Justice, Judiciary and Journalist

March 9, 2007 was the day when Pakistan fell from grace once again. Wounded and bleeding, Pakistan lost another institution to ‘militarized democracy’. Sitting in army house, attired in complete military uniform, badges and all, was democratic President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Victim was judiciary system. Reason was unspecified misconduct of Chief Justice of Pakistan. So strong were the undisclosed allegations that the Justice in question was pressed for resignation and held in house arrest. Nothing new about the story, the drama has been staged several times with different faces, varying victims. An elected Prime Minister forced to step down, a disgraced scientist held under house arrest for unspecified duration, a distorted, dysfunctional and violated constitution; all have been victimized by this system, by this regime.

Yet, this story has a twist that could not be imagined and was never before seen. The Justice who was alleged for treating the lawyers ‘harshly, rudely, brusquely and nastily’ got support of lawyer’s and bar associations all over the country. Protests were staged, for once, not by ‘maulana’ but educated, liberal lawyers. Media went hoarse, stating the obvious and forming the opinions. Urging the masses to wake up and speak.

Turning this tragedy into comedy of errors, Minister of Information talks, talks and talks to control the situation when all is coming apart at seams, a Provincial Chief Minister puts in his two cents to score cookie points with the ‘boss’, Media is being stopped from discussing the ‘CJP Reference’ and Minister of Law reprimands a well-known journalist during a live broadcast. Stirring another uprise, this time it is journalists. Freedom of expression and respect of journalism is being compromised in ‘enlightened and moderate’ Pakistan.

The professional and educational circles are finally out there and speaking. On the roads, disappointed at blatant abuse of law and constitution, asking for justices to be restored, ridicule of judiciary to be stopped. Removal of ‘just another’ Chief Justice has united the country. The voice of lawyers and journalists is that of the entire country.

While entire Pakistan is frenzied, it is amazing how we cease to understand the logic of omnipotent, benevolent General amidst this hysteria. He has maintained his silence till now and served a higher purpose. Thank you General; the fiasco of ‘justice, judiciary and journalist’ has helped us put aside our petty differences and unite for a greater cause!