Dawn.com’s Musadiq Sanwal reports live from Lahore as the second lawyers’ Long March picks up momentum. While lawyers and political activists of the PML-N march on, he will have updates from the protests, the word on the street, and stories from the sidelines. Return to The Dawn Blog for live updates, feature stories, and multimedia specials.
Update at 22:40 PST: FROM KARACHI:
Private TV channel Geo News has been prevented from airing its broadcasts in various cities around the country, according to reports.
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Comments (21) Closed
Socrates
Mar 13, 2009 11:57am
@ZOHAIb ---"the basic rule of democracy is freedom of speech and expression
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Anil Gupta
Mar 13, 2009 12:25pm
Politicians must rise above petty squabbles in these difficult times for Pakistan.The nation,economy and society are facing critical survival issues. Only a united effort from all sections of society might just be able to meet the challenge.To begin with Zardari and PPP need to show much more accomodation.
We from across the border in India, are very worried and wish Pakistan well, for our own sake.
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Shahid Anwar
Mar 13, 2009 09:56am
The Zardari government seems terribly out of touch with the realities. Unmindful of two new factors:vibrant civil society and powerful media,it has created a mess due to a series of blunders. Adminstrative response to a political problem demonstrates the utter lack of common sense.Just after one year, the people are unable to differentiate between democracy and dictatorship.
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aj
Mar 13, 2009 10:37am
Wether we like Zardari or not he is right the law and order in the country should prevail writ of the govt must prevail.The whole country should not be kept hostage by a former chief justice ,the economy has gone down the tube due to all this commotion in the country.This must be stopped Just becuase nawaz and Shahbaz are disqualified the whole country should stop this is ridiculous.
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Khan
Mar 13, 2009 11:54am
An independent judiciary is a pillar of democracy
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ZOHAIB
Mar 13, 2009 09:58am
This government got to the government on the name of democracy.....although this is full practice of hypocrisy by them....the basic rule of democracy is freedom of speech and expression...majority of the population is trying to practice just that through the means of this long march....where are the developed countries now who love singing the song "democracy"
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Shoaib
Mar 13, 2009 09:18am
Shame on our government for using such severe measures to stop people from exercising their right.. and kudos to those who have taken a stand against it.
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Shakil A. Khan
Mar 13, 2009 10:16am
People of Pakistan have not matured emotionally,they are easily excited that blur their rational reasoning.
How long and how long before the nation and its politicians will mature.
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Atif Zaheer
Mar 13, 2009 05:18am
Can't believe that PPP is risking the future of the party to save one person.
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gujl
Mar 13, 2009 06:51am
Opposition have right to protest as long as its peaceful and do not make life miserable for common person. If government put restrictions it will have negative impact.
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mgaksa
Mar 13, 2009 04:56am
Frankly, Mr. Iftekhar Choudhry so called champion of justice, is bent on destroying Pakistan.
If he himself is so pure, why he did not defend/fight the case to get rid of the point raised against him.
Can he answer, how many sumo moto action he has taken to help the poor downtrodden people of Pakistan? He has taken action only on high profile events.
Therefore, I strongly beleive that he should resign and leave the illegally occupied house in Islamabad.
Secondly Govt should initiate a fair committee to check how much a judge is getting a salary including perks and what are the properties own by him and properties his family member's name. How did they able to get/buy such properites.
Let us have fair and law abiding judge as chief justice if available.
MGA
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Haroon Ali
Mar 13, 2009 01:56pm
Never has been a government that is sincere to my country. Long have I and my kind endured the prejudice acts of these corrupt feudal loads, so called politicians, not even having the basic education to read and write.
I want freedom, I demand freedom I refuse to be a slave
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coldrain
Mar 13, 2009 01:57pm
Protest, protest and more protest, until there is justice in Pakistan.
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VNPandey
Mar 13, 2009 02:02pm
Iftikhar Choudhery is a symbol of independent Judiciary. He has the courage to stand against A general. some fanatics say why he agreed for the first time.. well it was a mistake but then people learn from their mistakes. His conduct and dignity has raised Pakistans stature in the entire world. Unfortunately we had lot of hopes from Zardari. He signed agreements thrice but refused to abide by them to restore independent Judiciary before 3rd Nov. Pakistan can never be stable if an Independent judicial system is not there to keep people accountable and within their powers. Zardari wants to rule at any cost and just for that before long march he has put Governers rule in Punjab. Then such merciless crackdown on lawyers. We in India are proud of Lawyers of Pakistan and the Independent Judges like Iftikhar. He had the courage to ask about people missing in Musharaff era. The desirable end is that Zardari realises his mistake and honors his commitment.
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Aneeb
Mar 13, 2009 02:28pm
Mr. Sharif and Mr. Zardari due their stubbornness and weak political acumen are leading Pakistan towards the cliff. Its amazing that amidst a dire economic crisis, security challenge from the Taliban/Al-Qaeda and severe development issues, our great politicians consider the restoration of the judiciary (aka the one guy who took oath under the PCO and tried his best to validate Gen. Musharraf's rule at every instance up till 2007)as the most important challenge facing this country.
Bravo
If not resolved; expect the boots to come back marching into Islamabad and power.
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Taban Khamosh
Mar 13, 2009 02:43pm
First they ignore you,
Then they laugh at you,
Then they Fight you,
...
THEN YOU WIN!
Long Live Long March!
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Asif
Mar 13, 2009 04:26pm
I would like to add my comments that Justice is the corner stone of any civilized society and independent Judiciary is must for the democary to take roots in Pakistan.
Will the job done once the CJP is restored.. No.. people of Pakistan will have to continuoesly struggle to keep the ruler (whoever is) to keep the government in right path and representative of the wishes of people of Pakistan. Check and balance of the Govt. is necessary by the citizens. We have to uphold the justice first irrespective we are supporters of PPP, PML-N. or any other political party.
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Taha Hasan
Mar 13, 2009 04:44pm
Can any one of you guys who are supporting the restoration of Ifti Ch suggest what the gov should do to restore him? What should they do about Dogar? and what would change in Pakistan if this one man is restored? what would happen after his retirement?
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Fasahat Wasty
Mar 13, 2009 04:49pm
I salute lawyers movement and their supporters for the restoration of independant judiciary. Some people do not understand the importance of this movement and belittle it as just a politically motivated movement for one Judge. I think this is a definig moment in our history and this movement's fate will define whether we will be going to be successful in protecting the integrity of our constitution and institutions. Justice Chaudhary stood against a military dictator, he took many brave decisions and was seen as a last hope for justice to Pakistanis. He elevated the Supreme Court image to a much higher level. Why has he not been reinstated? Are there persons with dubious record in the government who are afraid of him? Why do pro-govt parties do not want his reinstatement? Dont they want supremacy of law and order? or they are just interested in absolute power and do not want their past, present or future plans under judicial scrutiny. I see it as a litmus test; anyone who is making excuses against Justice Chaudhary is not sincere with the country and its laws.
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Faizan
Mar 13, 2009 04:50pm
Attack on Geo news transmission unacceptable.Illegal arrest of lawyers,activist of all party including ppp.Shame on police to be the toys of the political battle and the civilian movement.Restrain yourself and respect people's right.
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amir
Mar 13, 2009 06:07pm
that is dangerous territory you are getting into my friend, are we really ready for that
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