Is the protest movement leading towards a better or bitter Pakistan?
May 2013 was an exciting time. Those elections were the most anticipated ones in recent memory, and a large number of people came out to vote. The rigging, however, was the drop scene. It’s not just PTI, but virtually all political parties complained of mass rigging at the polls. The continuous demand for legal investigation, and the unresponsive attitude of the government, forced Imran Khan to take to the streets.
But the question is, if the elections were rigged and all parties agree to it, then has only PTI taken stand against it? Why don’t the other parties demand justice and electoral reforms for better elections?
Critics say that forcing the resignation of PM Nawaz Sharif would weaken fragile democratic institutions. But do the democratic institutions really work in Pakistan? If yes, then why are they not taking steps against injustice, constitutional violence, and rigging which stole the mandate of the people? Why were lawful measures not taken against election fraud?
Some people complain that the Kaptaan is leading the nation towards a civil war or threatening state security. This is where the contradiction lies. The society is unaware of the difference between state and government security
Imran Khan faced much criticism about the Azadi dharna being messy and inconclusive. His slogans of ‘change’ and ‘Naya Pakistan’ have been attacked as illogical by his opponents. The truth is that the ex cricketer has awakened the nation. People are now better informed of their rights. They have stood against the brutish system of inequality and injustice. People are there not only in the support of Khan, but because the rulers have not delivered what they promised. People have now found a platform through which they can raise voice against the unjust system.
Some people complain that the Kaptaan is leading the nation towards a civil war or threatening state security. This is where the contradiction lies. The society is unaware of the difference between state and government security. Standing up against the corrupt system or the government does not mean that the threat is to the state. In reality the danger is to the dishonest administration which protects itself in the name of the state for its own securities and interests.
Imran Khan might have committed some mistakes and even some blunders, but those can’t downplay his achievement of turning public frustration into a political movement. And it would be a mistake to take his Plan-C lightly. It is not proving difficult for PTI to block entire cities. Faisalabad and Karachi lived up to the promise and Lahore is expected to be no different.
IK wants to bring restore the Pakistani nation’s lost glory. He wants the people to be well educated, and well developed in all skills. It’s not a personal fight, it’s a fight for the people, for all of Pakistan
The purpose is not to glorify PTI or praise Khan but to accept that the non-entity of 18 years has finally arrived on the scene. Like it or hate it there is no escaping this reality. A former sportsman having an illustrious cricketing career and then the foundation of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital and Namal University made clear that this socially responsible individual is a national hero, who genuinely wants to do something for Pakistan and its people.
We in Pakistan need to realise that a society cannot function unless it has a proper value system based on justice and equality of all before the law. A society can only progress where the state is punishing criminals and rewarding good citizens. That is the basis of the functioning of democratic societies. The corruption that plagues our system has to be removed. New faces, educated and well deserved people in the parliament, will assure prosperity and a better Pakistan.
IK wants to bring restore the Pakistani nation’s lost glory. He wants the people to be well educated, and well developed in all skills. It’s not a personal fight, it’s a fight for the people, for all of Pakistan. He could have just enjoyed the government in KPK. He has achieved much in his life. There is no reason for being on the road other than his promise that he’s doing this for Pakistan. It’s about the difference between a better and a bitter Pakistan.