Democracy Damned

Pakistan's recent experience with democracy has rather been exercise in vain and fruits of democracy have turned  sour and tasteless.  The country's political elite has shown continuous indifference and ineptness to resolve public issues and provide democratic dividend to masses at large. The authoritarian leadership, rubber stamp parliament has never attended to public miseries be it terrorism, energy crisis, gas shortages, security challenges, petrol shortages and other core issues of education, health have been badly ignored. The country is being run on the family lines where it only matters whether you are kith and kin of any politico regardless of merit and required skills per-requisite to fill any position.

The Democracy in any part of world have three essential ingredients. They are elections, accountability and responsiveness. It is fear of free and fair elections and sheer accountability which sensitize the politicos, and in turn they shown sensitivity  to the core issues of their electorate. The root of evil is that elections in the country since 1971 have been massively rigged and have been arranged to accommodate the paupers who otherwise don't stand chance even in local elections. The fraudulent politicos invest heavily in their election campaigns, manage the election day staff and do massive irregularities to ensure they are crowned with success. Once they take over the journey of returning back the favors begin to unleash and resources of country's are plundered to earn kick back and commissions. They neither are accountable to anyone nor any system is placed to checkmate their rampant corruption and inaction. The vision of these politicos is rather bizarre and limited to themselves. They never anticipate or nor want to preempt any issue pertaining to poor Janta. They break the records of poor governance and policy failures.

 The misadventures of political elite has rather cursed the democracy and people are questioning whether this system of rich, for the rich and by the rich has anything to do with their compounding miseries. The country is undergoing agonizing economic challenges, security risks and leaping forward as a failed state. The country would only go from bad to worst under the leadership of current folks who are only interested to fatten their already overweight bellies and fill their unending pockets.  The country is in complete quagmire and jinx and caught in the catch 22 situation. The people want  fixation of their ailing problems and in process want initiation of reforms which  ensure transparency of elections, realignment of economic woes, provision of civic necessities and improvement in human development index.

 The time is ripe to address the grievances failing to do so will create anarchy and alienation towards trailed and tested system. The only beacon of hope in this long tunnel of darkness is that 60% population of Pakistan comprises of youth who are  more mobile and urbanized thus giving them enough sense to raise the voices of dissent against political discourse and seek practical solutions not mere slogans. Its better if system is rectified and refined otherwise it is destined and damned for eternal abode. 

Can We Counter Talibans

The country is in complete turmoil and shrouded with Taliban mess being witnessed everywhere. The red blood of my fellow citizens is rather very cheap and hardly carries any weight. The nurseries created in first afghan war are rather showing true colors and revenge is being sought from the innocent people who hardly have any say in decision making other than voting on election day. This war of terror initiated after the 9/11 has left bloody footprints and nobody knows how long they will  continue to drain the people's blood.

We have sacrificed our security officers, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, children during the course of this unholy war and hats off to the brave people of this country who are undithered from this onslaught of talibans and yet we are indecisive to take stern action against our enemy who is within and have remained blue-eyed of our security agencies during happy times. The countless innocent people have lost their lives and have gone into wilderness but still it isn't enough to unnerve our leadership. Yes its fact that country in its entire history has first time witnessed peaceful transition of democracy and if things persist like this we might have seen last era of military led government but the rulers and opposition have to be wary of the fact that democracy might still be challenged from taliban counterparts who don't recognize current modus operandi of our democracy and they don't believe in constitution of the country. They have broader mission and looking forward to impose their own system in the country. Our limbo and inaction will only motivate them to aim higher. General kayani was right when he stated that country has greater risk from enemy within than our immediate neighbours.

