Sixty two years of suffering compounded by dismemberment and defeat, plagued by debilitating extremism and war speak for the courage of Pakistanis who still strive for peace and prosperity with hope and vigor. Despite bomb blasts, murders, disappearance of loved ones, cruelty of rulers, poverty and hunger, Pakistanis cherish freedom and dream of a better future.
With division of India to include a separate homeland for muslims, a million people lost their lives and a conflict between two communities became a war between two countries. Until now, this conflict has consumed the two states to the point that poverty and illiteracy is rampant in both countries while Europe and USA, the actors of the two world wars seem to have turned that bloody page of history into peaceful progress and prosperity.
Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who had never been to India before, presided over dividing of borders of a country few times larger than Britain and hastily, within two weeks, the boundaries of Pakistan was carved out with West and East wings of the new country separated by a thousand miles. With a British General as the commander-in-chief of the Pakistan army, war between Pakistan and India started to take shape in Kashmir within a few weeks after independence.
Second world war saw the decline of the British empire and the rise of USA marked a new conflict, the Cold war. Americans took over the mantle from the British and Pakistan became a US ally. USA invested in building Pakistan army and the army took over the country in 1958. Democracy in Pakistan has been an elusive dream since, as the country turned into a war front against India and Russia.
After a bloody break-up of East Pakistan in 1971 Pakistanis started afresh with a new constitution but the army deposed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1977 and got him executed with the help of a judiciary. In 1979 Americans started a war against Soviet Union in Afghanistan and Pakistan became the fountain of Jihadist ideology and organization.
Military rulers used the country to build a business- empire of their own that produces missiles to corn flakes and owns the best urban and rural real estate. Feudal and elite politicians squandered country’s wealth in building their own private paradise.
US war in Afghanistan opened a divide between Pakistan army and US. General Musharraf had to exit Islamabad. Democracy, weak but growing has many problems to tackle and the response of politicians appear removed from the gravity and urgency of the situation.
Pakistanis face rolling black-out for extended periods. Baluchistan demands autonomy and rights over its resources. War in NWFP continues. Stumped by the fear of bankruptcy and disintegration of the country, some Pakistanis advance revolution as the only way to cure all ills. Inept political leadership, US role in the region, abolition of feudalism and eradicating religious extremism are cited as some reasons for a revolt.
How do they intend to carry out a revolution is not discussed, though eagerness to dismantle the democratic set-up and replace it with honest, patriotic, people loving, god-abiding leaders, is expressed in public conversations.
These concerned Pakistanis believe that democracy and elections would keep churning out the same corrupt politicians. Democracy empowers people, they concede, but people need jobs, food, electricity and health-care, they argue. They would not mind curbing democracy and freedom of expression to provide for immediate relief, they say.
A revolution without a revolutionary party could only mean a military take over. General Ayub Khan referred to his military coup as revolution. In his book ‘Friends not masters’ he wrote, “…revolutions take long and painstaking preparation, detailed planning, clandestine meetings, and country-wide movement of troops. In our case there was little preparation. It was handled as a military operation”
After living in a turmoil for 62 years, Pakistanis understand that democracy and freedom of expression are valuable qualities that make their lives worth hoping for a better future. General Zia once said, “The Maulvi has got stuck on the T.V. screen; and let me tell you he will remain stuck there.”
On this anniversary of Pakistan let us hope that democracy stays in Pakistan and grows stronger to establish a rule of law that delivers against all those who think of themselves beyond law. Let us support the judiciary to become stronger and capable of dealing with the rich, the mighty, the feudal lords, military or ISI under the constitution of Pakistan. Let us get the maulvi un-stuck from the TV screen.
==============================================================
Rashid Malik can be reached at m_a_rashid@hotmail.com
August 13th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Great artilce. May Allah bless us with democracy… may Allah make us a strong country.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Great article- I am very impressed with the clarity of thought and your narration of facts. I googled your name but I am unable to learn your biography. I think you are a professor in Islamabad? If yes, we may know each other personally. OK jigger (:)
August 14th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Thanx for such a great writing of yours….keep this up!
