As the government, the army and the politicians of Pakistan engage with each other in the present “Let’s Make A Deal” scenario, ordinary people of the country are left only to hope. They already know that each of the characters in the drama being enacted presently is suspect. It is like all are watching one of the classic Greek tragedies where one knows before conclusion that all the characters are going to die! Not so in the play that is unfolding in Pakistani politics. Each of the party or character has great survivability and is interested mainly in its own quest for power under the professed label of national interest and democracy. The people of Pakistan must now say enough and declare that they would not stand by while, yet again, the people and the ideas that have all along been the part, if not the root cause, of their problem are being repackaged under the pretext of serving them and their democratic aspirations. Old wine in new bottles as the expression goes!
Elections are around the corner and will be contested under the existing rules and conditions. The hope is for fair and free elections. Under international supervision this will be possible in all likelihood. Can the people of Pakistan hope for a better future through this exercise in the pursuit of democracy?
The people of Pakistan need and deserve new direction and new ideas. These are not going to be forthcoming with the present leadership setup. Yet in the transition toward a representative government, Pakistan and its people will have to endure this. And despite the seeming odds against the possibility of the same old leadership, which is contesting this election, to offer new ideas and set a new direction, they must remain hopeful.
Remaining hopeful in a passive manner, however, will be detrimental to them and also to the greater interest of Pakistan. Away from the polarization along the dividing lines of province, party, and personal politics and piety, they must agree to forge a list of priorities for the future of Pakistan based entirely on the core aspirations and values on which the nation came into existence. Backed by consensus, these can be put forward as a memorandum of understanding between them and the leaders of all parties and the establishment before the elections. The newspapers and the electronic media can help in posting a priority list and ask the readers to shape, modify and sign on. This may be easier said than done. Yet this is a part of their commitment. Similarly an independent website can be quickly launched for this purpose. What will the wish list look like?
Here are some ideas that can be framed under the short-term and long-term needs and priorities of Pakistan.
• Constitutional and judicial reforms: It is a fact that the constitution has remained a source of empowerment for those who want to rule rather than a document reflective of the hopes and aspirations of the people of Pakistan. A clear articulation of what sort of Islamic state Pakistan must be safeguarding the rights of all its citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity and gender.
• The judiciary whose role is to uphold the constitution has been compromised at critical moments in Pakistan’s history and also needs to be brought to accountability through the process of reforms.
• Party reforms: Ending dynastic politics to institute grass-roots empowerment and upward mobility. Banning the “horse-trading” and crossing-over party lines, which has plagued politics in Pakistan.
• Land reforms to bring the feudal system in alignment with the rule of democracy.
• Curtailing army’s power and making it subservient to civil society.
• Control of Religious extremism: Encouraging and enhancing a value-based framework that leads to the process of social transformation.
• Strengthening and expanding law and order institutions. Uplifting the role of the police and accountability institutions to establish transparency and upholding the application of law for all citizens.
It goes without saying that the list is but a shadow of the fundamental fissures that have kept Pakistan from uniting as a nation. Enacting or implementing any of these priorities will only be possible if the proverbial fox is not guarding the hen house!!
— Dr. Nazir Khaja is chairman, Islamic Information Service, USA.
