What the nation is going to choose?
Ali Taj
Today,
our country in deep trouble is facing two major threats which will
further deepen miseries of its citizens. First, imposition of
dynastic rule in disguise of democracy: The status quo which includes
PML (N) and PPP and its allies, has formally launched their heirs as
future masters of the country. Mr Bilawal Zardari from camp of
Pakistan People’s Party and Miss Maryam Nawaz & Mr Shahbaz
Shareef from PML(N) are worth mentioning. The former has been given
chairmanship of previously largest party in the country, despite the
fact that he has not served even a single day as common worker. Later
are so far, among top flag bearers of their parent’s party, but we
can easily predict that they are being prepared to give them full
charge of PML(N) in near future. If this script worked then both
parties will be hostages in the hands of two families for next 5 or 6
decades, so would be the fate 190 millions of Pakistanis. Second is
the threat of anarchy which could potentially derail upcoming
elections, thus entire democratic process. The protests and long
marches for genuine demands are a democratic right of every political
party and individual. However, prominent analysts predict that as a
result of Tahir ul Qadri and MQM's long march, the country might see
anarchy and chaos derailing the election process leading into another
adventurism by non political forces.
These
factors will maintain status quo intact and bring already tested and
failed rulers again and again. It will completely block every path
for rise of genuine and competent leadership which can take nation
out of the social, economic and political problems in a democratic
way. So, if politics of dynasties and anarchy and adventurism is not
averted than the very existence of state would be in danger. Keeping
these two menaces in consideration and envisioning a bright future
for Pakistan, we have only option in form of Imran Khan who is not
only providing long term solutions to each issue faced by the country
but, he is also providing solutions to fix it.
At
first, he believes that change can come to Pakistan only through
democratic means and by making Pakistan a true democratic state.
Further, he has clearly stated that any party with a claim to make
Pakistan truly democratic needs to genuinely follow democratic
principles itself. The leadership of political parties needs to be
elected by its workers. That is why we find intra-party elections in
his party (PTI); a phenomenon in fact for the first time in history
of politics of Pakistan. This has brought a paradigm shift in
political culture in parties by empowering common worker to be a
leader or to choose his or her leader unlike status quo which
promotes dynastic rule. Secondly, he has activated Youth of Pakistan
who were previously ignored by all mainstream parties and who make
major chunk of vote bank. To bring them into political life of
nation, he has announced at least 25% tickets for youth in upcoming
general elections. It is quite contrary to the status quo parties
which have asked Youth to follow their heirs and be their mureeds.
Indeed, this revolutionary step of Imran Khan is very tough and
challenging but it will bring out true leadership from grass root
level breaking the shackles of dynastic politics for ever.
Third,
he has reiterated that there is no way out other than elections to
pack up the status quo. All other means would be short term and will
bring same incompetent, corrupt and failed rulers by making them
political martyrs and baling them out of their failures in this
tenure. Additionally, he has done his homework as his party policies
on terrorism, education, health, energy, governance and youth are
out. And, we find education and health of masses to be the top
priority sectors of Imran Khan and PTI.
So,
it is up to the nation to decide on what it actually wants: same status quo, anarchy and adventurism or a new Pakistan. If it wants a new Pakistan, then it must vote- in Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf in
upcoming elections rejecting status quo (PPP, Allies and PMLN) and
Adventurism. Particularly, youth has to decide whether it wants to be
‘yes men’ of heirs of status quo or leaders of the nation. If
they want to be the leaders then they won’t sell their conscience
for the laptops, internships, medallions, festivals and helmets. They
aren’t that worthless and instead they are meritorious,
capable and competent enough to lead the nation.
Ali Taj is a development professional from Gilgit-Baltistan. He tweets at https://twitter.com/itajjee
