Democracy is a form of government essentially based on the concept of popular sovereignty and political participation of the people. People are considered to be the be-all and end-all of all the business of democracy. Therefore, ensuring the welfare of the people should be the sole purpose and ultimate goal of any democratic government. Ironically, in the name of democracy, there have been many political systems functioning in Pakistan, like plutocracy, aristocracy, autocracy, oligarchy and totalitarianism. The last five years of so-called democracy in the country is, of course, no exception.
Under the cover of democracy, new and unique traditions of corruption, plunder and loot have been established in the country. The miseries and sufferings of the disillusioned and depressed people of Pakistan have continued like before; in fact, their miseries have ostensibly multiplied. Democracy, as a matter of fact, has been the “best revenge” one could take from this poor nation — a nation that is confused enough that it can’t even distinguish between dictatorship and democracy after being frequently and equally betrayed by both democrats and dictators.
The ones who are now blowing the trumpet about their success of completing five years of democracy in the country, should know that the credit for the same goes to the unique and exemplary patience and forbearance of the people of Pakistan who have been reluctant to revolt against any oppression and transgression. Besides this, gratitude is also due to the most powerful institution of the country which has the exclusive prerogative of deciding the ultimate course and fate of democracy in the country.
Mohsin Raza Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2013.
