THE evolving politics of confrontation is a destructive force that threatens our economy and undermines the moral and social fabric crucial for a diverse nation like Pakistan. Already burdened by debt and internal strife, the country cannot afford the reckless clashes between political parties and state institutions. It is troubling that some political activists are seeking foreign sanctions to exacerbate the situation. The Judiciary should play a role in reducing tension rather than intensifying the crisis through activism. The Constitution mandates that all three pillars of the state work together in harmony to strengthen the nation, rather than creating additional conflicts and instability.
Frequent unconstitutional interventions seem to have inculcated this culture, where violence has become a tool to attain power. In a democracy, “Rule of Law” prevails and all powers are derived from constitution, while in dictatorships, and fiefdoms, it comes through the barrel of a gun. It was tragic that within a few years of our independence, the corridors of power became hostage to men, who had no role in the freedom movement. Jinnah’s vision of a modern democratic welfare state was replaced by a hybrid one-party BD system. It negated the very basics for creation of Pakistan.
It was Quaid’s belief that Islam came in the world to establish democracy, peace and justice to safeguard the rights of the oppressed. It brought to humanity the message of equality of the rich and the poor, of the high and the low. The Holy Prophet PBUH fought for these ideals for the major part of his life”. Pakistan should have been seen to “preserve the great ideals and the glorious traditions of Islam–and the establishment of democracy”. MAJ and pioneers of our freedom struggle never exploited religion and they gave us Pakistan, where we could live as citizens of a free country.
Unfortunately, after his death, religion was exploited by ambitious men, hostage to their greed and Pakistan has suffered. When politicians, or paid elite, at helm, engage in commercial profitable ventures, then individuals go from “rags to riches” but the country becomes poorer. It is this Conflict of Interests, which is the bane for all the ills that inflict this country. The one-sided PPA with IPPs, negotiated by individuals, with their hands in the till, has become proverbial “Achilles Hill”.
In the words of MAJ, who in his presidential address to AIML session, at Calcutta, on September 7, 1920 stated “One degrading measure upon another, disappointment upon disappointment and injury upon injury, can lead a people to only one end”. Jinnah Sahib stated this in a different context, but it seems so apt to ground realities. Politicians should resolve their petty differences in parliament. All state-funded institutions must work within their defined constitutional corridors, including the security establishment. However, this malicious social media campaign against security institution, whose existence is vital for safeguarding our territorial sanctity, is beyond belief. As far as the Constitution is concerned, there is no space for politicians to engage with security establishment for political negotiations.
We observe a troubling misuse of unregulated social media, often orchestrated from abroad with the help of some expatriates, to spread malicious disinformation and attack political adversaries. No political party, including PTI, PML-N, or PPP, can claim innocence. Recently, state funds were exploited in a so-called Fifth Generation Warfare by certain elements within the Establishment, creating a Frankenstein that now haunts both its creators and the country. Those involved have since fled abroad, transferring their illicit wealth to foreign lands. For instance, the “Papa John” figure, who obstructed CPEC and now resides across the Atlantic, exemplifies this shift. The individuals who encouraged political disruptions in 2014-2017, and those who derailed the political process from 1954-58, bear responsibility for the disintegration of Jinnah’s Pakistan in 1971 and the current turmoil.
Islam promotes tolerance and coexistence, yet religion has been manipulated by various leaders with the help of clergy to sow discord. Colonial powers used the “Divide and Rule” doctrine to prevent unity among natives, a tactic now employed by dictators to prolong their illegitimate rule. The Colonial Raj encouraged corruption and bribery to secure loyalty. Pakistan’s survival relies on restoring and strengthening democracy for continued stability.
Politicians are aware of the economic issues. Protests and blockades only worsen the situation. Instead of demanding subsidies, protesters should push for an expanded tax base to increase fiscal space. Recent protests should focus on ensuring that retail traders, landlords, and cartels pay their fair share of taxes, curtail smuggling, and end subsidies and plot allotments. All political parties, including PTI, should advocate for fair welfare, not luxury. The current practices mirror colonial tactics of securing loyalty. Protesters should demand that the state auction plots to the highest bidder to fund essential services like education and healthcare.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
