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WHILE recently driving on the Mini Market roundabout, my car was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser (LC-91) from behind at 9.15pm. The traffic warden while assessing the situation asked both the vehicles to be parked aside to resume the busy traffic.
Since I was reluctant to move the car for fear of the other driver running off, the warden very rudely said that he would restrain him. But, in a matter of a few seconds, while I was parking my car, the other driver had a tete-a-tete with the traffic warden who let him go without having him even coming out of his vehicle and looking at the damage he had inflicted upon my car.
When I protested, the warden was abusive and said that it was the Punjab chief minister’s vehicle with his daughter sitting inside and hence he had no option.
The whole incident left me appalled and disgusted. I would like to ask the ‘Khadim-i-Ala’: is he above the law? Is his family above the law? Even are his drivers above the law now? Are rules made only for commoners and not for these ruling elites?
NIDA ZAFAR Lahore
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On DawnNews
Comments (74) Closed
Sep 12, 2012 03:45am
Sad indeed - how innocent you are that you don't even know that two laws being practiced in Pakistan since very long. One for the rich and the other for the poor.
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Sep 13, 2012 06:21pm
No one needs to change nothing. The courts are always there. If the warden did neglect in his duty then he shall face the consequences.
If you dont want to get justice and think that what you know is everything then I am sorry to say that your problems gonna land in articles like this one.
If you have a medical problem you go to a doctor and if you have a legal problem you go to a lawyer.
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Sep 12, 2012 06:40am
Nida stop complaining as it is dangerous. If it is not the khadim-e-ala then it would be his daughter or son who shall have you severely physically assaulted from a traffic policeman, or some one else, for voicing your complaints. These people shall never change anything, because they want all Pakistanis, specially the police, to be their 'khadim". They think they own Pakistan.
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Sep 12, 2012 05:23am
You should be compensated for the damages. Noone is above the law.
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Sep 12, 2012 05:38am
Is there even a law in Pakistan??? i thought we worked on might is right.
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Sep 12, 2012 06:07am
I feel sorry for you Nida and I hope that you get justice. Unfortunately, In Pakistan, politicians and their relatives are truly above the law as I have witnessed it first hand myself
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Sep 13, 2012 12:16am
Pakistan is living in stone age. There is no use of complaining about anything.
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Sep 12, 2012 12:01pm
what if warden lied?any proof of your story?and if u r so busted why didn't u chased?you were so attentive that u saw Toyota Land Cruiser (LC-91) number but u were not so sharp to think at that time that u will chase that car.and what damage is caused? so we can have any idea what CM has done so he can say sorry to u.
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Sep 13, 2012 05:26am
Yes, Nida! do cam-shoot the whole event when it happens to you next time (may God forbid)
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Sep 13, 2012 12:14am
Haseeb, you should be ashamed of your question. What makes you think that the writer of this letter is not telling the truth?
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Sep 12, 2012 01:18pm
might be the daughter of CM.????? what would you expect about CM himself if he would be in that car????
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Sep 13, 2012 01:00am
I am appalled by the comments here, it seems like everybody has accepted this as "normal" like this is the way it is supposed to be, this is the rule.
This can and will happen to all of you because I am convinced now that not only Justice but any hope or expectation of justice is vanished in the society, among common people.
People leave the country or be prepared to be destroyed with this society it is not here to stay.
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Sep 13, 2012 01:33am
Shahbaz Sharif will always be powerful? I don't think so.
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Sep 12, 2012 01:35pm
rightly said.
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Sep 12, 2012 06:39pm
Sain to sian sain ka driver bhai sain....don't you know that
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Sep 12, 2012 08:06am
Shame on the self proclaimed "Khadim-e-Ala".
This is typical VIP culture and we need to get rid of it to live in peace and fearless.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:24am
Very good comment Mr. mkhan.......... I am agree with you that he should be compensated for the damages...... BUT.......... if he has the money for fighting a case against the Chief Minister..... If he has the time running in the courts from door to door........... If he has resources to do all this................. I am also agree with you that no one is above above the law................... because we know we have law... it is not suspended in the space, .... it is not in weightlessness condition........... so many orders of the Supreme Court which are not being implemented by the authorities are more than enough to open our eyes.............I think we should be realistic........ better not to live in fool's paradise...................Although it is very bitter , ... but better to accept the reality.
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Sep 12, 2012 08:05am
Please don't forget to vote for Imran Khan instead of bashing of Shahbaz Sharif here. This is the only way you can avenge this incident.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:36am
thats why it is...deal with it...feel sorry for you though.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:53am
The day when politicians of this country started living a life of simple person, There will be a new Pakistan.. I wonder when that day will come.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:51am
And how do we know that driver was telling the truth or even you are telling the truth for that matter :)
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Sep 12, 2012 07:51am
And how do we know that driver was telling the truth or even you are telling the truth for that matter
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Sep 12, 2012 08:19am
You people are SILLY most politicians in Pakistan are well ABOVE THE LAW but remember ONLY Pakistan law because when they go to other countries they behave like HUMANS as they only know how to bully Pakistanis in Pakistan.May Allah protect us from our corrupt leaders and MAY WE ALL USE OUR VOTES FOR PAKISTAN AND NOT FOR OUR PERSONNEL GAINS.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:23am
Nida,
The answers to all three of your question; Yes, Yes and Yes.
