When it rains it pours, they say. Well it’s certainly been pouring democrats the last few weeks. What with Imran’s now famed jalsa triggering an outbreak of media blitz and now Shah Mahmood’s prominent resignation from parliament and party. So, are we to call upon the national disaster management agencies to ensure we don’t get flooded amidst the dengue, loadshedding, suo moto et al?
Normally, it is a breath of fresh air to welcome new entrants in national politics. One hopes it’s a Clinton of yore or an Obama of today or even one reborn, Z A Bhutto, storming onto the scene with a brand new message. Here, the rain has brought in the weather beaten. Trumpeting old rhetoric, lacking the fragrance of fresh rain. While it has perhaps generated a buzz on the streets and electronic screens, the competition has neither phased out the government nor other major political parties, at least not to the extent it is generally believed to have.
Imran and Shah Mahmood are old campaigners; having served in parliament and, in the latter’s case, multiple stints in government with various parties. Imran’s struggle has to be admired for perseverance, for sticking to his guns, and for acknowledging some mistakes; no sparks of brilliance though except on the cricket field. Shah Mahmood, on the other hand, was born with a political silver spoon. The traditional route of feudal kids beckoned and he was nursed into politics under the able guidance of a famous father. His asset is being a good speaker, in the mould of a debater, although I am told he was not in the debating society at Cambridge. But barring that, there are no known highlights in a political career spanning 20 plus years. Both men, one must not forget, are no spring chickens, bordering sixty.
In a country where feudal politics rules the roost and the country’s political future sees only Hamza, Moonis and Bilawal as natural successors to the proverbial throne, it is indeed a relief to sense the possibilities of brewing competition. But these gentleman have the distinct advantage of being way younger, in a world trending leadership in its forties, may still hold the keys to the principal office in due time.
This alternate leadership is likely, however, to further crowd the existing space. In other words, added fragmentation of an already split parliament. There are, of course, those that will greatly benefit from this. Sadly, it will also foster political instability and encourage rumour-mongering that causes damage to the country’s image and shakes the foundations.
Under parliamentary democracy, given Pakistan’s demographic and geopolitical realities, a truly democratic system is well nigh impossible. It gives way to leadership based on vested right. A political toss-up between “families” located in each specific constituency. It will always be one or the other, each one as bad as the other, the possibility of change, very, very rare. One can sense the growing frustration. It is clearly evident that democracy, in the real sense, will happen only when fresh young blood prevails, when hierarchical leadership is defeated, when rule of law becomes a principle not discretionary.
For extraneous sources to fear the results of a Senate election and plan the dissolution of parliament whenever elections loom is criminal conspiracy. To thwart democracy based on jalsas is attacking the peoples’ will. The majority has exercised its right and voted in the government. Democracy means patience; wait your turn, fight to win votes next time around.
The current system is the source of Pakistan’s troubles. It has failed. The country will continue to fester unless the feudal system is dismantled. The parliamentary format feeds this. The more one reflects upon this the more apparent it becomes that direct presidential election and a small, strong executive is the future for Pakistan. Parliament should legislate; its involvement in government, the vested interest, makes good governance impossible. The fear of horse trading and political blackmail constantly vitiates the atmosphere as has been clearly evident.
The constitution itself requires serious review. The accursed 8th amendment continues to be an inherent part nurturing multiple black laws and the existence of parallel judicial systems. We seldom talk of the fact that government has to fund the operations of five provincial governments and parliaments, plus two parliaments and an unwieldy federal government as well as in Azad Kashmir. And there is a clamour for more provinces. Bangladesh has almost the same population but has just one government and one parliament.
While planning their campaign manifesto, it is incumbent upon the new democrats to lay down their cards and inspire the people towards a new and modern country. Giving vent to clichés and trekking the trodden path no longer cuts ice amongst the population. They would also do well to take stock of realities and not write off the existing political leadership. A quick glimpse at their history reveals they have bounced back time and time again and survived the brutal onslaught of four dictators through five decades, making great personal sacrifices.
The writer may be contacted at imranmhusain@gmail.com