Has anyone heard of Pakistan’s very own Anna Hazare? His name is Jahangir Akhtar — a middle-class trader who went on a hunger strike to protest against corruption and plight of the poor in the country. Unfortunately, Akhtar barely managed to gather seven-10 people around him, at any given time, during the eight days of his hunger strike in September. Eventually, Akhtar was convinced to end his protest after a symbolic visit of a parliamentary group on September 21.
Perhaps his team was not good at marketing, as there was no media coverage of this event. In this age of information, it’s the media coverage that makes an event big or small. In the case of India, all the media groups, to pressure the Congress government (which they like far less than any other government), backed Anna Hazare. Also, numerous media stalwarts, who had an axe to grind with the government for being exposed in recent financial scams, got a chance to get even. Jahangir Akhtar was never so fortunate to get such media coverage, despite the fact that he had camped in front of the Islamabad Press Club. None of our big anchors considered the event worth their while. There are very few foreign journalists who had even heard about Akhtar’s protest. Interestingly, even those media groups that have an axe to grind with the government rallied around Akhtar. Nor did one see or hear of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf or the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association — both entities that are extremely fired up to fight corruption — rallying around the man.
Actually, both India’s Anna Hazare and Pakistan’s Jahangir Akhtar tell the story of the middle-class bias from a different perspective. While Hazare’s successful show indicated how India’s middle-class will rally around a cause that simply attacked the traditional elite, Pakistan’s Akhtar failed because he did not limit his protest to the traditional elite but had wanted to include the corruption and extortion of the middle-class in his protest agenda. He had not just asked for an anti-corruption legislation but reduction in defence spending and turning Pakistan into a welfare state. It was easier for people amongst the Indian middle-class to rally around Hazare, whom some on the Indian media and academia suspect of having views that are right of centre, since he did not aim to challenge the national security paradigm. In fact, Hazare’s supporters have never gathered in the same fashion around other protesters like the Maipuri woman Irum Sharmila, who has been protesting for the past 10 years for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act used against ordinary people in India’s northeast and Kashmir.
Pakistan’s middle-class is no different. In fact, one of the prominent media groups, known for its bravado and capacity to remain controversial, insisted that Akhtar drop the reference to the defence budget and welfare state. In a country where the military and its intelligence apparatus is known for controlling and gagging, who would want to risk being part of a protest that demands reduction in the power of the deep state? Had it been an issue merely of political corruption, perhaps parties like the JI and the PTI would have gathered around to give a fillip to the protest. This is the same mentality that will not allow the civil society, including the media, to stand up to protest the heinous killings of the Hazara Shia and other minority groups and of innocent people in general, in Balochistan or elsewhere in the country.
Pakistan is experiencing the deliberate evolution of a new narrative that presupposes the country’s development due to the proliferation of the middle-class which is viewed as an engine of progress. Many books, which are highly recommended by ISPR, follow this line and talk about the civil-military bureaucracy as the engine of progress and enlightenment in the country. So, why bother to talk about their imperfections and corruption? Why make an effort to highlight the fact that a large part of this middle-class, especially the one which is part of the state, is one of the major impediments to Pakistan, becoming a welfare state where resources will be more evenly distributed across sectors and socio-economic classes. Sadly, the noble Jahangir Akhtar, who had the vision to link politician’s corruption with institutional corruption of the middle-class (who will eventually graduate to become the new elite), will remain alone. Economic deprivation is considered a lesser agenda than drone attacks and hence not worth protesting.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2011.
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This is mistake of pakistani people who did not stand with akhtar.
@good insight: You also change your from 'even' to 'ever'.
respected author, I appreciate your analysis but I'm quite surprised frankly astonished at how everyone is stating that your arguments are convincing. Once again it proves the superficial thought process of our youth, and their lack of vision. To me, the biggest difference between Anna Hazare and Mr. Akhtar would be of reputation. Anna has been a renowned social worker and activist for more than 35 years. It was not his protest against corruption. He started his campaign 20 years ago in Maharashtra. He also filed petitions against various parliamentarians in Indian courts. The point I want to make is, that he was not just a random guy who started the hunger strike overnight. And had it been Edhi or anyother well reputed social worker in Akhtar's shoes, it would have been a whole different story. So to me, all your analysis goes down the drain, if I consider this one trivial difference between Anna and Akhtar.
@Nadeem: more like collective psychosis
Ayeshaji,
You are one of my favorite Columnists (Indian ones included). But, I think you've got this one wrong.
Anna's success is because of two things.
Strength of his character, which resonates with people. India has always liked the Gandhi role model, who renounced good life and Anna is somewhat like Gandhi (Though he differs a lot).
