We may have numerous disagreements with Indian politicians, judges, and generals in power, but one thing we admire about them is that after retirement, they document their experiences and observations. They write articles in newspapers, and these books and articles not only guide students and aspiring politicians in India but also help readers outside India understand Indian politics, the establishment, and the country’s ambitions and mindset.
Justice Markandey Katju is one such former judge of the Indian Supreme Court who continues to write articles on Indian politics, society, and legal matters in Indian newspapers, journals, and online platforms after his retirement. Justice Katju celebrated his 78th birthday on September 20, 2024.Justice (Retd.) Markandey Katju is generally known for expressing his opinions honestly and impartially, regardless of the person, country, institution, or party.
Unfortunately, when it comes to Pakistan, he tends to be biased. For example, in his recent article, he extensively praised the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, stating: “Ali Amin Gandapur is a bold and courageous Chief Minister of KP who has bravely confronted and criticized the federal government and the establishment.”Katju commended Gandapur, describing him as a true Gandapuri Pashtun—combative and aggressive.
He also revealed that Gandapuri Pashtuns are found in India too. This insight shows how our enemies interpret the irresponsible and inflammatory statements made by Ali Amin Gandapur. By likening Gandapur’s provocative statements to “confrontations and criticism,” Katju is indirectly encouraging more unrest in Pakistan, much to the delight of the Indian audience, particularly after Gandapur’s series of controversial statements during the September 8, 2024, rally in Sangjani (Rawalpindi/Islamabad).
These offensive remarks targeted opposition politicians, journalists, the establishment, and female journalists simultaneously. Despite two weeks passing, the Chief Minister has neither apologized to anyone nor expressed any regret over his statements. This lack of remorse may be due to the fact that the founder of PTI has endorsed Gandapur’s offensive statements.
On September 21, at the Kahna rally in Lahore, Ali Amin Gandapur did not offer any apology either. I personally witnessed and endured the PTI rally on September 8, 2024, and it was a bitter experience. PTI was also planning to hold another rally in Lahore on September 21, 2024, at Minar-e-Pakistan, which was announced on September 8 itself.
During the Sangjani rally, Gandapur pounded his chest and the dais, proclaiming, “We are coming to Lahore on September 21 with bands, drums, and a wedding procession.” This statement was interpreted in many ways.The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), in particular, expressed great displeasure.
A Punjab government minister reacted by saying, “Let the KP Chief Minister come to Lahore on September 21. We will tear his drum and hang it around his neck.” September 21 came and went, but thankfully, no confrontation occurred.
Unlike the distress experienced by Rawalpindi and Islamabad residents on August 22 and September 8, the people of Lahore remained safe on September 21.The government did not allow the rally to be held at Minar-e-Pakistan on September 21, even though the PTI founder had declared it as a “do or die” moment, threatening to fill jails and protest at Minar-e-Pakistan if the rally was prevented.
The rally did not take place at Minar-e-Pakistan, nor did PTI manage to fill any jails. Instead, they were allowed to hold the rally 30 kilometers away at the Kahna Cattle Market under 45 conditions. The Sangjani rally was also held in a cattle market.
PTI’s morale was high because they had recently defeated the government on proposed constitutional amendments. However, the Kahna rally still failed to achieve its intended success.Is the stain of this failure on the newly elected PTI Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja, who is a prominent lawyer from Lahore but not a charismatic politician capable of drawing crowds? Did the controversial remarks made by Ali Amin Gandapur at the Sangjani rally on September 8 contribute to this failure? Should the credit for this failure go to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who hinted on September 20: “The people have given us five years to serve, not to hold rallies”?PTI members are disappointed that despite knowing the timing of the Kahna rally was tight and that the Punjab government was determined to enforce it, Ali Amin Gandapur failed to arrive at the rally on time and did not deliver a speech.
Now, excuses are being made for this deliberate negligence. Except for Barrister Gohar Khan, no central leader attended the Kahna rally. Was everyone afraid of something? Now the PTI Chairman has announced that there are no future plans for any rallies.This is precisely what the Punjab and central governments want. If the alleged crackdown on PTI in Lahore on September 21 had not taken place, the rally would have been successful. Even if the PTI rally had been held under the majestic shadow of Minar-e-Pakistan, it would not have brought about any revolution.
The government was not going to fall. So what was the need to allegedly raid the homes of a few female PTI workers (and arrest one of their fathers), especially since these women had only recently been released on bail? The truth is, PTI will not stop holding rallies. The PTI founder and supporters are like a persistent fly that, no matter how often you shoo it away, keeps buzzing back to your ears, nose, and mouth.