Saien to Saien - Saien Ka Driver Bhi Saien!
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Sep 12, 2012 08:11am
Never argue with Police
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Sep 12, 2012 07:21am
Submit a 'hit and run' complain in ALL courts including Sharia courts. File a complain and a law suit against the traffic police department and use social media to create awareness. Chief minister and his daughter should be ashamed of this and if they have an iota of humanity left in them, they should come in person, apologize to you, pay for you damages. If not then they are no better then thugs and should be treated as such.
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Sep 12, 2012 08:20am
CM should apologize.
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Sep 12, 2012 12:14pm
Can anyone help me locate the contact info for the driver? The CM has acknowledged that the car belongs to a family member and that he will personally call the other car's owner to ensure that the matter is dealt with in a fair and just manner including making that family member compensate for the damage if necessary. Please help me locate the contact information and let's give the credit where it's due. This may not change the system but might restore at least one person's faith that there is someone out there who is willing to break the mold and do what a just leader should.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:29am
while there is little chance of you getting anything from Sharifs, you should post this letter on all possible forums and send a proper letter to CM`s office, raise all the hue and cry for so rulers will push you as much as you let them.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:10am
Ruling class can get away with things far more worse than this. Thanks to ALLAH that the damage was only to the vehicle. If we started worrying about these things it will make us psycho. So be happy accepting the reality.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:15am
It is so interesting to read the real story.......... Nida Zafar is very innocent , she wrote about it ,in the newspaper...................... We are living in a society , in which all the ruling class and their subordinates are supposed to be deaf................Have not Nida Zafar read so many other stories like this.... Some time even professors of the universities has been dragged out from their cars and beaten, so many news , and columns but no result................. But I do salute the courage , even then we should continue to cry for our rights and protesting against the humiliation of common people by ruling elites............. We know that they can't hear , but at least they can see the hatred on our faces for them...........if they have eyes at least.................
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Sep 12, 2012 05:38pm
Unfortunately, the issue is more complicated in my opinion. The driver might have played the "CM's car" card, the officer might have favored letting the car go in exchange for money etc. In all fairness, it was the LC-91 occupants fault. A hit-and-run report should be filed. If it turns out that the CM owns the car, he should be held responsible. Just because the officer said it was the CM's car does not make it so. Pakistan, learn to distinguish between facts and fiction!
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Sep 12, 2012 12:03pm
yeah and while we are at it, lodge a complaint with the US/British governments to come to your rescue and fix the situation.
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Sep 12, 2012 12:08pm
Did you forget that you live in PAKISTAN? When was the last time the rich and those in power respected the law? No need to cry over what happened to you! Till the people of Pakistan decide to change those in power with people that care to change that, these kinds of incidents will continue. So get over it and move on as there is nothing you can do about it!!!!!
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Sep 12, 2012 08:19am
So sad .really sorry for your loss
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Sep 12, 2012 06:49am
This is Pakistan/India.
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Sep 12, 2012 08:58am
likes
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Sep 12, 2012 06:03pm
So now you know Nida that next time you should vote sensibly. Please bother to check all the nominees on the ballot box and vote accordingly.
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Sep 12, 2012 09:00am
And how do we know that you are relative of Shahbaz Sharif or even you are telling the lie for that matter
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Sep 12, 2012 09:03am
Law of the jungle prevails on the roads, about time the hit and run becomes a serious crime, plus third party insurance should be required by all drivers so the accident victims can claim through insurance companies for loss of car or injuries.
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Sep 12, 2012 06:21am
I am with you on this one Nida. This is absolutely flabbergasting and indeed a very disturbing state of affairs.
In such instances I can only sympathize with you and commoners like us and at the same wish that only if I had a magic wand so as to wave it around and teach a lesson or two to these so called Khadm-e-Alas and goons alike.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:15pm
Love this.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:02am
The "only" way? Firstly, how on earth will that help the guy even if Imran Khan wins? Shahbaz Sharif will always be powerful. And secondly, democracy, in theory, is not about beating someone by getting more votes, it's about ensuring that citizens' concerns are voiced and addressed effectively. What you're suggesting is a lot like saying the only way to avenge yourself is to put the CM's face on a dartboard and play for 24 hours straight.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:11am
speak to geo tv. perhaps thay can help by running a story.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:12am
just make sure no one in ur family circle and friends votes for him in the next election.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:24am
You are smart.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:25am
Knowing publicity hungry Sharifs, they will make an example out of their driver and the poor policeman and use this accident to their political advantage. This is what PML-N is good for.
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Sep 13, 2012 02:39am
You will have to live with this unless you opt a change through voting. So fight for fair cast of vote
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Sep 12, 2012 10:36am
Dear Nida Zafar, if you are a Pakistani you must know that not only the rulers but also the higher ups in any category are above the Law in Pakistan. The rulers are in the top most higher category and not touchable. There is no law in Pakistan, we are living in jungle, it is a known fact. Most of the dacoits are ruling the country so how you can expect implementation of the Law. We have reached at the verge of collapse and bloodshed. Can you visit Baluchistan or Waziristan? Our Army has closed the eyes on lawlessness in the country and not caring who is killing and who is going to die.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:38am
and should compensate for the damages too... no one is above law....
