Fascism versus democracy

Letter September 02, 2014
Please release Islamabad from being hostage and have mercy on the public.

ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties, i.e, the MQM, the JI and the PPP are offering viable solutions to the present political crisis through meaningful dialogue with Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri but the PML-N is insisting upon the use of power — another shot in the foot. The same attitude problem in 1993 and 1999 proved its undoing, which shows that the PML-N lacks wisdom. In the words of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, it is being administered by a few Khawajas, Chaudhrys, and Ranas. The loss of life and property in Islamabad speaks volumes of the government’s ill-management. Everything is still in a hotchpotch and apparently there appears to be no immediate remedy for this ailing democratic system. The sheepish role of Maulana Fazlur Rehman has fully exposed him. Instead of persuading the government to opt for peaceful measures, these stakeholders are roaring only for their pound of flesh — which is worsening the situation. Such actions are harming an already lame democratic system. The PML-N must keep in mind that those who are protesting in Islamabad have equal rights as citizens as those residing in Raiwind Palaces. The stubbornness with which the government is trying to handle the grim situation is not commendable. The law and order situation is deteriorating rapidly and power seems to be slipping like sand out of the rulers’ hands. I request the leaders of both the sides to sit down and hold talks. Please release Islamabad from being hostage and have mercy on the public.

Iftikar Mirza

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2014.

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