Today, although, Musharaf’s dictatorship has been replaced with democracy, however practically nothing has changed. Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership continue their subservice of America, by sacrificing their own in the imposed War of Terror. As par IMF dictates, prices of electricity continue to rise. Likewise, the Ban which Musharaf imposed on this non-violent political party also continues to be in place in this democracy. A glimpse into the global activity of this party shows clearly that it is non-violent, and that its struggle is intellectual and political in nature. In this month of Rajab alone, Hizb ut Tahrir is organizing 28 conference (many stadium size) in 28 different cities across Indonesia, apart from that there have been conferences scheduled in Tunisia and Malaysia. Moreover, Conferences by Hizb ut Tahrir are also being carried out in Netherlands, UK, USA, and Australia. This clearly shows that image and legal status of this organization as a well established non-violent group in international arena.
The Arrest of Brig. Ali has brought to limelight a political party, called Party of Liberation (In Arabic, Hizb ut Tahrir). On our TV Talk shows we see all sorts of political parties, discussing, debating, ranting and lamenting over Pakistan’s state of affair, while seldom trying to give any concrete solutions. The party, Hizb ut Tahrir, has gained popularity because its literature presents detail solutions for Pakistan’s problem, in its books and literature etc. The statement of ex-COAS, Mirza Aslam baig, that he had met the party, and read its literature also shows that this is not the first time someone from the army has been in touch with such a party. Also, Mirza Aslam Baig has expressed his surprise when this non-violent Party was banned by Musharaf, and hinted that it was due to U.S pressure.
In light of these facts, I think it is imperative that the ban on such an organization be lifted. And an intellectual dialogue to be initiated between people of different views to discuss the credibility of all alternatives, including Democracy, and Caliphate. Also if Brig. Ali did had links to the group, than he should not be held accountable, in light of the news that former COAS, Mirza Aslam had also been in touch with this group.
BY: Engr. Sharique Naeem