LUBP and Freedom of Expression – by Ahmad Nadeem Gehla
Freedom of expression is a right to express what an individual feels. There is a divine right to speak out. What are requirements for such freedom?
1. A liberal and tolerant society.
2. A state which does not oppress people for speaking out.
3. The tolerance in masses which are ready to take such expression as a different view, not brainwashed and violent.
4. Minimal role of religious, ethnic and secretion groups to react violently.
5. A state apparatus which is transparent and tolerant.
Do our society meet these standards? A big NO! Decades of dictatorship, brainwashing and sectrian, ethnic difference have put us in a situation where you have to be careful about expressing your opinion.
Yes, I would be labeled ad ISI agent and Islamo-fascist to ‘scare’ others while advising a modest approach. And I am blessed with that title by ‘lordship’ of left and liberal chief – not Khawja Sharif.
In past a court summoned a major to appear before a judge. It was ZA Bhutto regime – the boldest and finest leader this nation ever got. Bhutto called the Judge and request him to let the issue go, the exact words were ‘ we are yet not out of wood’. It was the most populist leader in history of Pakistan. Why he did that? Millions would love to give blood on his single call?
The reality!
Even today a major of services is more powerful than a President elected with 2/3 majority. Civilian government has is sharing power, not enjoying power. Major decisions come from other sources. Be it hawks in media or some ‘hidden hand’, KL Legislation gets knocked and parliamentarian get grinned by the ‘free judiciary’ which gave powers to a dictator to amend constitution as per his needs.
Are we ‘out of wood’, certainly NOT. We don’t have the strength of 70’s enjoyed by Chairman Bhutto – but they killed him brutally!
I do appreciate the views on this blog, it is playing a vitalrole in educating youth. But what makes me worried is that we are not in stronger position than Chairman Bhutto and apart from expressing our views, educating youth and having exchange of ideas, we should set some limits.
As accused by a top ‘Mujahid and Mard e Momen’ of this blog to be an ISI agent to scare others – while Mard e Momen hides behind a ‘pen name’ I do still feel that we should concentrate on expression of freedom with self imposed restrictions. Rather than challanign the ‘powerful’ which we can not fight or defeat, we shold focus on educating youth and promote freedom of expression.
I sincerely feel that this short span of democracy is a chance for us to get our acts straight, make alliances with liberal and democratic forces and focus on educating our own allies and sympathizers.
Any direct clash or an adventure to challenge the real ‘powers’ would only result in to negation of slogan of ‘reconciliation’ and derail the process in which democracy flourish.
If you believe the slogan of ‘democracy is the best revenge’, the you have to avoid conflicts and work for strengthening the democratic process which is too week that an elected President is a punch bag by cronies of establishment.
Should not a blog, out of thousands others being sponsored by various mid sets realize that simple fact, rather than labeling that whoever criticize is an ISI agent and let it head towards a conflict with power centers and put honest and vocal youth in danger.
Freedom of speech is an asset but most precious asset is our contributors who risk ‘disappearances’ but speak up, should we put them at risk in sake of some adventurism for satisfaction of our ego while we hide behind ‘pen names’. No, Not at all!
Let it be Critical PPP blog, not a conflict tool!
I hope ISI agent makes some sense. Share your views for my learning.
Slow and steady wins the race, adventurism in ‘hidden identities’ might lead to a disaster. Your Comments will help me understand the real mode of citizen journalism.
Best Regards
An ISI agent!
so Gehla sahib, to summarize your argument, we should not criticize the establishment in order to not upset the apple cart.
what do the other critical ppp readers and writers think about this? would they like us to self-censor in this one regard?
I must confess that I am the mard-e-momin of the LUBP alleged by the author in this post.
Despite some key differences with the contents of this post, as a co-editor of the LUBP I am pleased to highlight this post as a headline article.
At the LUBP, accountability (not charity) begins at home!
@Rabia
Please do read and object on points which you dont agree upon. In series rather than behaving like an angry kid. Debate has to be rational and objective not generalised fatwa!
@Abdul, surely you are not, but thanks for making it top post. We all are in learning process, hope to learn from your wisdom.
I think in spite of compromising on the contents its suitable to have “pen names” as a clever tactics. We are against the forces of oppression and the cronies of establishment but it does not mean it compels us to make suicide attacks.
For borderline threatening posts like this, Pakistani bloggers should take heed. For people who are struggling against vile enemies like the establishment or the islamo-fascists, it is probably better to take pen-names. You live to fight another day. Like Ali-Arqam said, one should not become a “suicider” for the sake of a cause.
Many Iranian and Chinese bloggers have become target of state oppression, so these precautions are necessary.
