The Allied Landings on the Normandy beaches on the coast of France on June 6, 1944 during World War 2 is commonly known as “The Longest Day”. After reports appeared initially in the electronic media that he was doled out almost Rs. 400 million by Malik Riaz of Bahria town-fame, the Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took suo moto notice against his own son, Arsalan Iftikhar on June 6, 2012. This can be termed “The Longest Day” in Pakistan’s judicial history. Because of the CJ connection, this straightforward confrontation between two individuals has become one of the most important cases in the entire history of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The suo moto action speaks volumes for the CJ’s sagacity in pre-empting the issue. Similar allegations made against family members of other judges would never have generated the storm we see today in Pakistan. Even though done belatedly, by removing himself from the Bench hearing the case the CJ avoided possible charges of conflict of interest being levied, thereby protecting the honour and dignity of the apex court.
The merits of this particular case notwithstanding, the dismal fact remains that after a sustained campaign against the Pakistan Army, now fully exposed by the Memogate Commission verdict, the other institution that had the trust and respect of the entire citizenry in Pakistan is now being targeted front and centre, in the process the reputation of our revered Chief Justice is being sullied. Everyone knows real estate tycoon Malik Riaz has excellent connections, not only among the political and military elite but he is also known to be a close confidante and associate of President Asif Ali Zardari. That the facts of the case have become undistinguishable from fiction is not surprising, conspiracy theories abound. A lot of ‘expert’ opinion is being expressed by anyone and everyone who can get within speaking distance of a reporter’s microphone or can appear as a guest on any one of the many television talk shows.
There are three players in this particular case. First, Arsalan Iftikhar who generally does not enjoy a very good reputation, Secondly Malik Riaz, a self-made man who has done outstanding work in the housing industry in Pakistan, and thirdly, and now by implication, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry who is a person of impeccable character and holds a special position in the heart of the citizens of Pakistan. While prima-facie some people seem to have made up their minds that Arsalan is guilty, not many people are ready to believe his father is, even by association. Vested interests are calling for the Chief Justice to resign, this is unacceptable and highly unfair. No one should be railroaded from office on the basis of evidence not directly connected to him. On the other hand, if it is proven that Arsalan is guilty, the law should be allowed to take its own course without showing any concession. In any case, Malik Riaz is now on record that he has been using bribery as a weapon, and as for blackmail, for what purpose and why was he diligently maintaining receipts, records of credit cards and making videos?
Malik Riaz is not just anybody. A self-made man who has energized the housing industry in Pakistan, his projects are better managed than comparable elite housing estates in first world countries. Obviously such men do not get to do such outstanding work in our business and political environment without using money and influence. He has quite a collection of retired professionals who are aware not only of the intricacies of governing but of how to manipulate the process, these include retired personnel from the ISI and the MI. While his employees do give him invaluable access, he will make enemies, some out of sheer jealousy at his tremendous success. The problem is that people in his position do tend to get carried away in the exercising of power and Malik Riaz is no exception. His Press Conference after his appearance in the Supreme Court was uncalled for and a Public Relations (PR) disaster, Malik Riaz managed to damage himself far more than the target of his attack, the Chief Justice.
Many people tend to forget how business is done in Pakistan. When someone has money and also the right connections in powerful places, he can wield massive influence. It is normal to spend money to influence those in a position of authority to get that person to be favourably disposed towards one’s objectives. In that process the media assumes inordinate significance and if it is required that some members of the journalistic community be manipulated by using the power of money, so be it. Because of the number of cases against the govt, and the unconcealed glee in PPP circles at the CJ’s discomfort, there is a suspicion that this could have been a deliberate frame-up in which a lot of people were involved. Arsalan was clearly the Achilees Heel in the CJ’s armoury, the master of the game sitting in the Presidency could have focused on that weak point. When Arsalan was found not delivering the goods, the pressure was force-multiplied. Malik Riaz claims he was being blackmailed, by the look of it seems the other way around!
The journalist community has taken a beating from this sordid affair and has come out looking quite ragged. For starters why did Malik Riaz choose to break the news to a select few journalists and/or TV anchors? Some journalists have been trying to throw muck at the Chief Justice as if their lives depended upon it, defending their own integrity by taking cheap shots at other journalists. This has added to the rumours that some are on the Malik Riaz payroll. Those showing biased or vested interest can be suspected of accepting money or accepting graft in any other form, in the process this not only harms the entire media community, but also the people of Pakistan by trying to hide the truth and promoting a paid-for agenda. One good thing that can come out this episode that if allowed to come to its logical conclusion, we will know without any shadow of doubt who are the black sheep among us.
Instead of indulging in unnecessary blame-game, for the sake of our society and our country it is time to do some real damage control. Once and for all here is an opportunity to uncover the machinations of whoever is pulling the strings. Previously the Army was the target of all the venom, now it is the turn of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court must hand over the investigation of this case to a Judicial Commission headed by a senior Judge in the same manner as was done in the Memogate affair. To keep the process transparent the members of this Commission must be appointed by the senior-most judge next to the CJ. This Commission should be mandated to probe the entire affair and give their findings within a very short term. Based on the findings, the matter can proceed ahead.
In the meantime we can be sure of one thing, money talks in Pakistan!
Courtesy: The News
