On Thursday evening, Dawn.com managed to get Aitzaz Ahsan, the former Supreme Court Bar Association president, on the phone (it only took five tries, if you’re wondering). Sounding surprisingly calm, the de facto leader of the lawyers’ movement took a moment to reflect on the spotty start of the Long March - peaceful rallies in Lahore, police crackdowns in Karachi.
First, the good news. Mr Ahsan reports that he is safe and excited to lead the lawyers’ movement, which, in his words, is “going in the right direction.” He remains optimistic despite police crackdowns in Karachi and the imposition of Section 144 in most parts of the country. ”The government crackdown can’t dampen our spirits. In fact, it will only add fire to our passion,” he says.
Ahsan does not believe that the goals of the lawyers’ movement have been affected by recent political turmoil in Pakistan. Indeed, he attributes the popularity of the movement to the clarity of the lawyers’ goals. “We have support from all sections of society and this reflects the recent [2008] IRI Pakistan Index, a poll that states that over 80 percent of the people want Iftikhar Chaudhry back as the chief justice of Pakistan,” he says.
Ahsan is also not reading much more into the involvement of PPP stalwarts such as Naheed Khan and Safdar Abbasi in the Long March. ”Many PPP supporters are with us because they know that Benazir [Bhutto] had promised them that the judiciary would be restored,” he says, adding ”it is not true that the lawyers’ movement does not have massive public support…. People are just waiting for the right opportunity to come out on the streets.”
Whatever happens in the coming days, Ahsan says that he - along with all the lawyers and political activists advocating for an independent judiciary - is determined to succeed. “Until the issue of the restoration of the judiciary is resolved, we won’t stop,” he says. “If the government tries to sabotage our movement, they might be successful the first time. But we can always start the Long March again, three months later. We’ll do it again and again until our objectives are met.”
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March 14th, 2009 at 8:45
Bravo lawyers.go head.I see this a first step of popular revolutio against the status quo.
March 14th, 2009 at 2:37
The long march will fail for a very simple reason. People will be afraid to congregate in large numbers at one place due to the fear of a terrorist attack. That is why the response this time has been so lukewarm. People would and should stay put in their homes instead of risking their lives for unreliable politicians and a chief justice who himself had taken an oath under NRO.
March 14th, 2009 at 0:07
It seems that the lawyers are probably going to win this time since the masses are behind them, as well as the powerful independent media and a new breed of politicians — mostly self-made millionaires, industrialists, private entrepreneurs, and professionals — who have decided to abandon their mollycoddle approach and join the lawyers
March 13th, 2009 at 23:11
It’s sad to see that people in Pakistan are so divided..I think there needs to be an over haul of the entire system!! I’ve read people commenting that average Pakistani’s are voicing their opinion…which i think is not the case. once again, they’re all lawyers who are making a noise. Right now i don’t trust either the Pakistani Government nor do i trust this so called “lawyers” movement backed by the PML. To me it seems as if both parties are looking out for their own interest and neither cares for the REAL Pakistani.The Pakistani people have been duped countless times by the same system yet they keep going back for more. Sad to say the Pakistani people got themselves into this mess. Right now the country has got MORE IMPORTANT things to worry about with Al-Qaeda and Terrorists!
March 13th, 2009 at 22:41
Long Live Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chudhry, a great son of Balochistan.
Long Live the Sharif Brothers, the only Pakistani politicians who may reconcile Balochs and Balochistan with Pakistan.
I hope the Chief Justice Chaudhry’s first action after restoration will be to pass orders to arrest and try Musharraf and his main cronies, particularly the MQM terrorists, for their violations of the constitution and for their gross violations of human rights in Balochistan.
Malek Tauqi Baloch, USA
March 13th, 2009 at 21:45
I as a student am really disappointed on whats happening in my country. We are having many holidays because of these strikes and long marches. Our exams are round the corner and we can’t study properly. Please, if any political leader is reading this, he/she should realize that education is important and they should stop these long marches. I think president Zardari is determined to do what he says and the long marches might not stop him. Please, stop all of this and let us live in peace!
March 13th, 2009 at 20:38
Whatever is the outcome of pakistan tryst with democracy, one thing is clear. Pakistan should never ever believe external forces like US, UK, China blindly. They all will exploit Pakistan.
I believe half (or maybe all) of Pakistan problema are a result of these so called friends who kept on taking advantage of the internal divide within the country.
