Our country is facing many crises these days. Being the youth of Pakistan, it is hard not to be bothered by the situation. But this situation is not limited to our country alone. Uprisings, terrorist attacks, bankruptcy, economic collapse, street crimes, silent as well as violent protests, strikes, bitter ideological differences and political chaos. These are but some of the issues going on all around the globe.
Is history actually repeating itself? The Glorious Revolution of 1689, the American Revolution of 1776, the French Revolution of 1789 and the Russian Revolution of 1917 broke out due to similar factors. The French Revolution was brought by the agonised and frustrated labourers and discrimination between classes always crushed the lower classes back. Unfortunately, this menace is being practised in today’s world as well, in fact in a more rapid and adverse way.
All these revolutions did not happen immediately. In fact, it took many years for the frustration to accumulate and for the people to prepare themselves to revolt against the rulers, and when their level of patience broke out they came out for a mutiny. These were aggressive moves but they surely lead towards a huge change.
Today, the situation is the same but far more complicated. Masses now gather to form mobs, lose their temperaments, come out on roads, start agitations and harm innocent people. Acting sensibly and instead of being insensitive to others, they should have planned moves and well-organised demonstrations so that they can be a massive power. It is sad to see how the global village is walking steadily towards massive destruction. But instead of being sarcastic and pessimist towards each other’s destruction and misfortune, we all should look forward and hope for a positive and peaceful change. None of us can now afford a bloody war, whether internal or external, because of nuclear deterrence and highly advanced sophisticated weapons of mass destruction. So it would be wise to tackle things with mutual harmony so that everyone can get maximum benefit out of it.
We are not a failed nation. We are just being ill-governed. Nations have faced, are facing and will face challenges at all possible levels. But only those nations survive who are capable of striving hard and have the spirit to fight. They preserve their ethics and morals and do not forget who they actually are. Things do not change over-night; it takes time, a lot more patience.
We need a few words of hope, nationalism, courtesy and some positive criticism. At least be an active citizen and work on personal level for this society so that each one of us can proudly say, “Yes, I have done something for my country and I have no regrets.”
Accepting the fact that the present world order is an outcome of a gloomy and tormented history but why give it a chance to revive itself instead of learning a lesson from it. So, be the change you want to see in the world.
ZOYA ASHRAF & KHADIJA WASEEM
Lahore