KARACHI:
Pakistan has long faced a leadership crisis due to undemocratic norms. Once again, the country is experiencing political unrest as the federal government and the opposition are engaged in a bitter quarrel. The founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, did not survive long after the independence leaving the country without a Constitution and democracy. The political leadership at the time failed to take timely action to provide the country with a Constitution and establish a democratic structure. Had we adopted democracy back in 1947, the country could have been saved from much of the turmoil it faces today.
In the last seven decades, we have constantly witnessed violations of the Constitution and democratic norms by different political actors for their vested interests. Our leadership has failed to lead by example and instead alienated the people by pursuing their political motives. Despite being elected to office several times, the leaders have failed to steer the country out of the socio-economic crises and drive it towards growth and development. They make tall claims in opposition but fail to deliver during their tenure. The politicians have never tried to groom themselves and prioritise the country’s interests. They remain power-hungry and change their loyalties based on their political aims.
Our current politicians’ attitude has disillusioned people from democracy — most people do not vote in the general elections. The prevailing political uncertainty is harming the country’s economy and leaving the public’s problem unaddressed. It is also brewing other issues within the country, which is further adding to the social and economic instability. What we need is strong statesmanship and leadership to restore people’s faith in the democratic process and put the country on the path to recovery.
Ghazanfar Soomro
Shikarpur
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2022.
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