Berries in the belly

There are times we must be grateful for those odd old sayings

Proverbs in Punjabi language are meaningful, direct, to the point and lesson orientated. Carrots and berries are extensively consumed in the country. As they are not easy to digest their overeating results in belly ache. ‘Bair’ is a berry that is inexpensive and readily available. The saying is: “Jinane kadhy bair/gajarian aunhay de thid which peer”.

The moral being that crime never goes un-punished. Peer (pain) in the belly (thid) unravels the wrong doings.

PML-N is complaining of belly aches which clearly points to the excessive consumption of berries/gajars not once but three terms in a row. Those with belly full of berries have resorted to bullying. In desperation their intention is to attack institutions probing their misdeeds as they realise that their turn will also soon come. Instead of providing their defence they have resorted to complaining as under:

Sadi Bari Ai they khuggo bol pai (when my turn came the game end buzzer went on.)

Yes indeed the game is over, it cannot continue forever. Belly aches can no longer be hidden. The surgery has started in search of berries (Bairs). Only those who come clean will be allowed to continue in the political arena rest will have to bow out. Interesting terminologies are being used with ‘Voter Chunna’ (white wash of voters) being one of them. This approach was introduced during the regime of the first dictator Ayub Khan. For all important positions the elections were indirect. They were called ‘Basic Democrats’ or BD Members. It was easy to control them as their numbers were limited (40,000 in each wing). Police performed the white wash for the rulers.

In the 1970 elections in hope of a split mandate, ‘Voter Chunna’ was not used, results were shocking for the establishment. Since then ‘Ballot Box manipulation’ has become the norm to get desired results. Between 1977 and 2013 ten elections have been manipulated with PML-N being a major beneficiary of this approach. Another term used extensively is Awam ki Adalat’ (people’s court) but what it actually means is the ability to get elected against the will of the people by using the state apparatus.

Since July 05, 1977 another concept was introduced.

Truck Di Batti (Rear light of the truck)

People are asked to follow the ‘Batti’ of the truck that leads nowhere. Promises with no delivery has become the norm. While the rulers skim the resources of the nation, the masses are made to suffer. Even the basics are not covered. All human indicators are negative while the rich are getting richer.

Pakistan is at cross roads. Sanity and thoughtful approach is needed for change of direction. Business as usual cannot continue. The desperation of the berry eaters will only complicate the already tense situation. (PML-N is a party of interests as such there are a very few clean players in its fold, it is time to bring them to the fore front to lead the transition towards the rule of the ballot. Farce is the worst form of democracy that the nation has been enduring since 1977.

It is indeed interesting that villains of democracy are now using Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s (ZAB) struggle for their political survival. Ideological difference aside, ZAB and his team were financially clean which the present rulers are not so there can be no comparisons. In the words of Wali Khan, “One cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hound” at the same time.

Bellies will continue to hurt while operation clean up continues. Instead of pushing the system to its limits a more graceful approach could have been adopted. PML-N has a clear majority in the National Assembly, all it needs is a change of face to keep the process going till the end of their term. Exposure of their misdeeds may cost them the next elections for which the party is deeply concerned.

All parties have to end. Change cannot be stalled indefinitely. That is why most constitutions have imposed limits on terms for leadership slots. Positions like the President of United States is limited to two four year terms, the original 1973 constitution also had a two term limit which must be restored in best national interests. It is against the spirit of the constitution and calls for action. Now that the 8^th amendment and power to dissolve the assemblies has been done away with the house will be able to complete its term. In USA it is a total of eight years, in Pakistan it should be limited to a period of ten years only.

Ten years of eating berries should be enough to avoid long time belly aches. The berries season is coming to an end, it should not be stretched any further. A few years back I had the opportunity to visit the shrine of Baba Farid in Pak Pattan. Amongst his personal belongings there was a ‘Wooden Roti’. The Sufis stretch their meditation for extended time periods without eating. During his training Baba Ji would bite his piece of wood to quench his hunger. When his ‘Murshid’ (Mentor) saw him in the act he was reprimanded for thinking about food while trying to establish links with his creator. While roti is a genuine human need for survival, berries are not. Those who want to serve are not even required to think about their own bellies while their voters starve. Pakistan is unique in many ways. It has the world’s richest politicians, generals, bureaucrats, scientists, judges and the poorest nation.

It is rightly said: ‘Shikam Saman-e-Maut’: a belly full of berries is bound to burst; it is only a matter of time.