August 14th, 2009 at 3:51 am
yaa that was good…
August 14th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Amazing…
August 14th, 2009 at 6:04 am
there is nio democracy in pakistan only the rule of 5 to 6 family who have money who have power .did u saw and poor person in parliment or any other place so ……they r affriad people they r not brave if there is no pathan in pakistan than there will be no pakistan …..but what this pakistan do with those people .kill their children kill there sisters brother family….we need peace and Denicray in pakistan not want changing faces…….
August 14th, 2009 at 6:06 am
we r still slaves we ru not free we r the slaves of america slaves of british we r slaves of some people who rule our country…..we r not free
August 14th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Typical present age democracy worshiping attitude. The same democracy that has butchered millions ever since its inception. Democratic countries have been the only ones waging wars promoting slavery and genocide.
A system twined by the devil itself.
For Pakistan a system that goes hand in hand with feudalism. A system controlled and dominated by the rich. Pakistani democracy a perfect example of fascist rule.
A few people who can pick up the pen and write have discovered writing and speaking about democracy as their first step towards intellectualism.
We have made democracy synonymous with a civilized society. A post-colonial system of governance bound towards destruction and secularism. Pakistani democracy does its best to take the power out of the people and put it in the hands of select corrupt elite. The glaring examples evident when democracy was prevalent.
If it works for the West it does not mean it will work for us.
See the examples Mahatir Mohammad, Mao, Khomeini or the current system of China itself who made their own system instead of following their colonial masters and it is not democracy.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Pakistani army is one of the fascist thug army responsible for killing muslims more than India so called enemy did in Kashmir, wake up Pakistanies India is not our enemy, we are our enemy
August 14th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Democracy cud not be the Solution of Pakistan…even of other muslim countries…
for muslims to revive,all the 57 muslim countries hv to be united under one banner i.e. ISLAM …and CALIPHATE SYSTEM(KHILAFAH) shud be re-established!
August 14th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Democracy is the only solution …but unfortunately these rapid changes in our country have been not so good for our country & four Pakistani`s
August 15th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I completely agree with it that we can never think of building democracy in pakistan..This country is not made for it..There shud b a kingdom here in pakistan as like in Saudia Arabia..Democracy in some countries around the world is a good concept to run the country but here in paksitan where all 62 firqas has been introduced.
I dont favor anyone neither army nor democrate..
August 15th, 2009 at 12:54 am
The person who never ruled in his own howm is now ruling the whole country..O GOD..!
August 15th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Good Topic but unlimited to debate on…
August 15th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Rit from the begining our country is being lead by some families…Starting from the parliament till the president we will find family relatives..We do talk about democracy means there shud b chance given to every one to serve the country..But my friend..! see.if we servay in colleges and universities than we find only 2 to 3 % students saying that they wana be a part of our politics…Its not like that they donot want to b the part but they can’t b the part…
The giant crocs in the river never allows small fishes to come and bring revolution in the country..
THAN WHY WE TALK ABOUT DEMOCRACY….?
August 15th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Frankly i donot go in the favor to bring democracy in pakistan…
August 15th, 2009 at 5:12 am
i think we shud keep out attitude positive and lets hope every thing will go in proper way from now onwards..Amen
August 15th, 2009 at 5:14 am
We hvnt find anyone who lead pakistan positively yet..
August 15th, 2009 at 5:16 am
i love my pakistan..and i m proud to b paki…
August 15th, 2009 at 5:17 am
We are not slaves…
August 15th, 2009 at 5:19 am
Pakistan is not made for democracy
August 15th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Agar sab sincere hojaein to pakistan boohat taraqqi karega ga..aur yeeh bat yaad rakho mere doston…jaisi awaam hoti hai waisay hi hukumran naseeb hotay hain….
August 15th, 2009 at 5:23 am
U rit Mr.Shuja….
