Pakistan: Where Do We Stand After 70 Years

Well well, there we are again. Pakistani politics going one step forward and two steps back. We just refuse to grow up politically, institutionally and yes democratically. It requires a serious anthropological study as to why, we are like that. I mean like the way we are which is bizarre and abnormal to say the least. Even after 70 years of our genesis we are still not sure what kind of political system we want. In recent years, may be a decade or so, being supporter of democracy has somewhat emerged as a fad. However, it is not that simple. A segment of our society wants democracy but it must be "controlled". Much like a remote control plane which gives a semblance of a free flight in the air but is actually controlled by someone on ground. Someone who is stable, not corrupt, sincere, sane, educated (ahem) and a true patriot. Because the free flying elected representatives are devoid of all such traits and to top it all the electorate is not mature and educated enough, yet, to choose the right candidates. So, we need someone to tell us from time to time that who is a right choice and who isn't. By chance if the poor electorate chooses a 'wrong' one, there is some intricate, hidden, a bit treacherous yet absolutely correct and highly patriotic system of elimination for such dirty eggs.

To be fair, Pakistan is in the midst of a war. A war of narratives and mindsets. We have absolutist, elitist and self righteous lot. We have people on the other side of fence who vouch for democracy, free thinking, freedom of choice but they also champion mediocrity and incompetence. Tough choices, eh ....

So the weak-hearted cave in, in the favor of the mighty ones. Why take pains to go through the excruciatingly painful, patience-demanding and unforeseeably long path of setting things in their right order. It is really testing to let the system mature, take shape and jell in properly. We are much like the child who sows a seed in a pot and then digs it every day to see why it has not sprouted yet. We just keep digging the frail and fragile seed of democracy and then wonder, "Why aren't we getting the fruits of democracy"? Should we call it sweet and simple or idiotic and vile? Well people standing on that side of narrative fence cover the whole spectrum; from simpletons to vicious conspirators.

So where do we really stand? Still at square one or have we covered few inches at snail’s pace? Few paces on ground and materially speaking, may be; but the war of mindsets is hitting its ugliest battlegrounds just yet. We are far from maturity, stability and consensus on fundamentals as a nation. We need serious social scientists, philosophers and thought givers who may guide us through turbulent times ahead. People, who would selflessly dedicate their lives to study, research and analyze the complicated and deep rooted issues of Pakistani society, politics and governance. They can be many with differing opinions but if they are intellectually honest then they can surely save the day for the nation.

However, having said that no single messiah can rescue the whole nation. Even thought givers can suggest directions. They are not magicians or soothsayers, no one is! Sooner or later, by love or hate, WE as individuals shall have to realize that it is the collective wisdom of the whole nation which carries a country forward. No single person or a group of hidden few can rescue the country. It is the collective wisdom, manifested by postulates of democracy which ultimately translates into welfare, upbringing and progress of society.

I can only pray that sanity prevails among the masses and especially those few who hold the strings of virtually every character playing its role on the stage of politics.

Pakistan Zindabad!!