In the Name of Democracy

The Azadi march of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Inqillab march of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) are currently in a “sit-in mode” outside parliament house in Islamabad. The mega flood of protesters is technically in the Red Zone after removing the containers from their path. The voice continues to be “Go Nawaz Go” coming from all sides. The buildings in ‘Red Zone’ are symbol of state, hence are being protected by the army.

As alleged, the current assemblies were formed through massively rigged elections. Right from day one, the PTI has been asking for audit of four constituencies, but the prime minister and his cronies ignored the request. Their fear seems to be nothing other than their embarrassing exposure.

The PAT Chief (a non entity) has been pushing for electoral reforms, the system change and now demanding the registration of FIR against culprits of Model Town genocide where fourteen members of the PAT lost their lives, whereas, around ninety workers were brutalised and injured by a few Gulloo Butts from the police force.

The non sense operation known as Model Town genocide triggered the situation further.

Despite the triple one brigade controls the buildings in the Red Zone, Both the PTI and the PAT continue to carry out their “SIT IN” in the forbidden area - intending to trespass and storm the PM house if the PM fails to step down by Wednesday evening, whereas the PM has declared his intention to hang on to his democratic position. The defiant leaders, however, are flexible for negotiated settlement. "Situation requires patience, wisdom & sagacity from all stakeholders to resolve prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue in larger national and public interest." (ISPR spokesperson Asim Bajwa tweets).

What goes around comes around; the tactics used by Sharif in his past long march are now being applied by PTI and PAT against him. If decision to restore a Chief Justice can be made on the roads instead of parliament house then the Sharifs should understand it. Also, during their previous tenure the Sharifs attacked the Supreme Court.

In fact, the political leadership has utterly failed to implement the democratic principles and allow human rights as provided in the constitution.
The man on the street believes that the parliamentarians are incapable of solving their problems. Because of unfair status quo, there is unfair distribution of opportunities; only 5% are the lucky ones who control 95% of total wealth.

The fake democracy (damn.o.crazy) in Pakistan has been responsible for a number of crises. The economics presents a sad picture, so does the political scenario.

Previously, the people of Pakistan were sick and tired of Zardari regime which only had played tactful games to complete its tenure with a friendly opposition of the N league and others.

Nevertheless, the alleged 2013 election fraud, incompetence and corruption led by the N league made it worst for the public to find basic needs. The 3rd time prime minister Sharif brought more misery for the Pakistani silent majority of 180 million.

Since the ruling Mafia, in the name of democracy commits fraud, the Sharifs are under pressure from PTI and the PAT.

PTI chief Imran Khan (stakeholder) and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri (non Stakeholder) have separately played their cards; both leaders have shown the kind of street support they command. Imran Khan came out as he has been waiting for the courts to force the Sharifs for audit in four constituencies and there is no relief as yet.

Demand of electoral reforms and formation of independent election commission are genuine demands. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can’t simply resign a year after winning an election, but being involved in Model Town murder of 14 people, he has to step down for the justice system to work freely.

Currently, the protesters are in front of Parliament in D CHOWK despite the presence of Park army.

 In general, the PM’s resignation and dissolution of assemblies remain part of demands

Some argue that it’s only a national government that can bring electoral reforms and administrative reforms which is in the best interest of Pakistan.

The problem is Nawaz Sharif has learnt nothing from his two previous incomplete tenures, most probably, he is a good business man who is devoid of political expedience.

Democracy in its present form has failed repeatedly in Pakistan not because of army interventions but due to the selfish political elite that wanted to maintain the status quo for their personal advantage.
In a parliamentary democracy, the first priority should be to bring about deep seated modifications where candidates are allowed to contest for a seat in the assembly. They must be highly qualified persons of utmost integrity well known for their contribution to the society.

More administrative based provinces will facilitate the public.

However, a presidential system of democracy rather than the British parliamentary system of democracy would be more suitable. A presidential form of government like that of the U.S. is less expensive.

Democracy in a country can’t flourish unless the feudalism is outlawed; the feudal mentality is to manipulate the system by buying votes through coercion. These chains of slavery must be broken through education, science, technology and innovation so that a strong middle class can emerge.

Good development: The neutrality of Pak army is praiseworthy; this would help democracy to flourish.

Both leaders are ready for negotiation; Imran Khan has backed off from his earlier rhetoric of storming the prime minister house. Yet, he reiterates the dialogue would fail unless Nawaz steps down. The “sit in” would continue until talks are successful. Both Imran Khan and Allama Dr Tahirul Qadri have been rightly stating that democracy will not work in Pakistan without proper changes in the electoral system which ensures that only the brightest and those with unquestionable integrity come into power.

A highly competitive and transparent merit based system needs to be incorporated to ensure honest and professional governance for stopping Pakistan from slipping deeper into a state of uncertainty.

Importance of Celebrating Pakistan Independence Day

On 14 August, 1947, Pakistan became an independent country, yet the unbearable cost was sky high; the damage in terms of the lost honor of the violated women and their murders would remain irreparable forever. Indeed, the massive migration, amid widespread communal violence, ethnic cleansing/genocide, trainloads of slaughtered Muslims and the mercilessly raped young women, reminds us of the trauma of all those who sacrificed just to give a comfortable independent land to the new Pakistanis.

