KARACHI:
Apropos the letter ‘Election season and masses’, Pakistan’s political history is marred with unfulfilled promises. As a nation, we are suffering from “historical amnesia”. We are hearing leaders of different political parties putting forward their manifestos but deep down we all know they are just bluffing. It is not their fault at all, because they are just appealing to the public with false promises.
If our people cared about change and reforms the leaders would have sensed it but that does not seem to be happening. The political parties publish their manifestos as a formality rather than to set out concrete plans that they are willing to execute. Now is the time to make the political system more meaningful by spreading awareness among the public about the significance of their right to vote.
Civil society organisations can play an active role in democratising society, which is essential for real change. It will take time to lay down the foundations for a democratic society, where people are willing to sacrifice to see the worth of their vote, but the outcome is worth waiting for.
Muhammad Mamoon Azeem
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2024.
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