These days, Farah Khan is everywhere you look. She looks rich and successful, if one was to judge her by the picture released after Imran Khan’s ouster. But appearances can be deceptive.
Friend or foe, why is Imran Khan defending Farah Khan vehemently? What role did she play during Khan’s premiership? Was she a front woman through whom Khan got kickbacks? Where is the money trail?
“I will not let you go. Come what may” has been Imran’s mantra since he came to power. But not a single cent was recovered from his opponents as corruption money. The corruption charges brought against them were politically motivated, and lacked legal proof.
Witch-hunting is dangerous for democracy. Political rivals are sent behind bars, when they are released, they harbour revenge, and when they come to power, they pay their rivals in the same coin. Regrettably, courts play a part in this cruel game.
The credibility of the superior judiciary was seriously undercut, when walking in step with the establishment; Nawaz Sharif was disqualified for life on flimsy grounds. Needless to recall that in previous regimes, every legal challenge facing Sharif brothers was ironed out by the judiciary. Therefore, they took the judiciary for granted when the dubious Qatari letter was presented, without taking into consideration the disastrous consequences.
It is worth mentioning that while former Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar ordered to regularize Bani Gala and held Khan Sadiq and Ameen, Jahangir Khan Tareen was disqualified for life. It was a classic case of contradiction in terms. The facts of both the cases were similar and called for equal treatment. However, Imran Khan was held to be more equal than the other Khan, that is, Jahangir Tareen Khan.
Witch-hunting is dangerous for democracy. Political rivals are sent behind bars, when they are released, they harbour revenge, and when they come to power, they pay their rivals in the same coin. Regrettably, courts play a part in this cruel game.
Following in the superior judiciary’s footsteps, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under Javed Iqbal’s chairmanship cooked up one reference after another on wholly bogus charges against Khan’s political rivals. Alongside, the NAB officials humiliated university vice-chancellor and professors. The fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution under articles 4, 9 and 14 (due process, right to life liberty and dignity) were violated. It was after former Supreme Court Judge Maqbool Baqar came down hard on the NAB in Khawaja Saad Rafique’s bail case in a detailed verdict that the NAB was in for a rude awakening.
The process of accountability has become rather farcical. To bring the point home, one may quote Bulleh Shah:
Gallian hojan Sunjiyan, Which Mirza yaar phiray
(Let the streets be empty,
Mirza will roam freely)
The FIA’s role during Khan’s rule was similar. Its authority was abused in silencing dissenting voices and trample freedom of expression guaranteed under article 19 of the constitution. ‘Software updated’ was used when Black Vigo cars swept dissenting journalists away.
The soon to come videos are sending shivers down many spines. Imran Khan has preemptively denied their genuineness.
From Judge Arshad Malik’s video to Muhammed Zubair’s video to Khan’s expected videos, we are being pushed towards moral bankruptcy. One cannot help but quote a couplet by poet Shaad Aarfi:
Mere Watan Ki Siasat Ka Haal Mat Pocho
Ghiri Hui Hai Tawaif Tamash Beeno Mein
(Ask not about politics in my country,
A hooker amid spectators)
When Reham Khan published her book, it was taken with a pinch of salt. Its authenticity was called into question. The mention of her book landed Mohsin Baig, Khan’s friend, in hot waters. The FIA raided Baig’s home and arrested him. Will Reham Khan have the last laugh in the face of the videos?
Things have come full circle for Imran Khan. Learning a lesson from Khan’s vengeful politics, the ruling coalition will do better not to get caught in the vicious cycle of accusations and recriminations. But will Rana Sanaullah and his ilk, who are baying for Khan’s blood pay heed? As per poet, Shakeel Badayuni:
apne apne maqam par kabhi tum nahin kabhi ham nahin
(On one’s position, at times you are not, sometimes we are not)
The writer is a lawyer based in Lahore. He tweets @zaeem8825. He can be contacted at zaeem.bhatti89@gmail.com
