STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
“Dushman maray te Khushi na kariye, sajnaa ve mar jaanaa” translates “do not rejoice death of an enemy, our dear ones will also pass away.” These are profound lyrics of Punjabi Sufi poet Mian Mohammad Buksh. It signifiestruth about the finite nature of life; futility of vendettas and reminds us of the inevitable destiny for us and our loved ones. A simple truth often forgotten by those who are power-drunk. “Garoor,” arrogance mars judgment. It leads them astray. Driven by arrogance, ambition and greed leads to putting on blinkers and convinces them of their invincibility. When personal arrogance spreads to governance it converts into fascism; the fate we are facing in Pakistan for the last three years.
The consequences of this arrogance are being exercised both at individual level and at national level. Exiled investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani recently exposed preferential treatment of close relatives of Army Chief. The content of this news was not alarming. Nepotism has become a way of life in Pakistan led by Sharifs and Zardari. Yet it triggered a brutal response and created worldwide headlines. Two brothers of Noorani were kidnapped and have been missing since. The reaction was triggered by arrogance. How dare a minion question the uncrowned king? Their case in Islamabad has become a comical circus. 26th Amendment Judges are delivering what they were supposed to do; derail justice.
At a collective level, this fascist regime is adopting the same path for the largest area-wise province. Baluchistanis on fire. BLA and their allied groups have taken to the hills and are causing havoc at will. The rough terrain and its spread out size make it impossible to make large scale deployments. It can only be dealt with smart and efficient intelligence gathering and focused response. That is only possible with local population’s support. Unfortunately, that has diminished at an alarming speed. Baluchistan is nolonger controlled by few Sardars. Baluchi youth have highlevels of awareness and have been indoctrinated with hatred generated by the fate of missing persons.
A 17- or 18-year-old is reckless and fearless. Their anger was being challenized by Mahrang Baluch and other human rights activists. Their brutal suppression is providing recruits for militant terrorists. We see a repeat of what happened in East Pakistan in 1971. Up until this point, the Baluchis are seeking their rights. Beware the day when it converts into demanding independence. Situation is alarming. Like 1971 the media within Pakistan is muzzled. International media is highlighting the human rights abuses including international forums like the UN. We are being led by incompetent leaders like Monsin Naqvi who thinks a Punjabi SHO can silence the resistance.
Pakistan is facing a grievous situation. There is no fast forward for grief. The reckless fascist regime is living in a cocoon. This turmoil is rooted in the water spring at the head of a river. It emanates from the political uncertainty created by an ambitious general who has surrounded himself with sycophants. The will of the people is being ruthlessly crushed. Recently at an iftar dinner I was asked “why doesn’t Imran Khan relent?” It is a frequently asked question. The explanation is quite straightforward. What started as an engineered political coup d’etat has converted into a situation that requires a coup de grace.
It is no longer a conventional political struggle. It is a struggle of two opposing visions. Since independence 78 years ago, Pakistan has not been able to determine whether we will govern ourselves as a democracy or autocratic rule. We have had 30 years of direct military rule. 10 years where the President had the dictatorial powers to dismiss an elected government. During this period, army had morphed into a giant with deep tentacles into the power structure. Hence a new hybrid system emerged. After Musharraf, army would allow those into power who would tow their line. However, they wore velvet gloves and confined their role to operating discreetly in the background.
All that ended towards the end of Bajwa’s 2nd term when he conspired with PDM to bring down PTI’s Government. Things took a turn for the worse upon General Asim assuming power. Army is a one-man show. The temperament of Army Chief reflects all the way down. The gloves came off. Occasionally defiant Nawaz Sharif was pushed into the background and Shoeshine Boy Shahbaz was ushered in. Now we have a dictatorship.
This autocratic rule has been challenged by Imran Khan. Since April 2022 after being ousted from power, IK has resisted this takeover. His bold stance has enamored the nation. In 21st century evolution of technology, social media has exploded with easy access to information by the masses. With every passing day IK is viewed as modern day Robin Hood who will deliver freedom, rule of law and equal opportunity. Pakistanis both at home and abroad have bought into this message. They gave a resounding verdict on Feb 8th 2024 in favor of PTI. This was despite all the brutality and roadblock put up by a ruthless dictator.
With every passing day we are moving closer to head-on collision of the two opposing visions. The country has degenerated politically, economically and morally. The way out of this morass is a replica of Sri Lanka or Bangla Desh model where the masses have to step-out and step-up. Plugging the leaks will not work. Peoples power has to be demonstrated.
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