Playing with the constitution

Our constitution was promulgated 43 years ago on April 10. Since then civilians and khakis have repeatedly made a veritable mess of the fundamental law of the state. Here are a few examples of making a mockery of the 1973 social contract. Some headlines: ‘Those who tore the constitution are traitors: Zardari’. Did he himself follow the supreme law of the land in its true spirit? Second, ‘Wiki, Panama Leaks prove religious class transparent: Fazlur Rehman’. Why is the religious class not protesting the mega tax evasion scandals pointed out by the Panama Leaks? Third, ‘JuD opposed to state within state, any parallel system: Hafiz Saeed’. Does anybody believe the JuD chief who is apparently above the law and stronger than the government?

The 1973 constitution does not exist in its pristine form after the numerous amendments that were incorporated by our rulers, both civilian and military. On the positive side of the spectrum, however, it is argued that the khakis have learnt lessons which the civilians have thrown overboard. Politicians should stop playing pranks with the constitution.

B A Malik

Islamabad