PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

[Jolie]

They have locked down the entire province. This is their experience. This is their confidence in their so called heavy mandate. This is their respect for democracy and constitution. Well did anyone really expect these from fraud businessmen brothers - raised and nurtured by a ruthless dictator and self exiled in Saudi Arabia - to respect democracy and human rights in Pakistan? If anything happens to the country, without a doubt, this family will be the first one to escape.

Why are they making people’s a living hell? These gutless oafs appeared on every single live debate, interview and press conference calling Qadri a drama, irrelevant and how they’ll allow his protest to go ahead and let it fizzle out on its own? Now what? Why impose this siege? Why use brute force? Why harass and arrest activists in hundreds? Why the desperate U turn? Where is the CJ and suo motto against this civil dictatorship and the gross violation of citizens’ rights? If the army is responsible for maintaining peace and order in Islamabad then why are you stopping protesters from going there?

Now the King and all his top tier darbaaris have taken a massively embarrassing U turn which basically includes on record begging and pleading Imran to negotiate and call off his march, only after ignoring and ridiculing his perfectly legitimate, constitutional, and pro-democracy demand which would’ve ultimately strengthened PMLN’s position (if they hadn’t done rigging - but that’s a big IF with capital letters).

Determined to quell the protests of Tahirul Qadri and his supporters, the Punjab government — with, surely, the backing of the prime minister — has raised the stakes alarming
ly.
A siege mentality combined with a reckless willingness to use the coercive power of the state against political opponents left the provincial capital, Lahore, in a state of virtual lockdown over the
weekend and disrupted the transport infrastructure in many parts of the province. To be sure, neither are Mr Qadri’s demands legitimate nor have his supporters been entirely peaceful during various run-ins with the provincial law-enforcement authorities.

Yet, this is the same Mr Qadri and the same set of supporters who a year and a half ago set out for Islamabad from Lahore, camped on the streets of Islamabad for days to press their unlawful and unconstitutional demands, and then disbanded — with little to no violence.

So it is clearly more than a little disingenuous for the PML-N leadership to claim that Mr Qadri and his supporters are now some great threat to the public peace and so, implicitly, responsible for whatever actions the PML-N government has decided to take against them.

Perhaps the larger tragedy here is that a political party that has been in power in Punjab for over six years, has an overwhelming mandate in the province and faces absolutely no threat of being toppled by Mr Qadri’s antics is showing itself to be so undemocratic in its actions.

Using the police and the administrative apparatus of the province in such a partisan manner, denying the citizenry its right to free movement and creating an artificial shortage of basic necessities — this is truly the stuff of undemocratic regimes.

Elected — legitimately — and twice in a row by the voters of Punjab, the PML-N is proving yet again why genuine and meaningful reform of the police and bureaucracy is so difficult regardless of who is in power.

Were there a more independent and rules-bound police and public administration in Punjab — something surely six years of being in charge would have made possible if there had been the political will — the PML-N would be unable to try and crush its political opponents.

And so long as that is the basic approach to power (crush or be crushed), the necessary institutional reforms will be resisted by civilian, elected leaders too.
Yet, the problems for the PML-N, predictably, have only increased thanks to the events in Lahore over the weekend.

Mr Qadri has announced he and his supporters will join the PTI’s Aug 14 rally in Islamabad — signalling an expected convergence of anti-PML-N forces.

Meanwhile, the PML-N’s strong-arm tactics will have alienated a few more potential political allies and surely left sections of the public unhappy as well.

Political isolation is never a winning political strategy — but it appears to be where the PML-N is headed at the moment.
Published in Dawn, Aug 11th, 2014

[Jolie]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

...And PMLN jiyalas, don't try to give this rubbish excuse that "what else is the state supposed to do", how about not suppressing dissident voices through force? If one man's pledge to topple your government is enough to make you look like cats on hot bricks, then perhaps it's time to admit that the fault (and the fear and the guilt) lies with you and you are not fit to run a democratic set up.

It's funny that Indian state of Tamil Nadu held 21,232 protests in 2012 (ref: TOI), and they said its a sign of flourishing democracy (and it is). In Pakistani democracy, you are a criminal and traitor of highest order for exercising your constitutional rights.

