Qadri’s seasonal ritual

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Politics of agitation and disruption

Politics in Pakistan is a unique brand on its own. One can find characters of the ideological type, like the Bhuttos, or those who come from influential families, like most of the PML-N. Then there are ethnic parties, along with those who want to cash in on the charismatic personalities of their leaders, or the ones who have been selling politics wrapped in religious bigotry and fanaticism. But there is one element that is quite unique to this part of the world: the one-off show, like Dr Tahir-ul Qadri. His brand of politics follows a seasonal pattern, and can at best be called disruptive.

Whatever the credentials of a politician, it is the ability to deliver that counts. Like TuQ, religious leaders abound in Pakistan; they have never been in power on their own, nor is there any likelihood of that. An overwhelming majority do not think they have solutions to offer. But TuQ is different. Much like in January this year, failing miserably though, he is again pledging ‘peaceful revolution’. This time his objections are three: the PML-N government is corrupt and following a policy of loot and plunder; that more than 50 per cent of lawmakers don’t pay taxes and thus lack the moral standing of manning the house, and that the system itself has turned into a ‘political dictatorship’. His rhetoric is not entirely true. The PML-N government has not been able to deliver on its many promises while the perception of corruption and steep inflation prevails. That politicians do not pay taxes is also true, and a shame. But the accusation that the system has been transformed into a political dictatorship is controversial at best. The system has its flaws but not to the extent TuQ would have us believe. Quacks of the sort can succeed if the governments are not responsive to people’s problems or political parties resort to fracas.

It is in fact characters like TuQ that are a threat to the political system. They want to see it derail and grab power in a non-political manner, much like the ‘other’ forces that have disrupted the system often previously. It is his, or any one’s right for that matter, to contest elections and lay a claim to power but to do so one has to first prove his worth and accept the system as it is. TuQ is no exception to this rule too.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Why would someone take such a risk to grab power? Why, independently or under the banner of any party/ organization, people of Pakistan are on the roads? So who's the threat to this land? No one!? You will ultimately reach to the point (if you look at the 'haal' of Pakistan rationally) that it is the elections where these bad people come from. If you agree with this point, you are in fact saying, 'Damn! Why didn't I support Qadri!?' I live abroad and I thank God that there is someone here with us who can speak and write brilliantly against extremism and terrorism. As a Muslim abroad, my heart breaks with sorrow when I see how politicians and journalists and many others, speak and write of TuQ… A leader is not someone with only followers behind his back, he has a vision. He is only afraid of God Almighty and noone else. Well, if you think that he is not 'that' guy to lead the country out of the crisis, then carry on with what you like. But remember! be answerable to God on the Day of Judgment when you will be asked,'Where were you when your 'quom' was under suppression?'

    If you think I was only emotional here, so excuse me….what is left for Pakistanis now except the stories of their hearts…

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