Amna Ejaz Khan
SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
As the country is celebrating 67th Independence day, all eyes are set on the long march and the ensuing political changes. Political agitation in the country has taken a sharp turn. Imran Khan and Dr. Tahirul Qadri, the men calling for a change are all set to march towards Islamabad. Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) will lead the ‘Azadi March’, while the Chairman Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Dr. Tahirul Qadri will head a ‘Revolution March’.The demands put forth by Imran are “recounting of votes in four National Assembly constituencies (Lahore, Sialkot and Lodhran), fresh parliamentary elections, reconstitution of the Election Commission and electoral reforms”. Dr. Qadri’s demand is simply “demolition of the current system”.
PML (N) won the last parliamentary elections with a majority vote, but in one year’s time the tide has turned against them. The answer to this lies in the bogus policies of the ruling party. Since it came to power, the party’s sole agenda seems to be building roads and flyovers. Seen at the societal level, abject poverty, acute energy crisis, unemployment and injustice are the prime irritants. The current situation, in which PTI and PAT are being seen as parties for a politicalchange offer hope to the frustrated, jobless youth of the country. “70 percent of the youth under the age of 30 years is with Imran”.
These youngsters see Imran Khan as a charismatic leader, who as a cricketer won the world cup and brought good name to Pakistan. Khan’s non-political background and social work; building of Shaukat Khanum is also being idealized. People see him as a leader who could set the trend ofmerit oriented politics, thus, ending decades old system of dynastic politics, in the country. The other personality which has mobilized a large number of masses, including women is Dr. Qadri, Chairman PAT. Dr. Qadri through his religious talk has won over the hearts and minds of the people; the people regard him as a spiritualist. Primarily, the main driving force which has compelled the masses to the streets/roads is the sense of insecurity and lack of trust in the current form of government. People want a just society and in a hope for a better future have joined hands with PTI and PAT. In view of the recent political developments, one thing is apparent that the PTI and PAT will not give up unless their demands are addressed. Besides, their supporters are also determined; they are even ready to confront police as was seen in Lahore.
Dr. Qadri has instructed his workers “to storm the houses of policemen if they misbehave with them or try to kidnap them”.In this backdrop, how would the establishment react? Will the ruling party give up office? or would try to block the PTI Chief from entering Islamabad? or would arrest Imran Khan? Besides, if the police and army refuse to obey government orders and let the demonstrators go their way; government would be left with no option but to step down. Therefore, the fate of PML (N) largely depends on the Islamabad police and army. Another alarming scenario threatening the ruling government’s survival and also consequential for the democracy is the alliance of PTI and PAT. This situation would lead towards military intervention. All these scenarios are unanswered till the August 14. But whatever the situation is, the ruling government will have to take a decisive action and give up its obstinate stance. Currently, Pakistan is passing through a critical phase; with a struggling economy, the country is battling the terrorists in the tribal areas (Operation Zarb-e-Azab). At the political front; the discord within the political parties have further aggravated the law & order situation of the country. Though the time was not opportune for a political agitation, but the leadership’s ignorant attitude has compelled the masses to come out. If seen optimistically, this political unrest could be an opportunity to reform the electoral system and make it transparent, and trustworthy.
How the Azadi March and the Revolution March would proceed is yet to be seen. However, claimants of the democracy should know that to settle their differences through negotiations is the essence of the democratic culture.As claimed by the PTI leadership, the march is not aimed to “derail the democratic process”, and is an endeavour towards a just society. Therefore, those leading the march towards Islamabad should demonstrate peace. Similarly, government should refrain from ordering arrest of PTI or PAT leaders/members as this is against the spirit of democracy and would only lead to anarchy.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
