The future is ours

Rome was not built in a day. Nor was Pakistan. But now is the time when we can proudly proclaim that Pakistan has become the most exemplary nation in the world. A recent report of the United Nations confirms it. We are a nation of the most honest and hard-working people. And those whom we elect to represent us in the government do not hesitate to set aside their differences for the good of the country. From art galleries and theatrical productions to scientific innovations, we excel in the arts, the sciences, and technology. We are part of a sacred social contract that binds us together as a nation. We are the herald of a glorious future. We are the white knights of morality. The future is ours.

Gone are the days when we were victims of indoctrination, imprisoned in our echo chambers. Gone are the days when truth was replaced by narratives and counter narratives. We have refused to get smitten by propaganda. No more lies - those sweet little lies. We have abandoned prejudice and bigotry. We have mastered critical thinking. We are free to think for ourselves. We are free to choose. We are free to speak - even if it hits a nerve. In the words of George Orwell, "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."

Gone are the days when our politicians indulged in self-serving politics of power and manipulation. No longer do we incite violence through street protests, but instead we sit in the parliament, whether in government or in opposition, and we solve our country's problems by mutual cooperation. We have agreed as a nation that no one will serve more than a single term as the country's president or prime minister. No more than five years. We have vowed to prevent any politician - no matter how popular - to amass too much power to become a dictator or a fascist. We believe in the sanctity of the system. We believe in separation of powers and checks and balances and accountability.

Gone are the days when our clergy could breach the chambers of the Supreme Court to give their "advice" to the Chief Justice of Pakistan on a recent decision. Gone are the days when a DG ISI could unleash a diabolical network of terror and intimidation for personal ambitions. Gone are the days when a single real estate tycoon became so powerful that he was immune from accountability.

Gone are the days when a murderer could offer "money" to the family of the deceased and thereby receive their pardon. No longer can the cliques of the rich and the powerful buy justice with money or influence. The culture of 'mere baap ko nahi jantay' - whether said or not said - is behind us. Justice is not a commodity up for grabs. Monetary compensation in lieu of punishment is unacceptable, even reprehensible, because the crime committed by the suspect, if proven, is against the State (the people of Pakistan). A civil suit can be filed separately claiming damages.

Gone are the days of privileges and opportunities enjoyed only by the elite - the feudal lords, the bureaucrats, the corporate bigwigs. Every citizen of Pakistan now has equal access to justice, quality healthcare, a world-class education, rewarding jobs, and at minimum, a basic standard of living. MA Jinnah had once warned us: "Now if you want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, you should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, especially of the masses and the poor." And we did exactly that.

(Please note that this opinion piece was written sometime in the future.)