At the moment, Pakistani politics, in my opinion, has no purpose, for it is more or less controlled by individuals who value power, patronage and money above vision, development, rule of law and social justice. It is disheartening to read Simon Tisdall’s commentary on the current happenings in the Pakistani Politics in the Guardian. Tisdall’s article is titled: Pakistan’s odd couple. He is referring to Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto.
It is now given that the Pakistani leadership across the spectrum has no principles, values or shame to enter deals that offer no hope to people who have been screaming their guts out for the affordable basic necessities and for the restoration of the rule of law. I am yet to hear Benazir Bhutto, supposedly the next Prime Minister of Pakistan, give her views on the present fiasco centred around the deposed, and now former, Chief Justice of Pakistan. All she wants from General Musharraf is that he should allow her to rule the country and therefore lift the constitutional amendment, which proclaims that no person will be allowed to occupy the office of the Prime Minister for more than two terms. So, Mrs. Bhutto needs a remedy to ensure her return as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Furthermore, and more importantly, she wants Pervez Musharraf to instruct the government to withdraw all the cases filed against her and her family members with respect to corruption and money laundering. Mr Musharraf wants Mrs. Bhutto to recognize him as the legitimate President of Pakistan. However, Mrs Bhutto has suggested that she cannot accept the President of Pakistan to remain in uniform, for, she states, that “a president in uniform and democracy do not go together.” But how can anyone take her seriously? She has no credibility or integrity to demand anything from this dictator. Mrs. Bhutto is interested in gaining power and to fulfil this ambition she will allow the General in power in Pakistan to keep his uniform on.
It appears that Mrs Bhutto is concerned for the democracy in Pakistan. How do you build, protect, strengthen and maintain a democracy? For any democracy to flourish, there has to be a level playing field with respect to condition and opportunity for every citizen of the country. That is, every citizen should be free: to chose his representatives, to report the state of affairs in the press, and have substantial rights to counter the power of the state and be able to demand the needs that serve and empower a democracy, which among other things include, education, public services and a well functioning legal system. Politicians in Pakistan hardly address questions related to the introduction of democracy in Pakistan. However, they are more worried to maintain their hold on their respective fiefs and establish power with their tight fists.
The political impasse in Pakistan has brought mass apathy in the masses. This, over time, has made everyone, who follows and reports on politics, realise that there exists no pure democratic vision for Pakistan. This is very sad and leaves no hope for the future. Subtly, even Tisdall has written about Pakistan in lieu of what he thinks is true for Pakistan, which is that the polity of Pakistan are destroying Pakistan whilst the people of Pakistan are left to suffer and ponder on their uncertain future.
Usual anti-political gibberish.
The only way to replace bad politicians is with continued politics, not talking of artificial political vacuums.
A vacuums is when there is nothing there. What you are saying is that there is nothing you find meaningful. Not the same thing.
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto will come back if the people vote for her. She may fail again or offer better governance this time, like some of Latin America’s populist leaders who have returned to power after long intervals and made up for their past failures. Either way, the political process will advance.
If the political process advances, there is no political vacuum.
Now, to the extent that you and some others are dissatisfied with the choices available on the current political menu, you have the right to rectify that. Cook your own (political) meal. But please stop describing the menu you don’t like as not being a menu.