Its time for whole Pakistan to unite
March 13th, 2009 at 19:21
I believe in the lawyers’ movement and this is the defining moment is the history of Pakistan where there is a civil movement to uphold the rule of law and justice….We should not forget that it the system of justice that decides the fate of that nation…where are we standing after 62 years of independence..and where we want to be in next 50 years…great nations have given great sacrifices…I have great respect for BB who had felt the guilt of what PPP did in 1990’s and she came back to Pakistan for the people of Pakistan and .the same is going for Nawaz Sharif..and other few leaders…we need institutions and those institution will produce leaders..I don’t see any great leader in next 50 years to come unless we install strong and clean institutions..We all know that good schools produce good professionals and attract good teachers…same goes for politics…no one should be handed over the leadership who has not come from main stream institutions…no more…no more…
The crisis of thought can be overcome only be bringing streangth to institutions… no one has shown a wisdom in last 62 years except quaid and liaqat ali khan…
Where is the wisdom of PPP leaders when they were making false commitments…this is 21st century and people have access to all kind of information…we have always been under dictatorship in different forms… Now is the time to rise againt all these forces and do what is in the best interest of people of Pakistan…The destiny is not gifted by any one but has to be struggled for every day and every night…
March 13th, 2009 at 19:16
I am really glad for the situation in Pakistan, I hope it will get worse, I hope this current crises will consume Pakistani politics and lead the way towards a complete demolition of status quo and current corrupt system that is imposed upon the ignorance of Pakistani people.
Pakistani politics is a big cesspool of selfish leaders who have taken the 160 million people of Pakistan hostage, they know the 160 million people are fools who will follow anyone as long as they are able to give them baits, just like Dorey from Finding Nemo a fish whose short term memory is only about 5 minutes and who will bite the same bate over and over again
Pakistan need a new system of government where the state of affairs will remain in the hands of people who understand that the sovereignty belongs to only Allah (SWT) and who can really manifest the dreams of Dr. Iqbal in reality.
March 13th, 2009 at 18:37
I don
March 13th, 2009 at 18:26
The curse of our nation is ARMY. If we think critically the role of ARMY in the political life of Pakistan, we see military dictators rule for the most part of our history. It is during the times of dictators that we get arms and drugs into the country and thousands of innocent people are handed over to foreign agencies to collect bounty.
Please remember that demonstrations, marches and protect are the very part of democracy. This is the way people show their discontent towards the current government policies or on issue of importance. This is not a political turmoil. This is a political movement, catalyst to change.
Please don’t pay attention on calls asking not to show discontent or anger on the pretext of grave issues the country is facing. Unfortunately this country has always been facing grave issues like this. Let the process of democracy continues and it will eventually clean the dirt from the garden of democracy.
Voice raised for truth and justice never go lost.
March 13th, 2009 at 18:09
I am not surprised at whats happening in Pakistan. If one looks at the history of Pakistan then it could easily be identified that with the Shahadat of Liaqat Ali Khan, democracy was DEAD..Since then we have seen a Fuedal system with few among them dictating the Rules of the games of ordinary people Lives. If one is closely watching the politics since last many years in Pakistan PPP is ruled by dictator as why member of 1 family only becomes the Lead Bird of the party, there are other stalwarts who can lead better. How come Peoples party is a democratic party when after the death of Mr. Bhutto, Mohtarma becomes its leader and after her death Asif Zardari or his Son. The Party could have been lead better by Amin Fahim or some other personality which proves my point its not democratic. Whereas if you look at PML-N then why only shahbaz or Nawaz have to become the Leader of the party why not some other who have sacrificed more staying in jails within the country rather than opting to rest in palaces in Saudi Arabia.
Look at PML-Q, lead ny one family the Chaudhry’s of Gujrat, under current scenario they are looking at their own ineterest and talk about the supreme interest of Pakistan. Pervaiz wants to install Mohnis as the CM of Punjab and OR Shujaat as the Senate chairman.. All the negotiations are for personal benefits. Why not Shaikh Rashid who has a powerful personality to lead or some other..
Lawyers movement is also biased and person centric. Why its not the restoration of independent jusiciary? why its for Justice Iftikhar who accepted musharaff as a leader unconstitutionaly and then when he tried to FIRE him from the post stood against him. Pakistanis have been handed over to other international country unconstitutionaly during his tenure then how come he become Pakistan loyal..
