In the recent past, two important events took place in Pakistan that shook the seat of power and the government was forced to bow before the wishes of the people of Pakistan. Over one hundred people belonging to Shia sect were killed in multiple blasts in Quetta. The federal as well provincial governments were unmoved and no minister bothered to visit the aggrieved persons who had staged a sit-in along with dead ones. The chief minister was enjoying holidays and never bothered to even to make a call to the administration and aggrieved families.
The people of Hazara community launched an unprecedented, peaceful and non violent agitation and sat with some eighty six dead bodies and demanded the removal of provincial government, apprehending terrorists and handing over the city to Pakistan army. The protest continued for four days under sub-zero temperature that forced the government to impose Governor’s rule and sacking of provincial cabinet. The unique protest stimulated the sentiments of entire Pakistani society irrespective of sect, caste or ethnicity; this silent protest caught attention of media from around the world and became headlines of national and international media.
Similarly, as per announcement, Pakistan witnessed one of the longest long march and sit-in by Dr Qadri in front of the Parliament for four days seeking reforms in election procedures to get rid of dynastic politics and closing doors for the corrupt, defaulters of utility bills, loan defaulters, fake degree holders to ensure they are judged under article 62, 63 and 218 of the constitution in the coming elections. Like Quetta, hundreds of thousands of people including men, women, children and infants kept sitting in under zero temperature and heavy rains until the government came forward and signed the Islamabad Declaration. This is great victory for democracy.
These two incidents came to a justified ending and left a message that power of truth and public sentiments will always win over the forces of injustice and evil with perseverance and commitment. It also showed the determination and preservation of the bereaved and sad families which won them the honour and respect and moved the entire state machinery. Accepting of demands of the protesters in Quetta and Islamabad was nothing but a victory of society and power of public sentiments. The entire episode has glaringly proved that if entire nation stands together, justice can be sought even without violent agitations. The role of society, media and the political leadership is the testimony of the fact that Pakistanis are a great nation and can stand together by nipping their sectarian, provincial and ethnic divisions against national tragedies, and now no one can befool them.
