A life cut short
THE tragic death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif in Surrey has put a spotlight on both Pakistan and the UK, where authorities are trying to piece together what happened to the young girl, who was found lifeless and alone in her family’s home one night. What is known is that Sara’s father Urfan Sharif, his wife Beenish, five children and his brother Imran fled the night of August 10 from the UK to Pakistan. Upon landing in Pakistan, Urfan called emergency services in the UK to inform them about a possible situation at his home address. UK authorities have informed police in Pakistan that Urfan is wanted for questioning in connection with Sara’s death, but the father, his wife and children are on the run. The brother, Imran, is now in police custody and claims the girl fell down the stairs and broke her neck.
The picture emerging about Sara in the UK, however, is grim. Child services in Surrey were reportedly aware of Sara, but British authorities have not divulged any details so far. Often, children are reported to social services when there is a concern for their safety or wellbeing. The account of one child who went to school with Sara, too, is chilling. The child’s mother told BBC her daughter claims that Sara had cuts and bruises at school, and that when she was asked about them, she said she “fell off a bike”. Soon after, Sara stopped attending school. Why was Sara being homeschooled? How did her father and stepmother treat her? And why is it that Sara’s biological mother, Olga, did not have shared custody with her ex-husband, Urfan? These questions remain unanswered. The fact that Urfan left his daughter alone and fled the UK overnight points to something ugly and sinister. Accident or crime, what happened to Sara Sharif must be known, and Pakistan must do everything to support the British authorities in their investigation.
Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2023
Aiyar’s observations
IN the current toxic atmosphere that prevails in the subcontinent, it is rare, particularly in India, to hear voices advocating for better relations with Pakistan. Across our eastern border, most politicians believe calling for improved ties with this country is the equivalent of the kiss of death and will assuredly torpedo their chances of electoral success. Nearly a decade of BJP-led rule has only hardened the narrative, and now even many ordinary Indians believe — thanks to more rabid sections of the Indian media — that this country is their eternal enemy. Yet there are moments when saner figures within India make refreshing comments that cut across the bigotry, and offer a hand of friendship. One such voice is that of former minister and diplomat Mani Shankar Aiyar. Mr Aiyar, who served as his country’s consul general in Karachi between 1978 and 1982, has made some noteworthy comments in his recently released memoir, and in media interactions related to the book launch. Some of his remarks pertain to the troubling trajectory his country has taken. For example, he has termed P.V. Narasimha Rao, a Congress man, as India’s “first BJP prime minister”. The late Rao was premier in 1992 when a frenzied mob of the Sangh Parivar tore down the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Mr Aiyar claims that Mr Rao had flatly told him India is “a Hindu country”. On Pakistan, Mr Aiyar boldly says that “Pakistanis are not enemies”, while asking why India does not have the “courage” to talk to this country.
Far from being the musings of an old-school peacenik, these wise words from Mr Aiyar need to be heeded by those who rule the roost in New Delhi. The Pakistan-India relationship has been a tortured one throughout its history. Yet we can either choose to channel the hatreds of the past, or tread a new path of reconciliation. For long, our own establishment has baulked at the idea of peace with India and supported an anti-India narrative, as has the religious right. This must also change for peace to prevail in the subcontinent. Under the BJP’s watch, calls to mend ties with Pakistan have been repeatedly rebuffed. Yet if people to people contacts were resumed, and saner minds from both sides were allowed to meet personally on each other’s soil, animosity could one day give way to friendship.
Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2023
The PPP stirs
IS the PPP coming around to the realisation that it has made a big mistake? After quietly succumbing, along with the PDM parties, and controversially approving the results of the last census just days before the 15th National Assembly was dissolved, it now seems to be having trouble coming to terms with the implications of its decision.
It is worth recalling that the party had consistently protested the census’s results till the time came for their approval. Independent observers had warned repeatedly that validating the census at the eleventh hour would give the authorities an excuse to delay elections beyond the constitutionally mandated 90-day limit, and the PPP had been cognisant of this eventuality throughout.
It had, therefore, come as a shock when it was reported that the Council of Common Interests’ eventual decision to approve the results was a unanimous one. The party now claims it was told there would be no change in election timelines due to the CCI’s decision.
To be clear, the PPP is taking the correct line: there is no room for any further violation of the Constitution on any pretext, delimitations included. However, it is difficult to accept the PPP’s excuse for its abrupt U-turn at face value, given how calculated the party’s politicking generally is.
It is difficult to believe that its leadership could have been so credulous as to believe, even momentarily, that their approval of fresh census results would not automatically result in the need for fresh delimitation of constituencies.
There is considerable speculation as to what actually changed their mind, but whatever the case may be, it appears that the party has now decided to take a forceful stand on the matter. The PPP announced its position following a recent meeting of its Central Executive Committee, saying it will be firmed up once its representatives meet the chief election commissioner next week.
The party’s refusal to accept any delay in the elections has placed it in opposition to its erstwhile partners in the PDM-led coalition government. With the PML-N and JUI-F, along with others, throwing their weight behind the ECP’s decision to go for fresh delimitations, this may push the PPP and the beleaguered PTI into the same corner.
The sight of Aitzaz Ahsan seated at the PPP’s CEC meeting has already piqued a lot of interest. A PPP stalwart, Mr Ahsan had long been out of favour with his party’s central leadership.
His sympathies for his Zaman Park neighbour are also well known. Was he there to bring the bitter rivals together, if only for the sake of upholding the Constitution? It is a tantalising possibility for those who have grown weary of the recent listlessness in political activity. Any ripple in these placid waters is welcome news.
Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2023