We need a revolution like IRAN to overhaul the complete governace system of PAKISTAN.
BUT who will be the lead bird for this???? I wish all the best for Pakistan..
Under current scenario if the fuedal system is not abolished then even after the independent judiciary we will ruled by the same people turn after turn the Chaudhry’s, Sharif’s or bhuttos.. so for me under this ARMY is the BEST CHOICE as atleast People’s lifes are safe……
March 13th, 2009 at 16:04
I salute both Lawyers and the Deposed CJ who actually shows us a light of hope, light of justice, light of courage. We have to back them up, not the personalities but the theme “ZALIM BADSHA KAY SAMNAY KALMA HAAQ KEHNA”. This shall be example for other Pakistani too. If we this time did not back the Lawyers and their movement, then in future no one will stand in way of Martial Law and like wise.
March 13th, 2009 at 16:03
ok no violence! peace to all!
March 13th, 2009 at 16:02
theyv announced basant in lahore this very weekend! imagine?!
March 13th, 2009 at 15:58
One may like or dislike the person of Iftiqar Chaudhry, but he should be seen as a symbol, a symbol of resistence to the November 3 actions of Musharaf. That is why it is important that the lawyers movement achieve its objective of an independent judiciary. While restoration of the pre- Nov 3 judiciary will certainly not dispel the country’s gloom and dispair but that is no reason not to light a candle.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:56
A little more on this subject; there are a number of PPP people that are saying that other political parties are hijacking the lawyers movement. I would definitely agree to that if the horror in their (lawyers’) eyes was due to the hijack or the hostage situation which the government has created. You be the judge.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:47
Please stop Chaudhry Aitzaz Saheb! Think about your own vested interests. As far as Ch. Iftikhar is concerned, he took oath from a dictator and recognised him. He got enemy agents freed from prison. Why do you want to give such a man, an individual, the title of judiciary? What will become of judiciary after Ch. Iftikhar? Will it cease to exist? Institutions continue to exist long after we are all dead. One individual should not be given too many powers. It is high time, if you were really concerned with free and fair justice system, to introduce the concept of public jury. Let us do some jury duty and reduce the dictatorial powers of the judges. How would you like that? Without that, you can not have a common law system and no independence judiciary. We, the educated lot, are sick and tired of these games of unscrupulous and corrupt people.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:37
I hope and pray that this effort is successful and at the end of it, people like the ones sitting in govt. are brought to justice. I believe if we succeed this time, things will definitely take a turn in the right direction.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:35
its really unfortunate for Pakistan as a country that its leadership is fighting for their own interest when their country need them the most. Country is facing great threat from taliban and al-qaida and almost falling to them and if happens it will be really dangerous for humanity because pak has nuke weapons.
i think people of pakistan should fight as cohesive unit. it will be good for world humanity and my country india.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:32
It is the right time to hit the balance , and remove all filth, PPP has stolen the lawyers movement and need to be returned to them.
I wish BB had been alive.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:27
I pity those who think that reinstatement of November 2007 judiciary will result in a ‘leap-frogging’ moment for Pakistani society (in terms of dispensation of justice, upholding of democratic ideals, rule of law, or prevent future coups)
There are no leapfrogging moments.
First of all, we Pakistanis have to follow everyday laws like not breaking traffic signals, paying taxes, not bribing govt officials, not littering etc. Only then will the rule of law , and the respect of law will be established. No judge or police can enforce it.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:22
Pakistan’s politics needs a surgical operation of this decadent system.
This Lawyer’s Movement must broaden the scope of surgery and should not be left half way by narrowing on restoration of CJ Chaudhry or the Judiciary which institution is also the legacy of the British colonials.
The winds of Change have started blowing across the Indus Valley, let those be turned into a storm and a hurricane. Let that blow away all the muck of the last 60 years which has snatched away the self esteem of the common Pakistani sometimes in the name of Islam at other times Democracy and sometimes in the name of Roti, Kapra and Makan.
Aitezaz Ehsan understands the music of Indus Valley. History has given him the opportunity to stir the ruins of Moenjodoro and the sleeping Budha in Taxila.
Let the surgeon and his team (the people of Pakistan) do a thorough surgery of this ailing system.
Regards,
Munir Varraich
Sweden
March 13th, 2009 at 15:16
the judiciary has to take the call off for the sake of Pakistan – why do they want this long march and their seats… fighting for seats sounds like politics. Why dont we think in the benefit of Pakistan? Always thinking for the seats. We can do the long march once, twice, thrice but the time we are spending on this will weakens Pakistan- which is more important? our country or a political march?
