THIS is apropos the recent incident in which PTI MPA Imran Ali Shah assaulted a citizen in Karachi on the Independence Day. The role of a member of provincial assembly, who is a representative of his/her constituency, among others, is making policies and presenting bills that are eventually to be passed as laws.

The MPA’s role is not to intervene in a public dispute as a legal enforcement official, which has no link with the lawmaker. Certainly there exists no such legal justification for intimidating a citizen with the support of his armed gunmen and then slapping him several times.

If the MPA is so determined, as per his claim, to not let injustice happen, then rather acting as a law enforcement official, which certainly he is not, and setting a horrible precedent as an MPA in this Naya Pakistan, he, as a lawmaker should put laws into effect that prevent such wrong from happening in the very first place.

To repeat, he should know the difference between a lawmaker and a law enforcer. I am truly appalled to see his rigid stance in his so-called clarification video.

The PTI ought to take strict action against such behaviour because the MPA concerned obviously has caused hurt and distress.

Faria Zafar

Lahore

(2)

THE PTI’s Sindh Assembly member Imran Ali Shah thrashed a citizen at a busy public place. A video circulating on social media shows the MPA repeatedly slapping a citizen in the middle of the road near National Stadium in Karachi.

The man reportedly tried to overtake the MPA’s luxury vehicle following which he was beaten up by him, while his guards also abused the citizen. However, Imran Shah in his clarification claimed the video as misleading.

He said the car driver repeatedly struck the rear of another vehicle and he stopped him to demand an answer. He further said the car driver refused to apologise and instead misbehaved with him leading him to react.

He apologised if his actions hurt anyone’s sentiments, but said he would not allow any injustice for any reason. The authorities concerned should investigate and find out who is at fault. This VIP culture must end.

Tahir Rafique

Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2018