We have sacrificed 50000 invaluable lives beside irreparable collateral damage inflicted on our defense equipment, schools, hospitals, bazzars, mosques, churches and off course economic meltdown created by attacks of talibans. The country is residence of 200 million people and it cant be besieged by handful groups who believe in bullets regime. This is nuclear country and we vociferously  take pride in our army and rightly so. How long will this country suffer from indecisiveness and how long our political rulers will run away from their responsibility to protect the lives of innocent people. our enemy is clear and they are on course to achieve what ever they aim for but why our leadership is demoralized and why they are double minded to retaliate with state apparatus isn't it violation of constitution on which they have taken oath of and how would they justify the treason cases against Musharraf if they continue to  violate the constitution themselves.  

We have great example of Sri Lanka who defeated the terrorism in their home soil and stood victorious at the end of the day. Yes this tit for tat war might be difficult but again we have already lost so much and we will have to be ready to sacrifice anything if situation demands. The country's PM should come forward and take the nation into confidence about this dilemma. The whole country along with army, political parties, media, judiciary, civil society and common man will have to show the ownership against this intractable enemy. we will have to amend our textbooks and will have to re-write the history pages clearly mentioning this bloody war, inconsequential losses and victorious party. we will have to prepare our people and they will have to be provocative against these miscreants elements and will  have to keep bulls eye on their activities in their surroundings. The judiciary will have to quickly dispose off terror cases  and convict the terrorists to reach at ultimate success. The PM should announce national fund for terrorism affectees and all affluent and elitist classes should contribute generously for extension of financial hand to the immediate heirs of the affected people in this war. The all national martyrs in this war should be properly recorded in the volumes of books and national day should be declared to commemorate the memories of those who have sacrificed their lives during this war.
we will have to choose this righteous path once and for all and at the end it will be our beloved nation who will stand victorious against evils of talibans but if we continue the policy of appeasement then these cowards can achieve anything which they have never dreamed off. we will  have to clamp down their physical, financial, intelligence resources in order to seize their recruitment and evil mindset. I am sure the ashes of hope will rise from ethos of bitter and unequivocal war and our long journey to the freedom may just start.

Shaykh-ul-islam's Misadventure

Pakistani masses were literally under siege for past three weeks about the possible outcome of professor's brand of revolution. The parachute arrival of allama sahab took the countrymen at sheer surprise.  The people of country were preparing themselves for the upcoming elections as a sole mean to vote out the political mess created by incumbent government in past five years.

The professor's rather impressive show on 23rd December raised the eyebrows all over. The sudden turn out of huge masses compelled the allama sahab to quest for the revolution never conceived in recent history of mankind. The great oratory skills of TUQ combined with religious rhetoric was enough to attract the people of this sensational country. Never in the history of mankind the revolutions surfaced without bloodshed and an ideology. The self-proclaimed revolution would have been exceptional in the pages of the history if it happened.

Their were contrast of opinions regarding TUQ march to capital. The people were busy in finding any connection of long march with  our mighty establishment, CIA, MI5, the political parties so on and so forth. The Allama sahab repeatedly took oaths to avoid any connection with mighty and disguised forces but his acts of recent past were enough to dispel this impression. The flood of conspiracy theories  surfaced all over print, electronic and social media to gauge the holy motives of TUQ.

The first theory was that TUQ was acting on the behalf of his foreign masters to pave the way for USA troops withdrawal in the mid of 2014 without any questions and  serious challenge from newly elected representatives of country to be elected in May 2013 elections. it was widely argued that he was funded from these powerful players to force the issue in their favor and delay the general elections for year or two.

The other famous theory was that our own establishment was behind this adventure to delay the electorate on name of accountability and election reforms. the establishment isn't happy the way civilian dispensation has run the reigns of the country. the establishment is neither appeased with Nawaz sharif who might form the next government and nor from the Imran Khan who of the late has started to distance himself from local masters. the peaceful transition of democratic government may not serve their purpose as well because people will start believing in the power of ballot rather than long boots.

one circle of people also considered it a ploy of Zardari to further divide the right vote to serve his future ambitions. the other think it was master plan of TUQ to relaunch himself after considerable absence from the political circus and make himself an important stakeholder in the political process. The long march agreement has been done on name of  Pakistan Awami Tehreek(PAT) rather than Minhajul-Quran. The long march processions were carried out under tutelage of MUQ. it is felt that TUQ has also presented himself across the globe as modern molana and succeeded to represent himself an established icon of Braveli sect which consists round 65% of Pakistani demographics.