March 13th, 2009 at 15:14
I am deeply dissappointed in the maintstream PPP cadres who have allowed a clique to represent them. Compared to these “democrats”, I am now craving for the “dictatorships” of the recent past. Even Nawaz Sharif now seems like a better alternative as a Leader of this nation.
The PPP has truly reneged on their great promise as the saviour party of Pakistan and have so blatantly decieved the nation that it seems impossible it will ever be able to regain their trust. Ever.
March 13th, 2009 at 15:07
the judiciary for which the lawers are fighting is also not fair in their past, what goes around comes around. and movement is fair on one side but the lawers have to see for whom they are fighting……….. choice is yours????/
March 13th, 2009 at 14:24
I think this is what it takes to be called a mature democracy, PPP has not exhibited democracy through legacy-based leadership and a simply one-man show is against democracy. All this shows that the govt actually is not in the hands of people. I also want to comment on acts of PPP against lawyers and judges……I was of the view before that they would act in some mature way — they should know that people are not preoccupied with the supporting parties now, they appreciate what is good and condemn what is wrong.
Ziyad Awan
March 13th, 2009 at 14:08
It is an extremely uplifting that at least there are still sections of people and parts of society that have the principles and courage to a) have a cause b) have the will to stand up for it.
if nothing else, this movement to me signifies that our nation still has the ability to fight the vultures (politicians) whose only aim is to feed on our dreams, desires and OUR nation and its assets.
March 13th, 2009 at 13:50
we’ve been silent for long its about time that we stand up for a cause and make a change make a difference… be on the right side when the history unfold itself !!!
March 13th, 2009 at 13:35
Pray people of Pakistan have a peaceful life. Its our birth right, as human we its bright right. Salute you all for enduring so much in these troubled time and the wonderful determination that the lawyers are demonstrating today, to uphold the democracy in the nation. Pray they have all the strength and might to withstand the pain and they succeed in their objective.
dear friends please take good care of yourselves.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:12
Among the many reasons which have made our judiciary a laughing stock in the global legal fraternity is the famous universal truth: ‘Garbage In, Garbage out’. We have known the fact that our judiciary is neither in the top ten legal systems nor recognized in the next 30 legal systems which are waiting to move up in a worldwide chart ranking.
When I bounced this off a well-known lawyer, he replied: “Well , we are better than the Saudis”.
I then shared it with a man in a road side tea cafe and he said: “Oh! the Mosi (maid) would always hide the broom or blame the handle, it’s so obvious!”
Is it?
March 13th, 2009 at 12:04
There is only one worrying point about the long march. Common people in the bazaar have been made to believe that as soon as good old CJ is back, all their problems like food, electricity, gas and health bills will disappear. ‘Man-o Salva’ will drop from heaven and all shall live happily ever after. Now that it seems certain that Zardari will go and CJ will be back alongwith the Sharif brothers, I hope they will fulfill the above-mentioned dreams ASAP before a similar fate catches up with them . An afterthought. Kindly see that Zardari go out alive. Another addition to Garhi Khuda Buksh will not be welcome by the people of Sindh.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:54
I salute the lawyers and this peaceful movement. We all must remember a society without justice will never be prosperous or successful. For 62 years we as a nation have tolerated and accepted injustice and oppression and it is way overdue that we now fight for justice in Pakistan if not for ourselves at least for the future of our children.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:48
Best of luck to the lawyer and InshahALLAH they will b succesfull in there mission.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:42
Hugely dissappointed with the current state of affairs in Pakistan a country created by great leaders and visionaries like Iqbal, Jinnah and Liaqat. How can you allow leaders who are individuals who are opportunists working for thier own self. I think it is high time that Pakistanis go and find (with a candle light) a selfless individual, a honest muslim that can take Pakistan to the vision of Jinnah and Iqbal who will not sell out patriots like Abdul Qadeer Khan.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:41
It is hypocrisy if on one hand they advocate the right of freedom of expression and on the other hand they are using e police gundas to harrass the unarmed citizens of this country. I challenge these so called the advocates to democracy if they believe they are on the right path, then let these unarmed citizens of the country come to Islamabad and the nature will decide.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:40
This is the game of ego, power and destructive politics, unfortunaltey lawyers are playing in the hands of politician and the enemies of Pakistan to create and continue Chaos in Pakistan to destroy peace, economy,democracy and Judiciary as well.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:51
I think this whole issue had served the purpose of waking up this sleepy nation. Its not just about one person nor about the deposed judges getting their jobs back but its about letting the masses know that Judiciary is one force they should look up to instead of corrupt politicians of our country. Along with the restoration of Nov 02 Judiciary we must also make sure to make necessary changes in our dated judicial systems and should come up with something that can give true justice to a common man.
