http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/Dawn%20Content%20Library/dawn/news/media-gallery/dancing-to-the-victory-beat-ss?pageDesign=new_MediaGallery_Detail1-12

It is with great pleasure that I write these words, mere hours after my last post.

The PM played his role in the crisis and announced in an address to the nation that the Judiciary will be “restored” and notifications for that matter will be issued today. All arrested lawyers and political workers will be released today. While the technicalities need to be worked out, especially the appointment of hordes of dubious judges in the past two years after the deposement of Ch Iftikhar, the mood indeed is one of jubilation.

Three  great achievements of this movement, for me, have been

• The next person who wishes to pressurize the judiciary will think over it a hundred times before doing so, for he would know how the nation would react towards him for his action.
• the people of Pakistan have realized that they can make a difference if they raise their voice. The Long March has of course been called off as it’s main purpose has been fulfilled and the people are heading home with a renewed sense of confidence in themselves as a nation.
• several important personalities in the Government and the in the administration have resigned in protest to the wrongdoings in the past few days – this was rarely, if ever, seen in Pakistan’s history. Yesterday, the police also refused to obey the command to fire upon or arrest the unarmed and peaceful protesters in Lahore – a clear indication that they dared to think independently and remain true to their oaths as protectors of the people.

May Allah(swt) guide the people of Pakistan, particularly its leaders, to justice and equity and make this event a new dawn in our troubles history. Ameen!

Go “Long Marchers”, go! May Allah(swt) aid with His Strength those who are fighting for the right cause. We, the people of Pakistan, are not going to stop before the Judiciary is restored to its 2nd Nov, 2007 position. We want an independent Judicial system and we want this Long March and the resulting sit-in to achieve that status so that never again will any government, any politician dare use the judges for his own evil intents.

You broke down barricades, endured shellings of “tear gas” but your spirits were not deflated, rather they only soared higher. From all walks of life and different political parties, you struggled to break through the barriers and head for Islamabad. Rest assured, your numbers will only swell as you approach Islamabad. I am with you, in spirit for I am far away, in Karachi as I write this. I know people in Islamabad who have told us that they will join your crowds when you reach the outskirts of the city. May the Help of Allah(swt) be with you!

The tyrants and criminals in the highest offices should know that the days of silently accepting all the wrong in society are now over. May Allah(swt) accept this struggle as our repentance for ever letting the likes of Zardari ascend, even with his underhanded ways, to become our “President”. We want to set our account straight and we want a just judicial system to safeguard our rights. We do not care for offers of money or powerful positions. We are not afraid of the Government’s “terrorist attack” threats but we are afraid of the fate of Pakistan if we let this movement die out today.

I, as a common Pakistani, have no political affiliation but I will unite with and cooperate with pro-judiciary causes if need be. I pray that this is the dawn of a new era for Pakistan where a successful sit-in, InshAllah, would empower the people such that they would never lose hope again in their own power.

Leaders of the laywer’s movements and your supporters from all walks of life, we SALUTE you… and we pray for your outstanding and safe journey to the heart of Islamabad. And we pray for your success. Ameen!