Misusing freedom

Sheikh Rasheed’s distasteful remarks against parliament were met with severe criticism. What angers the Pakistani people more were similar comments made by PTI Chairman Imran Khan who enjoys popular support and stands a good chance to become PM.

Opposition shouldn’t allow anyone to violate the sanctity of parliament. The PTI chairman should take his words back. It is a moral and constitutional obligation of every law abiding citizen to respect parliament and the office of PM.

Malik Tariq Ali ( Lahore )

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In a gathering on Lahore’s Mall Road on January 17, some politicians repeatedly cursed parliament. Although political leaders can criticise the government and its functionaries both in and outside parliament in political speech, cursing parliament is totally unacceptable. In a constitutional democracy, parliament is sovereign, the judiciary is independent and each organ functions independently of the other. History recognises several political leaders and statesmen as outstanding parliamentarians. Jinnah was an eminent parliamentarian and during his days in London, he attended sessions of the British Parliament on a regular basis and watched the performance, manners and conduct of parliamentarians.

Jinnah had great respect for parliament and parliamentary traditions. There has been a continuous effort to encourage the development of leadership at all levels in the role model of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and we can only hope that the principles, ideals and vision of Jinnah will one day take hold among the people of Pakistan. Political differences exist among political leaders in all countries and political leaders are free to express their views and disagreements with the views of other political leaders but all this has to be done with decorum and dignity. Criticism is healthy provided it is constructive and not destructive in nature. By attacking institutions, we are destroying our future.

Liaquat H Merchant ( Karachi )