“My Vote Is My Mandate”, I demand respect…

May 11, 2013 may go down in the annals as the biggest practical joke ever played. It was a day much awaited by anyone and everyone, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc. A day on which I was to choose how my country will shape up. The overall turnout has been estimated at more than 60% (unofficial figures).

So what went wrong? Well, just about anything that could. From very early on the great day, videos and pictures started pouring in from all over, not limited to Karachi or NA-250. However, based on personal experience and available evidence, it can be said that NA-125 (Lahore) and NA-250 (Karachi) takes the cake. Both these constituencies witnesses brazen shamelessness including personal visits by contestants, forceful voting, stamping by officers, multiple vote casting and what not. It is quite possible that these constituencies got more highlight because of available evidence while the happenings may have been elsewhere as well. How can one forget the agreement reached between contestants barring females from voting in Lower Dir?

Many are arguing that because of a few constituencies, one should not qualify that the Elections have not been free and fair. Here are a few thoughts. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), one of the truly national parties, could not campaign. Muttahida Qaumi Movemen (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) also took the hit. Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) had no such limitations. We all witnessed the overall process of nominations, scrutiny and finalization of contestants.

All throughout the process of nominations, scrutiny, campaigning to the election itself, various individuals, including media kept on raising multiple issues. A question which may be answered peacefully to oneself perhaps. Who is responsible for all that is mentioned? It is Elections Commission of Pakistan. Turning a blind eye and paying attention selectively. A speech by Imran Khan did not go unnoticed while alliances with terrorist groups and alleged terrorist suspects contesting is no problem at all.

It is up to the people to decide. It is not an issue between political parties. It is not MQM vs. PTI in Karachi or PTI vs PMLN in Lahore. A wider picture should be considered while getting all riled up for a cause. Bring in Balochistan in this picture, which is much neglected in the media. Now think, is all of this done by MQM or PMLN or PTI or PPP? We need to open our eyes and rise above our political inclinations.

Do come out, do raise your voice, it is your democratic right. But don’t come out because the party you voted for lost. Just come and raise your individual voice, claim your vote, claim your mandate. Even if you voted for a party that won but you had witnessed rigging, you are responsible to raise your voice. It is about long term establishment of the fact that we, the people are most important in this equation.

Pakistan Zindabad!

Don’t vote, don’t complain…

Democracy is another name for true representation of the masses. Indeed it may prove to be one of the best forms of government with a built-in system of checks and balances at all levels. What is the single factor that makes any democracy flourish with progression and accountability? What is it that makes the voices of the public be heard? It is called “VOTE”. Our vote is the one thing and the only thing that can change the fate of our beloved Pakistan.

Voter turnout is one of the most important statistics which, historically, has been quite dismal. The highest ever voter turnout recorded was 55% in the 1955 elections. This figure has been ranging from 35% to 45% during the elections of 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2002 and 2008.

2008, being the most recent election and historic ones as the government formed after these elections was the first ever in the history to complete its term, deserves an in depth analysis of voter turnout, which stood at 45%. “PakReport” has done a tremendous job by producing this interactive map based on 2008 National Assembly data. This map provides location-wise details of registered voters and percentage votes casted. The percentages are alarming! The only few places in Sindh which had a greater than 50% turnout include Qambar Shahdadkot (53.7%), Sanghar (51.13%) and Tharparkar (64.64%). No, Karachi is not one of them where the turnout was recorded at 47.68%. In Balochistan, places greater than 50% turnout included Jhal Magsi (77.46%), Dera Bugti (52.23%) and Barkhan (50.66%). Punjab recorded the highest number of places with greater than 50% turnout which include Attock (55.82%), Islamabad (50.01%), Mianwali (52.27%), Chakwal (57.22%), Khushab (60.32), Bhakkar (65.99%), Layyah (61.12%), Mandi Bahauddin (55.09%), Hafizabad (62.26%), Nankana Sahib (55.11%), Gujrat (52.26%), Sialkot (53.94%), Narowal (55.25%), Sheikhupura (50.68%), Kasur (54.52%), Jhang (50.96%), Faisalabad (52.90%), Toba Tek Singh (60.35%), Sahiwal (56.72%), Pakpattan (56.89%), Muzaffargarh (50.62%), Khanewal (59.23%) and Lodhran (61.37%). In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nowhere was the voter turnout recorded at higher than 50%.

