Iranian Revolution and Neda

Whatever the outcome, the ruling hierarchy of Iran stands exposed and shattered. The aura of purity, integrity, discipline and sanctity stand obliterated with every passing day the protesters in Iran defy authority.

We don't know who Neda Soltan was but like the many young who have stood in the face of authoritarian high handedness, her spirit was not unknown. I only heard her name today and was stunned by the video of her death.

There are already a series of videos commemorating and will keep the spirit of defiance alive until the ayatollahs buckle.

Video 1
Video 2

The Ayatollahs of Iran have taken pages off of Shah's book. The rule of 'vilayat-e-fiqh' is as unnatural and as undemocratic as rule of a one-man dictatorship. As former Iranian President Khatami once said: "If you read the pages of history, anything that has stood in the way of freedom has been damaged. If religion stands in the way of freedom, it will be damaged. "

The clerics may win this battle, but they have already lost the war.

An assertive judiciary

Amongst some of the other instances highlighted whereby the judiciary is seen to be taking on vested and criminal interests, another story in The News reveals the extent to which the 're-throned' judges are itching to go. It was not long ago that the judiciary was seen as an instrument of oppression, a decadent institution that functioned to deny justice.

So it is important perhaps, to magnify any incident in which we can see the judges taking on the interests of the status quo forces. Having 'non-bailable arrest warrants' issued for 30 policemen including the low-ranking officers is not a regular story. Nor is it usual to see the judges commanding the SSP Police to arrest EDO's, DDO's or Deputy Directors.

The judiciary is finally flexing its muscle. And we ain't seen nothing yet!

Alternative views on Iqbal

From time to time, this blog will attempt to critique Allama Iqbal, considered to being Pakistan's national poet and its leading 'intellectual'. Whereas all great philosophers and thinkers have numerous critics who critique, find flaws and reevaluate their philosophies, testing to see if they stand the test of time and expansion of knowledge, Allama Iqbal has no critics.

On numerous occasions I inquired from the Iqbal Academy (located on 6th floor of Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Lahore) to assist me on a book critiquing Iqbal's philosophy or poetry. However, the only book on 'criticisms of Iqbal' in their computerized database was 'Allama Iqbal's criticism of western philosophy'.

While Iqbal may have 'implored' Muslims of the subcontinent to 'think and contemplate', practically he has proven to be an extremely stagnant force in both the intellectual and philosophical realm. The reasons exist in the ideas expounded in his book, 'Reconstruction of religious thought in Islam', a series of seven lectures.

The only person who has attempted to 'critique' Iqbal without inviting accusations of 'unpatriotism' and such forth is Javed Iqbal, the poet's son. A open, broader discussion on Iqbal's philosophy, its limitations, potential and ramifications is needed.

Pakistanis will eventually come to understand that there is more to philosophy and intellect than Iqbal.

As Iqbal would say, 'sitaroan say aagay jehaan aur bhi hain..." [there are world's that exist beyond our imaginations...]

Cases for hope

Examples of cases where the judiciary has begun to do its job and ensuring justice is done.

In the poultry feed case, it has summoned the Federal Bureau of Revenue Chairman Ahmed Waqar on July 19 as per report (Dailytimes). The government's claim that the feed was composed of elements as declared was rejected and a more 'authentic' laboratory test was required. Latif Khosa, the Attorney General was (once again) snubbed.

In a case favoring the laborers, the court has ordered that daily laborers of CAA be regularized.

These cases come in the backdrop of the national judicial policy.

More such cases of the courts stepping in to enforce the law will be highlighted.