In Complete Unity

One of you sent this to my GMail-- since the availability of pakistanmartiallaw.blogspot.com is irregular, you are passing the word on however you can...and if that's not mutinous, I don't know what is.

The Emergency Times 

An Eyewitness account of the Execution of Martial Law

Protest at the LHC, Nov 5^th, 2007 

A group of 35 students from LUMS, along with two faculty members, went to attend the protest staged at the Lahore High Court against the imposition of martial law, the detention of over 500 (and counting) lawyers and activists around the country since Saturday, and the taking of oath by certain judges under the new PCO. 

Arriving at the LHC around 8 AM, we were let in without much fuss, despite the hundreds of police personnel deployed outside. It was evident, however, that the gathering was not going to be allowed to be peaceful. Going into the Central Courtyard, the first thing that struck us was the legal fraternity’s reaction to our arrival. Some of them simply couldn’t comprehend the fact that students had showed up for the cause, that people besides them were waking up. All were extremely appreciative of our effort, even as they warned us of the risks we would definitely face. Joining us among the student community, were a few students from Punjab University and 4 uniformed teenage boys from Beaconhouse. It was their presence in particular that was indeed heartening to witness.

The protest began peacefully enough, even if the atmosphere was charged right from the onset. The lawyers vociferously screamed their opposition to Martial law in no uncertain terms. Raising slogans of ‘Go Musharraf Go’ and ‘Musharraf Kutta, Haye Haye’, as well as infuriated slogans against the judges taking oath under the PCO, the build-up was tense and vigorous. Prominent figures from the legal community stepped forward to give incendiary, passionate speeches about the need to act, the need to resist. Aitzaz Ahsan and the Real CJ, Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, were lauded as the heroes of the day.

As the crowd slowly built up, everything became more worked up, us alongside it. As the massive swell of lawyers, with the tiny group of students cocooned in between, moved towards the gates of the High Court, they found they were barricaded, with a colossal army of police personnel behind them. After a brief verbal tussle between the police and lawyers, in which it was made clear that they would not be allowed to go onto the street, all hell broke loose. 

The Riot Police stormed into the High Court in full force, complete with their batons, helmets, shields and protective vests. They set upon the crowd of hapless, unarmed lawyers with a rabid ferocity that seemed to consume them entirely. Lawyers were indiscriminately beaten to a series of pulps; I saw the head of one of the lawyers being split open by the baton-wielding maniacs in front of my own eyes. The lawyers were forced to retreat, causing a stampede of sorts

Luckily, we were behind the frontlines of the assembly when the attack began and did not have to suffer its full brunt. However, the next few moments were unbelievably chaotic; tear gas was fired inside the High Court from all angles, making it difficult to see, breathe and speak. Gunshots could be heard in the uncomfortably-close distance, in all probability, to intimidate all present into quiet subservience. We searched frantically for members of the LUMS contingent, who had scattered in the wake of the attack and the subsequent stampede. Hell’s fury had indeed been unleashed.   

After we had gathered together whoever we could find, we were ushered into a hallway adjacent to the Courtyard by lawyers who had been assigned to guarantee our safety. From there, we watched as scores of policemen stormed the High Court from every direction and thrashed everyone in sight, arresting people as they went along. As around 40 of us, including many women, lay cramped together in a small room, the realization set in that we would be next. A realization that ‘everyone’ there accepted, without fear or panic. I applaud here, especially, the 10 or so freshman (011’s who were

Eventually, after eons, it seemed, the police broke into the hallway and demanded that we come out, albeit with our hands raised. Even as our faculty members and lawyers implored them to spare the students, the police personnel wantonly manhandled us, like abject criminals, along with our esteemed faculty members. We were certain we were about to be detained as we were paraded, in line, towards the main gate of the High Court, where the various deportation vans awaited. The media, most of them shell-shocked at the revelation that there were students, and that too, from LUMS, at the protest, began bombarding us with questions regarding who we were and why we were there. Our instructors replied to that with a simple but effective ‘for the safeguarding of the institution that protects our rights’.

Even as the uncertainty regarding our detention (the apparently planned destination being Mianwali) compounded, we were made to stand inside a bevy of police escorts while we awaited our fate. Eventually, in the midst of the media’s pronounced clamouring regarding our identity, a senior officer, either an SP or SSP (who had earlier issued the Mianwali threat) came to speak with us, informing us that ‘he was going to be “nice” to us and let us go.’ We were told to form a line, be responsible for each other’s safety and leave the area under police escort. 

I am not writing to needlessly glorify those who went. I am writing to inform everyone, all of you, about what the actual implications of a Martial Law are. Witnessing this situation first hand was an eye-opener. Because, simply, this is happening over the entire country now, to countless lawyers, activists, politicians, as we speak. As it has been happening in Balochistan and Waziristan for years. As it will continue to happen over the course of the next few weeks. All of us need to feel each other’s pain.

