POLLS HAILED,

PEOPLE NAILED:

`PAKISTAN ZINDABAD’ OR

`PAKISTAN SE ZINDA BHAG’

BY JAVED ZAHEER, FREE EXPRESSION AWARD WINNER

TORONTO: I am used to hearing the proud slogan `Pakistan Zindabad’ (Long Live Pakistan) but nowadays a new and very disturbing slogan `Pakistan Se Zinda Bhag’ (Escape Alive From Pakistan) is a cause of great concern, worry and sleepless nights.

This slogan is the direct result of the rapidly worsening and critical law and order situation. Poverty, Corruption, Crime, Exploitation, Deprivation, Starvation, etc all are at their peaks. These are all undoubtedly and certainly the gifts and fruits of demoncracy.

People expected that the situation would greatly improve and they would get relief after the February 18, 2008, elections and restoration of democracy in Pakistan.

The innocent people were unaware what was in store for them. They were again fooled and cheated by the cunning, corrupt and cruel leaders.

Instead of food, medicine and breathing space, they are getting choked, poison and death. They are compelled to commit suicides and crimes. Instead of getting relief, they are struggling for survival.

Look at most of the leaders. They are living like kings and princes. Hell for the people, while most of the leaders are getting expensive bullet proof cars, full protection and best facilities. They get elected not for the people but power and positions. They suck blood of the people and loot and plunder the wealth of Pakistan.

This is the democracy of present Pakistan. Thank to those world leaders who forced on us such demoncracy and imposed upon us the worst devils and duffers. Thank them for making the cunning, corrupt and cruel elements (Their puppets) powerful and leaders and for putting our fate and lives into their hands. Now they must be pleased by watching the game of death and destruction.

Those world leaders who are really interested in seeing real democracy in Pakistan must come forward and act to help the people, promote and support only true leadership, build institutions, system and society. This is their moral and humanitarian duty and responsibility. The reality is that the common people are suffering and dying.

A revolutionary awakening and understanding is needed so that a sense could develop in the people to help themselves and each other and make all those accountable who are plundering the wealth of the country. People are compelled by the situation to elect the cunning and corrupt leaders. They need help badly to get rid of mafia of such elements and leaders.

REIGN OF TERROR: Recently, a Canadian of Pakistani origin narrated a very disturbing and horrifying tale.

He approached me and said: “You keep writing for the people and that’s why I have come to you. I am sure through you the Distress Message (SOS) of thousands of affected people will reach the authorities concerned and mainstream media in Pakistan and Canada and ensure investigation and practical help for the suffering and terrified people. I prefer anonymity or else my family would be harmed and even killed.”

He alleged: “Chak No.363 GB District Faisalabad has a population of about 8000. It is about 50 kilometres away from the city of Faisalabad. Criminal gangs have made the lives of people miserable. They are involved in murders, harassment, drugs and illegal weapons, gross abuse of women, etc and have created terror in the area. Drugs are responsible for increasing serious crimes in the area.

“Police does not take any action. People are totally helpless and fed up with the increasing criminal activities. They are given death threats and as a result some families have fled the area and hiding from the criminals.”

KILLED MOTHER: He alleged: “Mohammad Tariq is leader of a criminal gang. He has returned from Saudi Arabia. He is involved in many major crimes including murder, drugs and weapons. In February, 2008, when his mother tried to stop him from using drugs and committing crimes, he pushed her so hard that she was seriously injured and died after few hours. The matter was hushed up.

“He then threatened to kill his wife. She got scared and kept quiet. Later, a dispute took place and he divorced her. He then threatened to kill his uncle and aunt, both of whom got terrified and fled with the whole family including grandfather, grandmother and children and were hiding to save their lives and seek refuge at a safe place.

“He is involving his other brother as well in drugs, crimes and gang. In the last five years, some women have been mercilessly murdered in the area but again the matters were hushed up. If the members of national and provincial assemblies (MNA and MPA)

of the area take interest in the affairs of the area then crimes could be controlled and the criminal gangs busted. But either they are unaware or not taking interest and action in the area due to reasons better known to them.”

He said: “Mohammad Tahir, a reporter associated with an Urdu newspaper `Naqeeb’, based in Faisalabad, too keeps visiting the area but could not do anything. Such is the worsening situation. Only on intervention of senior police officials like the Inspector General of Police (IGP), DIG, SSP, etc. pressure could be put on the police to take practical action in the area and tackle the crimes and criminal gangs.”

This is the horrifying tale of one area. This shows the gravity of the critical law and order situation. This shows much helpless the common people are.

We love Pakistan very much and that’s why keep highlighting the bad situation with the hope that the authorities there would take notice, intervene and improve the situation. Also, to keep the Canadians and Pakistanis worldwide aware of the worst happenings so that they too would become active and come forward to help both people and Pakistan. It is indeed a humanitarian issue and needs attention and interest of all. It is a matter of survival of the people and Pakistan as well. Unfortunately, in the rural areas, women are the worst sufferers. They are treated like slaves, raped, tortured and mercilessly killed. They are the most helpless ones. It is time to give rights and protection to them. The support will provide them confidence and courage.

---Javed Zaheer is an internationally recognized and reputed Professional Journalist (Freelance), Social and Human Rights Activist, Winner of Free Expression Award (NEPMCC 2006), Honorary Editor/Media Consultant of `Pakistan Abroad’ and www.originpakistan.com, Honorary Director and Member of National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC---www.nepmcc.ca), Veteran Active Member (VAT) of Toronto Press Club and Member of the prestigious The Ontario Club and Council Member of Karachi Press Club (KPC), Pakistan. For JZ’s articles, visit: www.nepmcc.ca (editorial),