By Afshain Afzal

The security forces have disrupted the normal life and hijacked the fundamental rights of all Pakistanis over of bogus strike call given by an alleged criminal who happens to be a politician. It is being projected in media that Rangers have been deployed at key government buildings, educational institutions closed, exams postponed and public transport has been banned and eating places sealed but interestingly there is no protester seen anywhere; not more than two dozens were observed in Islamabad and that is all. Unaware of government action on “Mr Nobody” as no noticeable protesters are there other than fake social media clips, the general public continued their routine affairs but were stuck due to the closure of roads through a series of huge containers.

One wonders these politicians and others are booked under charges of terrorism and under Clause 11 W of The Anti-Terrorism Act,1997 (XXVII of 1997) any person guilty of printing, publishing, or disseminating any material whether by audio or video-cassettes or any form of data, storage devise, FM radio station or by any visible sign or by written photographic, electronic, digital, wall chalking or any other to incite hatred or giving projection to any person convicted for a terrorist act or any proscribed organization or an organization placed under observation or anyone concerned in shall he punishable on conviction with imprisonment which may extend to five years and with fine. It has become a matter of routine that normal Police personnel can block any road and disrupt signals through jammers for days to allow some event take place.

All main highways and motor ways leading to Rawalpindi to Islamabad from other provinces have been blocked while normal traffic through small roads and streets are allowed to operate, causing loss in billions to the country beside making huge claims for performing extra duties to inflict further loss to Pakistan. Fake news that on 23 November 2024, all shops and offices were closed and student hostels vacated proved misleading as office were open and businesses commenced till late night. The propaganda that there will be record protester in Islamabad on 24 November proved totally wrong and purposely spread on social media to divert the attention of Pakistani masses from other issues of vital importance. One wonders the issues of Ms Bushra Bibi and former Prime Minister Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi that they violated Islamic code of marriage seems less impressive when the Los Angeles, Court on 13 August 1997, passed its judgment that Mr Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi without contracting marriage with Ms Sita White, daughter Tyrian White had illegitimate American national girl-child.

Since in Pakistan Islamic law has not been enforced so Constitution has been tailored to allow violator of Islamic law and even corrupt elements to be elected as national leaders. Article 62 of the Constitution provides that person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Parliament unless; (d) he is of good character and is not commonly known as one who violates Islamic Injunctions; (e) he has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practices obligatory duties prescribed by Islam as well as abstains from major sins; (f) he is sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest and Ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law. Interestingly, the criteria or the qualifications specified in paragraphs (d) and (e) are not applicable on non-Muslim.

It is quite disturbing that offices and businesses were open throughout Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other cities a day earlier and even on 24^th November educational institutions, Public Service Commission and others are sending messages to applicants that exams will be held as scheduled on Sunday, 24 November. Fake paid social media campaigns and notifications from government were telecast as headlines without any cause or threat. There are transactions to be made to within the country and abroad for admissions and businesses, what should Pakistanis tell them of failing to meet the deadlines? Many people have to visit hospitals and their lovesone, many have to complete their assignments and appear in online exams but there are no Internet services. Is government ready to compensate their losses and an apology?