These figures raise a serious question. Democracy, in the simplest terms, is defined as the rule of majority. How can the governments claim to have a mandate of 180 million Pakistanis is simply beyond comprehension. Perhaps this may explain why the issues of masses are conveniently ignored as those in power have historically almost never represented the masses.

There can be various reasons attributed to the low voter turnout, one of them being a voter’s wish or will not to support any of the candidates in the respective constituency. In the recent past, Election Commission of Pakistan considered a “None of The Above” option on the ballot paper which was raised by a Yasmeen Ali, a renowned lawyer and a teacher. “None of The Above” (NOTA) met with serious criticism, specially by political parties but was indeed a welcome gesture by many citizens. While the reservations of the political parties were quite understandable, award winning journalist/anchorperson Asma Shirazi labeling it a “conspiracy to derail democracy” is simply beyond understanding. Yasmeen Ali, amidst much support as well as criticism attempted to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of NOTA in order to ensure that we, the public, understand the concept in its true spirit. Nevertheless, it is indeed a good sign that such suggestions by the common citizens of Pakistan are reaching the authorities, are considered and discussed.

All in all, the overall voter turnout cannot be emphasized enough and it is of utmost importance that we, the Pakistanis, take charge and take part in the electoral process. This is the key to ensure that those at the helm of affairs actually represent the masses and all actions/ legislation, etc., are aligned with the public and national interest.

A serious recommendation would be to make registration and voting mandatory. It is simply not an option anymore to sit back and watch. Time has come to be at the forefront and take part in the molding and structuring of this beautiful country which has always given us a lot and has gotten almost nothing in return.

Pakistan, vote and take charge or hold your peace!

“Justice For Shahzeb Khan”… The Movement…

The 25th day of December, 2012, Pakistan lost another son. What started out to be the name of the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Aurangzeb Khan has now progressed into a movement. It has become the voice of the oppressed. It has become a symbol of claiming the very basic constitutional rights of every Pakistani; the right to security. The right, which has one too many times become been sabotaged at the hands of the ‘rich and powerful’. Yes, the word ‘feudal’ is deliberately not used.

At least in the city of my residence, Karachi, the waving of guns, moving around with an entourage of personal guards and caravan of vehicles is not limited to feudal but anyone who has money and is either powerful or is connected to the powerful. Some time back, my car was stopped on I. I. Chundrigar Road by personal guards waving their guns and literally harassing the public on the road. This was followed by removal of the temporary median poles as a luxury sedan entered on to Chundrigar Road while the traffic was stopped with a load of guards in another vehicle in the front and back of it. This was no feudal. Was just a very senior executive who thought he is above the law.

There are many such examples where commoners often fall prey to lewdness as the rich and powerful throw their weight around on the roads, at the restaurants, at the shops and anywhere and everywhere. Carrying latest weapons, treating people like dirt and harassing them is a routine and with varying degrees of intensity. Perhaps the people had become accustomed to such degradation. Perhaps the people had registered their true place in the society and dared not utter a word against any such atrocity.

Shahzeb’s murder is a crude reminder to all those who suffer at the hands of the power and riches. His blood has served as a wake-up call for all those numb hearts and souls. Shahzeb is gone, to never return. But he has left a very strong message for all those who had stopped feeling the harassment or stopped standing up for their self-respect. The message is, if you don’t raise your voice a finger being pointed at you wrongly, you may get a slap next. And if you don’t stop a slap, you may be killed.

#Justice4ShahzebKhan is not for Shahzeb. No form of justice can bring him back. Nothing at all can bring peace to the family, his friends or loved ones. #Justice4ShahzebKhan is for you and I, and many others who have ever been treated like a sub-human by self-proclaimed gods. #Justice4ShahzebKhan is a movement against tyranny.

May no brother ever be scared of protecting his sister, may no father or mother ever lose a son for protecting their daughter, may no one ever lose a friend at the hands of these merciless creatures.

