It is being realised that the people of Pakistan have matured with time in their attitudes and responses that they exhibit. Take the case of the multiple incidents that have taken place in Pakistan in recent days beginning from the unilateral US raid in Abottabad to the display of Nawaz Sharif’s personal grievances towards the government and the armed forces.
According to a recent poll conducted by Gallup in Pakistan regarding governance and attitudes towards institutions, it is heartening to note that 83 percent of the public prefers civilian rule over that of the military, despite the fact that 58 percent have no faith in the current political system. It is clearly evident that this rapidly increasing popular resistance towards the prevailing regime makes it very vulnerable.
This is also being classed as the main reason behind alternatives to democracy cropping up continuously. This can be exemplified by the fact that the Pakistani public that has been suffering from the trauma of the incompetence of various democratic setups had rejoiced and celebrated the Musharraf takeover in 1991.
A study conducted by the PEW Research Centre has revealed that “Pakistanis continue to hold their country’s military in high regard” which indicates that despite recent events occurring on the security front, the public perception has not changed with regards to their armed forces.
The security forces are still being regarded as their saviours and guardians against both natural and war calamities where the politically elected individuals have been found filling their own pockets and watching their personal interests.
HABIBA YOUNIS
Rawalpindi
