KARACHI:
In Pakistan, the political elite and power brokers have never had a mutual consensus. Instead, they have always remained in a state of conflict with one another. Since the independence of our country, these groups comprising political parties and the establishment have relied on allegations and defamation of campaigns to gain political mileage. Any group that gains a position in the government spends much of its energy and time proving that its opponents are wrong. However, they do little to support their statements. Consequently, the country remains in a perpetual state of economic weakness and profound problems.
In the past, the divide between the followers of the main power groups did not polarise the entire society. However, the recent rhetoric and apparent animosity of the power circles have permeated into society. We now have the public at a level of intolerance never seen before. The followers of each group believe that the voters or sympathisers of the other side are either corrupt or traitors or both. This is dangerous for the country as it risks the likelihood of civil unrest. Such polarisation can lead to devastating consequences for the country. I have never seen the public so divided and a constant sense of animosity between different groups of people.
Harsh criticism and allegations against different groups have become a norm. If those in power circles want the country to survive, they must come together to at least agree on some common grounds that pertain to national survival. They must tone down their rhetoric and be good role models for their followers to develop tolerance and unity in the country. Otherwise, I am afraid that we are swiftly moving towards a complete collapse.
Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2021.
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