Justice Iftikhar Chowdhry intends to change the course of Pak politics

Anil Narendra

Seldom does a person emerge, who exhibits his power to change the course of any country’s politics. He resolutely takes such bold steps that turn the direction of the politics. The Justice Iftikhar Chowdhary, Chief Justice of the Pakistan’s Supreme Court is, in fact, such a person. He not only restored the lost status of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, but also took cognizance of a number of such matters, that nobody dared to touch before him. No doubt, some of such matters were disputed. The latest matter is about the interference of the Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency, ISI in the politics of the country. A Bench chaired by the Chief Justice Iftikhar Chowdhary directed the Government to take legal action against former Army Chief General Mirza Aslam Beg and former ISI Chief Assad Durrani for distribution of lakhs of rupees to the politicians for rigging the1990 elections. The three-member Division Bench also said that the Army should desist from interfering in country’s politics. A retired Air Marshal of Pakistan Air Force had filed a petition in this regard. Justice Chowdhary said that such institutions should not have any role in the politics and political activities, such as forming of the government or destabilizing the governments. He said that Army and Intelligence Agencies must not display any inclination towards any particular political party or political leaders. It is, however, not clear, whether this order would limit the powers of Army or not, but it has definitely led to the apprehension of confrontation between the Army and the judiciary. The Division Bench also ordered legal action against former Army Chief Mirza Aslam Baig and former ISI Chief Assad Durrani. The Bench said both these persons have violated the Constitution and the Law by distribution of crores of rupees during the 1990General Elections with the objective of rigging the elections. Their deeds have tarnished the image of the country and the Army. This decision has the potential to change the course of country’s politics. According to Dawn newspaper, ‘this decision can put an end to the political activities in President’s Office.’ The News has reported that this decision of the Court has made it impossible for Zardari to remain as the co-Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party or continue his political activities. In its decision, the Bench has also said that any political unit of ISI, Military Intelligence or Intelligence Bureau working in the President Palace be closed immediately, because any such a unit is un-constitutional. The Bench has said that notification for the constitution of any such Unit would be invalid. It is to be seen, whether the Pak Army would implement this decision or not?