Daily Times

Sir: The sun may have set on direct rule by British Raj, but its legacies and tyrannical abuses continue to be adopted by New East India Co through natives who take pride of being remnants of Raj, either being descendants of former members Unionist Party, or beneficiaries of system they left behind. Some descendants of Colonial Legacy profess that neither Quaid nor Allama Iqbal, neither All India Muslim League was instrumental in creation of Pakistan but this was a gift by Churchill and Raj. This moral decadence was visible when scion of former Unionist Party, who served as President, had no remorse when BBC telecast documentary about his family involved in smuggling of stolen cars etc.

Quaid’s early death was an obstacle in shedding Colonial Legacy and reforming civil and uniformed services to adopt role of servants of people, instead of serving an occupying power. In India reformation process was achieved in 1949 when they adopted a Constitution to become an independent country. The princely land holdings awarded by British at pleasure of HM Government, stood cancelled in 1949 and Indian Constitution debarred holding dual nationalities, ensuring no split loyalties.

The Pakistani ruling elite however failed to undertake this transformation, being beneficiaries of Raj which gave lands, titles, jobs etc in return for their loyalties to British occupation. They continued to live in glory of past, when select natives enjoyed privileges and perks for their tyrannical role in prolonging occupation. Even after 72 years of independence there are numerous powerful individuals or groups within political elite and paid establishment which are involved in transfer of black money earned mostly through corrupt practices and abuse of power to UK, Canada etc which they consider safe havens for self, family and assets.

ALI MALIK T

Lahore

Published in Daily Times, February 11^th 2019.