Realities of revolution

The unexpected call given by philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi for a “bloody revolution” in the country during a talk in Karachi indicates the extent to which frustration and desperation has seeped into our society. Edhi, a man known for the gentleness of his nature and his enormous compassion, would normally be the last person expected to urge a violent uprising of any kind. But it appears that more and more people in our nation are becoming convinced that this is the only way to bring about change. Recent events in the Middle East obviously influence the thinking and mindset of many.

To his credit, Edhi made it clear he did not seek a curtailment of the government’s term. He also spoke out against the misuse of funds by many different categories of people, including politicians, and stated that a time may come when citizens needed to take matters into their own hands. The views expressed by Edhi also indicate a growing tussle with despondency. While he himself suggested hard work as a means to move beyond this, the fact is that most people lack the capacity to dedicate themselves to others the way Edhi has done for so many decades. Ways need to be found to alleviate their suffering — and there is indeed a risk that if this does not happen, things may spiral out of control.

We should keep in mind that things are becoming more and more urgent by the day. Even though revolutions are being painted as a desirable event by many, they are in reality often unpredictable, messy affairs which can end in uncertain ways. In our particular situation, the presence of a well-armed force like the Taliban makes this all the more true. Other solutions need to be found. The call by Edhi should act as a warning of how dangerous things are becoming, compelling even the most tolerant and clear-thinking of persons to consider the possibility that solutions may lie only in an upheaval which dramatically changes the order of things and the lives of people who face incredibly tough circumstances.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th,  2011.