The issue he has taken up is an issue he has always stood up for. It wasn't an opportune issue, it wasn't because middle class would support him. It is because he has believed the poor of India are the biggest loosers of Corruption. He has fought against corruption in many ways for over 3 decades, and he is known worldwide only in past year. That's not his mistake.
You also forgot to show the biggest difference between India and Pakistan. India has a tradition of fighting against arrogant political class when it seems to go out of a reasonable social contract with citizens of India. It happened against Indira Gandhi, it's happening now. Basically, the civil society in general is far more sensitive and stronger in India than in Pakistan. If India never tasted dictatorship for long, it is because of resolute middle class, which stands up for the constitutionalism and broad liberty.
It is true that Middle class doesn't support Kashmiri separatism or Manipuri strikes, but, that's because Majority of India haven't perceived them as threatening the core of Indian nationhood. Corruption strikes them as something that is eroding the nation, so, they came on streets.
We should cooperate with him and join this cause for our future generation and text it to maximum.
In Pakistan two persons qualify to play role of Anna Hazzare, one is Abdul Sattar Edhi, second Imran Khan. Edhi is quite satisfied with the role he is playing, Imran Khan though impulsive, lack vision. If someonne would say Imran Khan dont even known comprehensive definition of corruption, majortiy would believe.
Its a sad thing and I really curse our media about all this. They can cover ALTAF Hussain but they cannot cover those people who have a great passion for their country. But I, Hassan Tariq Really make a promise to do my best for the good of this country, Countrymen! I am with you.
@MD: very true analyses. I see in your words all that i have to say. i must say, very effective and insightful expression.
well , Our media was busy airing the statement war between the political parties....... WHO gets high TRP by airing a fasting man for a just cause??????
It's sad to see that the writer is not fully aware of which politicians supported Jahangir Akhtar's hunger strike against coruption. She writes ''Nor did one see or hear of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf...'' It'd be great if the writer corrects herself at this point because Imran Khan was the first politician to visit Jahangir Akhtar and sign his anti-corruption bill. Here's the proof: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2073780043749set=a.1736629255190.2081087.1222376641&type=1&ref=nf
This has got to be the worst article by this,otherwise wonderful, Columnist.
Take for instance this line,"It was easier for people amongst the Indian middle-class to rally around Hazare, whom some on the Indian media and academia suspect of having views that are right of centre, since he did not aim to challenge the national security paradigm."
This was about Corruption and ,specifically, Lok Pal Bill. Why would an agitation about the Lok Pal Bill include the security paradigm of India? This is utterly ludicrous!
There are 2 camps in the media- one who disagrees with Hazare, one which agrees. I think the Columnist has read a little too much of the first kind to think its a majority feeling among the media personalities. It is not.
The simplest reason why Anna Hazare has gained mass respect and following is that he reminds India of the Freedom Struggle and, specifically, Gandhi and his methods. The reason why Jahangir Akhtar failed is because he doesn't remind Pakistanis about anything, since they are taught to reject Gandhi and his ideas.
Like Gandhi, Anna picked up a feeling shared by most Indians and gave the cause a direction and shape. Gandhi did this with the Salt March. He chose an item used by every Indian and a symbol of oppression and gave it direction and shape:He asked for the Salt tax to be taken off.
@Ayesha Siddiqa, you have to tell me if you think I am wrong and why so. Because I just cant see a Columnist who has such a good perspective and apprehension be so misguided.
Please do the honour of replying to my post.
It is important that any rallying cry in a fast should should raise issues and touch emotions to succeed. Anna had a 100 page draft of the Jan Lokpal bill he wanted introduced by Parliament that would cover everybody in Government from PM downward. It had the mechanisms for appointment of a Lokpal, his Powers, his duties and the mechanisms for his removal. The checks and balances were also ennumerated. The document was so specific in its details that it riled not only Politicians and Bureaucrats but all Industrialists who needed to feed on the gravy train in loot of national resources through discretionary decision making. Akhthar should have taken a cause that had resonance. Instead of saying Defence budget should be reduced he should have asked Parliament to table a resolution that all Defence expenditure must be audited and passed by Parliament. Nobody could have objected or found fault because it is the citizens money paid through Taxes that is being spent. They have a right to know that there is no leakage or spillage or wastage. Only by starting this process can you build a case for more efficient use of Funds by the Military. A proper link up between objectives, goals and processes is essential for a protest or fast to succeed.
