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Charge sheet
The Islamabad High Court has a liberal policy on the issue of contempt of court. Despite being dissatisfied with PTI chief Imran Khan’s reply, the court spent time on trying to impress upon him the need to realize the gravity of his intimidating remarks about district and sessions judge Zeba Chaudhry. He was told that his remarks amounted to criminal contempt for which there can be no justification in law. Further that the remarks amounted to incitement and could lead to untoward incidents.
An unconditional apology by Imran Khan could have settled the matter at the first hearing on August 31. But he thought that an apology was likely to damage his image as a dauntless party leader. Imran Khan was, therefore, unwilling to go beyond taking back his words if they were regarded as inappropriate. In other words he thought he had committed no wrong but was ready to address what he considered misapprehensions. Giving the issue a political touch he said the court’s proceedings were being used for “political point-scoring to the federal government’s advantage”. The court’s advice fell on deaf ears.
Despite this the IHC gave Imran Khan another chance “to answer thoughtfully or else the court will proceed with the matter.” This act of IHC was criticized by PTI’s opponents for treating him differently from others sentenced for contempt. IK, however, continued to be adamant on his second appearance also. Earlier he had said that he would become even more dangerous if disqualified or sent to jail.
The past few months show that by acting rashly he has only harmed himself and his party. Due to his stubborn and unrealistic attitude in politics, PTI’s founder workers and most of his allies have parted their ways from him. IHC has announced it would charge sheet Imran Khan on September 22. The PTI chief has two weeks to decide if he is willing to apologise unconditionally or put his political future at stake by becoming still more dangerous as he boasted.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Quaid’s death anniversary
It is almost 74 years ago that a man of vision, intellect, integrity and commitment, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah passed away in 1948, after having led political struggle for creation of a separate modern democratic welfare state for Muslim majority to live in peace and harmony with citizens of other faiths. He stressed upon adopting a Constitution, when he addressed the First Constituent Assembly on 11 September.
It was his belief that the modern democratic welfare state, which he envisioned, where the will of people would reign supreme could only be guaranteed by Constitution. Jinnah clearly elaborated apolitical role of the paid civil and uniformed officers, as servants of the people, in his 14 June 1948 address to Staff College Quetta. He gave us the Motto of Unity among all citizens of Pakistan, Faith in their country and Discipline regulated by rules and laws. Unfortunately, we have collectively failed to adopt MAJ’s vision, delayed adoption of a Constitution, allowed usurpers to create obstacles.
The will of the people, expressed through their elected representatives in free and fair elections, was not allowed to prevail and basic principle of democracy based on one man, one vote, was trampled upon with adoption of One Unit, which reduced 56% majority of East Pakistan to 50%. The politically active Bengali Muslims who laid down the foundations of All India Muslim League got agitated. However, their dedication to MAJ prevailed when they supported Fatima Jinnah in 1965 rigged presidential elections held under BD system.
Our salvation and survival lie in adopting Jinnah’s Vision. We have suffered humiliation of defeat and surrender in 1971, allowed our sovereignty to be compromised by fighting proxy wars. In the process our economy has suffered, with extremism and terrorism haunting this country.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
World Grandparents’ Day
World Grandparents’ Day this year has been celebrated on 11 September. Our grandparents play an integral role in shaping our lives and they guide us when we are nothing, stand by us when the world is in our opposition, console us when we are emotionally broken, assist us when we are helpless, and protect us when we are in trouble. Hence, we must always be with them and try to gain their love and warmth, as no one can replace them. Through their prayers and good wishes, we succeed in our life and we progress in achieving our goals.
Grandparents are like angels in disguise. They always watch out for us and pray for us even when we don’t know it. They provide us a safe space on which we can always count on.They not only help their children and grandchildren in their learning and growth but also foster good habits and moral values amongst them. They are the vitamins for the child’s development. They are the ones who have made our parents the way they are. It is because of their upbringing that our parents love us immensely and care for us the same way our grandparents did when they were children. My grandparents have always shown me what it means to live a life of fun, kindness and generosity.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Queen was
a dignified woman
Queen Elizabeth-II who died of old age at the age of 96 on September 8 was a very dignified and beautiful royal simple woman. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and her people. Her calmness was unique and behind her quiet smile and proper voice, there was a shy lady who loved animals and the countryside. She was beautiful in how she possessed riches while enjoying the simple things in life like walking with her dogs or driving her own vehicle or riding a horse. She had her own way of a humble and simple living.
She was the longest reigning monarch in British history. Her strength, resilience, grace, and kind heart will always be remembered and she personified dignity and decency in public life.
She reigned for over 70 years and saw fourteen Prime Ministers of the UK during her reign, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss. Her death marks the end of one of the most successful reigns in history. May her soul rest in peace.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