More than anything we need this change in order to progress and prosper as a nation. The appointment of judges as per Charter of Democracy will be the answer to our countless problems.
At the end I would say that an independent Judiciary can also make our corrupt politicians disappear from the system and will definitely encourage a common man to participate in politics and to reach in the corridors of Power!!!!
LONG LIVE PAKISTAN
March 13th, 2009 at 10:18
I believe this is the good fight.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:28
Well whoever say what, we need an independent judiciary like Europe and USA, why we cann’t have the right to Choose an independent Chief Justice who is the first in the history of this country, what is wrong with our people and what happend to their concious, cannt they see the world prosper with good justice system, first Musharaf and now Zardari denying us to have an independent judiciary , who are they , are they the real representatives? how long well we suffer and kill eachother as the law cann’t protect us and we are denied that basic right which is the first step to our existence.
Lets get united for this sheer cause and forget about politics or those leaders who are cheating and lieying to us all the time, and help ourselves ceart a safer Pakistan.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:18
Lawyers movement has become a sign of hope for the entire nation. Independent judiciary that will emerge (INSHALLAH)as a result of this movement will not only change the course of history but also of the present and future. Don’t be panic due to agitation. This is the ultimate necessity because the status quo forces will not surrender so easily.
May ALLAH bless Pakistan. Ameen!
March 13th, 2009 at 8:33
The lawyer
March 13th, 2009 at 8:27
I HOPE FOR A GOOD RESULT.INSHALLAH
March 13th, 2009 at 8:27
Salute to courageous Lawyers , & Aitzaz Ahsan for fighting for democracy in Paksitan.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:10
No jobs, no economy, govt running on loans, military power & will tested in our own back yard, 60 years of failed foreign policy, massive deficit, lack of law enforcement, millions of poor and middle class Pakistanis do not get any justice from their overloaded, under paid, corrupt to the bone judicial system, no clean water, not enough electricity and here we are in the middle of two political parties fighting to snatch whatever is left of Jinnah’s Pakistan!
You want to fix the judicial system then start from the city courts, the local police stations. These problems are worth fixing with or without Ch. Iftekhar/Nawaz/Zardari/Musharraf!
No, i have no trust in any judge of Pakistan, any politician of Pakistan or any military dictator. So much wrong has happened, so many promises have been broken, so many hopes have been slashed, so how come you are expecting me to forget everything and believe in Iftekhar Ch. again? Anyone heard of confidence building? nation building?
We are expecting democracy from people are NOT democratic themselves. Pakistan has become a nation of Naaray Baazi and thats all, when camera and TV channels turn off, nothing is important anymore.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:01
Sorry to say that we brought both corrupt parties back in power and look what is happening? Same judge we are fighting over at one point took oath under PCO.
Khuda ke liye ankhen kholo our mulk ko bachao.
March 13th, 2009 at 6:53
Pakistan is at the end of history!
I am pleased to see that the common Pakistani people are struggling for their fundamental rights. I moved to UK from Pakistan when this lawyer
March 13th, 2009 at 6:52
Pakistan is a beautiful country with very loving, caring and courageous people who have been deprived of opportunities to contribute towards the well being of their homeland.Unfortunately, leadership from independent to present day has never followed the basic principles of the father of the nation. Accountability, transparency, integrity and openness in dealing with pulbic using their given power in trust. Pakistan is going through a critical stage facing internal and external problems that are very challenging. The Citizen of Pakistan will give any scarifice to save their country and leadership know how to manipulate their innocent to benefit their agenda. God Bless Pakistan.
March 13th, 2009 at 6:44
What are these lawyers trying to achieve is anarchy, destruction of life and property, sacrifice of freedom. They are the merchants of doom and gloom. If people living overseas dont know these black coat vultures, then go and visit our courts right from small courts to the supreme court, where these so called lawyers can be seen in true color busy in buying and selling justice. They dont fight for justice they work as middlemen to negotiate the price of favors from the judges. My humble suggestion to common Pakistanis is to keep away from these distractions, Iftikhar chaudhry or Mian brothers are not worthy of any sacrifice.