Sitmadeedgaan e Shab

Khuda Shahid, dil e maara, fughaan shahid ze nalaa raa
K astam man Musalmaa’n hum, che darum dard e insaa’n raa

Dosh benam ein kusht o khoo’n k az aizad che purseedum?
Che purseedun? Man che daanum? Che moolat khoon e arzaa’n raa?

Chu’n kardum man namaz e shab, qaraar e dil nami ayad
K giryaan e sitam deeda sar bar avard goshaa’n raa

Nafar kas bood, pas ao khuahad ze khoon e nahaq rangee’n kard
Shehr e pur ashoob e man chu’n gardad sael e khonaa’n raa

Nadarum deed e beena raa o ba gardu’n nigah kardum
Ze chashm e nam, hamee’n goyam tu daani kaar e zulmaa’n raa

Agar boodi khuda e man, na boodi tu khuda e ao
Mardum ha siyaah dil raa bejuz daarum ze kheshaa’n raa

Ba khasta dil sabar daarum dar daur e jabr o fitna raa
Na tursam man ze jehl e badd, maqaam e hashr agar daraa

Translation:
Be my witness God, of my heart, of my cries of pain
That I too am a Muslim, but what do I have to do with human suffering!

Last night I saw such massacre that what should I ask from my Allah now?
What should I ask? What do I know? What is the price of cheap blood?

As I finished my night prayers, I felt no internal satisfaction
That the screams and cries of panic-ridden emerge to my ears

They were people who wanted to paint with wasted-blood
My frightful city, see how it flooded with blood!

I do not have the divine vision and thus I look at the sky
With tearful eyes I only say that God! You know the act of brutality

If you are my God, You are not the God of those barbarians
That from black-hearted people I clearly separate myself and my like-minded ones

With a worn out heart, I observe patience yet again I am not at all afraid
of the ignorance of ignorants if there is a day of Resurrection to follow…

Justice For Shahzeb Khan

25th day of December, celebrated around the world as a day of joy and happiness, a day marking the arrival of the great Messiah. In Pakistan, the day takes another meaning, the day of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam, a man of principles, who set in the very foundation of Pakistan, peace, coexistence, equality, freedom and liberty.

The day, however, was not so jolly for the Khans, residents of Karachi, Pakistan, who were busy burying the only son of the family, a 19 year old, Shahzeb Khan, whose crime was standing up against harassment his sister faced by a servant of the “powerful”. The news spread and took over the entire nation like wildfire. Within a couple of days of the incident, “In Memory of Shahzeb Khan” had more than 50,000 subscribers. The express tribune covered the story in detail and the same was published on December 27, 2012. The friends and family of the deceased announced a protest to be held on December 30, 2012, simultaneously in Karachi and Lahore. Social Media was taken over and #JusticeForShahzebKhan (initially) and #Justice4ShahzebKhan at a later stage, seemed to be the only thing the nation had to talk about.

Soon enough, various political parties joined the cause. During a visit by PTI leadership at the Khans residence, Aurangzeb, Shahzeb’s Father, appreciated the solidarity shown and requested to not turn it into a political row. Rather, he wished for people to join in the name of humanity and justice, vowing to not letting this happen to another Shahzeb. Amidst all this, on 29th day of December, it was reported by Tribune that the suspects have been able to evade police at Dadu and were not captured. Surely the evasion may well be questioned. Were they actually that clever and quick or was a clean passage given since even registering an FIR had proven to be challenging against the alleged powerful murderers.

On December 30th, 2012, in Karachi, scores showed up at the Press Club, expressing sorrow and demanding justice. However, it was disturbing to note that a cause purely humanitarian called for by the loved ones of the deceased had turned into political rallies. While the involvement of the parties and support may be greatly appreciated, Aurangzeb’s request of not carrying party flags was completely ignored. It was difficult to ascertain whether a protest was being attended or a political rally.

Subsequently, the closed ones and the not so closed ones who were there for support decided to move away and carried on towards Sea View near the Khan residence. It was heartwarming to note that the number of fellow humans were much larger in that group. This group largely included family, friends, neighbors and people not known but this incident had brought them close like family.

