Is it any wonder why princes & kings?
Are clowns that caper in their sawdust rings;
Cos ordinary people that are like you and me,
We're the builders of their destiny.
It was an exhausting afternoon about 38 years ago when, a storm of people took it to the streets of the country; a country whose fate was never sorted-out and where the breeze of fear blows, even today. The crowd mourned with anger and then, launched a strong protest against an elite military ruler, who had imposed his constitution on a newly-born republic. As a commanding soldier, who says 'do or die', the authoritarian was deprived of an art of 'public politics' and payed no mind to the most important point in his draft. He had mistakenly made Pakistan a 'republic' instead of an 'Islamic republic'. The response was sudden and expected. A 'country' became a firm 'nation' on this issue and strongly demanded to rule out the clause. The public pressure was so immense that even, the most fiercest dictator bowed down to the wave of unrest. This is how our beloved country 'Islamic republic' of Pakistan was constituted.
Despite, proclaiming itself as a 'republic', Pakistan has failed to establish a strong and an authentic democratic system, over the years. Democracy, in shape of hypocrisy, has suffered severe blows in the hands of several martial laws and army regimes.
The political analysts and literary wing of ours, has always blamed the so-called 'military establishment' for a retarded political growth. Most of them, are of the view that frequent interceptions from the barracks has crushed the national morale and always took the country, a decade behind.
Despite of huge criticism, everyone of us agrees with the fact that, the 'political industry' of Pakistan is known for its two peculiar characteristics:-
a) Corruption
b) Bad-Governance
The above of two 'distinct features' of our internal complex political world has forced, the world outside to confine Pakistan in the list of Third world countries. Thus, also provide a valid excuse for the armed forces to 'march-in' in the political affairs. Their 'ironic hands' have cleaned the system many times but for a long-term process, killed the practice of democracy.
The politicians of Pakistan who are in charge of the system nowadays, are enjoying more financial power instead of public power. From the banks of Swiss and beyond the priceless palaces of Raiwand, the tales of 'hidden treasures' are becoming more eminent.
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| President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari (left) with his son Chairman of People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (right) |
'Factual Myths' of Pakistan reveal that since its birth, the crown of power is vested among the 22 families. These families (not less than 'families of nobles' in renaissance era) had always had their share in the history of Pakistan. Their powers seems to be endless; either feudal or industrial. These imperial dynasties ruled the country with complete supremacy and had an impact on 'economic health' of Pakistan.
The repeated Philip story which always brought forth an Alexander, has proved to be more applicable to Pakistan. The obedient residents of this 'realm', have always nominated a 'duke' after 'duke' over the years, but never payed heed to craft a one, with their own hands.
In a country, where vote is already an omen plagued by ethnicity and regionalism, our self-imposed 'unawareness' has always reserved an elite successor for the throne. In a crowd of millions, we cry for a beacon to seek light; but our foresight is too blurred to find one. The proud nationalism of ours then, search for a lost motivation in the times of need, which only a true leader can impart.
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| Hamza Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League (N) |
The will to rise and shine for this country along with national prestige died at the moment when, we in the state of paranoia surrendered to political hierarchy; a phyletic lineage accompanied by an obsolete imperial rule. 2% of aristocratic families of political preeminence, which have never allowed the overwhelming middle/lower class speakers to emerge, which pose an extincting threat to their political domination. They control the hearts and minds of the local population through the huge lands they own.
"Under the 18th amendment, the clause of intra-party elections has been ruled out; giving authority to party heads to stay-on. The new amendment might have reduced President's prestige but, provides party heads the power of issuing order to dissolve the parliament, at any instant."
Ironically, all major political parties (with few exceptions) are run on family basis. After the death, a son or a daughter is nominated as party head. This act of 'democratic suicide' is now legalized under the recent 18th amendment, where raising a voice against the rigid and tyrannical party leadership has been declared as a crime. None of us ever ruminated that our screams of social and economic dismay would be synchronized as a tacit of mistrust.
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| Moonis Elahi of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) |
The nation which nullified the tyrant and totalitarian rule of a dictator in 60's, has become weak with startle. It's frailty resulted in the extinction of a number of ambitious leaders, in the way. The Islamic Republic, for which our ancestors fought for is now on the road of becoming supreme monarchy, with fate of crown sealed for decades.
So, how about rephrasing 'Republic' of ours into 'Sultanate'- where a prince son inherit a king father and where power is vested in noble families; to help the blue babies of "Bhuttos, Sharifs, Chadhurys, Syeds, Qureshis, Legharis, Gillanis, Khosas, Jatois, Bugtis" and their dynasties to rule for centuries. Let, the innocent Bilawal, the outspoken Hamza and the proactive Moonis to be the next emperor while, others clap and praise their tales of never-ending success.