In his address to the ‘would be Pakistanis, Mr Jinnah particularly emphasized,’ “You are free to go to your temples; you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

Some important facts in chronological order:

1948--Sadly, Muhammed Ali Jinnah, founding leader of Pakistan, dies. First war with India over disputed territory of Kashmir takes place. 1951:Jinnah's successor Liaquat Ali Khan is assassinated. 1956: Constitution proclaims Pakistan an Islamic republic. (1958) Martial law is declared and General Ayub Khan takes over and becomes president in 1960. 1965 Indo-Pak second war is fought over Kashmir. 1969: General Ayub Khan quits and General Yahya Khan takes over. 1970: Victory in general elections in East Pakistan for breakaway Awami League, leads to rising tension with West Pakistan. 1971: East Pakistan breaks away and proclaims sovereignty as Bangladesh with Indian help. 1973: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto becomes prime minister. The constitution of Pakistan is re-tailored. 1977: Deadly riots erupt over allegations of vote-rigging by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

General Zia-ul-Haq usurps the constitution in a coup. 1978: He becomes president and launches campaign to introduce Islamic system in Pakistan. 1979: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is executed on charges of murder.

1980: The US pledges military assistance to Pakistan following Soviet intervention in Afghanistan.1986: Bhutto's daughter Benazir returns from exile to lead PPP in campaign for fresh elections.

1988 August: President Zia, the US ambassador and top Pakistan army commanders die in mysterious air crash. Ghulam Ishaq Khan takes over the presidency. In November, Benazir Bhutto's PPP wins general election. 1990 - Benazir Bhutto is dismissed as prime minister on charges of bad governance and corruption. 1993: President Ishaq Khan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif both resign under pressure from military.

General elections bring Benazir Bhutto back to power. 1996: President Leghari dismisses Bhutto government on corruption charges. 1997: Nawaz Sharif returns as prime minister after his Pakistan Muslim League party wins elections. 1998: Pakistan goes ahead with its own nuclear tests after India explodes several nuclear devices. May 1999-Kargil conflict: Pakistan Defence forces clash to repulse the advancing Indian military in the icy heights around Kargil in Indian-held Kashmir.

1999 October - General Pervez Musharraf seizes power in coup. 2000 April - Nawaz Sharif sentenced to life imprisonment on hijacking and terrorism charges over his actions to prevent the 1999 coup.  2000 December - Nawaz Sharif goes into exile in Saudi Arabia under a deal. 2001 June: Gen Musharraf becomes president while remaining as Chief of the army staff (COAS). 2001 September - Musharraf joins the US in the war on terror. The US lifts some sanctions imposed after Pakistan's nuclear tests in 1998. 2002 August: President Musharraf grants himself sweeping new powers, including the right to dismiss an elected parliament.

2004 May: Pakistan is readmitted to Commonwealth.

2007 March: President Musharraf suspends Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, triggering a countrywide wave of protests. Supreme Court reinstates Chief Justice Chaudhry. October: Ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto returns from exile. Around 200 well wishers die in a suicide bomb targeting her homecoming parade from the Karachi Airport.

November: Musharraf wins presidential election but is challenged by Supreme Court. He declares emergency rule, dismisses Chief Justice Chaudhry and appoints new Supreme Court, which validates his re-election. Former PM Nawaz Sharif returns from exile.  December - State of emergency is lifted. Benazir Bhutto is assassinated while exiting from Liaqat Bagh, Rawalpindi after making her speech. 2008 February-March: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) nominee Yusuf Raza Gilani becomes PM at head of coalition with Nawaz Sharif's Muslim League party following parliamentary elections in February. August: President Musharraf resigns after the two main governing parties agree to launch impeachment proceedings against him.

After days of protests, government yields to demands for reinstatement of judges dismissed by former President Musharraf.

In April, Swat agreement breaks down after Taleban-linked militants seek to extend their control. Government launches offensive to retake control of Swat from militants. In November, President Zardari hands control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal to PM Yousuf Raza Gilani in apparent attempt to ease political pressure.

2010 April: The National Assembly approves package of wide-ranging constitutional reforms. Measures include transferring key powers from office of president to prime minister.

2011 November: Pakistan shuts down NATO supply routes after a NATO attack on military outposts kills 25 Pakistani soldiers. 2012 June: Supreme Court disqualifies Prime Minister Gilani from holding office after he declines to appeal against a token sentence in President Zardari Swiss case. Parliament approves Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf as his successor. 2013 June: Parliament approves Nawaz Sharif as prime minister after his Muslim League-N wins parliamentary elections in May. July: Mamnoon Hussain is elected as president by the parliament.

In 2013 November, Lt Gen Raheel Sharif takes over as head of the army/COAS.

2014: Operation Zarb-e-Azb is in the final phases and is expected to conclude with happy outcome soon.

Suggestion:

Internationally, the stolen Pakistani water and the neighbors’ intriguing attitude are among some of the headaches that need to be addressed on a top priority basis with a Pakistan friendly foreign policy in place at the earliest.

With respect to the allegations of locally stolen mandate (ballot) and economic downturn, answer lies only in encouraging a level playing field to reproduce constructive conscience of the entire nation; that would generate peaceful atmosphere.

It’s absolutely necessary to keep paying tribute to those who dedicated their lives to earn freedom for us. Although the people of Pakistan celebrate the Independence Day with patriotism, yet they should remember what Jinnah's dream was; many among us seem to have forgotten the reason for the formation of Pakistan.