The protestors gathered some ways away and started walking slowly towards the residence. The crowd seemed to have grown to hundreds. Sea View, Karachi was echoing chants of “We want justice”, “Aurangzeb, we are with you” and so forth. Pain and anger could be felt in each and every single voice as it got louder and louder. Soon, the entire street was jam packed with those who turned up for the cause, against the rampant mockery of justice by the elite and powerful who seem to think they are above the law.

The protest ended as Aurangzeb spoke and addressed the crowd thanking and asking each to do this, not only for his son but for every son. Since majority present were young, the need to raise the voice against this and other injustices was emphasized upon and the protest ended with a prayer and a call to not be at rest till the culprits are put to task.

Only if we all could join in, leaving politics aside, surely would have been a great gesture. But then again, what better event for point-scoring, than death of a 19 year old which has left the entire nation in grief, sorrow and anger.

Here is looking forward to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo moto notice of this incident and ensuring that impartial inquiry is conducted and adequate action is taken. People need to feel democracy in their daily lives. However, as long as we have individuals assuming to be above the law and being successful, all we can do is call it a democracy.
Views contained herein are personal, as a neighbor, a participant and an observer and by no means reflect opinion of the family.

Corruption… its causes, how can it be curtailed?

Corruption, a vast topic on which volumes can be written while being almost certain that not all of it has been covered.  Ayesha Tammy Haq, a renowned lawyer and a broadcast journalist tried to address the issue on 24seven, Business Plus (October 22, 2012), with distinguished guests.

While many participated in that program giving their valuable input, to my utmost astonishment, not a single person (from what was shared) mentioned that “I” am the source of corruption.  It is felt after watching the program and observing general discussion on the same on social media (specially Twitter), that very few understand the depth of the term “corruption”.  All eyes are focusing on what “corruption” is today in its mammoth state where bribing and shortcuts have become a norm.  As Ms. Haq asked if corruption has become part of our culture, a person aptly mentioned, “corruption is a part of our DNA”.

The statement may be quite strong but may not be too far from reality considering the fact that various corrupt practices are not even considered as evil as they should be.  In order to understand the depth of this claim, one must first understand the term “corruption”.  A simple search on the internet reveals Transparency International defining corruption as: “The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority”.  It is this myopic view which perhaps de-rails an individual thought process and limits corruption to “those in power”.  This leads us straight to the politicians, bureaucrats, the armed forces, etc.  This definition completely absolves “the people” who are said to be hurt because of corruption by those in power, without identifying “the people” to be at the core.

Wikipedia, however, presents a more understandable definition which may lead us to the crux, and in turn, paves the way to a possible amelioration on the current massive levels.  It says, “corruption is spiritual or moral impurity or deviation from an ideal”.  It is this definition that brings up a question.  Does one have to be in power to be corrupt?  Certainly not!  The level of power of a person indulging in corruption only dictates how many people are affected by the corruption undertaken by that person.  Yet, there can very well be a person who may perform corruption and may not affect anyone but his/her own self.

Corruption stems from the basic lack of morality at any and every level from a simple housewife, to the president of a nation.  The root cause being the desire of ease in our lives at any and every level. The short-cuts which are, way too often, found most convenient.  The problem is “I” who cannot observe simple rules and regulations.  “I” may be a ‘nobody’ today, may not possess any power at this time, so “I” will just bribe a traffic police with 100 Rupees.  Why would “I” do that? Because that is all “I” can do today.  Tomorrow, I may become a successful business person or a bureaucrat or may be a public servant, a minister, etcetera, and the level of my crookedness will certainly adapt to the level of power “I” may possess.

During the show referred to earlier, many views were being shared on social media where the discussion lingered around politicians, bureaucrats, and the likes.  Media is also often targeted which may or may not be rightly so. However, a simple question may lead to the stance taken herein.  Where does the president, the bureaucrat, the minister, the anchor, the journalist or the general come from? Are they from another planet?  They are no one but “us” and most probably in their early days, paid 100 rupees to the traffic policeman to avoid a challan when they were a ‘nobody’.

