Context matters

This refers to the letter ‘Protecting democracy’ (Jan 1, 2020) by Ali Malik T in response to the article ‘With the head hung in shame’ (Dec 21, 2019) by Dr Atta-Ur-Rahman. In Pakistan democracy has been used as tool to come in to power and then institute despotism. From 1947 to 1958 the chosen representatives wreaked havoc with the country, seven prime ministers were changed. Quaid-e-Azam did not give license to leaders to indulge in loot and plunder. Whatever progress we find, it has been greater under dictators than civilian rulers. Dr Atta-Ur-Rahman’s assertions should be seen in the context he mentioned; criticism for the sake of criticism shall take us nowhere.

One should accept the ground realities. Obedience to the laws and constitution is mandatory but extraordinary situations demand extra-constitutional measures and the SC has been stamping such measures in the larger interests of the state. The wealth stolen by chosen representatives if retrieved shall make this country the richest in the world, allowing us to say goodbye to the IMF for good and to fulfill the desire of Quaid-e-Azam, who was staunchly opposed to corruption.

Mukhtar Ahmed

Karachi