Need for Heroes in Pakistan?

Nilofer’s Corner

Need for Heroes in Pakistan?

I suppose in a feudal semi literate country, more accurately a society, a single Leader or Heroes are essential? The need to follow is a serious hindrance in this land of pure. In constant wait, despair has set in. The inability to move forward, or struggle out of this malaise and inertia has become critical. This existential crisis is eating away the mental and psychological body politik of Pakistan.

As a coping mechanism frustration has translated into violent behavior. No mama or papa has emerged to lead the children out of these dark times. Chaos exists. In this purgatory we remain and wait.

Some of the Heroes’ of our time, South Africa’s Nelson Mandala, Tibet’s His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, and perhaps our very own Abdul Satar Edhi; what lessons can we learn from their lives- to get out of this purgatory?

Each one of these Heroes did not wait for a movement to act according to their conscious. They followed no Heroes. They waited for no one.

Conscious were led by convictions which looked beyond the welfare of their personal lives. All of them sacrificed tremendously, but continued to struggle and were rewarded by the overwhelming support of the public-eventually.

The societies’ they came from are/were repressive, oppressive and perhaps look as if they would never change-certainly not by one person’s opposition! That assumption was proven wrong in the end. They succeeded in their endeavors in-spite of all the challenges they faced.

The manner in which each one of these great individuals conducted their struggle has been politically counter intuitive. There is no Machiavellian theory that can ‘explain’ their success. There is nothing status quo or real politik that can analyze the successes of these individuals. They represent an idea. A movement led by their behavior but based on an idea of change. They never faltered or compromised on those ideas.

Most inspiring of all the qualities they possess, is the sheer will power, which moved nations towards change. The moral integrity they relied upon never faltered.

Most pertinent for us in Pakistan, none of them relied on outside foreign aid, far from it; foreign aid in many instances supported those who crushed their ideas. In the face of overwhelming challenges, economic sanctions, power of the state they maintained a staunch perseverance. The people were the source of the strength and change-not money or political maneuvering.

Their notions of national interests are human interest. Not strategic or regional or nuclear. Just simply the well being of the average jo smo next door; rich or poor; men or women; good old fashion dignity, freedom and prosperity for all.  Peace at all cost!

None of these individuals played to the gallery, or colluded strategically with any segment of the establishment of their oppressive and regressive regimes. They didn’t play ‘politics’ they weren’t playing a game and yet they were not delusional, they weren’t idealistic; they simply did what was needed to be done for their community. Simple.

Lesson for Pakistanis’. Don’t wait for anyone to show you the way. You are a Hero. Be a Hero.