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Truth must come out

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From the cradle to the grave we are instructed by society to speak truth. Yet the practice carries more penalties than speaking an outright lie does.

Faheem Ahmad Profile Faheem Ahmad

A controversial skill, then, to be truthful. If ever we decide to stand by the truth, then we are asked to consider the doctrine of (particular) necessity, self-made social norms and even national security. The majority among us refuse to engage with such complications and instead take either to keeping silent or even lying. This social duplicity has kept us back as a people and as a country.

I have no qualms in saying that this social conditioning, this belief that one cannot disagree with obsolete traditions and norms, with your elders, with those who hold senior positions to you and with state policies is absolutely wrong. Had this been wrong then would our religious figures, our revolutionary leaders, our reformists have brought about the change that they did?

I do not say that in our disagreement we let go of our manners when talking to our elders or that we do not consider the state when giving an honest opinion. But I do insist that we realize that there is a difference between loyalty and slavery. Speaking the truth, listening to the truth and self-accountability does not harm us, belief in black and white narratives does. Suppressing facts leads to the promotion of distortion. In simple words, a point comes when it is becomes difficult to differentiate between a truth and a lie. From that point onwards, social chaos is always close by.

Restricting the truth also leads to an atmosphere of suppression, one that has the potential to turn into lava. There is nothing more painful than observing injustice but not being able to comment on it or write about it. The anger turns into resentment and eventually anger. When young people are asked to perform this impossible task, they turn their resentment towards the state. Lets hope such a point does not arise in the country or else our system will collapse and we will have to build, from scratch, a new one.

For those who are paying attention, the clues point towards our society marching towards this threshold. From our political class, to our religious leaders, to the analysts who appear on TV daily, almost all have abandoned the truth in favor of advantageous versions of facts. Where else can this road go, on which are being marched, but towards a society full of cruelty and barbarism?

There is a faction that believes this system will keep on moving ahead despite this glaring threat. History is not their forte or else they would know how misplaced their belief is. This system can be changed and will be changed, the road to that change has been determined since eternity. It is simply, holding high the banners of truth even when all else around you degenerates into misinformation. If we wish to change the luck of this country than we must follow this path, stopping for nothing till we have achieved our goal.

Yes, there are many obstacles ahead. But if we are being asked to put on blindfolds, our hands are being bound to stop them from putting truth on paper, and our tongues are being locked up, then we have been left with no choice. Freedom does not come without sacrifice.

 

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Accountability court issues orders to seal plots in BRT Peshawar

NAB’s lawyer said that this freezing of the banks is according to the law.

Published by Qurrat Tul Ain

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Peshawar: Accountability court has issued orders to seal two residential plots and seize 75 bank accounts of involved contractors in the scandal of Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

According to the details, judge Muhammad Younas issued orders by affirming the orders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s director general National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Additional prosecutor general Muhammad Ali and prosecutor Mank Shah appeared in the court.

During the hearing, the court was told that NAB is investigating the BRT scam and in this context 75 bank accounts and two residential plots of the contractors have been frozen. The action has been taken against it yet the investigations are continued. 

Lawyer stated that the contractors have gone in international arbitration. Including that part, it is illegal to freeze these accounts because director general has no jurisdiction and the action has not been taken against the third foreign contractor of this project.

NAB’s lawyer said that this freezing of the banks is according to the law and NAB can seize the accounts.

However, the court affirmed the order of seizing plots and accounts by NAB and directed the contractors’ lawyers that if they want to file a petition against it then they can submit the objectional plea regarding that.  

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Permission of WASA mandatory for borewells, tube wells installation

The tube well installed without the permission of WASA should be sealed.

Published by Noor Fatima

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Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) made the installation of borewells and tube wells subject to the permission of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).

According to the details, a hearing was held in the LHC on the petitions filed for the remedy of smog, during which the court said that no bore can be constructed without WASA’s permission and no tube well can be installed without its permission. The tube well installed without the permission of WASA should be sealed.

During the hearing, the counsel for the Judicial Commission told the court that Deputy Commissioner (DC) Narowal had ordered to de-seal the sealed unit under political pressure, on which the court ordered that DC Narowal to submit his report. Director General (DG) Environment should inform the court in case of any political pressure.

The court said that due to the efforts of the court, 50 recharge wells have been installed so far, which will help in securing rainwater.

WASA’s counsel told the court that meters have been installed on the tube wells in the housing societies which will help in maintaining the supply of certain amount of water.

 Later, the court adjourned further hearing of the case till next Friday.

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IHC allows Aamir Dogar to go for Umrah 

The court stated that Aamir Dogar can go for Umrah from April 3-9.

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Islamabad: The Islamabad high court (IHC) has allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leader Malik Aamir Dogar to go for Umrah.

According to the details, the chief justice Aamir Farooq heard the plea of Aamir Dogar. Aamir Dogar appeared in the court along with his lawyer and pleaded to allow him to go for Umrah.

The court stated that Aamir Dogar can go for Umrah from April 3-9 and also directed him to submit guarantee statement.

However, the court adjourned the hearing till April 22 and issued notice to parties on plea of Aamir Dogar.

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