STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Rain drops can be exhilarating during hot sultry monsoon months. I remembered this all-time classic sung by B J Thomas in late sixties. It was a hot favorite during our university days. I recollect my lifelong buddy, Salim Manzar, strumming his guitar and singing it. Its powerfullyrics were meaningful in a romantic sense during youthful days and took on a new meaning in our sunset years. It shows resolve; “the blues they send to meet me; wont defeat me” and “won’t be long till happiness steps up to greet me.” Even against the greatest odds, losing hope is a sin; every sunset is followed by sunrise.
Unfortunately, when rain drops get polluted by environment and suffocation surrounding us, it turns cleanwater into acidic rain. It burns anything that comes in its way. They will get cleansed but not without efforts and sacrifice. The nightmare of the last 30 months has been without respite. These brutes are myopic, deaf and dumb. Reality checks are required like the traders’ shutter-down protest. The ruling junta acting as crazed drunken brawlers fighting over seats need a shake up; they are totally ignorant of the disastrous fate awaiting the nation.
Economics and politics are inherently intertwined. Stability is a key ingredient to give direction to any society. It is achievable only when a system prevails that is acceptable to majority of its inhabitants. Presently we are on a journey to nowhere. Our incoherent ruling clique is attempting to build an edifice of lies and insisting that everyone accepts it. It may be possible in a fantasy world; not in real life. Recapping their falsehoods would fill volumes. What is the objective that has consumed the ruling elite? At the top of the pyramid sits a wickedly ambitious leader determined to prolong his rule for at least a decade. He abhors truth and adherence to law. He has surrounded himself with minions who are equally deceitful and unprincipled.
On the political front, Sharifs and Zardari are his combo of choice. Both these clans are met within and outside Pakistan with a one word greeting “thief”. Nawaz was once a heart throb of millions, especially in Punjab. Now he is a discredited has-been. His recent foray on Murree roadswas tragic when no one even turned to look at him. Political egos are always over inflated. How will a three-time prime minister internalize this slight? It materialized in the shape of his recently announced departure to UK. PML(N)’s electoral symbol is lion. Nawaz is a toothless lion after his resounding defeat on February 8th, 2024.
His younger brother, current Prime Minister Shabaz has turned into a tamed circus lion. His roars emanate on the command of his master conveyed through a whip. The country is facing an existential threat in Baluchistan. The recent senseless slaughter of civilians conveys the depth of hatred felt by disgruntled and misled youth. It required a spirited response to put balm on the wounds. Guess who took the lead? The most reviled Interior Minister who has no credentials except as an outstanding shoe-shiner. He had the audacity to state that he can fix a five-decade old problem through an SHO! He must have someone in mindpreviously used to coerce PTI workers in Punjab. Mr. Naqvi the rules of the game are different with these fierce Baluchis.
This corrupt and incompetent lot thrust on us through falseform 47 would crumble in a jiffy without the backing of the unscrupulous SC CJ and his partner in crime, the ECP. This takes us to the battle royale being waged by experienced manipulators to prolong the stay of CJ Kazi. From trashing the Constitution to parliamentary amendments that are person specific, no stone is left unturned to prevent the retirement of CJ. Having failed to acquire the required number in Parliament, their next move is to mess up the judicial system by inducting new justices. Let us see how this new drama unfolds.
PTI has displayed political maturity by making a deal with the devil by giving up a senate seat to Fazal. If they can muster support of JUI to prevent these crooks from a Constitutional amendment, I would call it a win. However,the time has come for a change of tactics. The ruling clique will not let up on their thuggery. They have a very narrow bandwidth. The only tool in their arsenal is kidnap and torture. It’s time to test them on the streets.
They are no match to the teeming millions crushed by inflation, outraged by the blatant theft of their electoral verdict and continued incarceration of their beloved leader. The masses are hurting to come out and express. The hay is dry and combustible; all it needs is a spark. The month of September is extremely crucial. Politics has to move from drawing rooms and power corridors towards a true test of strength.
Pakistanis gave a verdict on Feb 8th despite every kind of roadblock. That decision can only be implemented through a match up on the streets. Despite Shahbaz and Maryam’s proclamation of “fists of iron”; once the people come out this regime will break like the poor quality of iron sold and supplied by these “Lohaars”. A showdown is required. It is the only solution to prevent an economic meltdown and collapse. IK needs to be released and peoples’ mandate must revert to its rightful owners.
