At least democracy is at work and the country is on the right track.
INDORE, INDIA: I think the writer is emotionally charged because of the personal grief he has had to suffer. I have no doubt that almost 90 per cent of the population in Pakistan is moderate and peaceful. Understandably, they would not like to be on the streets, especially on issues about which their understanding is limited.
It is true that in politics, the scale often tilts in favour of those who are vocal, even if they are small in number. This helps them gain a critical mass. The situation in Pakistan looks bad because the momentum is with those who hold a contrarian worldview.
However, in no way is the situation irretrievable. For that, the elected government and the media need to take the lead and if they do, they will succeed in overwhelming the forces of darkness. Furthermore, the Pakistani intelligentsia should not demoralise the nation and ordinary Pakistanis. At least democracy is at work and though its fruits can often be slow in materialising, the country is on the right track.
Rajiv Moudgil
Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2011.
