I had not wanted to interrupt the series of essays on the religious political movement begun in this space two week ago. Like many other concerned citizens I too had hoped that the government and the owners of the Jang group of Publications shall settle their dispute in a matter befitting the state and the fourth estate. Unfortunately, with each passing  day the conflict between the two has taken an uglier turn. Each side has burnt the bridge behind it, and only judicious and fair intervention by the prime minister or an authoritative third party can now save the country from its lasting and harmful consequences.

The Jang Group has entered the battle in an uncharacteristic fashion all guns blazing. Gone is the caution which had been the hall mark of its proprietor's attitude toward government controls the coercive apparatus of the state and this one has not been shy of deploying it for purposes foul no less than fair. There was a confessional quality and a ring of truth to Mir Shakilur Rahman's words as he spoke on January 28 of his inclination to compromise: 

"There was a time when I got confused. I thought about my life, my family, my organization and my 4,000 workers and their families. It is very difficult to stand before the state power."

Anyone who saw the journalists shivering out side the Jang office in Rawalpindi as they watched a truck full of newsprint hijacked by the functionaries of the Federal Investigation Agency, would have known where the coercive power lies, and how arbitrarily it is being exercised. This incident occurred after a supreme court bench had ordered that a thousands reels of newsprint be released to the Group. Anyone who witnessed the protesting journalists thrashed by the police ( including the very brave Ms. Mariana babar) would have no doubt about this government's ruthless inclination to use force without regard to law or necessity. I wish there was a way to convince Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that each time an incident like this happens, a blow is struck against Pakistan's infant and stumbling democracy, of which he and his cabinet members are by far the biggest beneficiaries. Like the Mulla Do Piaza of our folk tales, they are chopping off the branch on which they sit.

When they sordid story of the conflict between the government and the Jang group first surfaced, most people shrugged it off. What is there to choose between gander and goose said one. They will settle before sunset said another. To everyone's surprise the battle turned into war and forced to examine the issue the consequences, and make choices. the government's assurances and disclaimers notwithstanding, at stake is the future of freedom in this country , and of the press in particular. It is one of those rare occasion when national interest should take preference over self interest.

A dispassionate reading of the transcripts released by Mir Shakilur Rahman of the conversation between him and Senator Saifur Rahman, the chief of the ehtesab Cell, reveals a blatant attempt of  blackmail , possibly illegal and certainly unworthy of a high official, to boot one in charge of bringing a former prime minister her spouse and colleagues to account. the instrument of the blackmail is the alleged evasion of taxes amounting to a dizzying two billion rupees and the misuse of the newsprint quotas granted by the government to the Jang of companies. There are established procedures for investigating and prosecuting such allegations. The government bypassed the state in favour of blackmail and put added pressure by denying the publishing Group access. to its bank accounts and newsprint supplies. Reproduced here are excerpt of a meeting between the publisher and Senator Saifur Rahman, these may frighten or nauseate depending on one's temperament. Note how easily blackmail bribe threat and contempt of court have entered into this brief conversation, all to ensure that Pakistan's largest circulation newspapers follow a government dictated agenda of reporting and comments.

Senator Saifur Rahman we will first list the A category people among them tops Maleeha Lodhi Sahiba and then we feel strongly about Kamila Hyat.

Mir Shakilur Rahman A category means that they should not be there, that they should be removed?

The senator They should not be where they are at the present position to me there are two more important. One is Maleeha Lodhi Sahiba, and we wish Hassan Mussana as her replacement but Mushahid Sahib wanted Anwar Khalil or Irfan Ghazi. These are three persons. You can choose from among the three No telephone survey will be conducted on controversial political issues. Sharif family will not be called into question. Some where positive support is needed. Governor's rule is there you like or dislike it, but you have to support it. Shariah is dear to PM it has to be supported . Support on economic issues is required. 

If we see any positive change in your attitude we will settle your problems in a positive manner. To black mail, the Senator seems to have added the sweetener of bribe. Which necessary things you need, tell us. We will talk to PM and get permission from him immediately.

As through this were not clear enough, Mr Shami, a journalist who was present clarified: He has promised that the income tax matter, which is effecting the entire Newspaper industry or may effect it will be taken back. The instruction given to customs staff about you will be withdrawn . Your accounts will be unfrozen.

With a judicial ruling in his favour, Mir Shakilur Rahman sounded upbeat and informed the Senator that the income tax appellate tribunal has decided in our favour on these tax issues. All accounts have been unfrozen and customs has been cleared. the Senator replied: If this meeting had been held yesterday I would have sent a message today to the Tribunal on what it should decide. I have not called him as we are heading toward a compromise. If we have taken a lenient view and shown sympathy you should not attribute it to him, He is only Chairman of the Tribunal. We tackle hundreds of other things too. There upon the Senator threatened to get the Tribunal's judgement reversed but softened again to offer this chilling conclusion. Look I tell you clearly. We are using IB and ISI against you and your senior staff. Now you shift them and if you are unable to do so, tell me, I have a solution for them Thus the telephone threats that Maleeha Lodhi has been receiving takes on an ominous significance.

All who know him describe Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a God fearing man. One hopes that he would recognize that the chief of the Ehtesab Cell has been playing god in his name, and this has aroused deep anxiety in the press and among literate citizens. Fortunately, he has remained out of the fray. It is up to him now to bring wisdom where there is obstinacy, humility where there is bubrie's leadership where power is insecure and intolerant. If it is so determined, a government may beat up journalists and ruin a publishing house. But life of man is short and the judgement of history can be lasting. A wise leader does not sacrifice the future on the altar of power which does not endure.

Mir Shakil ur Rahman and his associates have been pushed to the brink. their dignity as publisher and journalists has been grossly violated. So with their backs to the wall they have decided to resist. To illustrate this aspect of our culture, my friend raza Kazim is found of telling the true story of three men on a small plane that was returning from Gilgit to Rawalpindi. the pilot and co pilot ordered the navigator to serve tea in a manner he found offensive, and refused. A bloody fight ensued in which all three became involved, the plane on automatic pilot negotiated the Himalayas for a while, then all came down. It is apt metaphor. It is crucially important then for Mr Nawaz Sharif to keep cool, get in the pilot's seat negotiate the rocky terrain, and make a safe landing. There is still time.

(Dawn 7.2.1999)

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