KARACHI:
General elections will be held soon in Pakistan and the vitriolic behaviour towards the government or politicians will not change the fate of the country. As much as the duties of our leaders are indispensable to uplift the country, it is also important for citizens to not sell their rights over the charm of politicians. Instead of succumbing to politicians’ captivating chants and slogans, we must understand our duty as citizens and should be able to comprehend what is in the best interests of the country.
To uphold democracy in its truest form, there is an urgent need to promote and inculcate civic education amongst all citizens. Perhaps educational institutes should include it within the school curriculum. This will help citizens understand how the government functions and the different branches/institutions within the government. It will also inform them of their duties as a citizen and of the need to vote.
As responsible citizens, we should educate ourselves on the Constitution and democracy so that we can make decisions that would support the country’s long-term growth and development. Before electing individuals, we should scrutinise each party’s political agendas and once they have been elected, we must question them when they fail to fulfil their promises. We are as much responsible for changing the trajectory of the country as the leaders we elect.
Maheen Humayun
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2022.
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