March 13th, 2009 at 6:16
Change in nature is ever present. Direction to change is inherent in human or nature’s intelligence. In a given conditions for centuries, historically, we humankind have guided and practiced that change. Pakistan, as is the entire world, is a changing milieu. The direction to that change in Pakistan today is symbolized by the lawyers and civil society. Let us face it, and we should understand that we have yet to go through and suffer with deceit and deception due to the decadence of our social, political, legal and economic institutions, however, the winds of change are blowing, and if the true nature friendly forces could hold to that direction, fresh air would soon permeate our society with a lasting fragrance.
March 13th, 2009 at 6:11
May Allah almighty save and protect Pakistan. My prayers are for the Lawyers. May Allah help achieve their noble objective (ameen)
March 13th, 2009 at 5:10
Pakistan has bigger things to worry about rather than an independant judiciary.
March 13th, 2009 at 5:02
I dont know when i, the comon man, will come to the streets? i m still wondering y m i resilient of coming out of my job routine and y m i not going to support them physically yet i m with this cause truely from my heart. But still this poor nation wont change, i wont change, i will bring bad leaders back in power even if the government declines today…i wish our mentality changes…long live lawyers movement…long live Pakistan…
March 13th, 2009 at 4:38
iam still confused why we alwayz forget the pakistani concept what will actually happen if the deposed cj will be reinstated will the socioeconomic conditions,drone attacks,internal hatred,proper respect for green passport will be initiated again?
March 13th, 2009 at 4:02
“Fair is foul and foul is fair”.
Shakespeare.
This is the perhaps the last chance for the civil society, Lawyers movement and political parties to take a decisive step to change the destiny of Pakistan.
We the lawyers and students n London will also demonstrate and stage sit-in infront of Pakistan High Commission in London.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:00
I wish Lawyers’ Long March a grand success!
March 13th, 2009 at 3:49
The promises that are being made might be all wrong but the actions are symbolic of public power, real democracy, justice. Had President Musharaf bowed to the justice, whole of Pakistan would have knowns that no one is above law! This is the second chance we have and this might be the last.
I hope people understand the importance of symbolism. The government at the moment seems to be very informed about of possible terrorist attacks? I wonder whats the source of intelligence.
Pakistan needs a change! a voice a new era.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:48
I totally agree with Amjad. Nawaz Sharif has personal interest in reinstatement of Iftikhar Ch. who is also self serving
March 13th, 2009 at 3:47
I am very proud of being a Pakistani as a result of the movement for the restoration of the Supreme Court. While the middle east is littered with “lifelong dictators”, and sons of lifelong dictators, and kings – and the people of these countries dont fight for their rights – Pakistanis are different. They dont allow individuals to become to extend their stay in power indefinitely.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:26
Pakistan was built on an ideal, ZAB got elected on an Ideal (roti, kapra, makaan), and the Lawyers Movement is fighting for an ideal.
At rare moments in the history of our nation have we striven for something greater than personal politics.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:34
Stop posting blogs. Get out of your homes and help in fighting corruption.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:07
I totally agree with Mr. Amjad Hussain. This movement is just like ‘means to an end’ for Nawaz Sharif. We, the people of Pakistan are failing to realize that Mr. Sharif is no saint either. He is a part of this movement only because he has nothing to lose.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:52
The lawyers movement in Pakistan is unprecedented I feel so proud of it. Its not about restoration of one judge it is about Nov 3 unconstitutional actions of Musharraf that must be reversed at all costs, if not now, then our country will never see rule of law and independent judiciary.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:33
I wish I was in Pakistan right now. Believe me I would defy any barrier to make sure I am at constitution ave on the 16th of March. ahhhhhh college!
March 13th, 2009 at 1:16
Islamabad Chalo! Be ready for the Revolution….Nation needs to bring out the change;change for good, for better Pakistan. Inshallah on 16th the flag of Revolution will herald in Islamabad.
Allah bless us all!
March 13th, 2009 at 1:03
Masses of the Pakistan need to wake up, we need to be very careful when we elect leaders and power still posses in peoples in democracy and we always have right to recall leader if they are not working on our agenda. Our agenda was restoration of judges and restoration of 73 constitution.
