Those who talk about Hashmi's role under Ziaul Haq must not forget it was him who stood up against a powerful...
DUBAI: There is no doubt that the PTI has emerged as a vocal, alternative political party, riding a popularity wave because of disenchantment among ordinary people at the bad governance of the PML-N and the PPP. Prudence demands that the PTI be careful in its choice of politicians willing to join its bandwagon. The patience of the masses has run out and today their wrath will no longer tolerate any false promises.
Speeches in dharnas appeal to people, but they must refrain from raising expectations, nor indulge in sabre-rattling. The rot has set in and it will take time, effort and commitment by men of integrity to deal with it. In the last few months, the Jamaat-e-Islami under Sirajul Haq, has emerged as another rational political player, committed to democratic, constitutional rule and advocating a crackdown on corruption. Imran Khan needs to ensure that his party’s activists adopt a tolerant attitude towards those who disagree with them.
The party should adhere to political ethics, which demand respect for the opposition in words and deeds. Until a few months ago, Javed Hashmi was showered with praise and considered to be the voice of conscience by the PTI supporters, after he had left the PML-N. However, after developing differences with Imran Khan, today he is addressed as “bhagi” by PTI followers. Those who talk about his role under Ziaul Haq must not forget that it was Hashmi who stood up against a powerful dictator and chose to go to prison. What Pakistan needs is political leadership following the ethics of the Quaid-e-Azam, to achieve the modern democratic welfare state that he envisioned.
Malik Tariq Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2014.
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