Democracy Betrayed – Behind the Mask of the Island President

In the year 1985, a vivid childhood memory etched itself into my mind. I, barely 13 years old, watched with unbridled curiosity as the charismatic Nawaz Shareef landed in a helicopter in Faisalabad, destined to later become Pakistan's Prime Minister. Over the decades, I pursued education, delved into legal roles, and immersed myself in Maldivian politics. However, today, with a heavy heart, I express concern over Pakistan's decline. I criticize political and military leaders, including Nawaz Shareef, for alleged mismanagement and corruption. It is a plea for change, a desperate call for a new era, and a retirement beckoning for Mr. Shareef.

Working in the Office of the Attorney was not new to me. In 1995, I had served a brief stint as a State Attorney at the General’s Office. While there, as one of the junior attorneys, I was primarily involved with the prosecution of minor offenders.

At the time, it felt like just another routine day at the office. I had returned from a hearty breakfast in the court cafeteria when I received an unexpected call from a former classmate of mine at the International University of Malaysia, Mr. Ahmed Hamza.

To say the country’s criminal justice system was one-sided would be a gross understatement. Authorities had the ability to arrest individuals at will. No warrants were required. Indefinite detention was the norm.

Official findings of the multinational committee setup by the...