I know Pakistan peoples are peace loving peoples; most of the troubles are induced in Pakistan and leaders should be aware of it.
The gape between poor and rich is expending in Pakistan and it making hardship for poor.
Our leaders need to be get very serious to put Pakistan on path of stability, harmony and prosperity.
Good luck Pakistani’s brothers and sisters for keeping our leaders on track.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:00
Even though the March 12 protests were expected to highlight the demands of the laywers, it seems to have been hijacked by the political crisis. Most of the international media is viewing the march as a threat to political stability rather than a display of support for the lawyer’s cause!Who is Paksitan marching for?
http://thetrajectory.com/blogs/?p=269
March 13th, 2009 at 0:12
Iftikhar Chaudhry should quit this dirty game and let Pakistan to be safe country.
Enough nonsense has been created by these so call lawyers and Politicians.
March 13th, 2009 at 0:04
We need “independent” and “honest” judiciary
We need “independent” and very “honest” Law enforcing agencies.
We need “Independent” and very very “honest”and “patriotic” and’ trust worthy’ politicians.
We need “honest” bureaucracy.
We need “honest” and ‘Patriotic” Business community.
This will all happen from very honest,educated,17o million people of Pakistan?
March 13th, 2009 at 0:03
Aitzaz Ahsan is one of few credible personalities … he should be supported
March 12th, 2009 at 23:44
everything gonna be all right i hope so!!!
March 12th, 2009 at 23:44
Perhaps one day our government will change its apparent raison d’etre and actually engage in that long forgotten extra curricular activity of running the country, and in their spare time actually pass legislation and form policy to improve the lives of people living in poverty and injustice. More power to the Sharif’s. When they are back in power perhaps we will again see development, infrastructure and productivity. Perhaps we will cease to be the laughing stock of the world, albeit with weekly expressions of global condolence when extremists wreak their regular havoc and murder our people.
March 12th, 2009 at 23:27
i think that Pakistan is going on the right track. why are we so afraid of political agitation and peaceful demonstrations? If lawyers are citizens of Pakistan and they are living in democracy then the so called “CUSTODIANS OF DEMOCRACY” should allow them to demonstrate, that’s their basic right. its the government and non – elected people like our good old so called “security adviser” who are threatening them and depriving them of their basic human right. the threat of terrorism was also there in KARSAZ when Shaheed Muhtarma led her rally there. Many died but the same lot didnt apposed that rally, now when other people want to have their basic right, they threat them from terrorism as if they have cooked something for poor lawyers. CJ Iftikhar Ch., Kurd, Itezaz 7 every sigle person who support them is our National Hero. they are the people who are writing a new history for us, who are fighting for our rights, am not a political activist but i support them and if i could not participate and join them, my conscious will never forgive me. LAWEYERZ MOVEMENT ZINDABAD, PAKISTAN ZINDABAD
March 12th, 2009 at 23:25
I salute the lawyers and political workers and citizens of Pakistan who have stood up against blatant injustice done to Ch Iftikhar. It is not a fight for the right of an individual. Rather, it is a fight against those forces of oppression and evil which weaken the institutions of the country to perpetuate their evil rule. How shamelessly the present government has reneged on its promise to restore the deposed judges is simply alarming for the whole nation. Can we expect these people to take the country forward? 80% people of Pakistan want restoration of Iftikhar Ch. but but just one person is causing hurdle to save himself from corruption charges. So who is supreme for him–personal interests or the national interests?–such people have been the ruin of the country in the past as well.Pakistan as I understand is a country of warm, vibrant and talented people and is rich in resources. All we need is honest leaders who fulfil the wishes of the masses rather than those of their American bosses. God save the country!
March 12th, 2009 at 23:19
Aitzaz is one of the courageous leaders the lawyer’s movement in the country has thrown up. He valiantly struggle for supremacy of the constitution to military men’s reprehensible urge to grab power. He is self
March 12th, 2009 at 23:04
From day one, the issue about Iftikhar Chaudhary was political and not legal as he himself is a PCO judge. So what is this non sense about
March 12th, 2009 at 23:02
turmoil turmoil..turmoil…i hope it has a good result.
