Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Army’s apolitical role
It is indeed very gratifying to note that Pakistan’s defence forces hierarchy has publicly stated that they must be apolitical as per the oath they take to uphold and defend the Constitution of Pakistan. The Oath pledges them to “bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan and uphold the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which embodies the will of the people, that I will not engage myself in any political activities whatsoever and that I will honestly and faithfully serve Pakistan in the Pakistan army by and under the law”. This oath does not pledge loyalty to any individual but to the Constitution of Pakistan, its laws and whosoever is the constitutionally elected PM, President etc.
Quaid in his 14 June 1948 address to Staff College Quetta had emphasized upon the officers to understand significance of oath they take, which is complete loyalty and commitment to the Constitution of Pakistan. MAJ told the officers that “the spirit is what really matters. I should like you to study the Constitution which is in force in Pakistan at present and understand its true constitutional and legal implications”.
This reminds us about the reaction of Gen Milley when he refused to obey the unconstitutional orders of President Trump and went public to state that “We take an oath to the Constitution”. He further elaborated that “In the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections by law, US courts and US Congress are required to resolve any disputes, not the US military”. If only likes of Iskandar Mirza, Ayub Khan, Yahya, Zia, Musharraf etc., had understood the significance and implications of oath they take, Pakistan would have been spared the humiliations and failings it has undergone since 1955.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Nefarious propaganda campaign
Imran Khan conducted a hate campaign to overthrow a duly elected government, levelling unproven charges and resorting to offensive language. After coming to power, Khan turned his guns on the independent media which had started to point out PTI government’s shortcomings. The PTI’s social media trolls used foul language against reporters, private TV anchor persons and some of the media owners.
Women journalists too were subjected to a dirty smear campaign. Instead of reining in their social media team, the PTI leadership encouraged them to continue to intimidate independent critics. The country’s existing legal framework provides ample space for action against hate mongers. Finding that he had lost majority in the NA after defections and crucial allies joining hands with the opposition, Imran Khan used tricks to stop the holding of the no confidence move.
A pliant Deputy Speaker ruled out the no-trust resolution while a loyalist President dismissed the NA on PM’s advice. Imran Khan’s frustration knew no bounds when the SC set aside both moves leading to the fall of PTI government. As his expectations of last minute help from the establishment also dashed, signal was given to party’s social media trolls to launch a smear campaign against the SC judges and army figures.
The Establishment has taken note of nefarious propaganda campaigns against the top constitutional powers and personalities. It was called an attempt to divide ‘institution and society’. Some of those supposedly involved in the campaign have been nabbed while a hunt is on for others. The issue is too grave to be ignored. The accused should be taken to speedy trial courts which should decide their cases strictly according to the law.
JAMSHED ALAM SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Delay in issuance of duplicate sales invoice
I want to register a complaint through your esteemed newspaper against Toyota Indus Motors, Port Qasim for making me wait for nearly six months for the issuance of Duplicate Sales Invoice of my ten-year old Toyota Corolla car. This is to inform you that I underwent the entire procedure to obtain this document (FIR in Islamabad Traffic Police office, Affidivit, 2 ads in two national newspapers under “Lost and Found”, etc,).
There is no discrepancy in the documents. I have phoned the Customer Relations Department of Toyota Indus Motors, Port Qasim a dozen times with no response. They have yet to finalize the NOC for issuance of this invoice. I am still waiting for their response. I am a 66-year-old Government service pensioner and worried as Excise and Taxation Office Islamabad is giving me constant reminders for showing them the Duplicate Sales Invoice in order to renew the Annual Token of my car registration book. Without this invoice I will have difficulty selling my car in future.
SAAD MAQBOOL BHATTY
Islamabad
