The Revolution!

From a land very far far away; 

I can see a glimpse of light. 

A new sun ascending its land,

Start of a new era that grips the fate of an infant.

The pyramid now stands with honor,

The sphinx of a ruler now rusts in the corner,

The Nile now flows with a tide;

Decades ago it had lost its pride.

But why my land still lives in a dark?

The people here! will they ever spark?

Ignorance before credence!

Death of a crowd in grievance!

Splashes of tears then curses the eye,

When one wishes to quickly die.

Generations hanging in the balance,

It's the time to swing the wheel of gallant.

Raise your head up my boy!

Passion is your feat and destiny is the sky!

Break the faces of those who seize your freedom,

Dump those monsters who dare to eat your edam.

Slumber is a curse ask a raider who lives inside,

Forfeit the fear of battle just go there and fight.

Please don't be ashamed of death!

Cos' martyrs never fall from the peak of zenith.

The statue of robin hood awaits to be consecrated;

The tales of bravery are yet to be scripted...!

(M.S.Khan)

Dictator's Ship & its Crew - An Epilogue

The truth is harsh but it stands tall: dictators might get themselves beheaded under the 'constitutional guillotine' of article-6 but, what about the 'political crew' that endorsed their every action of vivacity? Do they deserve another chance? If dictators don't then, thumbs down to them too.


It seems like yesterday. Yeah! I remember that eve of October 12, 1999. The day my father heard a rumour of yet another military takeover. I was in second standard and was forcing my young mind to get a glimpse of a situation. As an innocent 'bacha', the first genuine thought that struck my mind was, "Why Pakistanis are fighting against each other?". The grown-up mind still seeks for a much 'simpler' answer, even to this date.


Each stage of life doesn't last forever as did my childhood, that faded away in a rush. Soon, I entered my 'mainstream teen life'. The time when I was revealed to the heroics of one man; General Musharraf. The man was a definite choice for my ideal. Bold, confident, patriotic and sincere; I became his eternal fan. After witnessing his fiery speeches in 'Jalsas' and his development proclaimations in 'Sarkari TV', obviously for an 'ordinary guy' like me, he was the voice of people for years to come.


Till the day, when it all went wrong. The dark year of 2-007 overshadowed his dominance. Later, in a 'comedy of errors' he lost his grip on CJ issue, Lal Masjid Operation, Benazir assassination - and most importantly he lost my respect. His mass oppression caused his decline and soon, he fell off his head.

'Ruthless' Musharraf as depicted in cartoon

February 18, 2008 elections marked a sunrise of a new dawn. When my 'freshly riped' mind came to know of some new faces in the political arsenal and of course, a new index term 'Jamhuriat and its Husaan'. Where the talk shows preached the beneficialness of the democratic system, my mind was puzzled on something else -  I came to know that 'General Sahib' was a 'dictator' - he wasn't a 'revolutionary reformer' or a 'enlightened moderator', a 'charismatic enigma' or a 'true commando' - he was just another dictator. The over-rated outspoken buffoon who robbed a poor country, and flew to London; as did Iskander Mirza during the first martial law or like most recent 'display of patriotism' of self-proclaimed 'sher', Nawaz Sharif.


Anyways, the word 'Dictatorship' - I thought I had heard this word somewhere. Yes! The great Roman emperor Julius Caesar, he was a dictator too; sadly got killed by a mob of parliamentarians. How could I not mention German der Fuhrer Adolf Hitler, who killed a millions, according to the 14th chapter, of my torn history book in class seven. But, why frequently uttering the the word in present times; I was surprisingly amused. Were the public masses of ours were cursed by slumber decade ago? Did the word actually existed in the Oxford dictionary when cope d'etat was in progress? 


As a student of science, I tried to adopt a more logical method to 'dissect' the new word. I suggested that 'Dictatorship' is popped up of two words - 'Dictator' and 'Ship'. Of course, a dictator needs a 'Ship (Country)' to drive it as its captain. To sail it to the 'destiny unknown' with his 'fictional wisdom'. But, it has turned out that dictator's ship wrecks over time and drowns in the deep blue sea; as far as the to and fro experiences of Pakistan, the country suffering in the hands of four military adventuresome, speaks for itself.


Those who know about ships can argue that captain is not only the guy responsible of a failure. There are many faces behind the scenes as well - the sailors, the seamen and midshipmen - what you can simply call a crew. The crew is the real supporting cast, so why blame only the captain? When other members had their golden times too. So why only blame the men in uniform when, others are stinging behind public's back too?



