On-Going Political Crisis in Pakistan

Rahimia Magazine (September, 2014)

Pakistan is facing extraordinary circumstances due to the current political crisis in the country. On one hand, a large number of Pakistanis have gathered in the capital city under the platform of two political parties. On the other hand, ruling party is insisting stubbornly and selfishly to hold on to the government and is trying to hide behind the refuge of military. Coalition partners of government and other so called “opposition” parties are unable to solve this crisis through dialogue and political process. Moreover, lack of vision and wisdom is evident from their statements and speeches. It is thus obligatory for every Pakistani to rise above temporary emotionalism and realistically analyze the prevailing situation.
First of all, we have to analyze whether the ruling elite and established system of parliament, bureaucracy and judiciary are capable to solve political, social and economic problems of our society? It is an undeniable fact that present political system is exhibiting the worst form of governance in our history. A particular family and its allies are running the affairs of the state like a private limited company. Contemporary concepts like rule of law and institutional development have ceased to exist in all spheres of social life. Instead of appointing educated and skilled professionals as heads of institutions, these institutions are at the mercy of unentitled and ineligible individuals belonging to the families of ruling elite. Consequently, hatred and dissatisfaction against the ruling class are at their prime across the society. Large gatherings of common citizens in the capital city are a clear evidence that the people are fed up with ruling class and prevailing system operating in the society. They have rejected this exploitative system and different forces which are trying to safeguard and prolong the continuation of this system. Enthusiasm of people participating in the sit-in and marches has nullified the opinion that people of Pakistan are not willing to take part in any struggle for social change.
People of Pakistan have always gathered hope from the minutest ray of light. Unfortunately, there is a dire scarcity of truthful and honest leadership in the country. As a result, common people are exploited and abused by such forces that have their own agenda and vested interests. Therefore, it is equally important to analyze these political forces which are claiming to fulfill the dreams of common man. People of Pakistan have shown their confidence in these parties by leaving aside their homes and businesses and standing side by side with them. These parties are offering the attractive slogans of “Azadi”, “Inqalab” and “Neya Pakistan” to the participants of sit-in as well as to the millions of people staying at their homes and observing the events through nationwide transmission of electronic media. It is a huge challenge for them to materialize a viable and comprehensive change according to their claims and agenda.
To cut it short, no matter what comes out of this conflict and crisis, there is no possibility of an immediate and complete change in our system. At the very best, these parties will be used to replace this rotten and pre-capitalist system by a modern version of western capitalist system in which methods of exploitation are more sophisticated and organized. However, in the first stage of crisis and confrontation, even this transformation seems improbable. One major reason of this pessimism is the sheer lack of knowledge, ability and system of training in these self-proclaimed parties of change which is essential to develop and run the alternate system. It is likely that either these forces will compromise with the present system after securing their mutual interests or this movement will reach its ultimate conclusion after resignation of few prominent personalities. Dream of a comprehensive and sustainable change, however, will remain unfulfilled until thorough preparation and training of a genuine revolutionary collectivity.

Translation: Muhammad Usman, Faisalabad