Daily Times

Malik Meraj Khalid was a political stalwart in Pakistani politics. He held high offices during Z A Bhutto’s government and under Benazir Bhutto. He became the interim Prime Minister in 1996-97 after the sacking of the 2nd Benazir government. He was forced out of office by BB for calling out Asif Zardari’s blatant corruption. He had a close circle of friends who frequented Shezan restaurant in Dyal Singh Mansions on Mall Road, Lahore. My dear friend, former Vice President Punjab University Union, Rashid Butt was extremely close to him.

Rashid Butt was a diehard Bhutto supporter. He played a pivotal role in PPP’s formative days. As a student leader, he held memorable events in Lahore to launch and endear Mr Bhutto amongst the vibrant youth seeking to end Ayub Khan’s dictatorship. Rashid and I were politically opposed, yet our strong bond of friendship overcame that. We respected each other’s views and created space for them. Our circle of friends was common and Zahid Gardezi, our colleague in the union, would jokingly call us the “odd couple”. The icing on the cake was that Javed Hashmi, a young firebrand then, was the General Secretary with us. I made sure we joined hands when it came to the welfare of our students.

I met Malik SB on numerous occasions with Rashid, including visits to his humble abode, an apartment off Mall Road. He was a man of the people promoting literacy among the youth. A pleasant person with a charming smile, while chain-smoking, he would share his stories and wisdom over a cup of tea. His close friends Rana Umar Daraz and Malik SB would exchange barbs that send us into ripples of laughter. Rana SB’s son, Rana Javed Umar is like a younger brother to me. He is a PTI ticket holder, thus in hiding to avoid the atrocities of this fascist regime.

Fast forward to the late nineties when Malik SB took over as interim Prime Minister. I was then President of PTI, Punjab. It was decided by our Central Executive that our Chairman Imran Khan should call on the PM. I was able to organize it through Rashid Butt. We met him at his Islamabad residence. It was a pleasant meeting in which a lot was discussed, but nothing substantive. As we were departing Malik SB took me aside. He said “Hafeez I really respect IK, he is a national icon. I have done social work all my life so I really admire the efforts he has made in setting up Shaukat Khanum Hospital.” I thanked him and said I would convey his feelings.

What he said next still rings in my ears. He continued “Politics is a pit of alligators; you should know that. What have you guys gotten him into? IK is a gentleman, honest, and straightforward. Please look after him, these carnivores will eat him alive.” I was speechless and silent during our return ride home. IK has proved Malik sb wrong.

Despite all the parties ganging up against him, they could not dent the love and affection that Pakistanis have for IK. However, as new realities emerge, it is clear that all these leaders are really sheep in wolves’ clothing.

With the departure of the PDM government, the real intent of those wielding the stick is coming out. This coterie succeeded in neutralizing the sword of Damocles hanging over them for past corruption. However, they polluted the well that quenches a politician’s thirst; the strength of their political base.

A picture is worth more than a thousand words. There is a cartoon in the prestigious New York Times depicting a five-seater head table. Elections are turning out to be an unachievable pipe dream.

CEC is an errand boy for the powerful. Courts have been rendered toothless. Their orders are not worth the paper they are written on; flouted openly. Imran Khan is languishing in sub-human conditions being denied access to his lawyers, a decent meal, and any meaningful human contact. CJ Islamabad, before whom this matter is pending, has lost his marbles waiting for his next directions.

In all this reality, the valiant champions of democracy in the West maintain their deafening silence. fuming over it. Beware the day when feelings turn into froth and we witness virulent anti-west sentiment rising to the top. It will take decades to overcome that.

The writer is the director of CERF, a non-profit, charitable organisation in Canada.The weiter can be followed on twitter at following id: @HafeezKhanPU