A tribute to the people for the struggle for democracy
There is much to praise about the people of Pakistan and the political parties contesting the elections as they are set to cast their votes and put themselves to the public test tomorrow. Not only are Punjab and Sindh looking forward to going to the polls, the valiant people of the tribal areas of Pakistan, located in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan heartlands, shall be looking towards casting their ballots with much changing in terms of local dynamics. It is of course given that the reign of terror imposed by the TTP has continued, but its ultimate aim to derail the elections has appeared to have failed due to the resilience of the people and political parties.
Wednesday, with two days to go to the elections, saw a number of blasts and gun battles. Three people were killed in Peshawar in a gun battle between militants and police, two ANP activists were killed in Bajaur attack, at least 20 people were injured in another blast in Karachi and four people were killed in blasts in Hangu and Bajaur. Whatever we say of the rest of the Pakistani people, it is the people of the tribal areas that deserve special mention for creatively challenging the Taliban. South Waziristan has taken to reviving tradition and culture in election campaigns by introducing the rhythm of the Attan, the traditional Pashtun dance, during the campaign season. The dance was ‘discouraged’ by the Taliban when they emerged as a force during the early 2000s. The elections have offered another spectacle in WANA, where candidates often lead their processions on horseback, accompanied by thousands of supporters, most of whom travel by foot. Some supporters even ride camels draped in the party’s flag and colours. The rallies continue from village to village without fear despite rocket attacks on some candidates.
People today are not asking who is the next candidate to be targeted but rather who shall they vote for. A civil society group in Waziristan has presented a collective charter of demands to the contestants. In Bajaur, women will be allowed to vote for the first time, through an agreement between ulema and political parties. The election has allowed the ground on which politics is based to change and open new avenues for people to articulate their demands and ask for their rights. Security may still be one of the biggest concerns on the elections day but it is the fervor of the people of Pakistan, including the PTI supporters rushing to D-Chowk in Islamabad to attend Imran Khan’s after-injury speech that shall hopefully overshadow fear on May 11. A new election brings a new ray of hope, only possible due to the resilience of both the people of Pakistan and political parties under the siege of militants. It is hoped this will not change.