How can “corruption” then be controlled or curtailed?  Such a strongly engrained malady is difficult to manage in a short span of time.  It is a mindset which needs to be invested upon.  Unfortunately, education is clearly not the answer.  Many will agree that corruption is not limited to the uneducated.  If anyone has a doubt, a quick visit to the nearest NADRA office can settle this.  Just observe who the pay-masters are bribing unofficial agents outside the passport or CNIC offices.

The answer then, is in implementation of laws and honesty of the members of the Law Enforcement Agencies.  One may argue that this is the window which opens up to corruption-haven.  Indeed a very valid argument.  However, investment in these agencies in terms of training and alignment of remuneration with international markets may assist in starting to address corruption.  The performance of Motorway Police in comparison with other police departments can be studied which will reflect on the former being much “cleaner”.

“I” am the core of corruption and since “I” know that today “I” can get away with anything paying my way through, “I” will go for anything and everything as long as “I” can afford the price-tag attached with it.  However, if “I” know that there will just be no way “I” can get away with something, “I” will think it many times over before even trying.  Having this in mind and having lived through such discipline, “I” just may make a good minister, bureaucrat or president one day.

Much more important than very effective Law Enforcement Agencies is “self check”.  True character is reflected upon when one chooses to do the right thing while no one is watching.  This may be a long-shot!  Why is it said that it may be a long-shot? Well, if we have experts sitting on public media and mentioning “corruption by necessity”, what can be said…

I am sorry Malala…

October 9, 2012 may well be recorded as a black day in the history of Pakistan. Although many innocent civilians have been targeted in various cowardly acts of terrorism, resulting in numerous injuries and casualties, each priceless in its own way, the incident involving Malala, Shazia and Kainat is etched in the heart.

Malala, not just a 14 year old, but a voice, an institution, an inspiration, epitome of courage and humanity, was cowardly attacked and still continues to battle for a healthy life. Shazia and Kainat, Malala’s friends, were also injured and reflected upon similar courage as Malala. This sad incident set the nation afire with a wave of melancholy which may well take some time to settle.

While various political parties recorded statements observing utter shock and disgust over the incident, some took it on a different level, a more personal level. MQM, for instance, arranged for prayer sessions and a strong statement by Mr. Altaf Hussain was recorded where he requested people not to attend Juma Prayers where the incident is not condemned and Malala is not prayed for. Apart from that, general public resorted to prayers, personally, and in gatherings. People collected at the press club in various cities and many held prayer sessions at their residences. Lahore University of Management Scineces (LUMS) under the leadership of Dr. Adil Najam, announced “Malala For Education Fund”, goal of which is to assist female students preferably from Malala’s area to gain quality education at the University. Varying reaction from all over the world communicating utter sadness, concern and praising the resolve of this young lady was recorded.

By and large, the above sums up the reaction to the incident. However, we did have a few voices creeping up accusing Malala to be an American agent and also a few other trying to justify this heinous and cowardly act of brutality. While one can just feel ashamed over such a reaction, turning this incident into a commercial proposition marked a new all time low.

Bundu Khan Restaurant, a name known across many cities in Pakistan maintains a facebook page. On this page, some insensitive genius put up a contest in which one is required to identify a picture while the winner is to be awarded a voucher valuing PKR 5,000/- for family meal.If you are already feeling ashamed, let us look at some more interesting figures. Uptill now, October 13, 2012 (5:46 pm) 7,830 people have happily identified the picture to be Malala Yousufzai, a few attempting repeatedly, desperate to win that voucher. More than that, what is even more astonishing is that this page is “liked” by more than 148,000 people. No reaction so far apart from Ghalib Khalil from Sialkot (a young man who needs no introduction, someone whose time is often spent arranging for food for the hungry and his services towards the flood victims are remarkable).

It is requested that all readers please visit the page and reflect on your feelings over this display of shameful insensitivity. Write in to them, visit them and register your protest. Make pamphlets and hand them out to all those dining in at Bundu Khan. The author suggested to Bundu Khan to offer a similar contest and offer a voucher of PKR 25,000/- should the owner, or may be one of the relative of the owners of Bundu Khan Restaurant are shot (god forbid). Should they decide to consider this suggestion, it is prayed that there be a much lesser number of people participating is such a shameful campaign.

Malala, I am sorry, indeed we are all not you.