Charter chit-chat: Eight centuries on, Magna Carta’s influence still strong

Speakers, students discuss influence of the medieval legal agreement on modern freedoms

ISLAMABAD: Exactly 800 years ago, in a tent near the Thames River, a king and some aristocrats signed a document that would lead to many of the political freedoms people all over the world take for granted.

Magna Carta — the Great Charter (of liberties) — was an agreement between King John and the barons of England which, among other things, protected church rights, restricted the conditions on which a baron could be imprisoned, guaranteed speedy justice, and formalised taxation policies and rates. Although John later backed out of the deal, living up to the villainy of the Robin Hood villain he inspired, the charter was later restored, and its influence was felt across the world, even beyond Britain and her former colonies.



On Monday, as part of international anniversary celebrations of the signing of the document, the British High Commission held a university debate on the charter at a local hotel. The event was also used to bring attention to the #IWouldVoteIf campaign, with students explaining what they felt was needed to create or restore their faith in elections.

British High Commissioner Philip Barton referred to how Magna Carta still resonates today. “It is striking how a document written so long ago has resonance so far away [in Pakistan],” he said, referring to the multiple legal and constitutional clauses derived from the document. He explained it is a document that embodies the principles of “equality before the law, accountability and due process”, or simply making the state answerable to its citizens.

He added that rule of law, good governance, and freedom of speech provide the foundations for a nation to innovate, prosper, and thrive, adding that it is clear how important and relevant the themes of freedom of expression and rule of law are for young democracies like Pakistan.

Barton closed by stating, “The UK has made an 800 year journey to embed in our society the principles symbolised by the Magna Carta. We strongly support Pakistan as it continues on its own democratic journey.”

UNDP Country Director Marc-Andre Franche addressed the claim that some countries or peoples are not made for democracy, saying that democracy is a universal value which encourages debate over ideas and respectfully taking in others’ opinions. “Those who argue against it are trying to consolidate power among themselves.”

The students later sat in groups to discuss various freedoms and rights in light of Magna Carta before presenting summaries for the audience.

Senator Aitzaz Ahsan, who studied law in England, closed the session with a brief history of the Magna Carta and its impact on legal systems around the world.

Journalist Fereeha Idrees, Pak-US Alumni Network Youth Group Director Daniyal Hasan, UN Women Pakistan head Jamshed Kazi, and others also spoke.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2015.