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Sep 13, 2012 05:00am
absolutely agreed with Mr. Nasir
we must restrain ourselves and families, friends and every known/unknown persons to vote these so-called khadim-e-alas , etc.
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Sep 12, 2012 04:32am
Not only you must be compensated for the damage to your car but also for the unfair treatment you received at the hands of the warden. He in fact should be suspended for not performing his duty.
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Sep 13, 2012 05:22am
Yes, Nida. You should have recorded the whole event with a camera to satisfy the supporters of current rulers.
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Sep 12, 2012 11:34am
only one thing come to ma mind here....SAEEN TU SAEEN, SAEEN KA KUTTA BHE SAEEN!!
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Sep 12, 2012 06:15am
Unfortunately Nida the answers to your questions are; #1 Yes #2 Yes #3 Yes and #4 Yes. Also, thank your lucky stars this wasn't the ex-CM's infamous son, because when he had a similar incident, the "offenders" face was rearranged worse than his bumper....
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Sep 13, 2012 05:10am
Can you somehow have the warden's testimonial posted here? i want to see if that warden really said what this article said he did. I am sure you can find out who the warden is by checking the duty roster between 9-10 PM at the nearest Traffic Police station.
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Sep 12, 2012 11:48am
Fire the warden,,, all problems solved. by the way did you get the laptop.
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Sep 13, 2012 06:03am
its vipps culture................
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Sep 12, 2012 12:18pm
Can anyone help me locate the contact info for the driver? The CM has acknowledged that the car belongs to a family member and that he will personally call the other car\?s owner to ensure that the matter is dealt with in a fair and just manner including making that family member compensate for the damage if necessary. Please help me locate the contact information and let\?s give the credit where it\?s due. This may not change the system but might restore at least one person\?s faith that there is someone out there who is willing to break the mold and do what a just leader should.
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Sep 12, 2012 10:30am
To the Driver/Narrator :
Do you have any proof for what you are saying ?
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Sep 12, 2012 03:37pm
Shahbaz Bhai Ji,
Do the right thing. Personally see that your driver is handed over to the police and he should be made to pay for the damages. Kindly do this without delay and make a public announcement to that effect and apologize to the driver of the other vehicle. As for your daughter glad she was safe.
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Sep 12, 2012 07:58pm
Thats the real question. We are all brain washed.
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Sep 12, 2012 08:14pm
Feel yourself lucky.....if the driver had not gone away you would have been the one at fault .. . . with eyewitnesses coming all the way from Karachi supporting the CM's daughter. :) Sad but true.
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Sep 12, 2012 08:18pm
I agree we should all vote for PTI and Imran Khan; the end result? PPP Zardari Won.
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Sep 12, 2012 03:10pm
Authenticity of the story ???????? :O ..
Who cares you made up a story lolzzz it will be all over social media. huh ..
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Sep 12, 2012 02:42pm
Umar: in this case all the warden will be suspended one day. Peoples shoudl protest against these ministers
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Sep 12, 2012 09:00pm
I am sorry for what happened to you however, you can't blame Chief Minister for the mistake of his driver. This does not mean that he should not punish or fire his driver or that police man for bullying a victom.
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Sep 12, 2012 02:27pm
So your belief is that everyone lies in Pakistan unless proven otherwise??
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Sep 12, 2012 02:24pm
Learned about this via the PTI facebook page. I would like to see a non-corrupt government, and I am impressed by PTI's commitment to eradicate corruption.
That said, I think PTI has no right to condemn our country's police force before an international audience without recommending a concrete plan for change.
I am appalled that the PTI rhetoric has not yet evolved beyond the "90 days to Remove Corruption" slogan.
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Sep 13, 2012 05:53am
we need to change all this ......................... use your vote in upcoming elections............vote to the right and just people.....i will vote for PTI ........u think and decide?????
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Sep 12, 2012 02:12pm
I would take this to my local mullah. This reeks of blasphemy !
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Sep 12, 2012 02:07pm
Oh yeah, suspend the poor guy for not standing against the CM's daughter! After all, poor people are dispensable!!
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Sep 12, 2012 02:03pm
Sharifs are the dynasty people. Do you remember that Nawaz Shareef's daughter distributed official laptops without holding any public office? These people are born rulers. You and me donot matter, they want to be kings forever. Hate them as much as you can
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Sep 13, 2012 12:27pm
I don't understand why everyone is blaming the police, the government and all the higher ups. The situation in Pakistan has become this way because we, the general public has allowed it to happen, all we do is write a story or express our opinions on social networking sites. We just sit and watch and let such things happen, i'm sure when the the author of this story was trying to reason out with the traffic warden none of the eye-witnesses dared to go and take her side. And to all those who are questioning the authenticity of Nida's story, wake up people...nobody wants to waste their time cooking up a story and then posting it on the internet knowing that there's very little chance that justice will be given to them.
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