What hope?

I love protests and chaotic gatherings. They represent the naivety, innocence and beauty that humans carry within themselves. At the same time, they prove that we all thrive amidst commotion. It makes for a good picture moment and adds to one's portfolio. But does it do any good? Does it bring about change?

Historically, protests have definitely brought about change and even ignited revolutions. The secret there was consistency where you became a thorn in the path of those who were doing wrong and promoting foul.

In our country today though, we have to accept the fact that the writ of the state cannot be challenged. No matter what.

We saw this during the passing of the 26th amendment to the Constitution and we saw it recently when the JCP convened and elevated judges to the apex court. Lawyers and activists (albeit in a small number) tried to get their point across by protesting in Islamabad but the capital police had blocked off roads to the red zone. Of course, it's a separate debate as to why the protesting lawyers were manhandled by the police.

The point here is that we need to accept the fact that the 26th amendment is here to stay. The state will continue to take decisions that it deems fit for its welfare despite us not agreeing with those decisions. We have no choice but to accept the fact that the current government will continue to do what it wants to do and on the face of it, whatever they are doing and have been doing isn't illegal either.

It might be immoral and unethical but Niccolo Machiavelli once said that ethics have nothing to do with politics, the state can exercise whatever power, however it chooses to in order to remain in power. Fear works better and is more effective than affection.

It might be safe to say that the days of igniting a revolution might be over. Gone are the days when you could bully the government into succumbing to your demands. Be it legal or illegal, we operate within a system where democracy is merely a façade and the ones who rule us care only about their next meal, not about what the people will eat.

No matter how educated, experienced and correct one may be, they will have to bow down to nepotism and corruption. That explains why more than a million skilled youth have left this country and continue to depart every day.

It is alarming how many skilled people, that I knew personally, have left this country for better opportunities abroad and are now doing much better than they were here. From not being able to afford renting a house, to purchasing cars and owning homes, it is evident that we aren't doing something right here. We aren't doing anything right! This is just one of the alarming trends. But everything is fine as long as we continue to give away laptops and arrange questionable scholarship schemes.

Skilled youth is leaving and we aren't doing anything to stop them unless of course we can legislate and make that a crime too. That day isn't far away. Run while you still can.

Every other youngster I meet either in court or in any other setting is either working towards leaving or has his flight booked. If that doesn't alarm you, I don't know what will. Those who can't afford to leave, continue to dwell in uncertainty and look forward to eventually leaving.

Why can't we have nice roads, basic infrastructure and a parliament that actually works for the welfare of its people?

I wouldn't stay we still have time. I think the time has gone. People are leaving because they've lost hope in things ever improving. They've lost hope in the system and in the rulers. There's no turning back from here. Save what you have and either be honest and poor or be corrupt and rich. There's no other way.