Extremism in politics

In 1990s in my first phase of regular weekly column writing, I wrote many pieces on sectarian violence and extremism. These were dangerous times and many highly educated people, including doctors, were killed by sectarian groups from both sides. Each group wanted to rob other group of highly qualified and learned people. That was madness and we lost many belonging to both sects. Extremism flourishes when masses stop getting knowledge themselves and let someone else do their job. In this vacuum many unscrupulous people step in and open their shops. Just like a shopkeeper who will tell you that he is the only one in bazaar selling high quality merchandise, these people do the same. When competition arises then everyone else has a fake, except themselves. In sectarian violence, groups went farther than just telling fake to each other.

Thirty years onwards, we are unfortunately seeing another form of extremism — this time concerning politics. Worst part is that this extremism is being displayed by the most educated and well-off part of our society. Many of them have been living in the West for decades and benefiting from their society, style of government, free speech and governance. They refuse to accept that others may have legitimate political differences. Last government even strengthened a law which could have strangled any free opinion even on social media. Luckily it was struck down by the Islamabad High Court. Scenes from the National Assembly and then Punjab provincial assembly clearly demonstrate that there is a group who thinks that everyone else is wrong. For them it does not matter if others are following the Constitution. A few days back, a very well-respected senior doctor friend of mine called me from the USA and told me that he was unable to say anything against the prevailing wind in fear of a retaliatory attack by fellow Pakistanis. There have been multiple reports of teachers berating kids if someone says something different politically. Same has been reported about some doctors in their clinics.

No governments like free speech; but when masses especially the western educated ones started to side against freedom of speech, that is a dangerous stage for a nation. In history there are many populist leaders who have severely curtailed freedom of the press and free speech very effectively. Unfortunately, in the long term those nations have suffered. Close to seventy per cent of the population still support those who are being labelled unpatriotic, foreign agents and thieves. That is a matter of spite, for this privileged class that even with presumed high moral standing, why are poor masses and some intelligentsia not following the line?

I have no doubts that all of us want a strong, economically independent, and a well-respected Pakistan. Overseas Pakistanis also want the same if not more. To reach there, we need to strengthen democratic process in the country as every western country where Pakistanis are prospering is a democratic country. Democratic traditions are weak in this country due to repeated military takeovers. For the same reasons, other state institutions are also less than perfect. If you want to make Pakistan a stable country then follow the rule book which is the Constitution of Pakistan. This is an agreement between the people of Pakistan after we lost half the country. The rare unanimity was only possible when all political leaders left their egos and political differences out of the door and signed on this document. It is not just a paper which anyone can tear off. It has given us some stability even in tumultuous periods.

Say whatever you want to say but give this right to others too. You may have more resources and are better educated but you are still equal to a poor man on the street. Strive for that equality and not for special privileges. Pakistan needs polarity of thought as it was created by democratic forces and its leaders. It was not created as a communist, fascist or an authoritarian country. We all want to build a stronger Pakistan and for that we need to work together. This cannot be done by ignoring the majority of the population.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2022.

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