The end of long march was contrary to the tall claims made by TUQ throught out this journey of revolution. whether TUQ achieved anything out of this exercise or not only time will decide that but nevertheless whole nation has consensus that democracy must continue and should be made strong through filtration. The country cant afford any further experimentation and all efforts be done to conduct free and fair elections to elect the leadership which could work day and night to redress the agonies of masses and  strengthen their belief in democratic dispensations.

If TUQ wants to be reformer he should contest the elections get the majority and implement his reform program. This is only constitutional solution otherwise revolutions are above the constitution and bloody.

Pakistan's institutional crises

The country is possibly going through the critical impasse of its history. The entire system seems to be deplorable and it has now entered into passage of  complete chaos, devastation and deadlock. The masses who are the real powerhouse in totality seem to be in fences though at the times coming out hard through protests and burning public properties. The other frustrating element is that people have lost faith in the democratic system because of failure of coalition government to deliver for the general masses. If the situation lingers on little longer we could witness another coup d'etat which will only add fuel in the fire.

If we just assess overall scenario it will signal that all institutions are at loggerheads. The executive and parliament are face to face with judiciary. The supreme court's decision to disqualify the PM Gilani bothered the government and they shielded parliament for their safety and changed the Contempt of Court Ordinance. The current legislation might provoke another crisis with judiciary and their is possibility that Supreme court might strike down the law. All the stake holders have reached at point of no return.

Since the last general election the current coalition which took the helm of the affairs of this country, the government hasn't been able to deliver on any ground be it management of the economy, governance, energy issues, terrorism and above all growing rampant corruption. The government has been just claiming for tall buildings. The ground realities suggest that people are very pessimistic about overall conditions of the country  and if this frustration is not halted at any stage it can create serious crises and nobody will be spared from it.

The government just concentrated and took every step to save their skins. They encouraged cronyism, collapsed almost all public sector enterprises and never took any concrete steps to redress burning issues related to public. This was the time when people contacted supreme court to put bandage on  their burns. Government's indifference attitude towards apex court was beyond any apprehension and they time and again considered court's steps as intervention in their executive affairs.

The Government's affairs with army has also been unparalleled and full of distrust. It stretches back to the government's notification to put ISI into interior ministry, Kerry Luger bill and memo gate to be mentioned are few of the examples which created bottlenecks in their relationship retrospectively.  But army being firm on security issues, foreign affairs resisted all the government's affairs and at the times back fired. The things were messy at extend that an intervention by army was near possibility but due to international security environment, judicial activism, civil society  and growing isolation of country globally couldn't provide an ideal
platform for long boots to take over.

The government and media battle couldn't have been rule out. The current democratic dispensation never handled media smoothly and did everything to lessen the fast growing impact of media. Government used all means through Pemra, harassment, ban on advertisements to crush the dissent voices but it never resulted in favour of government as media stood firm, steadfast and enjoyed greater support from the masses.

The ongoing institutional crises poses serious threat for the country and it has created deadlock. The state can't function as it is being run currently. The all stake holder's and especially sitting  government must come forward and announce the elections as soon as possible. Elections are part and parcel of any democracy. The people of Pakistan must be given chance to give fresh impetus to the system. It should be noted that its in greater interest of this country that its all institutions remain functioning, provocative and work for the prosperity of people otherwise country already trespassing through critical juncture may nosedive further. 

Burning Balochistan

Pakistan is passing through an era consists of political instability, economic collapse, internal disturbances, foreign invasions and institutional imbalances. The state is in chaotic situation. The overall state of country is in deep despair and disarray. The situation demands to form a unity to redress the affairs of crippling state. The all political and military leadership has huge burden in their shoulders to prevent the state from total anarchy and despotism.

