Pakistan: In a state of anarchy

Democracy may not save the country, experts say.

ISLAMABAD:

Genuine democracy, anarchy and Talibanisation, at present, could go either way in the country, but the latter two would be disastrous. With its social fabric torn apart, ruptured social contract and weak institutions, the country is set on the path of destruction.

Eminent political analysts expressed these concerns while discussing “Pakistan at the Crossroads.” They were not too optimistic that the upcoming general election would change much for the people until drastic reforms are made first.

“Bad democracy never produces good democracy. It only legitimises criminals who weaken institutions,” said Dr Rasul Bakhsh Rais, a political commentator. Without a massive overhaul of the institutional set-up, the country will continue with its current state of anarchy where social strata were divided.

Rais said only a free and fair media could bring about change but at present it was controlled and even reporters and anchors had a price.

When an audience member blamed the people for the status quo, journalist Humayun Gohar said the people would rise up but through an evolutionary process and not by forced revolutions.

An angry audience member rose and launched a personal attack on Gohar who responded with, “We must think over the reasons that frustrated the gentleman.”

Former foreign secretary Riaz Khokhar said the process of accountability in the country was undermined. “National Accountability Bureau should be controlled by a board of judges where investigations are executed by professionals including police officers.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2013.