March 12th, 2009 at 22:56
Sometimes the means in themselves are worth more than the end. The lawyers movement is sadly the only example in recent Pakistan history of people standing up against oppression and injustice. If this movement can ignite the spirit of Pakistani people to stand up for their rights, it doesn’t matter whether Mr. Iftikhar Chaudhry gets reappointed. There are bigger dangers facing Pakistan than Mr Dogar but we have spent far too long with our heads bowed, acquescing to anyone who wields the stick letting them do whatever they wanted. This movement is the way men and women of Pakistan are saying, enough! Enough! “Bus”!
Good luck to them
March 12th, 2009 at 22:43
Independent Judiciary is critical to the existence of Pakistan, where the country and its people can get justice that they have been deprived by the politicians and the generals. I believed for some time that having Iftikhar Ch. back was not important for independent judiciary but I now believe that his restoration is necessary to prove the point to those who believe that judiciary is subservient to them. It is necessary to have him back so that under his leadership all the illegal and unconstitutional things can be given a constitutional and legal framework. Seniority, therefore, is a valid issue that must be addressed to prove to the nation that the executive branch should not mess with judiciary.
March 12th, 2009 at 22:42
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has a chance of a life time to become a long awaited hero for the Pakistani nation. If the PM stands firm against Presedent Zardari and ask the Parliament to vote for the restoration of the judiciary, he will get an enormous applause from the whole nation. The long march by Lawyers will change its slogan to “Kadam Barhao Gilani hum tumharay sath hain”. He has a chance to start a new era for PPP and will leave other parties far behind them. This is such a perfect opportunity that even the establishment will feel helpless if they wanted to take any action against it. He will have the support of most of the Parliament in both houses. Senior PPP leaders like Amin Faheem, Aitazaz Ehsan and Safdar Abbasi will support him straight away and the other will follow immediately, there is already a big conflict in PPP over this NRO issue but nobody is bold enough to come out and complain. Come on PM show us what you are made of and lead the nation through this tough time, you have been given a golden chance to shine and make PPP a formidable force in Pakistan.
March 12th, 2009 at 22:33
Enough is enough. It is a wake up call for the nation. Democracy without independent judiciary has no meaning. I salute the lawyers and the movement. First of its kind in the turbulent and feudalism dominated society of pakistan. it is the need of the hour. The country needs a new direction.
March 12th, 2009 at 22:12
salute to lawyers and civil society battle for restoration of chief justice and democracy. Entire world is behind you. you can do it and rewrite history of Pakistan
March 12th, 2009 at 21:43
Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan and similar people have stood up for a noble cause. Reinstatement of independent Judiciary for which Iftikhar Chaudhery is a proud symbol is a must for Pakistans progress. These people will be remembered by generations to come with pride as they stood against corrupt and selfish leaders. I wish that an Independent Judiciary gets established. We hope all these cases of missing people many of whom Pakistan govt has literally sold to US interrogation without any due process of law would be taken up. All the best to Lawyers. All people in entire world respect their stand and are proud of them.
March 12th, 2009 at 21:42
I think our leaders have not learnt any lesson from our past. Why is everyone so inflxible? Why is that some Judges went back under the PPP offered restoration and some did not? Why is the mechanis of the restoration so important? Why does it matters more to the Iftikar CH Judges to keep their seniority? When they expect people of Pakistan to die for them why can’t they let go of their seniority?
Please stop this battle of egos and reconcile. Otherwise people like me would keep migrating away from Pakistan to any country in the world. I guess thats also good for Pakistan because we can not control the population rather export it to reduce it.
This whole exercise is fruteless.
March 12th, 2009 at 21:40
No one is Muhibbewata, dubo do Pakistan ko, bun jayo hindustan ya angrezon ke ghulam,Tum aazaadi kiya jano, Aazadi ke liye agar khun bahaya hota to tumko qadar aati.
March 12th, 2009 at 21:33
its not important what people want from the movement,it is important what they actually get from the movement.the people of this country will get nothing as usual.the reason is very clear,judiary is integral part of this corrupt system.the system which produces poverty,disease,misery and inequality.the war should b to change the system not just to empower its rotten institutions.
March 12th, 2009 at 20:29
Will restoration of Iftikhar Chaudhry lead to Shariff’s acquital and reversal of the deal between Musharaff & Zardari dismissing corruption charges against Zardari.
Neither of them believe in democracy both pay lip service to it to fool the people. Their record in office speaks for itself. Both had a shot at governing and both were thrown out before completing their term. In fact Benezir was ousted by her hand picked president, Farooq Leghari.
We need a complete change; not the same corrupt, self serving and incompetent ppl who have been parading before us these last 2 decades.