Indian and pakistani polity is very different. in India what is seen as grossly intolerable act by politicians and they are forced to resign on the issue, we see in pakistan there is no accountability session taking place. the pakistani themselves give right to politicians and other elite(read army) in the name of threat from usa, nato, India etc etc
I beg to differ. Mr. Akhtar failed, because he is no Anna Hazare. Unlike Anna Hazare, he is not the one who would have several social welfare projects under his belt for genuine betterment of the people. He does not represent the middle class. He is not poor, his religious as well as economic views do not resonate with general public.
Do you think it is as simple as sitting on a hunger strike? Anna Hazare has a team. He has spent years on working on people's hearts and minds. He has a clear set of goals every time he goes on a hunger strike. How can anyone even think about matching his struggle by simply starting a hunger strike?
Those who want to become Anna Hazare, should read his story. Hunger strike never was a beginning point for him, it came much later.
It was sad that Pakistanis didn't support their Anna Hazare :(
In today's Pakistan these are the media organisations which create hype on many non issues as they say that channels here can be rented out.how can an anchor devote one's prime time talk show to an issue which can undermine the ratings.Its high time for our patriotic anchor persons to leave drwing room talks and make the people understand the importance of Pakistani Anna Hazary before its too late.IK was the first person who visited Akhtar. But i agree the support was not enough.
Corruption is a widespread social evil in Pakistan. We always amuse ourselves in criticizing the corrupt people who are not related to us but we never say anything about the corrupt individuals among our friends and relatives.
Slowly slowly the whole nation is in the grip of extortion of money from others on one or the other pretext. If one is not in a position to obtain bribes then he is forming groups to extort
bhattafrom public. Both things look same to me ie extortion of money by various means. Bribe andbhattaare a coin having different faces and sides and this is becoming culture of Pakistan. Bribing is nearly regularised whilebhattawill also be regularised as a normal phase of life. Both are called corruption and I see no difference in it. Work of any Anna Hazare in Pakistan will be very difficult because he has to fight on many fronts. But I believe one Anna Hazare will also rise in Pakistan and mobilise the whole nation. Now people are talking while sitting in their luxury houses or inside famous restaurants while all type of food before them and that also offered from abhatta khoror famous money maker through bribes.The comparison is not appropriate. Anna hazare has a reputation of leading a simple village life style and implementing many ideas at the village level. He was supported by civil society activists like Kiran bedi etc including some legal brains who could draft a bill. Simple strike protests alone will not get media support. We also know what happened to the strike calls of Yoga master Ramdev, So inappropriate comparisons should not be made.
@Author, Wow! You are so good at analyzing news. I really admire the way you crack it open like you are repairing a watch. I really enjoy reading your opinions. - An Indian admirer of your work.
Well Anna got support not just from middle class in India but people from all walks of life. Everyone came to streets...engineers, doctors,teachers, students, poor people earning daily wages,housewives,celebrities. It was also supported by all different communities.
Annas fast was well organized, with volunteers from all walks of life helping people in supporting protest. Simultaneous protest marches and fasts were held in almost all small and big cities all over India for 2 weeks.
Anna was backed by people of impeccable integrity around him(and not humbug Arundhati Roy types). His team had people like Arvind Kejriwal(who himself left cushy income tax commissioner job) Kiran Bedi (who was not scared of even towing former PM Indira Gandhi's car) and an imminent lawyer among many others.
Another wrong perception is media generally is anti Congress . Nothing can be farther from truth. Media is very pro congress, but yes last few years with so many high profile corruption cases coming in light and big names going to jail, public mood was very anti govt and this was captured rightly by Anna and seized by media. Media in India for sure will reflects popular public mood.
Also the team was technically ready with draft bill posted on website and given to media. (which was checked and rechecked 100 times before). So basically it was giving a solution to a problem rather than just being another protest problem for govt.
Nothing is forever. But we cannot have an Anna, because it goes against our arche type of a hero. We gravitate to strong men. We - as a society, cherish values and policies that are not in line with a modern progresive and tolerant nation. For us winning is defined in terms of religion and the impediments we can create for our "enemies" (and dare I say, us).
Brilliantly put!!
I had wondered about the lack of attention given to this brave and well-meaning person. Thank you for explaining it so well. What a pity.
