‘One man of courage makes a majority’

The middle class will bring about the change Pakistan needs

Crisis is not an unfamiliar term for the citizens of Pakistan. If one gets down to listing the various types of crises that we are facing today, we might run out of space as well as patience, but the list would probably remain incomplete. We are all unhappy. We are frustrated. None of us is happy with the existing situation and yet the downward spiral continues.

The satellite channels are running talk shows and discussion panels 24/7 where esteemed ‘senior analysts’ spend hours and hours highlighting the causes of Pakistan’s plight but nothing seems to change. The absolute mis-governance has resulted in lawlessness, the infrastructure is collapsing, and the economy is in shambles. There is a general air of impotence and helplessness about everyone.

We are beginning to see the first glimmer of reaction from people. But it is the poor man who is out on the streets protesting against excessive load shedding, not that I am in complete agreement of their methods here.

But what about the educated middle class of this country, the back bone of our society. How are they dealing with this situation? Dante one said “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those, who, in time of a great moral crisis maintain their neutrality”.

The satellite channels are running talk shows and discussion panels 24/7 where esteemed ‘senior analysts’ spend hours and hours highlighting the causes of Pakistan’s plight but nothing seems to change.

By our silence, by our apathy, by our acceptance of the status quo, aren’t we nodding our approval and expressing our blessings to the government and its policies. Do we really accept their dictate?

It is often stated that one man cannot make a difference. In this country of ours, where the concept of justice and truth are not affected for the benefit of the common man, the middle class educated segment of the society has not raised its voice. And as a consequence has suffered the most.

I beg to disagree with this rationale and repeat what Andrew Jackson said to the American people over a century ago: “One man of courage makes a majority”!

It is time for the common folk, the people like us to get up and say “Enough is enough!”.

It is time for the common folk, the people like us to get up and say “Enough is enough!” I am not advocating violence here. What I and people like me propose is that we raise our voices. We register our disapproval. We create awareness in the masses. We enlighten people about their rights. Why should load shedding only affect the common man and the government officials? This country was founded on the principle of equal rights for all its citizens. It is imperative that middle class is represented through the voters and the members of National Assembly. It is extremely urgent that we get out voice heard to ensure that steps are taken for the welfare of the masses immediately. Let us be willing to pay the price so that our present suffering ends. So that we leave something worthwhile for our children! So that we can redeem ourselves before our elders who gave their lives for this country! So that Pakistan does not disappear in the pages of history books!

If we don’t do it now, we probably never get an opportunity again and yes every one of us can make a difference because “One man of courage makes a majority”.