The growing unrest in Balochistan has created serious bottlenecks for the country. Balochistan  constituents  half of Pakistan and if it is taken out of equation the state would soon fall into its footings. Pakistan might have survived the separation of Bengal but it wont afford the break up of Balochistan from federation. Its a rich province full of natural resources i.e Gas, Gold, Platinum, coal, copper and one of the longest coastal belt.

The history is evident that Balochs have been always mistreated, killed , kidnapped and targeted on fearful perception of being them disloyal and rebellion. Had any lesson taken from history of our former British masters who maintained that Balochs should always be treated with utmost respect then situation wont have reached at existing  levels.

Balochistan has faced innumerable military operations since independence. The loyal sons in likes of Nauroz, asad mengal, Nawab Akbar Bugti, and countless people have been murdered on false accounts and promises. One can't negate the reaction of Balochs in return because if you send weapons you wont be given roses in return. The Balochs have assumed the role of warriors and they are in mountains to fight for their cause and by doing this the endless war of bloodshed and insurgency has actually taken its course. Once peaceful Balochistan is surrounded with unholy war of wants and interests.

The waging military operation isn't optimal solution to solve the otherwise political issues. the growing unrest since martyrdom of Nawab Akbar has influenced the international players to intervene and accumulate their vested interests against Pakistan. Balochs on other hand are considering the external help as blessing in disguise and are pushing themselves forward near to point of no return. Its irresponsibility of Government to feel the velocity of deepening crisis in making and take meaningful actions to avoid another East Pakistan.

The distrust between establishment and Balochs have compounded and widened with passage of the time and it might not be easy to bring the wounded tigers on table talks. However, if Pakistan can talk to Terrorist Talibans and enemy India then why not the doors of diplomacy should be opened for the Baloch brothers who  are fighting on reactionary grounds.

The political leadership should have powers and mandate to listen the grievances and pinpoint the practical solutions if at all we are serious to save our country from further deterioration and degradation. We will have to adopt brinkmanship approach and concede all rightful demands of Balochs to avoid further disaster. it wont be easy ride to convince the dishearted Balochs but its our collective responsibility to fasten the art of diplomacy and make something out of hopelessness and sorrows.

I would maintain that constitutional guarantees, complete autonomy, De-militarization and total acknowledgement of their rights could be some conclusive steps to revive the lost love. But if we continue our denial and keep using the force i am afraid our offshore enemies are ready to balkanize our motherland.

KHAN'S TSUNAMI

Pakistan is currently under the dangerous waves of khan's tsunami. Normally tsunami's are considered dangerous and it takes all coming in its way. The recent example of japan surely augurs for the grave threats of tsunami world over.   However khan maintains that his bouncers will wipe out all the dirt, dust, and dark clouds hovering around our country. Pakistan for sure is undergoing through painful period of economic meltdown, widespread corruption, continuous security threats, poverty, so on and so forth.

The country comprises of 60 % of youth population and if prudent steps not taken to give positive direction to the younger generations the country can enter an arena of unpredictable unrest and uncertainty.  Pakistan is certainly lagging behind in strong political and charismatic leadership. The democratic government hasn't taken  any meaningful steps to redress the basic problems of the countrymen.  Though it achieved some milestones by revisiting the constitutional paradigm, reaching consensus on NFC and some other administrative steps. But when it come to governance and economic management the government bowed down drastically.

The problems of common man multiplied with every passing day and with serious absence of opposition the ball went into the court of Mighty khan to prove his skills in political battlefield. The people of Pakistan have always been great fan of IK in cricket and his fabulous contribution in social entrepreneurship. He is man of iron fist and strong resolve and goes till end to achieve anything. Khan's political career began in 1996 and straight away went on duck in 97 elections but just scored in Musharraf's 1st elections and didn't bother to participate in 2008 elections. His political journey has been relatively gruesome and he went unnoticed for almost 15 years.

