THIS refers to the letter ‘NFC award violation’ (July 12) by Abdul Khalique Junejo. The writer has lamented that while political leaders at the centre and in Punjab have never been challenged for violating the constitution, their counterparts from ‘periphery’ provinces have been denounced for their ‘anti-constitutional’ acts.

The argument does not seem valid for we have seen action taken by the courts against political figures from Punjab also. Yousuf Raza Gilani’s conviction in a contempt of court case despite being the prime minister is a perfect example. He not only belonged to the centre but was also from Punjab. Harsh criticism of the Punjab chief minister’s ‘unconstitutional acts’ by Punjab politicians, ‘periphery’ provinces and the media is ample proof there is no discrimination when it comes to criticism.

Painting Akbar Bugti as a ‘victim’ and a ‘hero’ is unfair to the nation. His death is controversial and the circumstances in which he died are questionable. Considering Article 256 which forbids anyone from keeping private armies, Bugti was certainly a violator of the constitution. He had thousands of tribal people armed with sophisticated weaponry.

While Article 9 says: “no person shall be deprived of life and liberty save in accordance with law”, were not the private jails and subjugation of the people through coercion constitutional violations by Bugti? One should voice concerns on injustices, but one must refrain from citing wrong examples to justify demands.

The writer has objected that while Punjab chief minister has been signing trade agreements with foreign countries, Sheikh Mujib was considered a traitor for doing the same. The writer has conveniently ignored the fact that it was Z.A. Bhutto, a politician from Sindh, who grabbed power, although Mujib had won the majority of seats in the elections. What led to this, we all know.

Pakistan is already a polarised society and is going through a critical phase. We need political and provincial harmony not parochialism.

Naseem Khan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2016