The breaking news in Pakistan concerns the Supreme Court’s verdict on the unfair trial of a former Prime Minister dating back 46 years, while the Indian media celebrates their recent milestone achievement.
The recent developments on Wednesday in Pakistan and India have highlighted starkly different trajectories for the two neighboring nations.
While the Pakistani Supreme Court’s ruling, declaring the 1978 trial of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as unfair, sheds light on the challenges to justice and harmony within the country, India showcases a contrasting narrative of progress and infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of Kolkata’s first under-river metro tunnel symbolizes India’s commitment to modernization and advancement.
These contrasted events not only underline the divergent paths taken by Pakistan and India but also reflect the ongoing struggles and achievements within each nation.
Key points on the Hooghly River underwater tunnel
• Kolkata Metro’s Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section has India’s first transportation tunnel beneath the Hooghly River.
• It is part of the East-West Metro, a 16.5 km stretch connecting Howrah on the west bank of Hooghly to Salt Lake City on the east bank. This marks India’s first instance of trains running underwater.
• Executed by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRCL), 10.8 kms of the stretch is underground, while 5.75 km is elevated on a viaduct.
• It aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the historic city of Kolkata, which has a history spanning 300 years while contributing to the reduction of vehicular pollution.
• Howrah metro station, part of the section, will be the deepest metro station in India.
• The metro is set to cover the 520-meter stretch under the river Hooghly in remarkable 45 seconds, Live Mint reported.
• While the Esplanade-Sealdah stretch awaits completion, the Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah stretch is already operational. The entire East-West alignment, spanning 16.6 km, is expected to commence commercial operations between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan by June-July.
Pakistan’s dilemma
Politicians Under Scrutiny, Military and Judiciary Unchecked
“Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did not get a fair trial and it was not in accordance with the Constitutional requirement of due process”
said Chief Jistice of Pakistan Justice faiz Isa while announcing the short order.
The court’s decision comes nearly 46 years after the execution of the PPP founder and former Prime Minister and 12 years after a presidential reference seeking to revisit the sentence filed by former president and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.
This unfolds the complex dilemma where politicians bear the brunt of consequences and punishment for their actions. They endure trials, exile, and premature dismissals orchestrated by military leaders and judges, while the military and judiciary enjoy a level of autonomy that shields them from similar levels of accountability.
This dynamic raises concerns about the fairness and balance of power within the nation’s governance structure. Addressing this dilemma is essential to ensure equitable treatment and uphold the principles of justice and democracy in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s journey seems to be caught in an unending cycle, where progress is often impeded by recurring challenges and setbacks. Despite efforts to move forward, the nation finds itself circling back to familiar issues, hindering sustainable development and stability.
This cyclical nature reflects the complex dynamics at play within Pakistan’s socio-political landscape, requiring innovative solutions and sustained efforts to break free from the loop and chart a new course toward prosperity and success.
In summary, while India and Pakistan share historical and cultural ties, their paths diverge in significant ways. Despite similarities, such as colonial legacies and shared challenges, their trajectories reflect contrasting approaches to governance, diplomacy, and regional dynamics.
Is it possible for the Pakistani establishment to review its polices and empower elected representatives .
This is million dollars question and Pakistan’s future depends uopon the answer of this question.