Freedom of expression has nothing to do with the identity of the poster. Only those who wish to do outspoken posters harm ask for real identity (and we all know why they ask for it). Since the religious right, the fascist elements, and the establishment is used to intimidating people, beating them up and or killing them if possible, they are finding it very difficult that after a long time, people of Pakistan are getting a voice through blogs, forums and social networking sites, and are able to voice their feelings with slightly better chance of protection against such vile attacks.
when you are dealing with entities who fight dirty then the least you can do is use a pen-name.
criticizing establishment when your party is in opposition and remain silent, when you are sharing power is definitely “hypocrisy”, but i would agree with ali we should not make suicide attacks.
it will certainly make life tough for our friends who are ex psf office bearers and have future political aspiration .
So what if Adiala is the destiny of some LUBP team members đ I must appreciate LUBP team work and we need to be united as we need this unity in bad times. Working here as pseudonym is good for us because atleast someone will write when we’ll be in Adiala lol =D ..
Agree with Ali Arqam’s point of Suicide attack..
My humble replies are para wise.
AHG: A big NO! Decades of dictatorship, brainwashing and sectrian, ethnic difference have put us in a situation where you have to be careful about expressing your opinion.
AM: What about those who did raise their voices despite facing worse kind of oppression in all these years and never left the country.
AG: Yes, I would be labeled ad ISI agent and Islamo-fascist to âscareâ others while advising a modest approach. And I am blessed with that title by âlordshipâ of left and liberal chief â not Khawja Sharif.
AM: What about myself I am an ex-employee of Intelligence Bureau [do you think I am deceiving everybody] and LUBP [despite my Literalism and Wahabiyat] tolerating me?
The reality! – Even today a major of services is more powerful than a President elected with 2/3 majority. Civilian government has is sharing power, not enjoying power. Major decisions come from other sources. Be it hawks in media or some âhidden handâ, KL Legislation gets knocked and parliamentarian get grinned by the âfree judiciaryâ which gave powers to a dictator to amend constitution as per his needs.
AM: Reality: What other choices do you have when there is a War all over the place.
AG: But what makes me worried is that we are not in stronger position than Chairman Bhuttoo and apart from expressing our views, educating youth and having exchange of ideas, we should set some limits.
AM: Far more powerful than Bhutto era because we are discussing those things which were dream even in Bhutto era.
AG: As accused by a top âMujahid and Mard e Momenâ of this blog to be an ISI agent to scare others â while Mard e Momen hides behind a âpen nameâ I do still feel that we should concentrate on expression of freedom with self imposed restrictions.
AM: Pen Names are used all over the world. Do you have a proof that this site is being run by ISI?
AG: Any direct clash or an adventure to challenge the real âpowersâwould only result in to negation of slogan of âreconciliationâ and derail the process in which democracy flourish.
AM: I say that the real power should sack Zardari and PPP government today and then see what happen. Iraq, Somalia and Sudan would feel like Disney Land.
Ali Arqam says: – July 10, 2010 at 2:22 pm We are against the forces of oppression and the cronies of establishment but it does not mean it compels us to make suicide attacks.
=====================
More than Agreed with Durrani Sahab. Passive and Peaceful resistance is the best way. Those who talk of Violent and Bloody Revolution often forget that we are Muslims as well and such violent acts often take Innocent Lives and Life is sacred.
MY point is very simple:
1. These institutions are our institutions, we are there to criticise their acts for reforms and better performance, not to malign and dismantle of which we have no alternate.
2. The youth which contributes with all good intentions with their real names must not pushed in to some adventurism and un-necessary controversies which is neither in interest of party nor benefits in educating masses.
3. Apart from some verbal rhetoric of ‘Baituall Mehsud’ of LUBP to send more suicide bombers, at least good sense prevailed and he has removed some un-necessary content. And that was the purpose. Rather than acting like Dr. Shahid Masood, focus should be on constructive criticism and rational thinking.
And that is all đ
MY point is very simple:
1. These institutions are our institutions, we are there to criticise their acts for reforms and better performance, not to malign and dismantle of which we have no alternate.
2. The youth which contributes with all good intentions with their real names must not pushed in to some adventurism and un-necessary controversies which is neither in interest of party nor benefits in educating masses.
3. Apart from some verbal rhetoric of âBaituall Mehsudâ of LUBP to send more suicide bombers, at least good sense prevailed and he has removed some un-necessary content. And that was the purpose. Rather than acting like Dr. Shahid Masood, focus should be on constructive criticism and rational thinking.
And that is all
Very interesting how Mr. Gehla shifts his goal posts from “these agencies are powerful enough to kill Bhutto so what chance do bloggers like us have” to “these are our institutions we are not there to malign and dismantle them”
surely you see the contradiction there – they are our institutions until they kill our leaders. But if our own PPP foreign minister is writing to the UN to revise the UN Commission report on BB’s death, then why should we be any different.
From the comments of the other authors, it seems like they are broadly in agreement with Mr. Gehla and since this is a democracy and not a dictatorship, I don’t mind removing anti-establishment articles (by myself – I wouldn’t ever censor anyone else’s contribution) that upset other authors.
btw Gehla sahib, the only one having childish tantrums and issuing fatwas is you, so perhaps you should be a bit more respectful when replying to commenters on your article..
