Re: Pakistani’s, Opportunism & double standards
Zak, I have never supported army rule, nor do I intend to do that. But I am ‘guilty’ of not opposing it. I started visiting this forum only a couple of months ago. At least half of the people here don’t even believe in Pakistan. Most of their time is spent telling us how flawed Pakistani state is, and how it is going to disintegrate. I really don’t mind if people talk about the problems in Pakistani society, (and there are plenty of problems), but why should I listen to those messiahs who don’t even believe in Pakistan? People should stop pursuing their ‘greater’ agendas under the cover of ‘provincial harmony/disharmony’ or the defence expenditure.
MQM chief (a true Pakistani democrat) can go to India and tell the whole world about the ‘greatest mistake of mankind’, but wouldn’t bother to come to Pakistan to face justice. Nevertheless, after his love affair with Musharraf, he wouldn’t have to face any justice. Similarly, Benazir and Zardari were no angels. Why Zardari is not coming to Pakistan? Why is miss Bhutto not coming to Pakistan? She left the country before militarty take-over. Military men didn’t force them out. People have short memories, and tend to forget the economic and social ‘development’ under democratic regimes. Nawaz did win most votes, but unfortunately, he used his democratic power in the most undemocratic fashion. Closing down newspapers and ‘sacking’ generals because they don’t support hasty legislation or want NSC is not the way forward. Pakistani press was termed ‘mafia’ by Mushahid Hussain, not by some generals, who have recently shown greater tolerance and support for these self-serving journos than any democratic rulers in Pakistan. However, Shehbaz/Nawaz must be allowed to come back to Pakistan. No doubt about that. Benazir and Iltaf should also take first flight home.
Somebody pointed out that people here have never visited poor areas. I have visited Pakistani villages. I have met and lived with ordinary people of Pakistan. I might not have visited interior Sindh or Baloch tribal areas, but I have spent years among ordinary Pakistanis. Let me tell you something very interesting. I was in Pakistan when first local bodies election (under Musharraf) were held. I didn’t want to cast my ballot because I didn’t consider any of the candidates my representative. But I was approached by more than one parties. So in order to please them, I went to the polling station, took my ballots/stamp from the officer, went inside the voting room, stood there for a couple of minutes, neatly folded the ballots without stamping any of them, came out and inserted them inside the ballot box. Yes, this is my democratic right! I do not consider any of the candidates my representative. I’m not going to cast my ballot for anyone whose sole interest in getting elected is to make money or acquire power. Isn’t it ironic that the ‘democrats’ who wanted to revamp tax-system, when they were in power, are the ones who support strikes to oppose any change when they are out of power? Why should I prefer these ‘democrats’ over army?
A bunch of hypocrites … Not me, but these politicans. When they start working for the country, I’ll show my readiness to support any democracy. Until then, they can take me to the ballot box, but they can’t have my stamp of approval. Neither for the army, nor for self-serving democracy.
In the end, it’s the majority of Pakistani people who are responsible for this mess … more than any politicans, more than any bureaucrats, more than any army. Pakistanis are the best when it comes to critcizing their country or system, but would oppose every other measure that requires them to become responsible citizens of the state. 