Written in Partnership with Maria WilliamsTransition of Parliamentary to Presidential System of Governance
Zamani – Gwadar port, Baluchistan – Pakistan – Dec 10, 2017.
The parliamentary system, while designed for democratic governance, often becomes a breeding ground for corruption. In many cases, political appointments and bureaucratic roles are filled based on adherence to ruling parties rather than merit. This creates a connection between politicians and bureaucrats, adopting an environment where corruption flourishes unchecked. The absence of direct liability to the people allows for manipulation and misuse of power. This has manifested in
various scandals and incidents, undermining the values of transparency and fairness. The inherent flaws in the parliamentary system contribute to a culture of corruption, hindering genuine socio-political progress. Acknowledging the errors of a Parliamentary system, humanitarians like Dr. Tanveer Zamani put massive consideration into transitioning the state to a much more secure system, one being practiced in several developed countries as the Presidential system.
Tanveer Zamani, hailing from a South Asian background, stands as a prominent figure in the realms of both medicine and humanitarian activism, leaving an ineradicable mark on global affairs. As an American Surgeon and a commissioned officer in the United States Army, she has brought forth an explicit blend of expertise to her multidimensional contributions. Beyond her role as a healthcare provider, Zamani is recognized for her admirable efforts in promoting global security, fostering understanding between the East and West, re-imaging America, and defending the US Constitution against those who misunderstand the cause of America; its inclusive diversity and involvement as a global force responsible for maintaining international freedom and individual liberty of ‘We the People’ across the world.
One of the crucial moments in Zamani’s advocacy journey was her bold initiation of the slogan for a Presidential System in Pakistan. In a historic press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad on Nov 2, 2016, she urged the authorities, especially the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister, to bring about a revolutionary change in the democratic system. Zamani emphasized the need for spreading awareness and educating the nation about the crises plaguing the nation. She pleaded with the people to prioritize their right to directly vote for the correct president and urged them not to succumb to bribes in the form of money or property.
Zamani – Addressing anti-terrorist attack rally, marking the first anniversary of the public-school massacre in Peshawar, Pakistan – Dec 16, 2015
Zamani’s early life experiences, having completed her medical graduation from Jinnah Sindh Medical University in Pakistan, exposed her to the myriad challenges faced by third-world countries. From political protests and riots to corruption, poverty, and religious extremism, she witnessed the adversities that plagued society. This exposure fueled her determination for self-actualization and professional development. Recognizing the power of her voice, she set out to elevate her career to champion the cause of the marginalized, including the poor, persecuted, uneducated, maltreated women, and abused children globally.
Her educational journey continued with postgraduate studies in General Surgery in Ireland, where she successfully completed her training and earned the prestigious title of ‘Mistress – Ms.’ from the Royal College of Surgeons. Moreover, in the US, she repeated her residency and fellowship training and received American Board of Surgery certifications in General Surgery and Trauma /Surgical Critical Care and she has been practicing in New York for several years. Zamani’s commitment to excellence and innovation in her field became evident as she emerged as a trailblazer in the medical community.
Zamani’s dedication to humanitarian causes extends beyond her medical career. She became the first woman to call for a referendum for a rectified implication of democracy in Pakistan. Comparing the flaws between a presidential and parliamentary system, she highlighted the consequences faced by Pakistan due to its parliamentary system. She cited examples such as the Baldia Town incident in Karachi, the Model Town incident in Lahore, Uzair Baloch’s JIT, and the Kasim Port Park reversal, attributing these issues to the flaws in the parliamentary system that
Zamani addressing native tribal & political leaders and Baluchistan University students in the Capital city of province Baluchistan at Quetta Press club on Oct 29, 2016
perpetuated corruption and criminal activities. Moreover, she accentuated that in the Presidential system, people vote to elect their President directly; they vote for one leader who they believe represents them and is capable of resolving their issues, and leading the nation, instead of voting for the several members of parliament; nominated by the party chairperson, who will ultimately choose the same Party Chairperson as the Prime Minister of the entire country if they won in majority. This parliamentary electoral system opens a two-way avenue of corruption both for the voters and candidates; hence she emphasized not ruining the sacred right to vote and choosing your representative directly in a general national election, by avoiding the parliamentary electoral system.
Furthermore, she pointed out that the party-chair nominated parliamentarians, if won are bound to follow their party chair, and thus unable to represent the people who chose them on many issues. Her numerous press conferences, public meetings, and speeches at bar associations, universities /colleges, elaborating her doctrine in local dialects are readily available on the web to further understand the demerits of the Parliamentary system; how it leads to the resultant economic differential with extremes of poverty and wealth, ignorance, suboptimal healthcare, chaotic law and order, failed rule of justice, and the reasons why it is not suitable for the progress of developing third world countries.
Former US President Obama & Pakistani President Zardari – White House, Washington – DC – Jan 14, 2011.
Unfortunately, Zamani’s advocacy for change did not go without challenges. In a region highly sensitive to the dignity of women, especially political activists, she faced character assassination attempts. Tanveer Zamani confronts baseless rumors linking her to having a secret marriage with President Asif Ali Zardari and having a son named Sijawal in 2015; a common tactic used against women activists in underdeveloped South Asian nations. Character assassination, exploiting societal sensitivity towards women’s dignity, became a tool to discredit her as she raised her voice against influential parties’ crimes. These allegations aimed to undermine her courage and rebellion, intended to deter her from catalyzing positive change. This underlines the societal pressures and biases faced by women who dare to raise their voices against powerful entities.
Despite facing countless adversities, Tanveer Zamani does not fail to epitomize her duty as an obliged surgeon, a passionate advocate for humanitarian causes, a catalyst for political change, and a soldier; a commissioned officer in the US Army. Her diverse experiences, from medical training to political activism, have allowed her to pursue a remarkable journey, leaving an enduring impact on the medical, political, and humanitarian landscapes.
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