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.
Constitution must prevail
A 5-member bench of SC of Pakistan took Suo Motto notice of the unconstitutional act of Speaker/Deputy Speaker NA when they created hurdles in voting for No Confidence Motion as per the constitution. Given the unconstitutional behaviour of Deputy Speaker by not allowing the vote to be carried out before 12 midnight of 9 April, the SC was left with no choice but to be seen to intervene. Any deviation from the Constitution would amount to invoking Doctrine of Necessity. Pakistan has a history where Constitution and Rule of Law has been trampled upon, too often, with disastrous consequences for the country, starting from 1955.
It was the Quaid’s priority that the First Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting and adopting a constitution on which the foundations of a modern democratic welfare state was to be laid upon was formed on 11 August 1947, almost three days before formal independence of Pakistan on 14 August 1947. Yet, despite Father of Nation’s clarity that Pakistan would be a modern democratic welfare state for all citizens the First Constituent Assembly was dissolved by GG on advice of PM Bogra on 24 October 1954. Earlier the GG had dismissed PM Khawaja Nazimuddin, who enjoyed support of Constituent Assembly in 1953.
The dissolution was challenged by Maulvi Tamizuddin in Sindh High Court which declared it illegal. The GG filed a petition in the SC where Justice Munir gave a ruling that “Necessity Knows No Law” to indemnify GG’s illegal dissolution of the First Constituent Assembly. This ruling based on a 2000 years old ancient Roman Law had no legal status in the Constitution. Ever since then, Jinnah’s Pakistan has been a victim of fascism and abuse of power with the help of a pliant judiciary.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Fight against cancer
I was diagnosed with blood cancer in December 1999. I have faced stigma associated with cancer through several stages of my life but I have always remained determined to use those adverse experiences to inspire others. I was rejected, ignored and brushed aside by the people around me, just because they thought that cancer was a contagious disease.
The continuous rejection by my friends and teachers brought my morale down initially but the hospital where I was being treated, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, restored my faith and belief through unimaginable ways and helped me out in pursuing my dream of completing my education.
After a five-year treatment, I joined school, but because of my classmates’ misconception about cancer, I spent much of my time there seated alone in the classroom. Despite this discouragement, I earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce from a reputable university.
Even after graduating from the university, I still faced discrimination and discouragement, this time from prospective employers who were afraid to hire me because I had cancer.
However, today, I am working at SKMCH&RC as a member of staff and I am happy to serve the place where I received a new life. I would like to appeal to the public to show their support for the cause of fighting cancer not only with donations but also by showing social and emotional support for cancer patients.
AHSAN JAVAID
Lahore
Stand with Ukraine and Zimbabwe!
The world has been left devastated by the decision from President Putin to invade Ukraine. This inhumane act has left dozens of civilians killed in the streets and thousands of brave soldiers deceased trying to defend the country. It is encouraging to see world leaders stand against this act of terror and implement sanctions on Russia. This is a clear message to the world that these human rights abuses and acts of terror will not be tolerated or excused.
Power should be exercised with fairness and grace, it should not be abused to further a a peculiar agenda at the detriment of innocent civilians. It would be encouraging if the world could also hold Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF party accountable for their countless human rights abuses: some include: unlawful or arbitrary killings of civilians by security forces; torture and arbitrary detention by security forces; cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
The world needs to stand with Zimbabwe the same way it has stood with Ukraine. These vile acts have no place in modern day society.
The world should condemn and ask President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his regime to stop violence against opposition members and activists. South Africa has an estimated 6 million Zimbabwean migrants who fled Zimbabwe as if there is civil war in Zimbabwe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa should create an environment which is conducive for every Zimbabwean scattered across the globe to come back home; or resign.
MICHAEL TINARWO
Warrington
Please avoid arguing
Apropos to two diverse letters of different contributors to your newspaper. The first letter was “deceptive accusations” by Asif Khan published on 30 March. The writer argued with the letter “Attention please” by Parvez Moula Bakhsh.
Both the writers were encountering each other. Due to this other readers and writers of the opinion page are distracted. Thus, it is my request to both the writers not to argue and stop arguing with each other.
The editor is also requested to be strict and serious on such baseless regards.At the end, I just want to advise that never stop reading. Always read whatever you get because when you read you grow.
AMEENULLAH QAMAR
Malir Karachi
