Democrats, Opportunists and Bonapartes

   By Asghar Mayo

The political system is not performing up to the public expectations. Poor performance of  government has once again provided space to forces of doom and gloom..People hoped that a democratic government can meet the challenges of Pakistan, but all hopes seem to be dashed by this government. Public Morale is down in face of challenges. A savior from heaven is being awaited.

Pakistan is fighting an unprecedented multiple crises.  Millions of people have lost their every thing in devastating floods, economy is in doldrums, institutions are weak, and militants plus Afghan government are adding to worries of Pakistan on anti-terrorism front.  In such circumstance, government needs public support and political strength of all mainstream parties. But it is not case in Pakistan. Government is losing public support and political parties are fishing in troubled water. Only Zardari headed government is not on stake rather democracy itself is being questioned as a fit system of governance in countries like Pakistan. Every lapse on the part of government is being used to besmirch the long tested system of democracy.

Some political parties openly champion the military rule to bring change in Pakistan. Altaf Hussian, head of MQM, has invited Military to launch crusade against feudal lords. Apparently it is cheap move but effective tactic to blackmail a government which not only need MQM votes but also peace in Karachi. MQM is not in line with the  government on many things especially about the ANPs increasing influence in Karachi and settlement of flood refuges in Karachi. Secondly MQM want to attract masses to expand its political base in interior Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab by blaming feudals for managing levees and embankment to inundate lands and villages of peasantry. Such incidents have happened but feudals cannot be made scapegoat. Altaf hussian definitely chose a wrong tool and at wrong time. Tactic proved counterproductive and he has to backtrack from his statement. Now MQM is trying to recover from the harsh onslaught of criticism. Altaf hussian claims his party has been struggling for democracy since last 32 years. But verdict of history is against it.  Admittedly,masses have short memory but not too short. His party is not only brainchild of junta rule but also supported all military generals without atonement.

Astonishingly, leader like Imran khan also preferred Military over Zardari and Pir Sahib of Pagaro is always willing to welcome Martial law. Many people in Pakistan like Imran khan for his vocal resistance against military rule, they rank him in cadres of democrats. But today they feel betrayed. He has lost many supporters by advocating such Bonaparte’s adventure. He once again has proved his political immaturity and lack of political vision. He is still unable to wash stigma that his party supported General Musharraf in his intial days. People like pir sahib who is proud political witch need no comments. He is more interested in his horses than public and country. He even don’t mind if Indian army interfere in Pakistani politics because his only worth is within extra constitutional governments.
Given the situation, there is no path with politicians but to be patient and realistic. Army rule is not a solution rather mother of all evils. Democracy need time, it advocates trail and error. Though, Government is performing poorly yet still we need to own it. We all are stake holders and are under moral duty to correct it through peaceful means.  Media must criticize but criticism must be constructive to force Govt. to take decision in the light of informed public opinion. Perhaps it is last chance for all political parties to retrieve the space they have lost to non democratic forces