[Sa1eem]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

^^^ Do not worry, Army asked government to impose article 245 in Islamabad. They did that so that, if required (if situation goes too bad), they can arrest Prime Minister and impose martial law as conveniently as possible. With 245 imposed in Islamabad, army would not even need to move 111 brigade from Mangla, as brigade would be already there in Islamabad.

[devilish_angel]

Re: PMLN’s U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

Funny thing is we cant open these 4 seats now plz talk to us we are ready to open 10 seats

[Sheeda_Pistol_1]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

There are unconfirmed reports of fighter jets flying over the twin cities of RWP/ISB.

The game is on.

[devilish_angel]

Re: PMLN’s U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

the best, yad e mazi azab ha ya rub cheen le mujh se hafiza mera

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=490725997697597&set=vb.180036578766542&type=2&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=490725681030962&set=vb.180036578766542&type=2&theater
@Jolie @Sheeda_Pistol @waleed

[TheRealDeal]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@Sheeda_Pistol

There are unconfirmed reports of fighter jets flying over the twin cities of RWP/ISB.

The game is on.

Fighter jets have never been used to declare martial law.They obviously fly in Pak airspace all the time.

Shame on Imran Khan for attacking democracy. His real face is showing-a power hungry ego.

[devilish_angel]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

^ he is not attacking democracy, mid term elections are part of constitution. there is difference between gov and democracy.

[SID_NY]

Re: PMLN’s U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@devilish_angel

^ he is not attacking democracy, mid term elections are part of constitution. there is difference between gov and democracy.

Have we reached “mid-term” yet??

[devilish_angel]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

^ whtever it is part of constitution

[SID_NY]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

IK has certainly adopted wrong route to put up his demands. He has attended 7 NA sessions only in entire year. Ofcourse he has done more dharnas than that.

TuQ is far worse and is really a mess.

NS has certainly mishandled this entire situation. He should have let the dharna protest or march go till it reaches islamabad from where he could hv asked them to halt it. Or otherwise do proper negotiation like adults.

And those who are desperately praying for army to impose another martial law hoping another Ayub, yahya , Zia, musharraf would fix every freaking thing.. just wish if i could give any good news.
You suspend the system like previous 3-4 times, this country would be sunk in deep sh!t hole.

[devilish_angel]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@SID_NY

He has attended 7 NA sessions only in entire year. Ofcourse he has done more dharnas than that.

TuQ is far worse and is really a mess.

NS has certainly mishandled this entire situation. He should have let the dharna protest or march go till it reaches islamabad from where he could hv asked them to halt it. Or otherwise do proper negotiation like adults.

And those who are desperately praying for army to impose another martial law hoping another Ayub, yahya , Zia, musharraf would fix every freaking thing.. just wish if i could give any good news. You suspend the system like previous 3-4 times, this country would be sunk in deep sh!t hole.

I agree wth all this

[TheRealDeal]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@devilish_angel

^ he is not attacking democracy, mid term elections are part of constitution. there is difference between gov and democracy.

No it is not,when a govt has been elected to a 5yr term.U are desperately trying to justify Imran's attack on democracy.

Imran's true face is being exposed,Imran is turning into those he talks against- just another power hungry monster.

[TheRealDeal]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@SID_NY

And those who are desperately praying for army to impose another martial law hoping another Ayub, yahya , Zia, musharraf would fix every freaking thing.. just wish if i could give any good news. You suspend the system like previous 3-4 times, this country would be sunk in deep sh!t hole.

Nobody with any sense wants Army rule.

only army agents and his fool followers.

[Jolie]

Re: PMLN’s U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@devilish_angel

Funny thing is we cant open these 4 seats now plz talk to us we are ready to open 10 seats

Noorahs before U-turn:

Opening constituencies is not in our power. It’s for the courts to decide.

Noorahs after U Turn:

Come talk to us, instead of four, we’ll open up 10 constituencies for you.

