Of myth and reality
Ahmad Subhani
Mr B A Malik in his article titled,” Myth and Reality of Pakistan” (P.
O. 28-9-2009), has specified certain myths, which according to him,
have” DEFINED the psychology of the nation since its inception” .Every
one has the right to express his opinion on any issue of his liking. Mr.
Malik has done so on certain “ major myths”, as he has put it, in his
said write up .I would like to avail this opportunity to offer my point
of view on some of his perceptions that I do not find in consonance with
the realities on ground.
Democracy: It is not correct to say that, “ Pakistan is unfit for
democracy because people don’t understand this concept....”. On the
other hand, you will hardly find people who do not favour a democratic
system for Pakistan. However, the bone of contention is which type of
democracy suits the genius of its people? West Minister Abbey style
democracy which was a legacy of our past British rulers, has failed to
click over here. Other varieties of democracy experimented here like
basic democracy, mixed or quasi-democracy etc. too have failed to
deliver. A number of elections under the afore-said systems held since
1947,also have not produced the desired results .The greatest
impediments in the way to establishing a genuine democratic rule in this
country, are (1):rampant illiteracy among the populace and (2): the
feudal system which has been in vogue here since 1947. The feudal elite
having complete hold over great majority of impoverished and ignorant
masses, have invariably hampered their right to free franchise .In view
of the same, It is being increasingly felt, that what Pakistan needs is
a democratic system that is tailored according to its peculiar
circumstances and needs.
Constitution v/s Country: I am of the firm opinion that country gets
preference over its constitution. Constitution is framed for the country
and not the Vice a Versa. It is as simple as that. So if the two are
somehow tied up, the country must get the priority. The much maligned,
“Doctrine of Necessity”, acts as a rescuer in such Mix Ups.
Media Freedom: It was acknowledged even at international forums, that
the media freedom allowed by the previous Govt. was unprecedented in the
annals of Pakistan. To term that achievement as “ Non Sense” and “
dictatorship and press- freedom do not match”, is a slander.
GENERALS: No body has claimed that the Pakistani generals Alone are real
champions of national interests,. It seems as if here the writer’s
imagination has run wild. The charge is too flimsy to merit serious
consideration.
Ayub’s and Musharraf’s books :on going through the books authored by
Ayub Khan and Pervez Musharraf,I failed to find any Worth While
distortion therein. Rather, the texts of the books depict a fairly
realistic picture of the then prevailing conditions. To call the
contents of the books as, “historical distortions with abandon”, is a
distortion in itself.
Pakistan”s Dismemberment : To deny the stark reality, also so recognized
internationally, that India dismembered Pakistan in 1971,no sane person,
least of all a patriotic Pakistani, can subscribe to Mr. Malik’s
contention ,that “ India did exploit the opportunity of the century but
our own blunders primarily led to this colossal debacle”. I wonder, if
he is not unwittingly, legitimizing India’s said despicable act?
Kashmir dispute: Even the big powers namely ,U.S.A.,Great Britain , who
have all along been siding with India, have after long last , admitted
openly that peace in South Asia is not possible without an amicable
settlement of the Kashmir dispute. Mr. Malik calls this issue as,
”out-dated stereo-type” How strange!
Nuclear Arsenel: That it is a guarantee for Pakistan’s security has been
amply proved by the year-long stand off of the million strong Indian and
Pakistani armed forces at the Pakistan border in 2001-2. India was hell-
bent to invade Pakistan, but it is latter’s nukes that thwarted her
nefarious designs. But Mr. Malik has the temerity to say that nuclear
arsenal provides no such guarantee. American Interference :His outright
denial of’ continually increasing American interference in Pakistan’s
affairs is beyond our humble comprehension. How can he remain ignorant
of this widely known development? Finally, he has acclaimed the
performance of the incumbent Govt., lawyers, judiciary and others, which
I feel, is the result of his misplaced optimism. Frankly speaking,
during the last one year and half that the present rulers have been at
the helm of affairs, Pakistan has degenerated into its worst ever crises
in all spheres of national activity. I don’t want to go into details as
all are well aware of it. Suffice it to say, that all economic
indicators that were made positive during the previous Government’s
reign ,have become negative now.
Proverbial begging bowl that was broken by the previous regime, is again
in the hands of the present Govt.’s emissaries who are trotting around
the world seeking more and more alms but which are hard to get by as the
credibility of the incumbent Govt. has touched rock bottom. And lately,
Pakistan has been relegated to the status of one of the failed States of
the world. In the face of all this, Mr Malik’s lambasting the previous
“dictatorial” regime (which, in fact, had done a great deal for this
country), and offering accolades to the present one that has put to
naught all that had been achieved earlier, is something beyond one’s
comprehension.
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