Time and again, the parliament has disappointed people with contradictory and illogical statements. Respected MP’s once dismissed a minister on account of his inability to manage the ministerial issues effectively. Weeks later, from the seats and for the same person, they raised their green cards in approving his qualification for another ministry which is far critical and important in comparison to previous one.
Weeks ago, some of them stood against a law banning violence against women. They argued that some articles of the law were against Islamic Shariah; such as marriage age, girls consent in marriage, safe shelter for women. The law was approved three years ago by President Karzai and also clarified if the law appears against any other laws in the country, law enforcers can ignore and implement the context of the elimination of violence against women law.
And then, a respected MP added to the disappointment of the people. He announced Jihad against private media, broadcasting programs with contents that he believes are against Islamic Shariah. It is important to tell the MP’s that they are not on the seats of judiciary to issue verdicts. They are the ones who previously announced their commitment to constitution in which freedom of expression is ensured. Yes, they have the right to bring about changes in the laws but they can only do so without the consent of the majority. Moreover, they have to keep in consideration that they do not violate the basic nature of Afghan constitution, which is democratic, not dictatorial.
Such notion is from the very genre of dictatorship. First of all, these private televisions are run by Afghans who pray five times per day like Muslims across the globe. How they dare to issue Jihad against someone of the same faith and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) asked all Muslims to remain united. Secondly, even if they are infidels, they do not have the right to issue Jihad command or Fetwa. Is issuance of Jihad something very trivial that anyone can issue at will? It is important that the leaders of the nation must show maturity and should never follow the path of violence.
People selected them as representatives of the nation through democratic channels; they expect them to act similarly. Even if the programs of TVs are un-Islamic, there are various legal ways that should be followed in a democratic system.