One can see passion among the people this time around, to do everything possible to help democracy take root.
BAHAWALPUR: The Pasban-e-Shariat Organisation in North Waziristan has recently distributed a propaganda leaflet among the people, according to media reports. The leaflet is propagating that democracy is forbidden for the tribal people. It has tried to convince people to reject the democratic system in Fata. The sole aim of this leaflet seems to denounce the process of elections in the area and promote an atmosphere of anarchy. Pakistani society has sacrificed a lot to enable the democratic process to move forward. One can see the passion among the people this time around, to do everything possible to help democracy take root in the country. This includes politicians, the judiciary, the media and even the armed forces.
The opposition to democracy from militant organisations is simply based on personal benefits. The leaders of such organisations are well aware of the fact that democratically-elected people would become a challenge to their authority and as a result, they will not remain in a position to forcibly impose their point of view on the people. If we are seriously against the menace of terrorism, we will have to support the democratic process honestly and consider it our national obligation.
Dr Aneeta Khakwani
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2013.