August 15th, 2009 at 5:30 am
i go with the democracy….May Allah bring this 62th birthday of pakistan lot of happiness and prosperity for it…
August 15th, 2009 at 5:34 am
Sab theek hojae ga…bus hamari judiciary agar theek rahay
August 15th, 2009 at 5:39 am
Nice article Mr.Malik…May God Bless You
August 15th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Can’t say anything just pray
August 15th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Meri Neek Tamannain Pakistan ke sath hain
August 15th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Acha article likha hai
August 15th, 2009 at 5:53 am
I hve read ur various articles on facebook…U r a good writter…I thnk by professional u r journalist..
August 15th, 2009 at 6:17 am
May Allah make us strong country
August 15th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Inshallah hum kamiyab hojaen gay ek din
August 15th, 2009 at 6:21 am
Nice Saying MrMallc
August 15th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Pakistan cannot afford democracy anymore…we shud close this chapter//
August 15th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Dil DIl Pakistan….Jan Jan Pakstan…Long Live Pakistan././.
August 15th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Boohat Khoob Malick sahab….ap ki batoon mein apnay watan ke liya bohat muhabbat dikhai di…
August 15th, 2009 at 6:37 am
A very thought provoking article, but it fails to identify the real reasons for the failure of democracy in Pakistan like lack of education of people and politicians in democratic fundamentals, illiteracy of the masses, division along provincial, linguistic and ethnic barriers, leadership having become a family affair, etc. among others for the failure of democracy in Pakistan.
Democracy did not fail in Pakistan because of ethnic differences or linguistics as argued here.
The people of both India and Pakistan come from the same stock, were part of the same nation, share the same history, had the same opportunities in pre-partition days. If any, the Muslims had an upper edge over the Hindus on two counts: firstly the Muslims had ruled India for centuries and then under the British, the Muslims were given preferential treatment in government jobs (and in army) in excess of their population proportion.
The real reason why democracy failed in Pakistan is the ideology Pakistan is wedded to. Sadly, this is true of any Islamic country. Pakistan is not unique in this respect. A quick glance at all the Islamic nations around the world will prove the point.
You can’t blame army.
August 15th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Very Well organised article
August 15th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Conditions are pitty good rit now…Hope it remains continue
August 17th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Two main problems for Pakistan which they are ignoring/ (accepting as right thing)
1. There is religion in politics.
2. There is politics in religion.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Democracy in Pakistan has no future as long as we are dictated by U.S. and Saudi interests. Both are too deeply involved in our internal affairs. They do not hesitate to pump in few hundred million dollars or petro-dllars at the right time for a elected government to get packed up. Judges and like-minded politicians ( not to mention Hameed Guls and Imtiazs) are ever willing to oblige. Who dislikes greenback, only a fool.
August 28th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
FOLLOWING IS THE FACT SHEET
In Pakistan, only 1.5-2% of the whole population-the elite class is ever ruling class of Pakistan because of their lordship and considerably larger ownership in agriculture, industry and trade. They are the stock holders, black marketers and illegal profit earners. They do not care what happens to Pakistan and Pakistani Awam. This class is the most privileged since creation of Pakistan.
12-15% of the whole population-the middle class are service providers (naukar) working for the elite class. They are always trying to join the elite class by hook or crook. Most of them are corrupt and hold key posts in Govt, Semi-Govt, Public & Private sectors. Those who are not corrupt, the elite class have very successfully indulged them into monkey business of loaning, credit / debit card. They will consume in loan pay backs.
