Editorial: DAWN - 27 June 2013

Ominous message: SHC judge attacked

THE targeting of Justice Maqbool Baqar`s convoy in Karachi on Wednesday morning is a clear message from religious militants that even a high court judge with a significant security detail is within their reach. The incident is probably the first of its kind where such a highranking jurist has been targeted. While the fact that the Sindh High Court judge survived the attack was nothing short of a miracle, a number of people mostly policemen and Rangers in his entourage died in the bomb attack that left no doubt of its intensity. Surely, the number of fatalities could have been reduced if the unfortunate men had been equipped with protective gear. Claiming responsibility for the bombing, the Pakistani Taliban have said Justice Bagar, a member of the Shia community, was targeted due to his `anti-Taliban and antiMujahideen decisions`.

The judge was also believed to be on Lashkar-iJhangvi`s hit list while a TTP suspect arrested in Karachi last year told police that Maqbool Baqar was among his intended targets. The jurist had served as the administrative judge of the anti-terrorism courts in Karachi and initially heard terrorism cases in this capacity.

When a judge of the seniority and stature of Justice Bagar can so easily be targeted, how can we expect judges from lower courts to move actively oncases to convict terrorism suspects? In the aftermath of the attack, perhaps it will not be surprising if lower court judges refuse to hear terrorism cases.

That is why, as this newspaper has frequently pointed out, a proper system is required to protect judges, lawyers and witnesses involved in antiterrorism cases. The intimidation and threats these individuals face plays a major part in keeping the conviction rate low. Unless this changes, we cannot expect progress when it comes to convicting militants. While senior judges do have adequate security, as in Justice Baqar`s case, the security arrangements for ATC judges and prosecutors are insufficient, which means those on the front line of the legal battle against militancy are exposed to considerable danger. It is hoped Wednesday`s incident will trigger a rethink in the way terrorism cases are heard and conducted in Pakistan.

And while reform is needed where the security of individuals associated with anti-terrorism cases is concerned, the larger issue is that of addressing the menace of sectarian and jihadi militancy. The fact remains that until the jihadi infrastructure is dismantled by the security and intelligence apparatus, judges, lawmakers, government officials, security personnel and common citizens will continue to be open, `soft` targets for militants.

Edhi`s generosity: Cadaveric organ donation

THAT Abdul Sattar Edhi has once again displayed an act of selnessness that will benefit many after he is gone is only further evidence, if any were needed, of his characteristic generosity. He has devoted his life to serving humanity and can easily be compared to Mother Teresa and others of her ilk, given the towering stature of his charitable works. Having been ill with diabetes for sometime now, the octogenarian is undergoing dialysis at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation. On Tuesday, he announced that he has offered all his harvestable organs for donation in the hope of serving people `when I am no more in the physical world`.

Mr Edhi`s gesture should do more than give a new lease of life to the unknown people who will receive his organs in due course. It should, in fact, be taken as another significant seed in planting the notion of cadaveric donation in the country`s social fabric. Organ transplant and donation are covered by Pakistani law, and opposition on a religiousbasis has also been countered. Yet while doctors estimate that up to 50,000 lives a year could be saved if organs were available, few people are aware of what a modicum of generosity can achieve. Although awareness-raising campaigns have been run by quarters that include the SIUT, and President Asif Ali Zardari became a donor when he signed the transplant law in 2010, the rates of organ donation in cases of brain death are still very low. More of the country`s icons and heroes, from philanthropists to judges, religious and political leaders and sports stars, need to follow Mr Edhi`s example.

The involvement of highprofile people would help shatter the myths that surround organ donation in Pakistan. This would not just save lives, it would also deter horrifying illegal practices such as the kidney trade. People in desperate need of a transplant are in no position to make ethical decisions, but there is no downside to popularising the concept of cadaveric organ donations.

Different strokes needed: Cricket administration

THE recent appointment of senior journalist Najam Sethi as acting chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board has drawn a lukewarm response from the cricketing fraternity.

With Pakistan cricket once again at the crossroads following the national team`s dismal showing in the ICC Champions Trophy in England, critics believe that Mr Sethi may not have the desired experience and background knowledge to run the affairs of the game. Drastic measures are required at this stage, both on and off the field, to stem the rot that has afflicted the game in the pastyearorso.That means induction of fresh blood into the side, curtailment of the bloated support staff including coaches and officials, streamlining selection matters, the preparation of fast, bouncy tracks at home and the imposition of strict discipline on the team`s rank and file.

Whether Mr Sethi canaccomplish this agenda remains to be seen. However, the honest truth is that the appointment of yet another handpicked man does not augur well for the game in Pakistan.

For over a decade now, ad hocism has prevailed in the PCB and it is no coincidence that the graph of Pakistan cricket has been on the decline over this period. Akin to Pakistan politics, there are a number of outside elements and lobbies influencing the game of cricket in the country. These elements have for long been instrumental in the appointment of foreign coaches for the national team besides pulling strings as seen in the frequent reshuffle of captains at different periods. Pakistan cricket would be well served if such elements are not allowed to dominate. This is necessary for greater transparency in the game and to bolster the spirit of competition among the players.