Dangerous Ideas

According to the only "one liner" used in the promotional trailer of "WAAR", an upcoming Pakistani movie ; "we here in Pakistan don't resent deaths of Pakistanis". Despite the fact I strongly oppose the statement, but here I don't wish to debate a mere cinematic jugglery of words.

I being a radio broadcaster for almost 8 years in the most populous city of Pakistan, have a rare opportunity to keep a track on the pulse of the nation. My observation allows me to declare that; we as a nation are definitely saddened and shocked to see the entire array of crimes, available through the various spectrum of news and media. But what bothers many in the country is the lack of justice and anti-corruption measures and machinery put in place to ever stop it.

With the media projection of high profiled and celebrated cases of corruption nominating power centres as big as president himself, the hunger among the masses to see the judiciary above everyone else, is growing in parallel too.

Recent summoning of Pakistani Prime Minister in Supreme court, regarding re-opening of corruption cases against the President is a fresh episode. Media's singular focussing lenses magnified the issue for the Nation. Prime Minister walked in and out of court, waving the legislative clause from the constitution of Pakistan providing the President complete immunity from being trialled. The constitutional immunity doesn't drop charges of corruption against him, but only acts as a defence line between him and the accountability of Law.

During a radio talk show this week, a caller called in live from Karachi. He wanted to relieve his friend from a civil law suit filed against him. His friend's name was Sadar Uddin, who lived in Sadar area, and was President (sadar) of his apartment welfare association. He apparently lost a file of the association, and thus faced charges of misconduct.

At this point the idea floated by the caller (Sohail) was more shocking than amusing, to listen.

Have a listen:

[ more on shoaibincontrol ]

If Sadar (President) is above law, than what about someone who is thrice a Sadar. It could be a joke, but since you heard, the caller didn't like the idea of me laughing and demanded strict seriousness to his concern. That is indeed a shocking attitude.

When we see bloodshed and crime, it only saddens us for a day. But injustice prevailing afterwards, takes away our hope for a better future. It is in this climate that the, dangerous ideas are created and passed on to masses.

For God's sake there be not a; soul above law!