IT is often said, “Better late than never.”The government should have taken this step much earlier, but after becoming a laughingstock on the global stage, an operation was finally launched. This is indeed a commendable move, and one hopes it has taught a valuable lesson to those spreading chaos within the country.
Reliable sources reveal that before the operation, Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, were informed and advised to leave the area. They did so promptly, but their workers were left behind to face the consequences. Eventually, they, too, had to flee. Now, clips of their escape are circulating widely on social media, inviting mockery from across the nation. Some workers are expressing their anger, lamenting that the leadership abandoned them in their time of need. This has been labelled a revolution, but history teaches us that during revolutions, leaders always stand at the forefront.
As the saying goes, “A word to the wise is enough,” but such wisdom is meant for those who choose to think rationally. Sadly, many fail to use reason, surrendering themselves to the tide of emotions. The Quran clearly emphasizes the importance of reflection and thoughtful action, yet we often ignore this divine guidance. Let us hope that the workers of this crumbling party learn a lesson from this incident and refrain from walking into such futile confrontations in the future. It is time to act with wisdom, not recklessness.
Why is it so hard for you to understand why you allowed this group to stage this “drama” in the first place? You claim that they are supported by “Afghan elements.” You say they possess modern weaponry. We all witnessed the tragic events of May 9. Yet, you have failed to take any concrete action regarding that horrific episode. For the past year and a half, this nation has been the stage of an international drama. You should have used your strength to stop them. Some people only understand the language of force.
Some perceive the language of peace, love, and understanding as a sign of weakness. You’ve spent the last two decades trying to coddle this situation, and even after the May 9 tragedy—a terrifying rebellion, as you have described—you continue to engage in fruitless appeasement. Rebellion is not to be pacified. You have delayed far too long. Regrettably, your fear-driven hesitation has emboldened this herd of emotional fools, pushing them to the Everest of irrationality. What have you done? Why did you allow them to march toward Islamabad? In chess, even the king is not left unprotected. The entire establishment sacrifices everything to save the king because losing the king means losing the game. Yet you repeatedly attempt “checkmate” strategies as if it’s just another move in a casual game. It might seem intriguing occasionally, but now it’s time to stop playing. This strategy is harming Pakistan’s economy, its credibility and its sovereignty. The very foundations of our federation are trembling.
—The Lahore-based writer is a senior journalist, analyst, researcher and author of over 50 books.
