Daily Times: Justice is for sale: Qadri

* PAT chief says Nawaz appointed his own man as NAB head to dispose of 143 corruption cases
* Says ‘Go Nawaz Go’ has become slogan of entire nation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on Saturday lambasted Pakistan’s judicial system, saying that justice is for sale and only mighty and privileged can buy it.

“Justice is not dispensed, it is sold,” Qadri said addressing thousands of his supporters on Constitution Avenue at the 36th day of sit-in. He said he wanted to change the system and would submit a constitution, which provided justice to both rich and the poor.

“A system based on infidelity can last but the one based on tyranny.” He said, “Hell with this democracy where poor, oppressed and deprived people of Pakistan are seeking rights for the last 36 days.”

He, however, said now people have stood up to take their constitutional rights and his revolution was meant to bring changes in the attitudes. He reiterated that he would put the country on track through revolution.

Criticising the speeches made by lawmakers during the joint parliamentary session, an emotional Qadri said they kept talking about the constitution and democracy during the session. He asked the lawmakers about the fruits of ‘democracy’ extended to the people.

He deplored that today 45 percent citizens of Pakistan were living below the poverty line, while ‘Go Nawaz Go’ had become the slogan of the entire nation.

He alleged that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has disposed of 143 corruption cases, which were registered against him in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He added Nawaz did this by appointing a NAB chairman of his own choice.

“The country’s survival will be in jeopardy if the Sharifs stay further in power,” the PAT chief said.

The PAT chief said, “The system is meant to safeguard the corruption of the rulers, while we want a system which can guarantee health, education, food and all the other basic necessities for the people.”

Qadri labelled the current system brutal and ruthless, saying it was thriving on corruption and has failed miserably to give justice to the poor. “Existing system which rulers call democracy was actually a practice of looting,” Qadri lamented.

“Our movement is in favour of the rights of 180 million people,” Qadri said, adding, “We are struggling to get the masses their due rights.”

Drawing comparison between Musharraf’s dictatorship and the two democratic governments of PPP and PML-N, the PAT chief elaborated the prices of essentials and inquired the prime minister what has he given to the poor?

Qadri said cost of electricity unit was Rs 3 in Musharraf’s rule, which was increased to Rs 7.5 during PPP’s tenure, while presently it was Rs 15.

Outlining his thoughts about democracy, the scholar noted that it was meant for transparency, equality and immediate dispensation of justice for everyone. He said democracy was meant to bring transparency and equality besides prospering to the poor.

“Democracy ensures equality and justice without any discrimination,” Qadri noted.

According to him, he would bring a system which would ensure homes for the homeless; bread and clothes for needy ones; employment opportunities for jobless; health for the poor; education to every child as well as arrangements for adult literacy and alleviation of economic exploitation.

Source: www.dailytimes.com.pk

Source : http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/21-Sep-2014/justice-is-for-sale-qadri