Democratic State or Feudalism

Shamim Masih reports that Pakistan’s Prime Minister led an All Parties Conference (APC) initiated on September 9, 2013 to bring a sense of unity in Pakistan by sharing in a dialogue with other political parties on curbing Islamic terrorism. The problem Shamim had with the APC is that the word “All” was a falsehood. Perhaps Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif concept of “All” meant all the Sunni Muslim political parties at the exclusion the political parties representative of minorities. Since Shamim is a Christian his disappointment centers on the lack of Christian minority political parties. Shamim compares the minority exclusion to good old fashioned feudalism as in medieval historical governance. Shamim also mentions that Sheikh Rashid Ahmed founder of the Awami Muslim League (AML). The AML’s manifesto (see last link) is still Islamic Supremacist in its principles; however the manifesto decries the discrimination and violence against minorities Pakistan. I suspect Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s stand to bring more civil rights to Pakistani minorities is the chief reason Shamim mentions him.

JRH 9/22/13

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Democratic State or Feudalism

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 9/20/2013 4:41 PM

ISLAMABAD: All Parties Conference – APC was held in Prime Minister’s secretariat on Monday 9 September, 2013. Addressing the political leaders at the APC, PM Nawaz Sharif said that he considered dialogue as the priority option to curb terrorism in the country, the solution to address the terrorism issue is sorted out with consensus after thorough deliberations by the participants at APC. He said that it is need of the hour for all political forces in the country to shun politicking on issues of national importance such as terrorism and energy crisis, and join hands to address them unanimously. “We have to rise above politics on some issues and develop a nation consensus for the sake of this country,” said Prime Minister told the political leaders. “If we will continue to take decision with consensus, the people will have more trust on democracy.” Nawaz Sharif said the country’s history witnessed unprecedented smooth democratic transition as the new government took over and a president left the Presidency with honor and prestige.

Later, Director General ISI Lt. Gen. Zaheer ul Islam briefed the participants of the APC on security situation in the country.

It sounds good that the government is interested to take other political parties in confidence while taking decisions in national interest and wanted to join hands with other political forces in the country. In the said conference the government called up the party leadership of his own choice not all political parties’ leadership was invited there. Sheikh Rasheed, the outspoken party head of Awami Muslim League was ignored with few others as well. At the same time, no Christian political party head was invited to APC.

The government should take minorities leadership in confidence while legislation and addressing national issues. Pakistan Christian Congress, All Pakistan Minorities Alliances – APMA, political parties have been struggling for minorities rights for years. Pakistan United Christian Movement, Pakistan Minorities Alliance and few others emerging political parties are passionate to protect non-Muslims’ rights in Pakistan. From decades on no government has ever taken non-Muslims in confidence while addressing national issues or legislation. In the end it results to add in [the] sufferings of minorities, all discriminatory laws are witness to it. Shanti Nager, Gojra, Sangla Hill, Gujranwala and Joseph Colony [Youtube video of Joseph Colony Destruction], Lahore incidents are [the] result of these discriminatory laws. Hundred years old church in Mardan city was turned to ashes. And at the same time, Governor Salman Taseer’s and Shahbaz Bhatti’s assassination was [the] result of hate speech of the cleric.

Pakistan is considered a democratic country but I have not been able to understand its system, there are two electoral systems adopted at the same time in the country. General election system is democratic while selection of reserved seats of minorities and women seats is totally at big political party’s prudence as proportional system. So minority’s members go into the legislative assembly through back doors. It is also reported that they use different means in terms of money or whatever to get in, and the amount very obviously starts in millions.

It is unnatural that these minority members coming in the assembly by paying hi-bribe and [then] talk about minority’s issues. It is reported that one of the previous minority ministers said that I am not here through your votes; you don’t need to expect anything from me, when some Christian visitors asked to solve their issues.

[The] Electoral process in Pakistan needs to be revised. Democracy cannot flourish in a country where a feudal system exists because this system negates democratic system.

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© Shamim Masih

Edited by John R. Houk

Brackets and links within Shamim’s article are added by the Editor hopefully adding clarity.

Shamim Masih

Snapshot of Human Rights Activism from 2011

Christian Rights Activist
Freelance Journalist 

Secretary General

REAP

Shamim Masih’s Donate/Support info:

FOR USD TRANSFER.
Intermediary Bank:                         MASHREQ BANK, NEW YORK
Intermediary Bank SWIFT BIC:         MSHQUS33
Beneficiary Bank:                         JS BANK LIMITED
Beneficiary Bank SWIFT BIC:                 JSBLPKKA
Bank A/c # at Intermediary bank:         70008227
Title Of a/c                                Shamim Masih
Beneficiary Account Number:                 405527

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IBAN #                                        pk80jsbl9530000000405227


FOR GBP TRANSFER.
Intermediary Bank:                         MASHREQ BANK, LONDON
Intermediary Bank SWIFT BIC:         MSHQGB2L
Beneficiary Bank:                         JS BANK LIMITED
Beneficiary Bank SWIFT BIC:                 JSBLPKKA
Bank A/c # at Intermediary bank:         00010855
Title Of a/c                                Shamim Masih
Beneficiary Account Number:                 405527
IBAN #                                        pk80jsbl9530000000405227



FOR EURO TRANSFER.
Intermediary Bank:                         MASHREQ BANK, LONDON
Intermediary Bank SWIFT BIC:         MSHQGB2L
Beneficiary Bank:                         JS BANK LIMITED
Beneficiary Bank SWIFT BIC:                 JSBLPKKA
Bank A/c # at Intermediary bank:         10847
Title Of a/c                                Shamim Masih
Beneficiary Account Number:                 405527
IBAN #                                        pk80jsbl9530000000405227