ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN NEEDS OUR SUPPORT

Fakhruddin G Abarhim one of the most eminent jurist in the history of Pakistan is now given the task to lead the Election Commission of Pakistan. His repute, integrity and honesty cannot be challenged by anyone even his critics; Though without any doubt Fakhru Bhai is trusted with one of the most important task, that will eventually shape the future of Pakistan, Insha-Allah. Though Fakhru Bhai face a lot of criticism in regards to his age (approximately 95 years of age) and his ability to deal with such a crucial task but surely one has to realize that Allah (swt) selected him for this important work. Pakistani people are clinching to anyone who is there to provide a bit of hope for their upcoming future. Dr. Tahir Ul Qadri initiated a movement against the corrupt political system in Pakistan though he was not completely successful, but whatever fruits his movement produced will be treasured by the people of Pakistan, if at least article 62 and 63 of the Pakistan’s constitution gets implemented in the upcoming elections. Fakhru Bhai is the hope for the people of Pakistan and his recent attempt to formulate a mechanism for free and fair election by jointly working with the State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Bureau of Revenue, National Accountability Bureau and National Data Base and Registration Authority is commendable. Here, as free and patriotic citizens of Pakistan we should consider it an obligation to stand next to Fakhru Bhai in this time of need. He will face opposition from those who have raped this country again and again. The Tax evaders and loan defaulters will eventually show their true colors once Fakhru Bhai with his team will try to scrutinize their fate. For instance, the research work done by journalist Omar Cheema regarding tax evaders in the parliament should be closely examined by the Election Commission of Pakistan. According to the investigative work by Omar Cheema, approximately 300 people out of 446 in the National Assembly and Senate never filed their tax return for year 2011-2012 which is considered a crime. Though even with the investigative work done by Omar Cheema, we should give benefit of doubt to everyone in current National Assembly and Senate to produce their tax returns on the request of Election Commission of Pakistan since, their might be some technical glitch that resulted in their failure to file tax returns. But in no way we the people of Pakistan should tolerate any statement from anyone to pressurize the Election Commission of Pakistan. The recent statement made by Choudary Nisar against the Election Commission of Pakistan that the Election Commission of Pakistan has disrespected the members of the Parliament is absurd and insulting to the people of Pakistan. The statement that each and every member of the Parliament pay taxes on the salary he or she receives from the parliament is misleading. Choudary Nisar should be supporting the efforts of the Election Commission of Pakistan by supporting the idea of exposing those in the parliament who don’t consider it necessary to file tax return. Tax on the businesses and other means outside the parliament that enable these politicians to make millions and billions should also be accounted since, these are the leaders who will eventually lead us on “Siraat e Mustaqeem”. According to my limited knowledge, Election Commission should ask all the politicians to file lawsuits against any media outlet, national or foreign, that ever tried to implicate any of our leaders (Either who has led us before or plans to do so in the forthcoming elections) in any wrong doing. For instance the documentary made by BBC about the corrupt practices instilled by Sharif family to rob Pakistan; Also the tactics used by Sharif family to launder money outside Pakistan etc. Similar to that how can Zardari be Sadiq or Ameen when on one hand he rejected the ownership of Sare’ Palace and on the next moment he accepted the ownership of Sare’ Palace and took approximately $60 million from Swiss account. Anyone who objects to the authority of Election Commission to ask for 3-year tax return from every candidate with tax return filed by their family members, information about their kids overseas and information regarding any other nationality should be dealt with strong opposition by the people of Pakistan. At conclusion, I can simply emphasize on the need that each and every honest and hardworking patriotic Pakistani should stand and support the election commission. Though Fakhru Bhai might not be strong enough to deal with the corrupt political filth but surely with our support he will feel Pakistan standing on his back. May Allah grant Fakhru Bhai the strength to secure the interests of ordinary citizens of Pakistan. Ameen