When you see an official government car escorted by heavily armed policemen, flashing lights and wailing sirens, just move to the side. If you ever get stuck in a massive traffic jam for VIP movement, enjoy the songs on radio and do not complain. Wait patiently in the queue even if the line is breached to ensure swift clearance for a VIP. Since the inception of Pakistan, ordinary citizens have abided by these social norms to bend backwards for figures of power and authority. In a land that proudly touts itself as the “castle of Islam,” some are more equal than others.
In a shocking incident, guards of former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son shot dead a young motorcyclist for not giving way to his motorcade. In the name of security, the arrogant and ugly VIP culture claimed yet another life of an innocent citizen. The killing was followed by street protests, but there have been rare instances when the common man has stood up against VIP culture in Pakistan. Recently, the passengers of PIA’s PK-370 flight offloaded two lawmakers Ramesh Kumar and Sen. Rehman Malik from the plane for causing a delay of about two hours. Their feat was applauded globally and, in part, attributed to now the record-long sit-in protests by Imran Khan and Dr. Tahirul Qadri’s followers.
The incident renewed hopes that ordinary Pakistanis are finally awakening and willing to fight for their rights. However, the truth remains that VIP culture remains deeply rooted in Pakistan and striving for equality in society will require a complete change in the cultural mindset. The status quo will group together and do whatever possible to protect its privileges, and sabotage any efforts aimed at social upheaval. In the aftermath of PK-370 flight incident, the country’s elected representatives in National Assembly and Senate rebuked management of PIA for its inaction against the passengers who “misbehaved” with lawmakers. The PIA obliged lawmakers by suspending two staff members, while media reports suggest that another passenger responsible for expulsion of lawmakers from the flight has been terminated from his job in the private sector.
The VIP culture in Pakistan has flourished due to concentration of power in the hands of a few, who have twisted democratic ideals for their own benefit. The draconian, feudal culture has embedded an elitist attitude that can be seen in various manifestations across the society. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s educational system has been used as a tool to perpetuate differentiation among social classes. It is divided into the religious seminaries, government-funded public schools and the costly, private sector schools for the rich.
With a low primary education enrollment rate, Pakistan faces a stern test of challenging the existing social structure that is heavily biased in favor of the ruling groups. If Pakistan is to undergo a major transformation, it is pertinent that great emphasis is laid on granting everyone equal access to a universal educational system.
The educated and enlightened members of civil society will have to take charge and make a determined effort to reshape the country’s administrative system. Ideally, the social reform movement should be independent of any political affiliation, as any such ties will cast a doubt on the motives behind this struggle.
