By: Haniya Jamshed
Kicking off this blog entry; yet again with another one of Zia-ul-Haqs'references, I want to draw your attention to a more pressing matter at hand. An issue, if left undiscussed, can lead to failures beyond measures. You all are fully aware that "Hunti--I mean--Elections" are almost upon us. Yes! Time to celebrate? No, it isn't because our future wouldn't change a bit. Shocked to hear that? Shouldn't be because we are the only nation that lacks true leaders and everybody knows that.
As the years fly by and the term of another running federal government—If it is lucky enough to dodge the wrath of a dictator—approaches it's final days, our "holier than thou", rating-mongering journalist society; be it newspaper folks or famous media brands, begin the session of educating a.k.a brain-washing us—ridding us of our own capability to think and feed us with oh-so-many lies and fairy tales, that persuades us to believe in our politicians and in their future schemes to ruin--I mean, "restore Pakistan stature to it's former glory". Our politicians are the worst in the lot in this phase. Each one trying to out-do the other in a never ending battle of words and unique, un-believable conspiracy theories;
to see who survives these attacks longest. Our tellies are burned with images of our yellow bellied parliamentarians mud slinging, family-bashing, presenting a page-3 kind exposé of each others lives, history and what-not, up on that wooden podium—just so they could win a trip to Presidency land with all the perks and privileges included. This is what this fine institution called "politics" has slumped to. Pakistani politics is nothing but a playground, where the wealthy bourgeoisie and their "pets" continuously bicker over issues that can render a person choking with laughter. They can easily waste the whole term doing this and if enquired about their performance, they'll raise their "innocent, blue eyes" and shakily blame the army or the supreme court for barging in during their "harmless service". Their innocent plea will, again, win them a seat in our government thus this roller coaster of legislation turning back on itself again. Now I should ask myself and maybe you with yourself, "what am I doing to allay us of our misery?"from that moment on, your inner voice will undoubtedly—without any hesitation—say,"You didn't do anything, yet you aggravated the problem by not doing your part as a citizen of this nation. You have failed Pakistan". Yes! We have failed to be a nation. Did it ever occur to us, that the sole reason of our country's social, political, moral and economic downturn is the ignorance, laziness and complete lack of interest; at our part, in the elections. What did we do? We sat and complained all day. That's it
You may be wondering why should I—a 19 year old student, with no prior knowledge of the matters of state—lecture you guys. I may not have the right to thrust my views down your throat but I have the right to present my point of view, no matter how sardonic or sarcastic it sounds; what I see is what I write and I am not happy with my surroundings for everywhere I go, I see gloom and hopelessness.
This kind of environment has aroused a mass exodus of Pakistanis towards the western bloc, in search of shelter, happiness, security and freedom. This has caused the majority of people to raise a few eyebrows at our claims of having an "undying patriotic spirit" or "a never ending love for Pakistan". Do we still have that undying spirit of patriotism, we are so proud off? or did it die at some point of history with our pride.
If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal.
-Emma Goldman
If you compare the ground realities that exist between Pakistan and America during the election years, you'd be pretty amazed by the degree of transformation their politicians go through—ultimately evolving into this decent lot of dedicated, hard-working understanding, assiduous and most importantly accessible-to-all; during this whole phase. They don't fear the public, but embrace their point of views, talk to them about the future prospects, experience the public life, first hand. As a result, the nation; bearing the pressures of their hectic schedules, enduring the harsh cold or sizzling hot weathers, come out of their comfort zones just for the sake of voting. Now us--well, we are a completely opposite bunch. We don't bother at all, as a result the politicians dont bother as well. We see segregation in the people with respect to casting votes as well. In Pakistan,
votes are of two types, thereby automatically dividing the peoples mindsets into two classes: One which comes from a free, uninfluenced mind. They are submitted after much contemplation and debating; casted none-the-less by the people sitting on top of the hierarchy a.k.a" the literate and rich class". They don't affect the results much or offer a subtle change in the graph. The real power lies with the "general, illiterate lower middle and lower class and upper 'somewhat literate' middle class". Votes from them are of utmost importance because a huge number of the population comprises of these class. Although both of them, majority in number but the brain of an illiterate lower class is pretty easy to fool. Why? Because these small earning, hard working workers and farmers are easily influenced by money, food and shelter. All they have to do is vote for that particularly chosen politician whose possé bribed—how can somebody say no to that? There you have it, large number goes to the most corrupt and dastardly politician, this nation has ever seen. Our only hope comes
from the "silent majority" i.e The middle-class, Our so-called Saviours—however decide against voting because they think it is best to waste the day away, enjoy the day off, relax a bit. "Why waste our time, nobody deserving of our vote is contesting" they casually put forward their excuse while sipping tea and eating to their fills. All this chaos gives way to bogus voting, rigging, and what-not to drive this system forward—ultimately resulting in corrupt, heart-less and illiterate entities sitting at the top of the hierarchy, deciding our fates while all we can do is sit there and complain in our drawing rooms because that's what we are good at.
Until we acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them, we'll continue suffering miserably; like this, at the ends of our "Democratic dictators". We are a nation of 19 crores, majority of whom are below the age of 30 and still we are unable to produce and nurture new leaders?How is that possible? Who is stopping us from moving forward and speak for a change, but ourselves. We have potential! We have our young, talented and passionate youth. It's time to finally take the matter into our own hands before it's too late. Why be scared of a hand full of people, when we have a whole nation of super-youths.
We should realise sooner rather than later that real power lies within our hands—not the aristocrats, beurocrats, technocrats, dictators or the parliamentarians. Democracy is for the people, and it is high-time we exercise our privileges. Rise against the oppressors, pave your own way to progress and change yours and your country's fate.The winds of change are finally blowing our way. The final decision is ours to make: do we choose to sail along these
winds with grace and agility or do we choose the contrary—to remain anchored stiff on the ground and face the ultimate destruction that is surely destined in the way. Oh Ye people! Rise and vote for the sake of your country! Vote for change! Vote for Pakistan. I end my shenanigans with a prayer for Pakistan that May Allah keep protecting this land and May He shower His blessings on it and I hope with all my heart that by next elections, Pakistan experiences a major turnaround for the better. Inshallah!
Pakistan Zindabad
The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting.
-Charles Bukowski
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