Pakistan Is a Federation, Not a Monarchy; Governor’s Rule and Emergency in KP Tantamount to Funeral of Constitution and Democracy: Allama Raja Nasir Abbas’s Senate Address

Islamabad (Daily Qudrat Quetta) — Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, addressing the Senate session, said that Pakistan is a federation, not a monarchy. Pakistan is an Islamic republic where both Islam and democracy must be respected. The Constitution of Pakistan is the voice of all units; making amendments against it and bringing constitutional changes through intimidation is also wrong. By trampling the Constitution, it has been made controversial before the entire world. By committing constitutional violations, are we being loyal to Pakistan? The Owner of power is God Almighty; we are not its owners. Are those who commit constitutional violations worthy of this trust? There is an atmosphere of fear and panic in the country; government ministers are challenging people to come out and have begun considering themselves victorious.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said that after February 8, 2024, the claims of the public being happy and celebrating are contrary to ground realities. The imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11 is a black day. People who call themselves champions of democracy were distributing sweets over the removal of a democratic government. On October 12, 1999, too, democracy was stabbed in the back, while when Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged, very few people protested in Pakistan. The people’s right to vote should not be robbed and they should not be made to lose hope in democracy, because such actions risk severing the people’s connection with Pakistan and democracy. If democracy is given a funeral, the people may adopt other paths to move forward.

He raised the question whether the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had become so bad that there was no way other than emergency and Governor’s Rule. The mandate of a government elected with a two-thirds majority in the province was ended. Agreement had been reached on political issues; the disagreement arose when security matters were linked with political issues. More negotiations and time could have been given to resolve political matters. If the system has failed, then why was emergency imposed only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and not across Pakistan? Past experiences make it clear that the imposition of emergency is no guarantee of improved conditions. Without the support of the people and elected representatives, no system can be run effectively, while political process and public support are indispensable in the war against terrorism.

Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said that we believed that despite oppression, the path of public struggle should not be abandoned. The enemy wants street-to-street war in Pakistan, and we must foil this conspiracy. Those engaged in political struggle possess patience, tolerance, forbearance, and endurance, but on one hand the Governor is challenging people to come out, and on the other hand the long march is also being declared terrorism. Your actions will increase terrorism. The Chief Minister, members of the National Assembly, and members of the Provincial Assembly have been picked up; in such a situation, where will the youth go? Musharraf was a dictator, but he would tolerate dissent, whereas today dissent is not being tolerated.

He said that the sacrifices of children, elders, and ordinary citizens are unforgettable, and terrorism must be confronted firmly. For its elimination, comprehensive planning and taking all segments into confidence are needed, while providing basic facilities and development projects to the people of affected areas is the need of the hour. Imposing emergency or Governor’s Rule on the basis of a deteriorated law and order situation is not a solution to the problem. The disrespect of the Speaker, Chief Minister, and elected representatives is a severe desecration of Parliament. Misuse of power and authority is a grave crime in the court of God Almighty; oppression is condemnable everywhere and in every form, and helping the oppressed is our religious and moral duty. Unwarranted violence and excess create hatred against the state in the hearts of the younger generation.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas demanded that the government immediately withdraw the decision of Governor’s Rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and, instead of continuously pushing the mistake forward, sit at the negotiating table and resolve issues through mutual understanding. Peace cannot be established through coercion and force; rather, it will further spread unrest and despair. A permanent solution must be found keeping in view kinship ties with Pashtuns across the border and regional realities. To save the country from destruction, all political factions must sit together and make decisions.