When silence is not an option

There comes a time in a people’s evolution into a responsible citizenry when staying neutral and unconcerned is a choice one may make to one’s own peril. Taking a stand is all the more important, nay essential, especially when stakes are high and dangers of inaction infinite. How a people behave in such situations and demonstrate the collective wisdom will define the level of their political maturity and evolution of democratic process.

At a time when the country is showing hopeful signs of revival on various fronts, we hear familiar voices of doom and gloom threatening to reverse the tide. Some politicians inimical to the interest of the people cannot digest the idea of their empowerment and prosperity. While no one can dispute the opposition’s right to peaceful protest and constructive criticism, as it constitutes the essence of a democracy, the fact remains that there is a manifest difference between a peaceful protest and a determined effort to create anarchy and chaos.

Those claiming to take high moral ground on the Panama leaks are violating the Constitution of Pakistan with little remorse by undermining a democratically elected government. Through their ill-considered actions, they are inflicting a grave damage on the country and its institutions. They are setting a bad precedent. In their mad quest for acquisition of power, they are exhibiting their disdain for the people’s fundamental right to vote in or vote out a government in line with the tradition of the established democracies.

The problem, in my candid opinion, lies with the mindset, which wears the garb of politics but does not believe in the political process. It is bereft of the essentials that constitute democracy. When institutions get slammed and those manning them abused for their ‘failure’ to act according to your whims and desires, do not think that you are doing the country any service. When streets, not Parliament, become the forum for decision-making, do not think that you are doing the country any service. When rabble-rousing and intimidation, not consensus-building, defines your way of politics, do not think that you are a revolutionary.

Leadership is not about following the mob but leading them into right direction. Leadership is not about exploiting the raw emotions but channeling them into constructive pursuits.

History bears witness to the fact that the great leaders were those who did not allow circumstances to shape their agenda and define their direction. Rather, their sense of purpose and loftiness of ideals changed the course of history. It is because of the grandeur of their vision that they continue to be relevant even today.

Why do I say that the threats of Islamabad’s lockdown and sit-in by an opposition party are an attempt at derailing the progress we have made in the last three years? Consider the following.

When the people of Pakistan reposed their trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in May 2013 for the historic third term in office, three challenges namely terrorism, energy and economy stared the government in the face. The enormity of these challenges can be gauged from prevalent mood back then when global media was predicting doomsday scenarios by coming up with all kinds of conspiracy theories about future of the country.

Three years down the road and the country presents an altogether different picture. Today, there is a revival of national morale and confidence. A sense of optimism is sweeping through the land. Terrorism has been brought down to its knees, thanks to sacrifices of our valiant security forces. Economy has been turned around as is evidenced by the assessments of international think-tanks and publications. Our chronic energy problem, which was responsible for erosion of 2-3 per cent of GDP, is on its way towards resolution.

The list of what has been achieved is long and the list of what has yet to be achieved is longer. Though it is a work in progress, the direction has, however, been set. How did this transformation take place?

Simply put, it is the result of careful policy choices backed by the leadership vision.

As the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif carries on with its mission of rebuilding Pakistan, the next eighteen months are critical.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with its focus on energy and infrastructure projects, is under implementation. It is the game-changer, which has the potential of transforming the socio-economic landscape of Pakistan. Given the kind of regional and global animosity that has been created in the wake of inauguration of this mega project, there are reasons to believe that efforts are underway to sabotage the project.

Our time-tested friend, China, did us a great favour by unveiling this biggest ever overseas investment of $51.5 billion to shore up our economy and by extension our polity. We would be betraying the trust of our Chinese friends if we allow controversies to be built around CPEC.

At a time when we are at a crucial juncture of history with various internal and external challenges staring us in the face, an effort is being made to cause instability and chaos through political agitation and talk of shutting down cities. These elements are inspired by their greed to get power by hook or crook. The people have rejected them in all the by-elections, local bodies polls.

We have two options open to us: of development or destruction. The people stand with those who aspire for development. It is time that we show political maturity and continue to work for betterment of Pakistan.

Given geo-strategic and regional challenges, Pakistan ill-affords another bout of instability. There is, therefore, a pressing need that political forces of Pakistan agree on fundamentals of internal consolidation, cohesion and a national purpose that is evolved through a democratic exercise of consultation among the stakeholders.

We need to learn a lesson or two from our Chinese friends who have not allowed the imperatives of their economic development to be hurt by any other short-term consideration.

The people of Pakistan deserve better. They are justified in demanding from their politicians a responsible conduct, one which furthers their interests. They want the sanctity of their ballot to be respected. They want jobs, education, health and clean drinking water. They want peace and tranquility to be able to benefit from opportunities for advancement.

It is about time we spoke up. It is about time we made it known to the political adventurists in crystal clear words that they had better refrain from risking long-term interests of the country for their petty gains.

Have those trying to cause trouble not been here before? What did they achieve? I would end by quoting Albert Einstein:

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2016.

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