Pakistan must step back from its moment of insanity
The writer is a consultant based in Islamabad
Amidst pitched battles between adversaries, communication crackdowns and workarounds, narrative creation in hyper mode, the activation of the diaspora and economic meltdown, a citizen may ask: “What is the true significance of the present moment for Pakistan?”
Amidst the chaos, what is the persistent question that crops up? It has to be, “Are we in-charge of the shape and direction of our own destinies, of course under the benevolent guidance of the Almighty?”
If I am blunt, I must say that we are not. In theory, the structure of our nation is a democracy. But the structure is dysfunctional, with the exception of brief relatively democratic stints.
To those readers whose stress levels may be rising after reading thus far, just one second. We are not ascribing blame, or even placing responsibility. We are sizing up the situation, taking stock, registering what is going on. In a calm and cool manner, if that is possible.
We were born as a fragile nation, with weak defences and wafer-thin democratic traditions, in the post Second World War environment, in which the Cold War was fast picking up pace, and weak nations were picked up by one side or the other, as the world divided to confront each other. Our economic weaknesses, fragility of constitutional institutions, and turbulent neighborhood can partially be blamed for our inability to build a robust democratic tradition. But 75 years is a long time, and it is simply not defensible that with our given human and natural resources, we are the bottom of the pack in our region.
What cannot be allowed to happen is clear. Citizens cannot be picked up without warrants, taken to undisclosed places and tortured. The Constitution cannot be implemented in a cherry-picking way, with parts that suit the powers that be followed, while others are not. Lives cannot be taken in encounters on the street, when peaceful protests degenerate into violence through state oppression. Public property, military property, national monuments and critical defence installations cannot be attacked and burnt in violent rages. Military and anti-terrorism courts cannot be used to try civilians, simply because it is expedient and convenient for the government. Communication networks of the nation cannot be shut down to obstruct the right of citizens to know what is happening in the country, and to impede workings of political parties, and take back every citizen’s right of political protest.
There are moments of madness that possess many nations. During the Cold War, witch-hunting persecution of many citizens took place in the USA, with accusations of people being communists, which was considered the ultimate crime, with all considered guilty unless proven innocent. Citizens of Japanese descent were interned in camps. Here in Pakistan, religious and sectarian persecution has been prevalent over many years. State brutality has also operated; the 1980s is recognised as being a particularly violent era.
This is our moment of madness. In the height of confrontation and clash of egos, terrible excesses are being committed. Tragedies can happen in moments of madness. A momentary streak of anger on the road can end a life. We don’t have to imagine what rage on a national scale can do. This is happening right now in front of our eyes.
Once the moment of insanity passes, people often look back, reflect and understand where they were wrong. But it is possible that by then, it is too late. Hindsight is 20-20, but if destruction has happened, you cannot reverse it, even though you may understand all its root causes.
Is the preservation of our country our foremost goal? Surely if it was, it would be easy for adversaries to stop in their tracks, and end hostilities. No matter how many patriotic songs we may sing or national flags we may furl, let us look hard in the mirror, and know that our patriotism is a lie. If it isn’t, it is time for us to prove it.
All institutions fully geared up to battle each other must stand down. The insanity of the moment must be recognised, and somebody must blink.
There are many examples of how nations have de-escalated conflicts, ended bitterness, and returned to a path of development and prosperity. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa is one recent example. President Nelson Mandela recognised the power of the truth. But he also weighed the destructive might of recriminations and revenge. We need an exit ramp to get off the highway of self-destruction.
We are all humans. None of us are enemies, monsters or criminals. Let us recognise the humanity of each other. Let us not dehumanise each other. Let us recognise this moment of great peril that we are in. And step back from disaster.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 31st, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.