Take a look of  illuminating faces of some of these crew members and the history they share with their respective captains:-


1. Bhutto & Ayub Duo

"The dictator is the one animal who needs to be caged; He betrays his profession and his constitution. He betrays the people and destroys human values. He destroys culture. He binds the youth. He makes the structure collapse. He rules by fluke and freak. He is the scourge and the ogre. He is a leper. Anyone who touches him also becomes a leper. He is the upstart who is devoid of ideals and ideology. Not a single one of them has made a moments contribution to history " - (Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto)

Young Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto looks upon Ayub Khan as an inspiration

He might be the greatest orator in the national history but, it is hard denying the fact that he himself commenced his career in the political arena under the umbrella of the first and the only Field Marshall, General Ayub Khan.

President Ayub Khan and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto with other members of cabinet 

Bhutto became the youngest Pakistani cabinet minister when he was given charge of the energy ministry by President Muhammad Ayub Khan, who had seized power and declared martial law in 1958. He was subsequently promoted to head the ministries of commerce, information and industries. He became a close and trusted advisor to Ayub, rising in influence and power despite his youth and relative inexperience in politics. In 1962, he was appointed Pakistan's foreign minister, swift rise to power also brought him national prominence and popularity. 


The 17 day war against India in 1965, proved to be the rift between him and Ayub Khan. Bhutto blasted unpopular 'Tashkent agreement' labeling it as the surrender of Pakistan to India. He resigned in June, 1966 and expressed strong opposition to Ayub's regime.

General Yahya Khan transfers power to Bhutto after fall of Dhaka

Later, in the turn of events which involved the establishment of People's Party, Ayub's resignation, elections of 1971 and fall of Dhaka - Bhutto was sworn into power from 1972-77, the time during which he gave the nation it's 3rd constitution, which is still in practice. Bhutto's government was later overthrown by General Zia-ul-Haq in a bloodless coup. He was executed in 1979 after the Supreme Court of Pakistan sentenced him to death for authorizing the murder of a political opponent, in a move that many believe was done under the directives of General Zia. Thus, Bhutto is distinctive in being the only decorated leader that was perhaps, was built and sadly killed by two different dictators.




2. Nawaz & Zia Woo

“We want democracy and nothing else. I am here to play my role and also make my own efforts to rid the country of dictatorship.”- (Nawaz Sharif)

General Zia-ul-Haq having a nice chat with Punjab's Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif

'Sher-e-Pakistan' Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif served the country for two non-consecutive terms, as its Prime Minister. His political career started in Punjab during the tenure of General Zia-ul-Haq, who is credited to be his political father, guru and mentor. 

PML(Q)'s campaign poster directed towards Nawaz's loyalty

Under the provincial government of Punjab in 1981, he served as the Minister of Finance with additional charge of Minister of Sports. Sharif later, served as a Chief Minister of Punjab for two consecutive terms. Some critics blame Nawaz Sharif to be a progeny of Zia-ul-Haq, who supported the Martial Law by working for the dictator as Chief Minister of Punjab for about a decade. In 1988, Zia died in a suspicious plane crash the time when, Nawaz Sharif was seen as an active participant during dictator General's funeral. The action that was pointed by PML(Q) during its political campaign in 2008. The campaign posters showed him supporting Zia-ul-Haq and carrying forward his 'Islamization legacy'.


During his tenure as country's premier leader, Sharif gained unmatchable popularity and international acclamation  for ordering Pakistan's 1998 nuclear tests in response to India’s nuclear tests. His brother Mian Shahbaz Sharif served Punjab as its sole Chief Minister during both of his reigns. Sharif's second term came to a dramatic standoff when, Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf took control of the authority and overthrew the government on 12th October, 1999.

The tagline speaks for itself!

Following his removal by a military coup, Nawaz Sharif was charged with kidnapping, attempted murder, hijacking and terrorism after he allegedly tried to block Pervez Musharraf from landing his plane at Karachi Airport. In December 2000, Sharif began his exile in Saudi Arabia after being pardoned by Pervez Musharraf. 


Afterwards, Sharif's political ideology transformed dramatically overnight, and he decided to fight dictator's unlawful rule instead of repeating his previous feat; signing of charter of democracy with Benazir Bhutto was a proof in this respect. Sharif returned to Pakistan in September, 2007, as a new 'Champion of Democracy'. And still awaits for his third regime of ultimate power.

3. PML(Q) & Musharraf Affair

General Musharraf with other PML(Q) members addressing the public

The PML (Q) was the undisputed "King’s Party" of General Musharraf's administration. After the Nawaz Sharif government was overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf's coup in 1999, the PML (Q) came into existance when it split from the PML (N) after, creating yet another schism in the history of the PML. 