Even today, the PM begs publicly begged Imran Khan to give him a call and he’ll personally go down to him to negotiate (this is the same hypocrite who these protest don’t mean anything). Say whatever but Imran has brilliantly raised himself to the level of Prime Minister, or even beyond.

[arshad5]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

There are no winners in this. Imran Khan has alienated some of his supporters due to his behaviour and the government has overreacted to an event that would have fizzled out and died a natural death. The government should have not dragged its feet and gone ahead with electoral reforms.

Its in the national interest of the country that electoral reforms take place. It is also in the national interest of the country that the government completes its full term.

[Jolie]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

PTI denounced martial law and Imran finally confessed that he's not fighting for army rule and marital law would mean that country would back ten years. It's hard to believe Imran would do all that just to make space for an army general (whether this actually happens or not is another question). A person who had spent half of his political life battling a dictator wouldn't fall for the trap that easily. For now, it appears Imran has some kind of assurance that Monarchy won't be replaced by military dictatorship.

[arshad5]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@Jolie

PTI denounced marital law and Imran finally confessed that he's not fighting for army rule and marital law would mean that country would back ten years. It's hard to believe Imran would do all that just to make space for an army general (whether this actually happens or not is another question). But for now, it seems Imran has some kind of assurance that there won't be an army rule. A person who dedicated half of his political career battling a dictator won't fall for that trap that easily.

All the polls predicted Nawaz Sharif win, no sane person believes that Imran Khan would have won the elections even his own supporters like me. There can be an argument about the seats but ultimately Nawaz Sharif won and Imran Khan lost and democracy states that we respect the mandate, however we need to ensure that the next elections are free of any doubt and necessary reforms are undertaken. There is no need for upmanship. There is no need for the whole of parliament to be dissolved and mid term polls.

If rigging did take place then MQM benefited from it in Karachi and PPP in Sindh, so its not just limited to Punjab.

[devilish_angel]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@TheRealDeal

No it is not,when a govt has been elected to a 5yr term.U are desperately trying to justify Imran's attack on democracy.

Imran's true face is being exposed,Imran is turning into those he talks against- just another power hungry monster.

and wht if tht mandate is fake???

[Jolie]

Re: PMLN's U-Turns and Undemocratic Actions

@arshad5

All the polls predicted Nawaz Sharif win, no sane person believes that Imran Khan would have won the elections even his own supporters like me. There can be an argument about the seats but ultimately Nawaz Sharif won and Imran Khan lost and democracy states that we respect the mandate, however we need to ensure that the next elections are free of any doubt and necessary reforms are undertaken. There is no need for upmanship. There is no need for the whole of parliament to be dissolved and mid term polls.

Mind telling me how many billions from taxpayers money was spent on buying the magnetic ink? the magnetic ink which was supposed to be the solution to make this elections free and fair? Why the magnetic ink wasn't used? Where did the billions go? Where is the investigation to uncover this scam? I'm sure next year they'll introduce another illusive device or scheme to say because of that we can now promise that this year's elections will be free and fair, however the same pattern will be repeated. I'm sorry we need to get rid of this rid of defeated and slavish mentality that says oh let's expect rigging for this elections, but we'll make sure next elections are free and fair, and that next time never comes. This is exactly what PPP and PMLN did all through out the 80s and 90s. they constantly blamed each other for rigging but never did jack sht to actually improve the system. Even today, what has PMLN done to actively expose rigging and punish the culprits involved, despite filing 50/60 odd rigging cases themselves and facing pressure from all corners? I hope you do know that PPP was the first party who voiced its concerns over rigging.

There are 400+ rigging cases submitted in the court by all political parties. This is not a joke and clearly not part of any "democracy". In any truly democratic society, such elections would've been called null and void. Rigging is the biggest crime you can commit against democracy. So really if you want to talk about democracy, then start of by respecting it and understanding what it really means. I find it hilarious that people who are boasting and crying about democracy don't even have the nerve to admit that in case of widespread rigging or loss of confidence in the government Pakistan's democratic constitution allows re-polling! It's one thing if you don't want the Sharif family to go, but please don't pretend that mid term elections are something so undemocratic. It is anything but undemocratic.