Poverty and inflation have risen to a level where it is difficult to stop the way for a change. Bringing those who looted the national exchequer to justice is need of the day.
The people abundantly talk about Feudalism but it can’t be eliminated with mere statements. In fact, the elimination of feudalism requires alternative structure in the society and that structure is obviously industrialization which can only provide alternative to the people who will revolt against the feudalism. The areas which are under the hegemony of feudal lords are hardly industrialized. Private sector is not going for there to establish industry there and state is either unwilling or incapacitated and does not have resources. Poor, hungry, starved, shirtless, shoeless and shelter less masses can’t bring an end to the feudal politics. Even if they bring change, it won’t be sustainable.
Pakistan has never had true democracy or true dictatorship. The so called democrats have been acting as dictators as soon as they get comfortable in their rule, and the dictators have been pretending to act democratic to prolong their regime. The ruling elite which claims itself to be democrate is of half-educated landlords who have lucrative jobs and assignments (mostly based on kick-backs) and majority has foreign bank accounts and an abode abroad. They are not even competent enough to think all this; their foreign masters do this for them. Pakistan’s government is essentially directed on a day-to-day basis from London.
In the recent past MQM leader Altaf Hussain has said “A revolution similar to the French Revolution is knocking at the door of Pakistan and the MQM will lead that change,” There is no doubt that the Pakistan’s current structure of governance is obsolete and has become a liability on the state but Pakistan needs reform not revolution. The so-called main political parties, each having its own do or die agenda of coming into power, are geared to save the vested interests of their class. It is general consensus amongst the thinkers and intellectuals that the existing structure is breeding serious internal divisions along ethnic lines and, on the external front, is turning Pakistan into a soft target for foreign interference. One never knows when the cup of patience of the vast majority of poor Pakistanis will spill over the brim.
No doubt, for many Pakistanis, life is a big struggle just to put together the bare essentials for survival. It is also an absolute reality that the masses in Pakistan are totally discontented with the current so called democratic but weak government. Inflation is hitting an all-time high. Unemployment and poverty are the inevitable results of corruption and mismanagement at the top. The general public is of the opinion that instead of resolving public issues the elected representatives are busy securing their seats or making deals with their coalition partners in order to remain in power. The youth of Pakistan is certainly going through dark days and if conditions stay the same, they will witness even bleaker days if they did no struggle for their rights. But is a revolution the only way to tide over the situation? An emotional answer would be yes. But on deeper reflection you will know the answer certainly is No.
The people are suffering at the hands of an oppressive administration and are prime victims of rising prices, shortage of essential commodities and unemployment. The poor see the rich getting richer, including the sons of rich, corrupt politicians and their compatriots openly buying Rolls-Royces with their black American Express cards. Contrarily, there’s no electricity, no gas, no clean water for common man. Families are taking children out of school because they cannot afford both fees and food. At the core of Pakistan’s problem are the wretched economic conditions of day-to-day life for most of the people whose lives are gouged by inflation, fuel shortages and scarcity of work. They await an opportunity to pour out their anger and frustration by responding to the call of populist rhetoric by any leader at hand.
A revolution could work, in theory. The shift would be drastic, and painful. Yes I support the change and in my eyes there is nothing more fantastic than people rising up and challenging a cruel political system. Yes there is nothing more emotionally inspiring than the sight of people confronting police and other law enforcing agencies actually joining them for the protests. But I have serious doubts whether such thing is possible in Pakistan or even if happens, can be a better thing for Pakistan. However, the essential ingredients required for any revolution on vast level are currently missing from the Pakistani Landscape. This is not to suggest that people are happy here. Pakistanis right now are feeling miserable. But the dynamics which bring a revolution are not there. Yes people will be protesting and pressurizing the government along with the media but a revolutionary overthrow in even this dysfunctional type of democracy is generally not likely.
