A Deplorable Scheme of Falsification and Accusations — Page 10
Against the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’at and Its Background [ 10 ] government of Pakistan was not alone in this opposition. It became evident that the opposition was a result of a pre- planned scheme and that it was bound to intensify. Anyhow, the events of 1974 showed that our concerns were valid. There is a world of difference between the government of Pakistan in 1974 and the present government. The previous government possessed some decency. It showed decency in its dealing with its citizens and a sense of decorum in its interactions with foreign countries, although there was no lack of animosity towards Ahmadiyyat. Both the governments have their share in the persecution of and scheming against the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jam a ‘at—there is not much difference between the government of Mr. Bhutto and the present government in that respect. However, as far as decency is concerned, there is a difference. Mr. Bhutto was a leader of the people and claimed to be adored by the masses. He wanted to maintain his populist image and wished that the people would remain unaware of his corrupt and autocratic practices. Therefore, before taking steps against the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jam a ‘at, he took the issue to the National Assembly, convened it as a people’s court, and gave the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jam a ‘at an opportunity to defend itself in order to avoid any criticism from foreign countries. As a matter of fact, Mr. Bhutto, who had great ambitions, was trying to widen his circle of influence in the international arena. He was not content to be the leader of