President Musharraf with then sworn Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat

Led by Mian Azhar and later Shujaat Hussain, the party was openly backed by General Musharraf. A political party with influential members such as the Chaudhary's of Gujrat, Pervaiz Elahi and Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain ; Chaudhary Ijaz ul Haq ; Humayun Akhtar Khan. The PML (Q) started as a small group of half a dozen like-minded people in the PML, in defiance of Nawaz Sharif and his family's monopoly on the party. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi came to the 'rescue of stability' of country and saw their new party PML (Q) win the general elections of 2002. The unpopular 17th amendment was overwhelmingly endorsed by members of PML(Q). 


Under Musharraf's authoritarian headship, PML(Q) government completed its allocated 5 years of rule - becoming the first and the only government to do so. The trio of Mir Zafar ullah Khan Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat and Shaukat Aziz enjoyed the designation of being country's Prime Ministers. The other Chaudhry, Pervaiz Elahi served Punjab as its Chief Minister from 2002-2007. The Cinderella story ended when their later years of rule, were plagued by the curse of CJ issue, Lal Masjid and Bugti Operation. The President of the party Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi supported Musharraf step by step. They have been faithful to the general in even the most adverse circumstances.

Chaudhry Brothers are criticized for their unconditional support for Musharraf 

February 18, 2008 was the day which marked the decline of PML(Q). The party lost major parliamentarians in the 2008 general election, gaining only 49 elected seats, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the PML (N) opposition parties won the election. On August 18, 2008, President Musharraf resigned under the pressure of facing an impeachment. The day after, Chaudhry Shujaat declared 'to run the party without the assistance of under-hands.' - which were used before. PML(Q) now suffers from severe schizophrenia period, after facing numerous split-ups and is on the way to its 'much expected' drop-scene.


The truth is harsh but it stands tall: dictators might get themselves beheaded under the 'constitutional guillotine' of article-6 but, what about the 'political crew' that endorsed their every action of vivacity? Do they deserve another chance? If dictators don't then, thumbs down to them too.

Aquasaurus eats Pakistan: The search for new life beyond blood, sweat & tears

Haseena Begum weeps as she recalls her home being washed away in Multan

We have seen it all? Haven't we? 'The astound episodes of horror and dismay, infected by the curse of doom.' After all these years we have been through one can only ask the merciless fate; Hey mate! Is every catastrophe is designed for our 'endurable' Pakistan? How long these 'pranks of test' would last? Is there any full stop to this 'kamikaze' which has entrapped us for the last 63 years?


Recall, the musty and old-fashioned 'amma jis', who wandered and maundered in hope of snatching a sack of 'chaki atta'; Those black-outs half a day that tortured a blooming student's academic brains; Those weeks when young and half-grown boys were brain-washed to bombarding deaths; High-flying drones inching in our territory; A 'rocket' shoe barely missing the 'head' of head of the state; Those hours when 'The Times' published us as 'the most dangerous nation of the world'. Welcome to 'our Pakistan': whose tale is full of adventures lead by trait of misguidance and the devious character of mistrust.

Devastation at Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

And, now the havocs offered by the surfs of the devastating flood. Pakistan has never faced such a calamity in decades.  From the gigantic hills of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa till the twirling tides at the shores of Karachi, the entire nation is soaked in woe of agony and apprehensions. Heart-rending spectacles have now turned into a matter of routine. Humanity cried to its fullest when, millions of us witnessed a frail old 'baba ji' who palmed the 'chauki' of demolished roof of his owned 'makaan' that perhaps, drank his whole manhood, disappearing in the combers of riddling death. Television channels highlighted a jumbo sized building that failed to anchor to a steep base, and tossed off to its head, where it soon vanished in the waves of generous-turned 'ruthless' River Indus.


More than 1,500 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands stranded by flooding triggered by the annual monsoon rains. The floodwaters have washed away millions of hectares of crops, submerged villages and destroyed roads and bridges. Disease is spreading among Pakistani flood victims, and there have been warnings that dams in the south may burst. The power infrastructure of Pakistan also took a severe blow from the floods, which damaged 10,000 transmission lines, transformers, feeders and power houses in different flood hit areas. Flood water inundated Jinnah Hydro power and 150 power houses in Gilgit. The damage caused a power shortfall of 3.135 gigawatts. Aid agencies have warned that outbreaks of diseases, such as: gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and skin diseases due to lack of clean drinking water and sanitation can pose a serious new risk to victims of flood. Floods have submerged 17 million acres of Pakistan's most fertile crop land, have killed 200,000 livestock and have washed away massive amounts of grain. A major concern is that farmers will be unable to meet the fall deadline for planting new seeds in 2010, meaning a massive loss of food production in 2011, and potentially leading to long term food shortages. In short, flood has resulted in obliteration of infrastructure, agriculture and mankind itself.

