The recent television footage of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Anjum Aqeel escaping police custody with the help of dozens of his supporters has once again brought forth the haughty mindset of our political representatives, which allows them to feel entitled, untouchable and beyond the law of the land.
Anjum Aqeel, allegedly involved in the National Police Foundation scam worth around 6 billion rupees, was arrested Friday evening by the Islamabad police.However, as the police vehicles approached the Shalimar Police Station, scores of Aqeel's supporters surrounded the cars, mishandled the policemen and whisked him away.
Such brazen disregard for the law and law enforcement agencies is reflective of a malicious menace that is prevalent in society. The footage from the incident shows the writ of the state being easily eroded by a group of thugs while the security personnel only put up a futile show of resistance. Even if the policemen were outnumbered by Aqeel's supporters, one must question why was there no car chase once Aqeel escaped? In a city riddled with check-posts every few kilometres, it boggles the mind how his car was able to get away without any hindrance? Why weren't other police sources mobilised immediately to stop the absconders and arrest them?
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has responded swiftly and ordered the suspension and arrest of SP Nadeem Hussain and SHO Fayyaz Tanoli for their failure to prevent the mob from securing Aqeel's release. He's also directed the security agencies to find the absconding MNA. While Senator Malik has taken the right steps, the situation is not as simple as suspending a few police officers and ordering inquiries. For such an unabashed incident to occur in the capital city of Islamabad speaks volume about the extent of the powers and competence, or lack thereof, of our law enforcement agencies. The culture of impunity which the affluent and powerful enjoy has been bred in this society, rendering the police ineffective.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has responded swiftly and ordered the suspension and arrest of SP Nadeem Hussain and SHO Fayyaz Tanoli for their failure to prevent the mob from securing Aqeel's release. He's also directed the security agencies to find the absconding MNA. While Senator Malik has taken the right steps, the situation is not as simple as suspending a few police officers and ordering inquiries. For such an unabashed incident to occur in the capital city of Islamabad speaks volume about the extent of the powers and competence, or lack thereof, of our law enforcement agencies. The culture of impunity which the affluent and powerful enjoy has been bred in this society, rendering the police ineffective.
Pakistan is a country, which is struggling to maintain the writ of the state through its length and breadth, whether it is bloodshed of targeted killings in Karachi, mysterious disappearances of innocent in Balochistan, or the infestation of militancy in the north. Amidst this battle opened on various fronts, one expects the leaders of the country to respect the rule of law. But when the same "lawmakers" - which the people elect to represent them, legislate on their behalf and act as custodian of the state - unabashedly violate the rules, it undermines the political system and democratic practices in the country.
A week before his arrest, Anjum Aqeel had suggested in a press conference that he was being prosecuted for political purposes. Even if such was the case, it was his duty as a citizen to abide by the law and prove his innocence within the available legal framework. As an elected member of the National Assembly, his obligation to uphold the law was double-fold.
A week before his arrest, Anjum Aqeel had suggested in a press conference that he was being prosecuted for political purposes. Even if such was the case, it was his duty as a citizen to abide by the law and prove his innocence within the available legal framework. As an elected member of the National Assembly, his obligation to uphold the law was double-fold.
Many a politicians have been victims of political persecution in Pakistan. Some escaped or cut deals with the authorities to be let go. But those who remained steadfast in their pursuit for justice within the legal apparatus have now emerged respected and victorious. Anjum Aqeel, however, has maligned the name of his party and all his elected colleagues by acting irresponsibly and resorting to the ghunda (goon) practices for which the politicians are already stereotyped. It might be pertinent to note that this is not the first time PML-N's reputation has been tarnished by members of their own cadre. Only couple of years ago Shumaila Rana, an MPA in Punjab was caught on camera using stolen credit cards.
Over the course of last decade, Pakistani media has claimed an overwhelming space in the lives of the ordinary citizens. Although it has its detractors, often rightly so, its consistent presence and access to almost every unfolding event in the country has given it a power with which many have not yet aligned themselves. The politicians and other powers that be, who could earlier get away with this entitled, brash behaviour, should not expect the things to remain the same.
Access to information is much easier now and the nation is a lot more aware of the actions of its representatives. It is imperative that the PML-N take strict disciplinary action against Anjum Aqeel if it wants its credibility to remain intact. More than that, it is high time that the politicians are given a reality check to remind them that they are not above the law. If anything, they have been 'elected' to 'serve' the nation and its citizens, not to flout laws and jailbreak. If the guardians are not doing their job, who will?
Over the course of last decade, Pakistani media has claimed an overwhelming space in the lives of the ordinary citizens. Although it has its detractors, often rightly so, its consistent presence and access to almost every unfolding event in the country has given it a power with which many have not yet aligned themselves. The politicians and other powers that be, who could earlier get away with this entitled, brash behaviour, should not expect the things to remain the same.
Access to information is much easier now and the nation is a lot more aware of the actions of its representatives. It is imperative that the PML-N take strict disciplinary action against Anjum Aqeel if it wants its credibility to remain intact. More than that, it is high time that the politicians are given a reality check to remind them that they are not above the law. If anything, they have been 'elected' to 'serve' the nation and its citizens, not to flout laws and jailbreak. If the guardians are not doing their job, who will?
A slightly modified version appeared in Business Recorder on 17 July 2011.
Very well said! The last lines succinctly present the essence of the post. Also read your "weaponization" article.. really liked that too. Good to be here Bushra! :)
ReplyDelete@fruitforbiddenThank you! hope to see you here often :)
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