The sheer hardwork, growing khan's popularity paid dividends when he led a great people show in lahore's minto park.  it was inspiring show and people amassed in big numbers what could be termed as greatest people show in lahore. The huge crowd was noticed everywhere and it rippled political circles. The khan now became reality and was termed as a 3rd force in Pakistan's unpredictable politics. IK before this mighty show was sole head but it attracted electables from every nook and corner of the country thus putting a serious dent on mainstream political parties.

The tsunami touched the shores of karachi on 25th December and karachities went ahead from lahore and participated in big numbers to unfold the growing popularity of the IK. He is tipped as an agent of changed from all the circles be it young, aged and old. The people are expecting from khan to alter the deteriorating and worsening  condition of the country and give it proper direction to salvage the pride of the nation.

However, Khan has to be careful from opportunists who change their loyalties for the power. He has to  mix the blend of youth and experience to form a strong team to lead a country prone with chronic problems. The elections might be sooner than later but Khan has to come up with comprehensive planning if he has to make inroads in the upcoming elections. He will be seriously challenged from old guards but if he has to win it has to be greater wave of change to reach all over and wash away whatever comes in its way.

STATE WITHOUT STATESMAN

Pakistan is nearly around the age of 65 years. The journey of this country is filled with great tragedies, dramas, setbacks, misadventures, blunders and at the times earned defame and brought large scale humiliation to the Pakistani nation. It was 1947 when a new country took birth. Some say it was freed on the name of Islamic principles and others mention that it was meant to be secular, independent and democratic. Regardless of any interpretation the country couldn't achieve what it was destined to reach. Our contemporary society presents rather a bleak picture. The country is widely divided on the grounds of different ethnic groups, cultures, sects, religions and languages.
It should be stated that pluralism and differentiation in any society has great significance but there should be common grounds on nation statehood but unfortunetly the countrymen couldn't translate themselves into one nation. This clash of identity and self determination has seriously endangered the very existence of  this country and this division will enormously help the forces engaged against Pakistan.
We ourselves are the responsible for this disarrayed country. Our rulers and leaders after the great QUAID-E-AZAM  has made the mockery of this great nation. Our civil and military rulers, bureaucrats, judges have shaken the basic foundations of the country.  They all worked for their personal and international interests on the  name of national interests and agenda. Pakistan would have been better place to breathe had our national leaders didn't compromise on the road of peace, progress and prosperity. The collective opportunism of our past and present leadership has denied the real stature and recognition for all the countrymen.
We nowadays are identified as terrorists, perpetrators, war mongers, and are considered as grave threat for the global peace and security.  Today's Pakistan is gripped with messy problems of terrorism, energy crisis, unemployment, law and order, economic degradation and above all clashes in the integral structure of the country amongst the countrymen. The strategic location otherwise a strength has turned out to be gateway for all the disturbances currently in the region on the label of "War against Terrorism".
Pakistan is gifted with all the resources i.e natural, agricultural, sea shores, mountains, manpower to overcome all the difficulties and problems looming large. The depleted and frustrated people need neat and clean leadership to perform at their potential and change the fortunes of the country. The prevailing gloomy picture has to go into dust and time has come to  bring and vote for the leadership based on real credentials, criterion, credibility and statesmanship.
The country has great weapon in the form of the youth who consists of the 60% of the population. The youth has all the zeal, zest, and enigma to outperform and put up a glorious show to alter the sufferings  and misfortunes of this country and turn it into a place worthwhile to exist. The youth has the last chance to develop the core leadership within themselves and provide the meaningful leadership to override the sins of the yesteryear. the country's like Malaysia and Turkey present a real models to imitate and march towards meaningful future and Arab revolution could also provide true inspiration and resilience against the patriarchal culture and come out of deep darkness.May coming years be sigh of relief for all the masses in totality and true statesmanship be the real gift to swallow.