@Mrs. Siddiqa Ma'am, I am a great fan of your writings, because, almost all of your views on various issues were based on pure journalistic honesty and professionalism, and this write-up of yours is no exception. However, with due respect, I would like to point out at some of your assertions, particularly, regarding the role of Indian media and its ability to influence the popular sentiment in the country. In brief, I would like to summarize my contention in the following words, it was not Anna Hazare who needed Indian media, but, it was Indian media that desperately needed Anna Hazare to retain its credibility with the masses. Anna Hazare simply spoke the words which were simmering to come out of the mouth of an average Indian middle class man or woman, who were, silently, watching their politicians, crudely and shamelessly cross all the boundaries of decency, making mockery of democracy and rule of law. Unfortunately, somehow, your article gives an impression that the Anna Hazare's movement was a media creation, I am sorry to say that nothing could be far from truth. I can give you a few examples of fragility of Indian media's power. Mr. Narendra Modi has always been a favorite whipping boy of the Indian Media, both electronic and in the print. During the past decade, whenever Mr.Modi faced elections, whether for Lok Sabha, state assembly or local elections such as municipality or gram panchayat, the Indian media, particularly the ones dominated by our jholawalas i.e now defunct lefties, created a media frenzy that projected Modi's certain doom. But, to their utter dismay, he time and again emerged stronger and stronger. Same thing happened with other politicians of different hues as well, including Mrs. Jayalalitha, Mayavati and even Nitish Kumar,. In short, Indian media, miserably failed to gauge the public pulse on the majority of occasions. But, now, after facing acute embarrassment on several occasions, finally, the Indian media, it seems, is maturing and trying to live up to the expectation of the common people, that is why they gave such an extensive coverage to the Anna Hazare movement. As for the failure of the Anna Hazare type of movement in Pakistan is concerned, my guess is that the Pakistan, lacks the requisite empowered middle class, which is essential for the success of an agitation, aiming for achieving an enlightened goal. That is why all the sociologist always suggested that a country can never be successful unless and until it is educated. Anna triumphed in India, because, as per the new census, 74.1 percent of Indians are literate!!
As praiseworthy as Jahangir Akhtar Sahib's efforts through his hunger strike is, comparisons with Anna Hazare Sahib's legendary hunger strike is totally out of place. Anna Hazare, as he himself proclaimed, is a difficult act to beat; he carefully built his movement literally brick by brick over a long period of 40 some years during which he gave all the comforts of a normal life and lived in a 8 by 10 feet room at the back of a temple, without ever marrying or even visiting his family even once in 35 years. Also, as charity begins from home, Hazareji first achieved remarkable success in reforming and revolutionising his village of Ralegan Siddhi, in District Ahmednagar, in the backwaters of Maharastra.
I noticed that right around the time when the Hazare movement had succeeded, news items appeared in the Pakistani press of intentions by known and unknown entities for a hunger strike. One announcement has been from Masood Syed, a columnist in an Urdu daily; another by Mr. Burney, the social activist, and of course this one from Jahangir Akhtar Sahib. Pakistanis being copycats was a well known phenomenon in the movie industry and songs, etc.. So it was not unthinkable to see the imitation of 'hunger strike' for the masses. Indian themselves are copy cats of almost everything Western these days, so seeing Pakistanis copying the copiers has not been too inspirational. That is the reason for the lack of response to Jahangir Sahib's hunger strike, instead of this "middle-class" or "upper-class" theory.
@Corrupt Pakistani: Agree - Pakistanis have been programmed since childhood to be against anything and everything Indian - and Gandhi and his tactics which Anna follows is core. Hence no takers.
Rather, I would advise Mr Akhtar to use tactics that work in Pakistan - Islam: work with the Mullahs (Saudi ones ideally) and declare Corruption to be 'haram' and release 'fatwas' against corrupt people. Friday sermons must have anti-corruption message and convert Fridays to days of protest against corruption - as done so effective in the Arab Spring.
pakistani middle class sees issues through the prism of security ideology of bureaucracy, if pakistan had civilian rule dominant over military rule, then it would have created environment where rights of citizen based on social justice would have prevailed, the result is that we see large processions on drones but not on missing persons, we see protests against american policies but not on religious extremism or taliban or suicide attacks
Yes, the Deep State has got the people of Pakistan just where it wants it: believing that clean drinking water is less important than jihad in Kashmir, education is less important than strategic depth in Afghanistan, public healthcare should take a back seat to F-16s, jobs and economy should be subservient to military priorities. Pakistan suffers from a collective hypnosis.
Pakistan cannot have any kind of Annas because we have defied the role model (Ghandi) of Anna. How can we afford to propogate the idea of those who are against the ideology of Pakistan. So enjoy the corruption as a spilll over of the leadership beliefs of this country.
I would like to see likes of Anna Hazare as more as an idea than a persona. And such ideas generate and find audience in a politi-cultural environment, which again nurture and respect diversity of opinion.
this will be one of the most convincing article i have even read.
ET should correct the word Maipuri (Manipuri) if it willing to do so.