Thursday, November 30, 2006

Of 49 abducted children

ACCORDING to a news item, the Supreme Court has taken suo-moto action on the matter of 49 children who were abducted in Balochistan. The basic purpose of Supreme Court is to ensure sovereignty of law in the state and to provide justice to all. But it is unfortunate that the condition of our judiciary is pathetic. Whereas it was the duty of local police or a magistrate or a session judge to look into the matter, it is the Supreme Court which has taken notice of it. Another news states that Supreme Court has also taken notice of the invariant petrol prices which the government has not decreased even after reduction of prices in the international market. Previously the Supreme Court has been taking into consideration the matters like ‘Kite-flying’ and ‘One dish’. All this makes one feel that perhaps our judicial system is more concerned about matters other than the administration of justice.
The Nation December 07, 2006

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Decaying glory

THE historic buildings, as we see them today, are the relics of antiquity. These mementos of the past, buildings and monuments, remind us of the culture and heritage which has evolved into what we see today. Whereas the historic buildings stand as a symbol the rich architecture of the past; they also enunciate the diversity of human mind when we compare it to the architecture of the present day.
Pakistan has a rich heritage and where there are historic buildings that are in good shape and are well cared of; there are also buildings that are merely vestiges of their glory. Among such vestiges are the remains of Kattas Fort.
Situated only a few miles away from the Kallar Kahar valley, the Kattas Fort is surrounded by mountains resounding the tale of indifference that it has been a victim of and the misfortune that befell it. Authorities haven't bothered to pay attention to the decaying condition of the fort. According to a local man the fort was in a much better condition a few decades ago when people from surrounding areas started digging the floors and destroyed the walls in the hope of finding some treasure_ though all in vain. The condition of the fort is getting worse gradually. There is no fortification wall, no entrance gate and you don't even have to buy a ticket to enter the fort. The worst that could have happened is that the main road from Kallar Kahar to Choa'saidan Shah bisects the two portions of the fort. It is beyond understanding why the archaeology department has neglected this place completely.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Outrage!

DURING the British regime over the sub-continent when the Muslims demanded a free piece of land, one of the motifs was to form an Islamic state where the Muslims could freely practice the religious teachings. Pakistan was formed on the name of Islam and the very slogan, “Pakistan ka matlab kya la ilaha ilallah” has been a testament of it. After Musharraf’s coup d’etat, not only this slogan has changed into “Pakistan First” but also we are forced into thinking if we are free to practice the religion any more. On November 20; when Tony Blair was to visit the Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, the security took over the charge, confiscated the loud-speakers and evacuated the mosque. It was after strong protest that the Imam sahib was finally able to deliver the Azan for Asar prayers but without the loud-speakers. Thus when Tony Blair arrived there the mosque was all set to give a secluded look. For a nation that calls itself the flag bearer of Islam, it is time to think.
The Nation December 7, 2006