- The game changed completely
2018 was truly a remarkable year. It began with the Sharif family in power and ended with them in jail. Both the Sharif brothers remain incarcerated next to each other with a dim future ahead. Such is fate. Within twelve months, the entire political game has changed with new players taking charge of the arena.
Imran Khan, following years of tirade against the rulers, finally found himself seated on the throne. The long drawn struggle eventually culminated in success. The unpredictable nature of politics dawned upon the nation, though this time around the win for PTI wasn’t that unpredictable. The elections remained the highlight of the year for bringing around the change being professed for years now. Though the elections were another positive step towards strengthening democracy however, it wasn’t a peaceful one entirely. The blood of the Bilour family once again wrote political history of Pakistan.
Almost each and every quarter was set in motion during 2018. On one side judicial activism ascended itself into the echelons of history, at the same time the Hon’ble Judges penned down justice in its true form by delivering the Aasia Bibi verdict, despite fear of backlash. The federal government’s subsequent move against the TLP protestors was also well-received. Rule of law graced the nation with its presence. Khadim Hussain Rizvi was finally caged, the way he should have been a long time back.
Nawaz Sharif was convicted under the NAB ordinance, released upon suspension of his sentence and arrested again after a fresh conviction in another connected case. All of this transpired within the last twelve months rendering 2018 to be a historic year. The once invulnerable Shahbaz Sharif landed himself into NAB’s custody soon followed by the Khawaja brothers, amongst others.
What started as a quest against the Sharif family has adjusted its course towards the Zardaris. The end of the year has tightened the noose around Mr Zardari paving way for his inevitable arrest with his name also placed on the Exit Control List. “We choose death over dishonor” is the Zardari family’s response to the money laundering investigations. The decades of deprivation of the Sindhis will not go unaccounted for. 2018 was the year of the Sharifs. 2019 is most likely going to be branded as Zardari’s year. It seems like these families are facing the wrath of higher powers more than they could have imagined. Despite their claims of Hollywood styled conspiracies being launched against them, it is safe to assume that their respective eras seem to be at their end due to their own misgivings. Had they served the people of our beloved country diligently they might have been glorified rather than being prosecuted.
Amidst the political ball game, the CJP set himself out on a mission to collect funds for the dam. Some of his decisions also included fining individuals and asking them to deposit the money into the dam fund. The CJP set into the motion the country to focus towards an evident epidemic that is likely to befall our country in the near future; water crisis. Though, it might not strictly be his domain however, for the betterment of Pakistan, it is the right step.
Amidst the political ball game, the CJP set himself out on a mission to collect funds for the dam
On the other hand, IK seems to have made himself comfortable in his capacity as the chief executive of the nation. His nomination of the Punjab CM wasn’t quite well-received yet he remains adamant on supporting Buzdar. IK and the PTI though were welcomed by the looming economic crisis, however their foreign policy at the moment seems to be on point. Relations with strategic allies seem to be improving. The international stage in general welcomed Imran’s election as the prime minister. For the first time in years, the US president got a response in the same manner from the leader of our country. Quite unlike reading out hand notes whilst meeting the president. IK embarked upon his journey by introducing his austerity drive and cutting down on expenses incurred by the state machinery. A commendable but small step. The country requires drastic measures to be brought back on track. 2018 has brought Imran into his power, he should turn 2019 his way and bring about rapid changes in the system. These changes won’t be overnight however, steps to ensure gradual change can be brought forward.
Accountability, though extremely important and necessary, alone isn’t going to take us towards progress. The actual solution to the problem would be cleansing the system in a manner which precludes the likes of Sharifs and Zardaris from coming into power and looting the nation’s wealth freely. A self-dependent system should be put in place for the times to come. Honesty should be rewarded and corruption should be denounced. In fact, corruption should be branded as treason against the country. After all, what more would qualify as treason other than looting your own mother’s pocket?
Although in general the country was focused towards positivity however, certain isolated events were concerning for the citizens of Pakistan, especially those thriving for a tolerant society. Not too long ago, IK appointed a certain individual as a member of the economic advisory council only to remove him in lieu of intolerant religious fanatics ranting against the appointment. Bowing down to extremist mindsets was a blunder which undoubtedly Imran Khan committed. Probably he learnt his lesson and went after TLP the next time.
As citizens of Pakistan, let’s be optimistic and hope for a better future for our beloved nation. What enables us to step into 2019 positively is the fact that for the first time in modern history, all state institutions and stakeholders are on the same page. Even internationally, despite diplomatic attacks on us, the world at large knows that the three corners of Pakistan’s power are united and focused for the progress of their country. Democracy continues to strengthen. Powerful, being brought to justice. With a positive note, let us end 2018 and welcome 2019 with hopes, prayers and wishes for the betterment of Pakistan.
