Words must translate into actions

People need action, not words. In general, politicians feel proud to say, “We are servants of the people.” Perhaps, the popular claim is always good to the ears of the masses.

The rhetoric of the sugar-coated line is commonly used by the representatives of not a few but majority of political parties. Whether they are involved in politics at the union council, district, provincial or national level, all propagate the same ideas. To be precise, it all starts the day election campaigns kick off.

Surprisingly, most of the time, if not always, the alluring expression works its magic. The catchy set of words paves the way for politicians to reach their ultimate destination – the corridors of power, thanks to the popular political slogan (what else?).

One may wonder – what is the benefit of being a politician? The possible answer could be: it is a journey full of challenges. However, there could be some advantages in being a minister at the provincial or national level. But it won’t be justified if one makes millions or, say, billions of rupees in his tenure without having any other source of income but the government’s salary.

At this point a question arises: do politicians use politics for people’s prosperity? Or is their ultimate goal to gain more power and aim for the prosperity of their families by hook or by crook.

Indeed, soon after holding the reins of power, some of the priorities of these ‘servants of the people’, if not at once, then gradually, start shifting.

Ideally, in all societies, developing or developed, individuals should join the arena of politics with the aim of fulfilling the needs of their voters, who give them their mandate. But in reality, the situation is quite the opposite in many nations. Sadly, our country is no exception.

There is indeed a charm in politics. Otherwise, who on earth would be willing to bear all the pain throughout their political career?

How can one justify the fact that quite a large number of political figures neither become a minister nor a senator, but still remain committed to their political goal – serving the people, no less.

If every political party strives for this common objective, then why do the masses still remain deprived of basic amenities in most parts of the country?

People are looking forward to the moment when all words translate into actions.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2016.