The Caravan of Change By Oroba Tasnim

What was once considered a bludgeoning threat to democracy, today possibly stands as the saviour. Over three months have passed since Khan first set foot in Islamabad, leading the caravan of change and much to the dismay of the ruling elite, he still stands, resolute, firm and surprisingly for the rivals, more so determined than ever.

It is a popular belief in Pakistan, that leaders refuse to practice what they preach, and while Khan has indeed fallen short in some aspects during this 105 day long journey, what can not be overlooked is the fact that he has not principally backed down upon any of his demands, nor has he left the public midway, as so often happens in countries like ours. (insert examples of the lawyer’s movement)

The appraising point being, once the public realises there is someone without the usual speck of popularity orgasms defining their struggle, they outrageously manoeuvre themselves behind that certain individual and when they further recognise the devotion and purity of that one person’s intentions, the emotions of the nation literally explode and with that change is inevitable.

For Pakistan today, there is a stark choice when it comes to this entire political turmoil. The popular liberal argument being, wait five years, let the next elections bring you in and perform in the province you’ve been allocated. I, however, as do most of the PTI supporter/leadership equation, think so otherwise.

It is not simply a matter of taking hold of the government, rather it accounts to the systematic problems we encounter on a daily basis. Rigging for so long has been considered ordinary and acceptable, but the fact of the matter is, it is time to put your foot down, fix the problem before you head towards the bigger picture. Resurrect the lost confidence in the elections so democracy can in fact flourish.

Once the rigging is recognised, before you eradicate it completely, justice must be served. Never has a sin been eliminated without its proper penalty being served, that too must be done with this specific crime, after which the system of holding elections must be improved, biometric as introduced throughout the world be brought in for the elections to be made as free and fair as possible.

The underlying factor being, you can not isolate a problem from the bigger picture, to achieve that bigger scenario, every individual conundrum be recognised, eliminated and improved. While there is in fact no need for the immediate resignation of the prime Minister for rigging itself, his criminal negligence and immense disinterest in the task that should be prioritised does indeed call for his exiting the honourable office.

If that too is extremely repugnant for the PM himself, it would be foolhardy as has been till date, to not ponder upon the electoral reforms that have been thwarted in mid-air by Khan and being equally encouraged by the public.

But if the PM must pull it down to the battle of nerves, then Nawaz Sharif is in for a shock, because every sane person in this country knows the stalemate ego of the Kaptaan, and if that ego is to define the victor, let’s rejoice before it is even announced for no one can beat the ego of our Khan.

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)