جھوٹ ہے سب تاریخ ہمیشہ اپنے کو دہراتی ہے
اچھا میرا خواب جوانی تھوڑا سا دہرائے تو
The above verse by Andaleeb Shadani, when loosely translated, states, “It’s a lie that history repeats itself; if true, let’s have the dream of my youth back.” This nostalgic reflection on the inconsistencies of history repeating itself can be linked to the current state of Pakistani politics. The ongoing judicial crisis appears to be a repetition of a previous era. In November 1997, escalating tensions between the Pakistani judiciary and then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif culminated in PMLN supporters attacking the Supreme Court while a contempt of court case against Sharif was being heard. The situation has now come full circle, with Shahbaz Sharif, Nawaz’s brother, leading a similar confrontation with the judiciary.
The aftermath of the 1997 incident was managed by PMLN using their usual tactics. Rafiq Tarar, a former Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, allegedly went to Quetta with a briefcase of money to persuade a parallel Supreme Court bench. This ultimately resulted in the defeat of Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah. Tarar was later elected as President of Pakistan, a role he held for four years. This was widely seen as a reward for his services rendered.
Fast forward to 2023, and Pakistan is facing a similar situation with the Supreme Court under attack. State ministers, state media, and all state machinery are being utilized to undermine the current Supreme Court and its Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. A sense of déjà vu arises when examining the key players in this confrontation. Ataullah Tarar, grandson of Rafiq Tarar, and Azam Nazeer Tarar, the current Law Minister, both play significant roles in the assault on the judiciary.
Rafiq Tarar’s loyalty to the Sharif family has carried over to Ata Tarar’s unwavering commitment, demonstrating that little has changed within the Pakistan Muslim League (N). The party has a history of rewarding loyalty to the Sharif family in various ways, such as appointing a terminally ill judge as Sindh Governor to secure benefits for his family after his passing. With this legacy of loyalty to the Sharifs rather than Pakistan, it is no surprise that Ata Tarar continues the tradition.
However, there is hope for the next generation to shift their allegiance from families to the state. For now, Pakistan must confront its past and strive for a future where loyalty is directed towards the country and its people, rather than individual families.