Armchair Warriors
This term stings because It
ring of truth. Then again, where does one go if one wants to get up from the
chair or keyboard and go do something to make things better in Pakistan?
Lets look at our options, or
at least how I see them. Political parties would be the natural first stop. Pick
a party that professes ideals and actions that will make Pakistan a saner, safer
space for all its citizens. Enough! of 7th
century rhetoric and justifications for cruelty and lack of humanity. We live
in the 21st century and our social, legal and political norms need
to reflect what is necessary to succeed in today’s world.
I’ll begin with what some
call our ‘liberal’ political parties: the PPP and ANP supposedly, as there are
no credible examples (at least in recent memory) to justify their so called
liberal credentials.
The former is responsible for
the break up of East Pakistan. That’s not all. Also, bringing religion into the
constitution and society, banning a community, and keeping an entire province
in a slave like situation of socio-economic development, while the party’s
leaders and their off springs lead a life of luxury abroad.
Liberal value for oneself and
one’s tribe has to translate into policies within your own political party and
the province you govern as well. Sindh land management system, human
development indicators do not reflect anything but the extractive nature of the
PPP. Just look at their assets in Dubai
and London How come Larkana and Nawabshah are a far cry from Dubai, Singapore
or London? (leaders favorite to go to spots).
This is not even looking at
what they did to Baluchistan, initiating a civil war on one’s own people! So PPP,
I am not buying the cool aide of Bhutto
Zardari.
Then we have the ANP, which
is the only secular party (pre partition) in Pakistan. I would have loved to
see this political party grow to its logical potential. In a pre modern
society, bringing education to people is no easy task. It becomes even more
challenging when multiple military coups and constant and persistent
interference by the armed forces in KPK has barred the ANP’s development.
Still, there is still no excuse for its leadership to become financially
corrupt which then becomes the leverage the powers that be have over them to
make them work on their terms. For
example, the handing over of SWAT to the Taliban as an experiment of
appeasement. A province which has had so much war and violence as result of
proxy wars, assets on your doorsteps, and non state actors active publicly.
Then why would politicians agree to more militarization through POPA? Sadly no
ANP either.
PTI? I have to admit it
breaks my heart literally when I type this.
I had so much hope in their goal towards “tabdeeli” (change). I painted my face draped the flag and was
excited as a teenager. Sounds moronic but excitement and hope make us children
again. I am not naïve, but the party has
shattered so much hope amongst those willing to fight for change. Alas, it
feels they’ve choosen the exact same type of people to lead the march for
change? Does that make sense? Ofcourse not, hence no change in political style,
issues of concern to the people of Pakistan or roadmap for a saner safer Pakistan.
A dead end. Sooner or later, all civilian parties reach
this wall due to lack of commitment to their goals and internal strife.
There were signs from the
start that Imran khan may not really be the person to initiate a change
necessary for Pakistan to arrive in the 21st century but beggars cannot
be choosers.
But when donors had to
convince him that education ministry in KP could not be given to JI partner,
that is what convinced him, rather than our voices, I became concerned. When Imran Khan gave up Peshawar NA1 seat for
Rawalpindi’s seat, my pre modern DNA realized he’s not one of us. As usual, he
has revealed his true colours in action rather than in his rhetoric. How can a
leader reject the capital seat and think you can run a government there with
respect? How could Imran Khan think he could convince the electorate he cares
when he rejected them directly? Only someone who isn’t thinking in terms of
electoral politics as it is-connecting directly with each citizen as your
source of power. Heart break continues with him always on the wrong side of
social issues.
PMLN? I could never consider
them as an option. Why? Frankly as a woman, non Punjabi and liberal secular
there is absolutely no space for folks like me. Of course there are some decent
and educated people in the Pmln, but most remain silent or silenced to make way
for a number of opportunists. Im not interested in a monarchical political environment
and pmln works like that. Not for me.
As a Pakistani, I am very
proud that my family was part of the freedom movement which led to the creation
of this beautiful country. But their vision was freedom from oppression, a
better life for all citizens irrespective of creed or gender- not majoritarianism.
Today’s Pmln is not a reflection of this ideology, and become myopic: since it
is rooted in Punjab Punjab/Kashmir identity. The party has no idea about inclusion
nor does it pretend to just look at its budget allocations.
Social media has recently started to show the level of disgust
people feel towards corrupt leaders. One such example is of a Pakistani
immigrant in the UK walking up to the current PM and his son outside a high end
shopping center and telling them what corrupt leaders they are and how they’ve
bled the people of their rights. While the masses have been complaining about
leadership for many years, people’s voices are finally being heard with so much
information available in so many forms.
My Pakistan is based on
Jinnah’s idea and those who supported the idea of a safe haven from majority
rule. That is my understanding of my homeland.
So where do I go as a citizen
to advocate for this idea of Pakistan?
As a democrat I do not
support the military in political roles. There does not lie much hope in the civilian
parties and their actions. This never ending cycle of futility begs the
question, where do we go from here?
Civil society? A healthy
country usually is reflected by its state of civil society. We aren’t healthy.
Wealthy yes by donor funding which has sucked the oxygen of the minds of those who could lead or
contribute towards political social activity to lobby for change.
Is this an adequate excuse or
explanation? I don’t know. But there has to be some reason we don’t come out
when hundreds of children are murdered, women are killed for pre modern notions
of honour or governors are murdered in broad day light or suicide bombers
attack mosques parks and cantonments. The media becomes the selective vehicle
of outrage. From a safe distance. Why? I want to scream!
Screaming can be healthy or
destructive. Currently I am in limbo. Where do I channel this anger this desire
for change? You tell me.