"I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this." (UN Secretary Ban Ki-Moon)

The 'Godfather' of tsunami, as Ban Ki-Moon claimed it to be, is now surely a catechism for our fellow brothers. Where, the distinct backgrounds now share the same arena without a roof, the calamity has surely shown it's worst possible face and suggests extraordinary measures to cope with it. This sensitive time phase of Pakistan can now only be elaborated under two major headings:-


1) The curse of God (Azab-e-Elahi)


The validity of the first heading will surely be endorsed by majority of my readers; as it touches the strings of sentiments of many of us. Fundmentalists suggest that ethics and morality are pillars on which one's tent of life stands. Either as an individual or as a whole they, form a key ingredient of one's way to un-parallel success. We promised to practice the same at our beginning but later, faced a collapse plagued by misery, individualism and injustice. When, the men of 'land of pure' ignored the cure, the nature depicted its color in most devastating way. Humanity in these years died many times and screamed with pain; those complains have surely now bursted in shape of tears of flood.


Perhaps, Pakistan is currently passing through the most tragic moments of her history. The once called pure land is now filled with impurities not only because of the system displayed by government but also because of the inhumane actions carried out by fellow citizens of our nation. The floods sent by nature which are invading our country killing and destroying the lives of many as well as our infrastructure are part of natural disaster but the after mark and the relief for those people is the responsibility of our government which promise average man to fulfill their necessities in such tribal times. 


But, we cannot only rely on the government  machinery to perform and carry the heavy load on it shoulders only. So, what is our real obligation as a Pakistani? as a Muslim? as a human at first. The Holy month of Ramadan is upon us and we can only ask for forgiveness for our sins to the Merciful; the lengthy tearful prayers with a sincere 'tauba'. It's the perfect opportunity for us to counsel our brothers. As it's the need of time, to stand united for the cause and focus to provide selfless assistance to the rescuers. We are engrossed in our lives fully which leaves us with no option to care and help others. Please think about it and try to put to use your positive contribution in order for Pakistan, in times of disaster and need, as it is every individual’s responsibility. 

People displaced by the flooding tussle for food aid in Khangarh village

2) The system of God (Nizam-e-Elahi)


The other aspect argues about the reality-check more. Water flowing over or water at the dead level; we either get lot of rains or we don’t get them at all. In a country like ours’ where a big resource of power generation is through the reserved water from dams the necessity for construction of more dams heightens even more when the consumption of electricity is on the rise every coming year.

A non-issue becomes an ever impending issue in our country when the matter falls victim to politics, hence the Kalabagh Dam issue. Not very long ago those having ‘insight’ would say that various cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would drown in consequence of the construction of the Kalabagh Dam. Nevertheless, they were still drowned when the recent flood waters swept away life from corner of several populous cities.

Map showing Dams in Pakistan

When I compare the present scenario where the flood has left everything in haphazard, to a possible situation we cold have had if the politicized dams were actually constructed - I see a much lesser destruction. The journey from a point where our country was well known for its canal irrgation system to the present extremes of draughts and floods speaks volumes of the politics of vested interests, of bias and treachery to the citizens that continues till day. 


Instead of making the country of ours a victim of ethnicity and regionalism, we should adopt a more broader spectrum - seeking for a national interest and avoiding self-suicide. If we still don’t resolve to construct new dams, God forbid, we would be worse off in the time to come.


Because, the destruction of calamity is not confined and doesn't label itself for either a Balochi, Pathan, Punjabi or Sindhi; but in fact, shakes the entire humanity. The heart of every Pakistani cries for his/her brother. Learning the clear lessons from this 'shakermaker', is the only remedy to fight the hard times - that still await us.  

Sultanat-e-Pakistan: 'La Familia' Domination & Pakistan

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.

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.

Hamza Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League (N)

Why is it so? The answer is short and simple. The unfortunate union of ours has never accepted it's 'right to rule'. Whereas, the initial principle of democracratic system states 'an establishment of a governing body of the people, by the people and for the people'. Because, we have never strived to wake up a rusted leader, cursed by slumber within us, to turn the tables of fortune once and for all.


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.

Moonis Elahi of Pakistan Muslim League (Q)

The beginning of this insurrectionist passage might seem extraneous. But, as far as it goes the citizens of this nation; who are proudly restrained to their traditional patriotism and are fond of uplifting their dignity and self-esteem have given away their identity, in the process. The purposeful creation of this nation has been erased from our memories; no one even dares to explain the future of  the flag embed with crescent and star. The daily efforts of ours are the going in vain as we witness our daily rights and merits eaten by the moth of nepotism, corruption & injustice.


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.