Most important thing needed for the revolution is the self-awareness among the masses. Today 90% of Pakistanis have no awareness. They have no clue about the direction and their rights in a democratic country. With no sense of purpose, no aim and no awareness, revolution is a farfetched thought. People of the largest province in Pakistan, Punjab have no history of standing up against the tyranny; it is just simply not a part of their genetic makeup. They are good subordinates and good hearted people, who would rather live by the philosophy of peace and harmony of Baba Bulahy Shah and Hadrat Sultan Bahoo than standing up and destroy the oppression. Look at the recent case in Pakistan and look at the past 500 years of history in Punjab. So forget the revolution.
In Pakistan governments are corrupt and incompetent because there are no adequate institutions to hold them to account and no accountability by the people of Pakistan. Given the present social, economic and political situation, present system has no prospect of offering stability to the state and security to the citizens. While in such a situation the French Revolution appeals to our romantic notions of egalitarianism, the reality of it was far from smooth. There was a bloody reign of terror throughout the country. After France established a constitution, there was the dictatorship and imperialism of Napoleon. It is only in hindsight, two centuries later, that we can see the benefits of a system where protests, discourse, and voting, rather than guns and bombs, contribute to a healthy French society. This was in a nation much more unitary than Pakistan. If Pakistan is to survive, instead of thinking of any sort of blood revolution, a new political system has to emerge that is inclusive, obsessed with business and the creation of wealth, less politicized, and favorable to creating fresh honest and dedicated leaderships instead of recycling existing ones.
Yes Pakistan needs revolution—But in education. By improving the education system we will be able to reach our destiny, and the less-fortunate children will have a better shot at a solid future, away from terrorist groups. Obviously we need revolution in development of our youth–it is the need of the time to organize the most important part of the Pakistan and that is the new generation. Certainly revolution in social development is need of the hour to get united and strive for the betterment of the Pakistan in all conditions. We should strive for our industry which is trying to grow but is facing many problems like a lack of government interest, frequent power outages.
I would like to suggest the better way for the youth as well as other people of Pakistan is to protest for their rights rather than asking the government to step down. Pakistan has, after a tiring struggle, found a ray of hope that democracy may prevail but this kind of revolution will bring anti-democratic forces into power.
We always talking of negativity but trust me there are so many positives also. I can guarantee you that InshaAllah as a nation we will rise above all these problems and we will change the future of this country. No matter who is trying to play great games in Pakistan all these external influences. Only if they can realise that stabilise Pakistan will bring more on the table rather than weak and destroyed Pakistan. There are thousands of well-educated, talented, and ethical Pakistanis, who could make great contributions to the society, emigrate to seek better futures for themselves and their families elsewhere.
We will get rid of this debt which is forced upon us by our corrupt politicians to make us slave. We are not the only ones look at the Europe. Is there any country in the world which does not have a deficit except China? I wish Asian countries like India, Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and others to be stronger so our people can have better lives. We are the most populated countries in the world and we have the responsibility of more than half of the world. Be honest, work hard, curb the corruption and make sure no one sleeps empty stomach it is our responsibility.
The current turmoil situation provides a unique opportunity to us for bringing fundamental change in the Society. Under the right leadership, the confusion that finds itself in can easily be turned into the birth pangs of a new Pakistani order. We need this change to bring all Pakistanis together and renew the faith of younger Pakistanis in the future of their homeland. A new constitution, a new political system, and more provinces (not on ethnic or political basis but on administrative basis) are the only solution. Pakistani democracy is a failure and needs an urgent overhaul. This “democracy” is leading to a meltdown in Pakistan and creating ethnic conflict where none existed. Pakistan’s survival requires a period of stability.
In a democracy people vote the leaders in. With an independent judiciary and a strong opposition, corruption can be checked. I think this is the case in Pakistan. I am not denying the corrupt tendencies of the ruling elite, but only a long spell of democracy will usher new leaders who are more competent and less corrupt. Dismissing the current leadership is indirectly inviting the generals to march in. To get rid of corruption, we need to act beyond personal interests and it would be appreciated if our politicians and bureaucrats with charges of corruption present themselves for accountability. It is a fact to be recognized by our rulers that though revolution is not but change is at our doorstep, and it would be better to recognize this say goodbye to our past practices, otherwise time will say goodbye to us and when time says goodbye it would be harsh and harmful for all.
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