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The ‘MemoGate’ Scandal – Zardari’s Secret Memo?

9:12 AM Posted by Admin

Dubbed as an equivalent of US President Nixon’s Watergate Scandal, MemoGate seems to have what it would take to impeach President Zardari. However, to say that his fate depends on the truth of this scandal isn’t definitive because recent history has shown that individuals like Zardari and ex-president General (retired) Musharaf have been known to survive huge setbacks, with the latter even exiting his rule with a Guard of Honor. In view of this, I might go as far as terming these individuals as invincible. Yet, despite what we feel may ensue, we can’t ever allow such things to go by uninvestigated and without consequence.

While it’s easy to pass judgment and declare President Zardari as the guilty party, particularly in view of the fact that he had a ton of cases for all sorts of crimes against him (none of which have been proven) – and I am no supporter of the man – everything must be looked at objectively. Zardari may have the propensity, or so we believe, to secure his position by an illegal agreement as mentioned in the memo, but it would be a good idea to remain mindful that it would be really convenient for someone to frame him. This of course will be another story if the evidence being furnished turns out to be credible, which is in fact the crux of the matter actually; whether the evidence in the memo and BlackBerry messages is enough to prove that Haqqani passed the memo to Mansoor Ijaz is paramount.

Speaking of evidence and credibility, let us also not forget the type of relationship that Mansoor Ijaz has maintained with Pakistan’s institutions, which means that there must be a thorough investigation into who he is exactly, and who all he has been in touch with, including the unfamiliar names he has recently divulged. A notable positive indication on Ijaz’s part is that he is willing to come forward and present every shred of evidence he possesses.

A rather depressing point amid all this is that even if all evidence provided by Ijaz is credible in court, the man in the street is left to wonder what will really come of this; it’s highly unlikely that President Zardari will be impeached, and even if there is some form of judicial proceeding, it’s bound to last a lifetime. Consequently, Zardari will go about his business as usual and without any worry while the media gains momentarily from such ado, as usual. Yet, I’d like to end this seemingly pessimistic viewpoint with a word of encouragement to all truth and justice-seekers: we all must still strive to first of all get to the bottom of the matter, and then proceed towards punitive action for the guilty ones. Also, if the evidence has been falsely corroborated, the mischief makers should be taken to task too.