Seminar on “Ending Feudal System or Opting for Rule of Law” at UOG

There may not be classical feudalism present in Pakistan but the psychological aspects of feudal culture, mores, values, social practices are still rampant in Pakistan. Law is an integral part of a system and works with in that system. Rule of law means equity and justice for all; irrespective of religion, caste or creed. The powerful classes in a society try to manipulate law. If they are successful then it becomes the law of the jungle. Law operates in a healthy society to iron out differences and settle disputes. The ruling classes of a society always have an upper hand in communicating their opinions at the thresh-hold of law. These views were expressed by Prof Mohammad Akram Bhatti Registrar University of Gujrat (UOG) while addressing a Seminar on “Ending Feudal System or Opting for Rule of Law”. The seminar was organized by Quaid-e-Azam society of History & Pakistan Studies Department in collaboration with Political Science and International Relations Department, at Hafiz Hayat UOG.

Prof Syed Shabbir Hussain Shah Director CHIPP was the Chief Guest. Whereas Prof Dr Freshullah Director Social Sciences, Mushtaq Bhatti Director Evening Program and Sheikh Abdul Rashid Director Media & Publications, Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Head of Pol.Science Department were the Guests of Honour. The main focus of the seminar was a thesis lecture by Dr Akhtar Hussain Sandhu Head Deptt. of History and Pakistan Studies. Dr Akhtar Hussain in his thesis lecture propounded the theory that feudalism was not an entity disturbing any socio-cultural cum political patterns of our life. Moreover some feudals were in the vanguard of Pakistan movement. He was of the view that instead of wasting our energies on eradicating feudalism we should direct our energies towards establishing rule of law; to create harmony and balance in the society and uproot social evils. He severely criticized the middle classes for not playing a proactive role in national affairs. We should instill moral virtues in our youth to create a healthy society.

Syed Shabeer Hussain Shah in his speech which was a critique of Dr Sandhu’s lecture, lashed out at the rampant lawlessness, crime, violence and terrorism in our body- politics. He criticized the feudals which had been perpetuated by the British Colonialists. However he was of the view that the state of Pakistan has mainly been manipulated by dictators, military junta in tandem with other forces of establishment. These so called rulers were infact surrogates of imperialist powers that be. Sheikh Abdul Rashid made an excellent critique of the proposition and pinpointed different forces flouting the law. He said that feudals and bourgeoisie were no less responsible for this unpalatable situation. Dr Freshulla in his comments declared democratic system as the best system and for that education is the best available mediums. There was a very heated question-answer session in which Mr Fayyaz Shah, Prof Shahid Minhas, Prof Syed Imtaiz Haider, Prof Humayun Ghauri critiqued the proposition. Many of the students also participated in the debate and asked some very pertinent questions.