Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Delhi and Kolkata-based daily, Akhbar-e-Mashriq, in an editorial on February 21 entitled, 8216;Pakistan Mein Awami Inquilab8217;, has described the election verdict in Pakistan as a popular revolution. It has warned the future rulers not to lose their senses in their enthusiasm. 8220;They should have a proper agenda, set priorities and rise above the politics of revenge and anger8221;, so that like India, 8220;a democratic Pakistan may also move towards development and prosperity8221;.
Rashtriya Sahara in its editorial on the same day has described the verdict as a 8220;defeat of dictatorship8221;. The paper says, 8220;it is not clear what the final face of the new and democratic government would be, but the results have made it clear that more than the victory or defeat of any party, it is a victory of democracy and the defeat of dictatorship.8221; The paper says, not just Musharraf, but all those 8220;attempting to gag democracy must take a lesson from this, including the army.8221;
Hindustan Express on February 21 has described this as a 8220;test for Pakistan.8221; It says, 8220;in spite of the stunning defeat of the Musharraf-supported party, if he continues to hold onto power, there cannot be a bigger example of the failure of democracy.8221;
Jamaat-e-Islami mouthpiece, the bi-weekly Daawat, in an editorial on February 25 has warned, that 8220;if the new coalition government adopts a collision course then the army will get an opportunity to intervene. This is a very delicate moment and decisions should be taken keeping in view the wider interests of the country and the nation. The politics of conflict will not only harm Pakistan but will also have a negative impact on the rest of the region.8221;
Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun and Mumbai-based Sahafat on February 22 says, 8220;tomorrow, if not today, the US in its interests would certainly find a true friend to replace Pervez Musharraf. But as long as there will be US pressure on Pakistan, one cannot hope for a lasting popular democracy.8221;
Welcome appeal
The anti-terror conference organised by Darul Uloom, Deoband has been welcomed by all papers. National Herald8217;s Qaumi Awaz in an editorial on February 27 writes, 8220;the central and state governments should take serious note of the intense sorrow and anger at implicating innocent young men under terror charges as expressed in the Deoband declaration. This will put an end to the feeling of insecurity amongst Muslims.8221;
Patna and Ranchi-based, Qaumi Tanzeem on February 23 says, 8220;whenever non-Muslims are found involved in any terrorist activity, their community is not identified.8221; The paper writes, 8220;crime must be viewed in its proper perspective and it should be investigated as to what are the reasons behind this. There is no justification for dragging in religion or sect in this discussion.8221;
Rashtriya Sahara on February 27 writes, 8220;the most important aspect of the conference is that, keeping aside the sectarian differences of all types, it was used as a platform of unity of the community. All speakers took a stand against the anti-Muslim positioning in the context of terrorism.8221;
Nuke again
Talking of renewed US pressure regarding the nuclear deal, Hyderabad-based Rahnuma-e-Deccan on February 13 has raised the question of whether, 8220;any autonomous and independent country would allow the agent read, ambassador Mulford of a foreign country, howsoever big that country may be, to meet leaders of its political parties in an effort to convince and convert them to their point of view.8221;
Rashtriya Sahara in an editorial on February 22 says that, 8220;the statement of the US senators has again raked up the issue of the nuclear deal and it seems that this issue would affect the results of the parliamentary elections due next year8221;.
Daawat says in a page one editorial, 8220;at least now the cat is out of the bag, the US has made it amply clear that the Hyde Act is here to stay in any case8230; if development is achieved by trading independence, it would not result in the welfare of the country and its people. The earlier illusion that provided some ground for support to the deal has now been removed. On what basis can it be supported?8221;
Cricket bazar
Hindustan Express in its editorial on February 22 calls the Indian Premier League IPL, 8216;Cricket ka Meena Bazar8217;. Akhbar-e-Mashriq in an editorial on February 24 says, 8216;Khuda Deta Hai To Chhappar Phaad Ke Deta Hai8217;. The paper has castigated the purchase of cricketers in the manner of a person 8220;going with a bag in the morning and purchasing things of his choice8230; it is said that the IPL would change the face of the world of cricket, and bring in a pleasant revolution. We too have eyes, and we would also see!8221;
Delhi-based Jadeed Khabar says 8220;this would prompt cricketers to retire earlier than usual.8221;
editor of Alpjan Quarterly
