Co-Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former president Asif Ali Zardari gave a rather bizarre speech yesterday, where the former President lashed out at the military establishment. Zardari warned the establishment against character assassination of political parties. Zardari’s tirade seems to be a result of the strict action taken by Rangers in Karachi which has led to unrest amongst the PPP leadership. The PPP co-Chairman has probably forgotten that the Rangers were called to handle the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi after the consensus of all political parties and stake holders in the city.
Previously when the Muttahida Qaumi Moment (MQM) leaders complained that the Rangers action is politically, the PPP sent out a clear message that the Rangers are merely performing their duties and have made progress in brining peace to the city. However now that some of the illegal activities of PPP have been pointed out by the Rangers the party’s Co-Chairman instead of setting an example of those responsible decided to tarnish the image of one of the most respected institute of the country, the Pakistan Army.
Freedom of speech and expression doesn’t allow a person to accuse national institutes, the article 19 of the constitution of Pakistan states that ‘Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence.’ The speech by Asif Ali Zardari is a clear violation of the article 19.