The political scene in Pakistan is forever in vogue. Whether its television, the internet or Social Networking sites, there is an over powering influence of this Siyasee Munzarnama!
In University, while I struggled with Economics, my friends thoroughly enjoyed lectures on Political Science. I was quite fond of the teacher who taught with a passion and therefore, whenever possible, I would sit through her lectures and she too would welcome the questions that I would raise enjoying the simplicity of thoughts.
It was through those brief encounters that I realized that Political discussions were quite interesting and often the answers didn’t come that easily. What excited me about the subject were the innumerable possibilities and arguments that were put forward while trying to evolve a solution.
While studying ‘Democracy’ I distinctly remember the lines:
The power lies with the people.
The elected representatives are there to serve the people.
Years have gone by and with this passing time, the media has played a pivotal role in educating the masses about the country’s political scenario. Some have been fair in their evaluations whilst others have manipulated situations and created a tempered landscape.
Today we have begun to understand the significance of the right to vote. There is much buzz about the Election Year! Yet I always wonder if we’ll get through the process without losing our power.
“Nawaz Sharif is our Hero!” declare the PMLN devotees.
“PM Gilani is Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s Loyalist!” is PPP’s slogan.
“Imran Khan Saada Sher eh!” defend the PTI followers.
“Hamarey Quaid ke liye apni jaan bhi hazir hey!” chant the MQM believers.
It’s an educative experience watching them sit in one room and defend their leaders. Emotionally driven to the point where they are ready to teach their opponents a lesson by verbal humiliation and sometimes even undignified personal attacks.
Why is it so important for us to place our representatives on such high pedestals? What makes us so divided in our wants and needs? Is it possible that each one of us desires a different Pakistan?
If not, then whether it’s Nawaz Sharif, PM Gilani, Imran Khan or Altaf Hussain, the primary responsibility of these leaders is to serve us as a nation. They aren’t heroes, Loyalists, lions or Quaids! They are public servants and must never get the feeling of being worshipped! This ‘Power’ that is vested in our hands in a democratic system must never be transferred to these elected representatives or they begin to enjoy that power forgetting about the fools who follow them blindly standing by their false egos, never accepting their HERO to be of questionable character.
The people that we place in office are real people. They have their strengths and weaknesses. As long as they keep to their words and execute positive programmes for the betterment of the people, they should enjoy the support of their followers. In case they fail to deliver, the same followers should question their poor performance and kick them out of office.
That to me is Politics and yes, it does indicate simplicity of thought.
