Muhammad Usman
IT is true that a democratic government is distinguished by its three redeeming features. First, it is legitimate, stamped with approval of people through honest ballot. Second, it bows to principle of accountability by law and people. Three, it shows disposition to remain responsive to needs and aspirations of people. In case a government is found wanting, people have the right to protest to drill sense in its head. Arguably, even they have the right to dislodge it if situation direly warrants so however, underlying principle ought to be that it is an extreme measure and is resorted to only when there is no way out politically. Taking the advantage of these democratic norms, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has announced to launch a Long March with alleged tacit support of all opposition parties in one guise or the other to topple government of Imran Khan under banner of his political party, JUI to correct the situation which otherwise seems to him irretrievable.
On good reasons, it is a widely held view particularly, by informed sections of society that no such situation of despair and frustration exists rather, situation is likely to take turn for the better. One finds hard to desist not to mention that frantic outcry has been raised by a man who was defeated rather humiliated electorally by masses in his own native town and is being backed by all opposition parties, known ruling elite in common parlance. These are the people who have plundered this nation mercilessly without a pause whenever had the opportunity and even did not hesitate to become cat paws in hands of outside powers to harm the country. No saner mind could relish their stints in power. If these were not enough to make his March unwarranted, dubious and obnoxious, he chose to paint it darker with brush of militancy, extremism and radicalization. He took a Guard of Honour from a contingent, dressed in mustard colour and carrying dandas (stick wielders) in a past march as of a ceremonial military parade. It amounts to state within a state. Reportedly, these people were of an outfit “Ansar ul Islam” which is a subsidiary of his political party, JUI. This was an inconceivable but an outrageous sight to all and sundry. Maulana is an acknowledged shrewd politician who fully knows length and curvature of politics. He is too adept not to overstep in a minefield. Even taking fraction of this into account, his wild action could not be dismissed a mere act of desperation. There seems to be far more to it. An in-depth examination is the need to dig out what impelled him to take this awful course politically. There could be multiple dimensions.
An eminent Anchorperson, Doctor Moeed Pirzada has candidly pointed out that uniform of armed contingent in question bears close resemblance in colour to dress of Indian RSS. The timing of its occurrence is also another important aspect particularly, when in the wake of recent Indian brutalities and lockdown in IoK, Pakistan is making concerted efforts to expose mentality of RSS as Nazism in India worldwide to relatively good effect. Indian and other foreign media channels now have the footages/images to depict presence of similar force of a political party in Pakistan to dilute the vigorous campaign of Pakistan to unveil true face of India. If one witnesses Indian channels, it appears that as Maulana is working for their cause. They are smug and jubilant. Another sordid aspect is the day of Long March; 27th October. This coincides with the day which is observed by Kashmiris and Pakistan a Black Day to condemn illegal annexation of Kashmir by India. Given environments, this time, it was ought to be observed with more vigour and ferocity but may stand marred with deceit and hypocrisy of Maulana’s action. This is indeed a spanner in works. This is by no means accidental. This is wilful.
Apart from above, it may again tarnish image of Pakistan which is improving in terms of extremism and terrorism but still remains under microscopic scrutiny at world capitals and institutions. The raising/maintaining of a Militia type force entails huge sum of money followed by recurring expenditure. In instant case, sources of funding may lie outside the country. This may not be a poorly founded supposition. There are news by Government’s circles that it knows about funding to Maulana by VVIP prisoners in the country. Possibly money has been doled out by them to stoke chaos, confusion, uncertainty in the country in order to retard economy which has started showing signs of sound recovery and upward trajectory with ultimate purpose of keeping popularity of Imran Khan down slide for their political existence/survival. In process, they may also be able to pressurize the government to get deal of some sort on accountability plane. These are underhand transactions for ulterior motive. It is good to learn that government has moved the summary, seeking ban on Ansar-ul-Islam being a Lath Barthar Force which is not allowed under the law however, government must not end its pursuit here rather go all out to unearth its real architects, motives and sources of funding to bring the culprits to justice to deter others sternly. The country could no more endure such characters. Under no event, these people be allowed to go scot-free in the garb of negotiations to end protest or peace and quiet in politics.
— The writer, a retired Lt Col, is freelance columnist based in Islamabad.
