has already reprimanded him.
@ Cynic...
then PTI should do something about the statement. No nation probably has MNAs who openly declare their 'personal' opinion in ways that signal advocating a crime. If PTI is so responsible as you say, strict action should be taken against him. I am offended at someone from the national assembly declaring the convicted murder to be released, and more still when i see educated people seeing nothing wrong in it.
@Sodomite: give some credit to Liaqat Ali's comment, he seems to be pretty fair in his assesment.
@liaqat ali: Ha ha. Good response. You are OK brother.
@Sodomite: Who,?
Mr Arif Alvi will only understand when the very terrorists whom he apologizes for will bomb his dental clinic in Karachi.
@LIAQAT ALI: Another born again Muslim.
If IK is a bold leader , he should ask the memeber to take his statement back.But I am afraid IK is bold only against NS and PMLn.THAT IS EASY.TTP, MQM and even PPP is another matter altogether.Answer this PTI jiyalas and debate with me .By the way I voted for PTI and still think they are better than others overall but an notv a blind supporter.I would like PTI to always take a bold and fair stand and not just against PMLN.
What are PTItities thinking? Where is the party Whip?? If this is the state of mind then how can they even say the same prayers and that too together?? Naya Pakistan is in need of Gawd's interventsyon.
It was not their party policy. Please stop this PTI bashing now. They are not the rulers.
Get over it ET, even your editorials are ridiculous now. PTI or for that matter any other party cannot control the thoughts or speech of any of its members at all times. One individual cannot influence law making, nor can he influence party policy on his or her own. When IK was the first to condemn the murderer and other members have dissociated themselves from this odious act, it is nothing but sheer and deliberate spiteful on your part. You are nothing but malicious and propagandist, ad captandum vulgus.
The fact is PTI was endorsed, supported and protected by TTP and other extremists who provided a literal walkover to them in KPK elections. In politics nothing is free and it is quid pro quo. Now is the payback time and PTI leader from KPK is returning the favor to PTI benefactors. NA member Ali is less diplomatic and let the cat out of the bag while the other more savvy professional politicians like IK, Qureshi, Alvi and Hashmi are silent partners. No surprise here it is just the beginning let us wait till TTP and other likes are part of the govt with JI and PTI.
I dont think the enlightened khan pays any head to anyone talking sense. His party PTI is a fruitcake factory.