Protecting democracy

This letter refers to the article, ‘With the head hung in shame’ (Dec 21) by Dr Atta-Ur-Rahman. While I respect his right to his opinion, I beg to differ with him. If anything, our heads should hang in shame for betraying Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, who emphasized that the foundations of democracy rest on the constitution. Pakistan has suffered enough from supra constitutional interventions. Its sovereignty was compromised by the myopic mindset of those who lacked vision and capacity.

The sole purpose which motivated Quaid to lead the struggle for Pakistan was the creation of a modern democratic welfare state, governed by the chosen representatives of the people, who alone should be masters of their destiny. It is a subversion of Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan if any individual suspends the constitution. Obedience to the laws and constitution is mandatory and anybody who dares to violate it deserves to be punished.

Ali Malik T

Lahore