Chowrangi

As their 90-day incarceration expired, once again under the ominous and vague Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) act, they were once again put behind the gates of their homes for one months. Aitezaz Ahsan, Ali Ahmad Kurd, Justice (r) Tariq and host of other judges and lawyers won’t be able to participate in the elections in form of agitation or otherwise.

Considerable ink has been spilled and considerable typing has been done debating the state of free media and judiciary in Pakistan. The lawyer movement has given Pakistan a lot, though they are still far away from their destination. They have given Pakistanis respect and regard in the international fraternity, and now Pakistan is considered a country, where the passionate lawyers are spearheading the war on status quo. Though there still PCO-ed judges and some lawyers who are indulged in negative acquiescence and silence over the violation of law.

Media is now free to air their broadcast but still very much in control of PEMRA and almost daily receives the directions and threats. Stifling the dissent won’t do much good to the regime and to the media and to the already tarnished image of Pakistan. President Musharraf needs to first put the house in order, and then he won’t need to go to Davos to tell others about the shining Pakistan.

Other posts by Commoner

• Rare Chink in FATA - August 28th, 2008
• Presidential Campaigns Pick Momentum - August 28th, 2008
• Just Brought About Change - August 27th, 2008
• Speck of Hope - August 27th, 2008
• Daggers Drawn - August 27th, 2008
• More Load Shedding - August 27th, 2008
• Whose Writ is This - August 26th, 2008
• So They Parted - August 26th, 2008
• New Alignments - August 24th, 2008
• Vindicated Operartion in Swat - August 24th, 2008