LAHORE: In the aftermath of the election fever that took the country by storm and the passionate reactions that have followed, I would like to make a few clarifications to my countrymen. Several of my educated, middle and higher-income group friends have been invariably inclined towards a particular political party. This is the first time that many of these individuals have participated in political rallies, overtly tweeted and posted on Facebook in support of a Naya Pakistan and have left the comforts of their homes to show support to this relatively new political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The election results, however, did not conform to their election-sweeping expectations and the wave of disappointment that pursued was even more powerful than their passion for the party’s victory.
Today, when I woke up to posts on Facebook about how there is no Naya Pakistan and that “we have to go back to corrupt, old Pakistan now”, I feel that, at this point, it is imperative that I, as a politically aware and patriotic individual, give a message to the disheartened supporters of the PTI. Naya Pakistan is here. When was the last time you replaced your branded shirts and jackets with fabric printed with the face of a popular politician? How many of you, at ages well past your legal age, left your houses to vote for the first time ever? Regardless of who you voted for, when was the last time that, with no personal stakes involved, your heart beat faster than ever in anticipation of who will form the government for the next five years? Wake up, Pakistan. The change you have been waiting for has arrived. Switch on your televisions and think about the freedom that the media has today.
Yes, rigging occured in several constituencies. But this time, the public has a voice. Rigging footage is being played all over television channels. Powerful, unbeatable politicians, who have been blamed for this rigging, are being held accountable on national television and are being questioned over their actions. If this is not true, substantial change in itself, then what is? This is what Naya Pakistan is all about. The youth has been mobilised. The media has brought corrupt politicians in front of the public eye. The nation has used its right to vote sensibly for the first time. Pakistan is at a turning point where one civilian government is being succeeded by another one. Don’t lose heart and embrace the change that has swept the nation in a matter of a few days. Naya Pakistan has finally arrived.
Eesha Imtiaz
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2013.