Dear Gehla Sahab, I appreciate your views expressed in the article. It is important to understand the roots of this blog. I wasnt involved from the beginning but only joined recently. Every action has a forceful reaction is a fact of life. How much that reaction is capable of becoming effective is something which time can only tell.
Yes, we cant change the world, but at least show a contrarian view with facts and figures.
Let me tell you something about myself. I was writing articles, letters etc which would just not publish in The News and Dawn. Maybe I dont write the appropriate English or maybe the editor doesnt agree. It was only after I saw the freedom of speech here that I started writing on LUBP.
Why do I use a pen name? Ours is a very zalim muashra. People will feel pity if something is done wrong with you but not condemn the zulm done by others. I am a professional and the last thing is if I was to lose my employment because of my political thoughts.
I am least afraid of the ISI or political parties. it is the professional/corporate sector and their lack of principles, that makes me fear the worst.
@Miss Rabia,
surely you see the contradiction there â they are our institutions until they kill our leaders. But if our own PPP foreign minister is writing to the UN to revise the UN Commission report on BBâs death, then why should we be any different.
………………………………………………………………………………….
I have no intention to get in arguments with you and neither that much time. I appreciate that others agreed, it was not intended to offend you. Just my opinion, which can be right or wrong.
As regards your above comments – then you might consider taking a gun and kill those who you believe to be enemies. Or we follow the process based on ground realities. If one agrees with you – Zardari would have been in some cave with AK47 not in presidency! But it is your opinion and I do respect it, although views on your personal blog are inconsistent with your remarks above.
Enjoy your writings, nothing there to take personal. You want to write anything against anyone, you got a right and should go ahead, but keep open for comments and suggestion đ
yeah, because writing about the establishment is the same as taking up arms against them. What logic.
You are having difficulty in understanding some simple thing. Writing against establishment is not prohibited as long as it is purposeful. Starting useless controversies which in no way help the party, cause or contribute in educating youth, is suicide attack as described by fellow commentators! If you think you are doing good for your contributors by pushing them in purposeless and controversial issues, you may ignore my comments and go ahead.
Here is a summary of common themes, so far:
1. The LUBP editors and authors may consider using pen names to keep from harm’s way. This is however a matter of individual choice, there is no formal requirement.
2. Ali Arqam Durrani suggests that “in spite of compromising on the contents, it is suitable to have âpen namesâ as a clever tactic.” Farhad and others support this suggestion.
3. Zul-jinnah suggests that: “Freedom of expression has nothing to do with the identity of the poster. Only those who wish to do outspoken posters harm ask for real identity (and we all know why they ask for it).
For borderline threatening posts like this, Pakistani bloggers should take heed.” [i.e., use a pen-name].
4. Humza wrote that: “criticizing establishment when your party is in opposition and remain silent, when you are sharing power is definitely âhypocrisyâ”
5. Aamir Mughal writes that: “[we are today] Far more powerful than Bhutto era because we are discussing those things which were dream even in Bhutto era.”
6. Ahmed Iqbalabadi writes: “Why do I use a pen name? Ours is a very zalim muashra. People will feel pity if something is done wrong with you but not condemn the zulm done by others….we cant change the world, but at least show a contrarian view with facts and figures.”
Overall, the message is: we must not compromise on the freedom of speech and the contents of the LUBP. Editors and authors are, however, strongly advised to use pen-names, particularly those team members who are based in Pakistan.
It is not out of place to reproduce relevant excerpts from Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s last will:
http://www.dawn.com/2008/02/06/nat4.htm
âTo the officials and members of Pakistan Peoples Party, I say that I was honoured to lead you. No leader could be so proud of their party, their dedication, devotion and discipline to the mission of Quaid-i-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for a federal democratic and egalitarian Pakistan as I have been proud of you.
âI salute your courage and your sense of honour. I salute you for standing by your sister through two military dictatorships.
âI fear for the future of Pakistan. Please continue the fight against extremism, dictatorship, poverty and ignorance. …âI wish all of you success in fulfilling the manifesto of our party and in serving the downtrodden, discriminated and oppressed people of Pakistan. Dedicate yourself to freeing them from poverty and backwardness as you have done in the past.â
Consistent with BB’s will, the LUBP will continue the fight!
Well said Abdul. If BB were alive, people like Mr. Gehla would probably be advising her to tone done the rhetoric against Hamid Gul, Ijaz Shah and the military jihadi nexus. her words and actions indeed make the rest of us look like cowards.
@Rabia
I would have told BB to use ‘pen name’ and myself would have started a topic on dead fired General who is first and last example of unceremonious removal of a General because of ‘security’ reasons and his time with a foreign journalist revealing state secrets. Those who are using real names can debate about internal affairs and operations of security institutions, which is not discussed even in USA or UK in name of freedom of expression. Off course they can get famous with their real names and have knowledge!
Sorry about talking sense! You can repost that topic for benefit of PPP and readers, it will surely strengthen democracy and benefit contributors in personal lives!