Organize effectively, collaboratively and substantively.

In complete unity.

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LUMS Students raise their voice against Injustice

The Students of LUMS, the so-called elitist brats that we have so often been labeled and signed off as, proved their mettle today, to not only the lawyers they joined in protest outside the High Court, but also in the example that they set today when they turned up in hundreds to protest on campus, outside the PDC. Yes the very depoliticized student society that our leaders have taken for granted and grown so accustomed to, has awoken from its decades long slumber with a roar, that enough is enough. No longer are we going to be conformist to our governments policies, as if we have no choice, no longer are we going to be scared to question or raise our voice because we are intimidated by the state’s power and what may be done to us; no longer are we going to refrain from action, from sheer complacency. 

And the students of LUMS set this in motion today.

The frustration and excitement was evident on campus today. People had spent a tense weekend worsened by the fact that there was a total information blackout by the government. Many spent sleepless nights calling each other for fresh news, hearing news of instructors and loved ones having been arrested, while at the same time desperately following foreign news outlets online in hope for hearing good news. Hence, the mood today was somber and everyone had a lot to experss. Word of mouth and mobile smses had established the time for a public rally at around 1.20. It didn’t take too long for a large crowd of students predominantly dressed in black to assemble outside the pdc.

The rally began with an somber address by Osama Siddique, giving an update on the status of faculty members that had been held in detention. The faculty members being Professor Ali Cheema, Aasim Sajjad and Bilal Minto. We were informed that after spending the night in detention they were being moved under heavy security surveillance to be placed under house arrest. He further explained the legal implications of the martial law, how it was not only illegal, but the state of emergency clause was only applicable under the Constitution by the President, hence in the current situation where the Constitution was illegal, not only was the martial law illegal but the legitimacy if the current government was also invalid.

Osama Siddique’s addressed was followed up by Rasul Baksh Rais, who complimented the crowd for turning up at the rally and showing everyone that they were not going to sit quietly while the situation deteriorated in the country. He told us this was in fact an opportunity for us to take the destiny of the country in our own hands, that we are luckier than the earlier generation because of globalization and easy access to the media. Yet he warned us that in the current situation we faced a tougher battle than the students had in his times. He said the current situation was reminiscent of Ayubs era of crackdown on political parties and students, because this was a desperate government on its last leg of power and would not stop at anything to cling on to what by whatever means.

After a brief assurance and encouragement by Justice Jawad Khwaja along the same lines as the earlier speakers, students who had gone to the High Court to protest were given a heroes welcome by the LUMS Community. These students spoke about how this fight was not simply against one dictator, by an entire system of our individual rights being compromised, and how we need to organize and fight NOW. 

With the students all charged up and emotional after the speeches, the rally began. People raised slogans against Musharraf and martial law, and demanded restoration of democracy. High pitched slogans of “Go Musharraf Go!” “ Nahi Chelagi Nahi Chelegai!” filled the air, there was an estimated 600-strong crowd plus faculty members who had turned up in support. The crowd marched around the academic block a number of times, an unprecedented occurrence in the history of this university. 

We shall always remember these days, people. Let it be for the right reasons. 

Emergency It Is

By J.A

Emergency it sure is, but only declared and dictated by one mad man. Do we believe him really? This one emergency demands and deserves another emergency in return. We should declare emergency within our thoughts, whatever we're doing in our "oh so important" lives, we should just kindly stop for a while, and declare an emergency on our thought process and think hard as to what we're actually doing. What's this life for, in the first place? What are the most important things?

If we're not bold enough to think on our own, as is the case with most of the people, then kindly, for a change, talk to people who do seem to have a view of their own. Give them a chance. More than anything else, it's time to be honest with our own selves. What is it that we're running after in life? Why are those things important? Are those things so important as to the fact that they've convinced us to become cowards for the time being; for who is a coward if not the person who remains motionless and silent in testing times.

Think!!!
Getting angry at the situation is the first step. How can we still be so apathetic? What are we waiting for? A messiah? Well then:

Khuda nay aaj tak uss kaum ki haalat nahin badli
Na ho jiss ko khayyal aap apni haalat kay badalnay ka

If you think we alone can't make any difference: 

Afraad kay haathon mey hai aqwaam ki taqdeer
Har fard hai millat key muqaddar ka sitarah

If you thought this is an emergency only now and we were free before:

Mulla ko jo hai hind mey sajday ki ijazzat 
Nadaan samjhta hai kay Azaad ha Islam

This is the time we think really hard, as to who we are, and what we believe in. If we believe in any God or thing other than money, this is the time to prove it then!!!

Things to keep in mind for upcoming protests:

Keep a wet cloth handy to cover your mouth, nose and eyes during possible tear-gassing.

Salt for your throat, under the same eventuality.

Be careful of what you discuss on the phone, telephone lines and the internet.