The rest of 83-85% of the whole population is Awam-the commoners – a bunch of most ill disciplined, uneducated, un-organized & ignorant of their civil rights-just koorh kabbarh with no voice. Nothing is for the Awam, because of their own inocent ignorance and illiteracy. Because of lack of honest leadership, It shall remain the same unless the Awam come forward and make themselves organized, disciplined & educated. It is their right. For this they must act, in their own interest, right now. This is how revolutions come. First step is be united, stand firm shoulder to shoulder. To achieve unity among us, we must start organizing ourselves – we the poor Awam. For this I suggest that every one of us must think what the need of time is. This is supply of food. Our immediate requirement is to rise in very disciplined and organized manners against the black marketers, illegal stock holders and illegal profiteers. The black marketers, illegal stock holders and illegal profiteers are the instruments of the elite class. They are very much organized and have developed and strengthened their systems in 62 years after independence. So it is of paramount importance that Awam must organize themselves to fight against such community.
The food items of daily use are Atta, sugar, meat, fruit & vegetables, edible oils, ghee, masalajaat, milk, lintels (Daal) and fuel. We should declare that items like milk and sugar must only be for the children, senior citizens and for the patients. The adult and the young segments of our community will not consume milk & sugar in their daily normal routine. Similarly every family can decide and select at its own which item can temporarily be stopped. Convince yourself not to buy things in abundance. If one bag of Atta is required, buy one only, do not stock. Imagine we are 170 million, if we organize ourselves and communicate for boycotting the purchase of milk and sugar for adults in our society, what kind of effect it will have on the elite class. This will start from me, you and every person of this society. Do not wait, act and act fast right now from you. Convince your relatives and friends to participate. It looks little difficult, but it will work, Inshallah. If we succeed, you will see the positive outcome of such unity in future to solve other problems too. First achieve and exercise unity. This is how revolutions started in past history of nations. If united once, no one can hurt sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan. We can very clearly observe a gulf difference between the rulers and the Awam. The ruling class supports each other (weather in Govt or in Opposition) and is always united whenever they see danger to their authority. Awam is not united, unfortunately. Therefore come forward and be united to act positively and to let them realize that we are the real owners of Pakistan. Only this way we can solve our problems.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
QAISAR AFRIDI IS BIASED TO DEMOCRACY OR PERHAPS HE IS IGNORING THE FACT THAT DEMOCRACY ALTHOUGH ,NOT NEW TO OUR COUNTRY BUT NEVER GIVEN A CHANCE TO SHOW IT’S CREDENTIALS, WHENEVER IT WAS TO GOING TO STEP FARWORD IT WAS ALWAYS CRUSHED BY( ……….. ALL OF US KNOW….)..NOW LETS SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN….HE SHOULD BORE IN MIND THAT IF DOCTOR’S, COBLER’S,LAWYER’S,PEASANT;’S AND ETC SON/DAUGHTER OFTEN ADOPTS THEIR PARENTS PROFESSION THEN WHY HE THINKS THAT POLITICIANS CHILDREN SHOULD NOT DO THAT .I AM SURE THAT IT MR.AFRIDI’S WOULD BE ELECTED AS PREMIER OF PAKISTAN HE WILL TRY HIS BEST TO MAKE HIS SON THE NEXT PREMIER SORRY FOR HARSH COMMENTS RASHID MALIK’S ARTICLE IS THOUGHT PROVOKING BRAVO TO HIM
September 8th, 2009 at 1:26 am
there is no democracy in pakistan . 2 % filthy ruling class exploiting 98 % general public in the name of democracy and islam.we send curse on such so-called democracy which protects only fuedals & give them rights to rule over rest of public and treeat this country as personal JAGEER.
middle class politics is rising in pakistan and all credit goes to MR. ALTAF HUSSAIN who broke the ice and gave voice to man of street.
If people of punjab understand what ALTAF HUSSAIN is saying , that day would be the day of judgement against filthy fuedals.
September 12th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I completely agree with it that we can never think of building democracy in Pakistan.Actualiy this country is not made for it.
According to Quaid-e-Azam; The thought and ideology of one intelligent and wise man can never be equal to the thoughts and ideology of 100 duffers.
I have an example to explain this statement; in US in 1930 drinking was not allowed publically but when the public vote against this so by democratic system it allowed publically.Its mean there should not be democratic system