In the name of security

Bilawal and his father should not and must not be allowed to continue to selfishly impede public movement and rights.

The Islamic Republic has, over the years, evolved into a seriously killjoy nation thanks to the actual threat of terrorists and other militants, who apparently have the upper hand over the reactions of our various dispensations and administrations. Overcome, in some cases even paralysed, by fear, the security arrangements they put in place too often are blatantly wrong or ludicrous. Disruptions in the day-to-day lives of the urban public are now a set tradition.

Certain events, which we invariably are told take place with ‘zeal and fervour’ involve the shutting down of cell phones, roads, by-ways, massive traffic jams and a plethora of citizens (a few taxpayers thrown in), who curse and damn the masterminds behind it all.

Then we have those monstrous events known as VVIP movements — and that transient breed, shameless to the core, care not a whit what the citizens really think of them and their ‘movements’ and the way they foul up public movement. Who was it that coined the term VVIP and why? What was wrong with the simple VIP, and what qualification endows these beings with the double ‘V’? There is naught in their behaviour, bearing or thought process that elevates them in any manner — simply their fear, self-preservation and passion for pomp.

The most ridiculous exercise in the name of security takes place on New Year’s eve — a universal, traditional, highly democratic cause for celebration. Urban dwellers, at least in Karachi, on that day are blessed with all sorts of bans and road-blockages — generating fear and uncertainty so that some peaceful citizens are literally unable to get out of their homes — an administrative bid to ensure that any enjoyment is killed.

A sad Frenchwoman in the 18^th century bemoaned the crimes committed in the name of liberty. In our case, amidst the multiple official crimes is that committed in the name of security. Prime amongst them is the case of Bilawal House in Karachi.

Asif Zardari, as head of state and party, with his government in Sindh, could do as he pleased, stricken by fear or whatever, and in manner most undemocratic and illegal allowed his henchmen, with no holds barred, to encroach upon public space around his HQ — with hordes of police, barricades, containers and a most hideous disgust-making wall sealing off some three-quarters of a public road, making life a misery for those living, making a livelihood and working in the environs of Fortress Zardari. Certain residents were forced to, or chose to as they could not stand the restrictions, move away, leaving their homes and shops — amongst one deserted home was that of a cousin of Benazir.

The Sindh High Court has ordered the demolition of the horrid wall and the restoration of the public way. But with a PPP government in Sindh, court orders are easily ignored. Zardari is in the wrong, as is young Bilawal, the democratic paragon in the making, despite the latter’s much-lauded throwing down the gauntlet to militants for which some suggest he now needs super security. No, he and his father should not and must not be allowed to continue to selfishly impede public movement and rights. And, it would be rather more mature and politic were he to refrain from hurling abuse at political opponents.

But then again, the Zardaris are not alone. In one area, not too far from Fortress Zardari, a block of flats has the misfortune to be situated opposite a consulate. It is mandatory, in the name of security, that all buildings have two entrances/exits. Well, the consulate, aided by the administration, has had fitted on the main gate of the block a lock of which it keeps the key — no duplicate allowed to the flat dwellers. And making doubly sure, the matter has been sealed with the construction of a concrete block in front of the gate.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2014.

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