Make sure you leave your contact with someone responsible to check on you in case something happens.

Girls are specially advised to wear shalwaar kameez.

Do not carry expensive items with you.

Do not travel in large groups without sufficient organization because you could arouse needless scrutiny.

And of course, a pair of good running shoes. 

Comments

[M Junaid Khan]

I really really appreciate the luminites. Bravo

[Mohsen Ali]

I am impressed by the LUMS faculty and its students.
I can understand that its more difficult for the PU students to be part of the demonstration, because they will get kicked out of their university.
Can you tell me if you know anything about the PU students, where they arrested or let go.

[Zakir H. Alvi, Advocate & Consultant]

LUMS students/faculty in short "NATIONAL HEROES"

[tauqir]

Ironic as it may seem, political parties have abandoned the people. In the face of the brutality shown by police towards protestors, individuals are justifiably reluctant to be the first to come forward. Imagination is civil society's armour. We must apply our mind to find ways to register the anger felt by every Pakistani on this naked agression on the last breathing institution with the courage to face the powerlust of generals.
One way I can think of is to raise black flags on homes, shops, cars and motorbikes. Inexpensive and prominent, it represents solidarity with lawyers and shows the state of our country.
I am sure we can come up with many such ideas.

[Tanveer]

I'm statisfied now..... it is a good sign that students and lawyers has started the protest. All the people of pakistan just looking a platform to start the protest whom they can trust.....
I'll mail a topic soon regarding Pervaiz Musharaf's move from start to till now (Analysis).

[Malik Asif]

I Salute All the Students and Respected Professors
I am really impressed with LUMS Students reaction against injustice.
If our Nation started to think in the same way like they did, We will soon get rid of all Problems that we are facing.

[Pakistani Fulbrighter in USA]

Pakistani Fulbrighters are making protests and they have written no. of letters and requests to various personalities.
here of some of those petitions:

is with reference to the imposition of Martial Law in Pakistan. We want to condemn this barbaric of act Gen. Mushharaf. We want apprise that Gen. Musharaf has increased Extremism and Militancy in Pakistan. Worst of All, he has strangulated the soul and very basis of a nation- the Judiciary. Gen. Musharaf has arrested all the Independent minded judges and trying to black mail them through torture and brutal force. Gen Musharaf in 1999 and in 2007, Math is easy to do: From Pakistani Tribal Areas to Settled Areas of NWFP upto SWAT are under control of Talibans today, Musharaf Army has traded 25 hardcore taliban prisoners in exchange of 200 Army prisoners held by the Taliban leader, Baitullah Mashood; Only Military has increased its assets and become more richer and emerged as most powerful elite which not kept Pakistani people hostage but also west. Pakistani poverity has increased by 20%, Civil Rights are lowest in our history, any Anti-Musharaf is branded terrorist, while their supporters are Taliban backed MMA in NWFP are part of their Govt., They are making deals with local taliban but not with local moderate forces. They have kept all people missing and shown to the west that these are Al-Qaida, The Supreme Court took the Missing person case and shown to the World that majority of these were civil right activists.
I am wife of Fulbrighter, my husband wants to write, i told him not to write otherwise he will arrested on our return to Pakistan. Please keep our email message in secret. I want to tell you sir, if west didnot pressurized Musharaf now, than he is Nuclear Saddam in making and than West will loose this historic opportunity to nip the evil in the bud, Civil Society will be perished and Pakistan will be a Taliban Country, precusors are visible- fourth town of Swat valley fallen to talibans in Pakistan.... Please see Nov 7, Dawn @ "Militants capture Kalam in Swat Valley PESHAWAR, Nov 7 (AFP): Dozens of paramilitary troops and police surrendered their weapons to militants and retreated from the mountain town of Kalam in Swat Valley early Wednesday, a police official said. Announcements about the advance were made on a pirate FM radio station run by Mullah Fazlullah, as militants hoisted their party flag on police stations and government buildings, and distributed sweets. Fazlullah's aide, Maulana Shah Dauran, said in a radio address that the militants also took control of a paramilitary base in Kalam manned by a platoon. Some 40 Frontier Corps soldiers had left the paramilitary base before the militants arrived, residents said. Militants have seized more than two-thirds of Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan. (Posted @ 14:20 PST)
Pakistani civil society request the Democratic leader of World, The United States of America, to cut all his military Aid and suspend all the ties with Military Junta, Pressurize for return to Democracy and release of all political prisoners and restoration of supreme court. restored Supreme Court should supervisor the election process. people of pakistan will always be your friends sir, we assure you sir, please stop Nuclear Saddam in Making and stop rogue mad military adventurism in pakistan...

[denverboi]

It is an eye-opener for the rest of the world to read the first hand account of martial law in Pakistan. Kudos to the youth there who are showing that they would not stand such injustice silently.
Anna , thanks for putting these accounts on your blog as we cannot rely on other forms of media under such circumstances.