PTI's role in Pakistani politics By Abdul Salaam Dadabhoy

The year 2014 was full of experiences and surprises. If any, for keen and willing observers and learners, the year was a learning spree at least in the political arena. Imran Khan claims that his 126 days Dharna (Sit In) taught him more than his 18 years in politics. Same holds true for many. Common people of Pakistan have never been as interested in politics and current affairs, as they have been since the container was placed at D Chowk, Islamabad.

Why should they not be ? A Philosopher once remarked, that by being disinterested in politics, people ultimately landed being governed by those inferior to them. Anyways, minds, eyes are ears are all focused on what happens next, as we dwell in a time which unfortunately is a conglomerate of uncertainty, corruption and confusion. The Government on our head is the most incompetent and unpopular, ever to have ruled in Pakistan. No one else, but we ourselves are to be blamed, because elections and rigging therein, were never taken as subjects of national importance. So here we are, stuck up in a catch 22 situation.

Unfortunate as it may seem, that when the whole world is progressing in science and technology, business and trade, we are caught up in sectarian killings, extremism and terrorism. It is said that in correct diagnosis of an ailment, lays the remedy. If we are able to correctly pin point the problem, all is still not lost. Pakistan has had a history of martial laws. Although more progressive and honest than civilian rules, Military Governments have not proved to be a full time solution of our problems, as immediately after when successive civilian Governments took over, the country was back to square one, or may be worse. Also constitutional frame work does not allow perpetual military intervention and rule and more so as warriors are not trained for running Governments. So we have tried military rule and we have tried civilian political parties. Then why is Pakistan moving backwards, despite abundant human and natural resources, while the whole world is moving forward. Reasons may very well be, that we do not learn from our mistakes, we do not stick to merit and we have stopped speaking the truth.

In all this gloom and despair, if there is some hope left, it is either in the Pakistan Army or the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf. Hope in Pakistan Army, not because it can, or should impose martial law, but as an institution which has the strength and skill to get accomplished and implemented, changes for the long term good of Pakistan. But a much larger role, than the one played earlier awaits the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf. With out going into fine details, what the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf has been able to achieve so far, not even Pakistan Peoples Party was able to, at the peak of its popularity. Probably because in the 1970’s there was no electronic and social media and also because Mr Bhutto’s followers were mainly the poor and uneducated, attracted to the slogan of Roti, Kapra and Makaan.

It has now been established beyond any doubt, that only a true representative Government of the people is sensitive to public sentiments and public welfare, as against a Government which gains power by unfair means and is therefore not pushed about what the people think or demand. How to put in place a system, that only true and genuine representatives of the people get on top and sanctity of the ballot is never ever mutilated ? That is the real question and the role, which only Pakistan Tehreek Insaf will be able to play, in addition to the creation of the existing awareness amongst masses, which in itself is the biggest achievement of Azadi March and Azadi Dharna.

Right now PTI is focusing on formation of a Judicial Commission, for detailed audit of various aspects of rigging in Elections 2013, which may not yield much. Firstly, because two years have already been consumed by this Government. Secondly, because in case of any more destabilization, the 21st amendment, military courts and war against terrorism may suffer. Thirdly, because the Government would use maximum resources to delay, because it is a beneficiary of the rigging and thefts seldom get admitted. Instead, if the PTI can focus on implementing electoral reforms, technology based systems and full proof arrangement and scheme of elections for the future, the effort would be worth it.

PTI has enormous advantages over other political parties. It is most popular, it is most trusted, has maximum urban support and is thronged by the educated. These advantages can be put to good use. Even if one fair and rigging free election is held in Pakistan, the trend will continue, true democracy will start taking roots, public welfare policies will start coming up and the country can be put on a track, from where it may take off in a few years time. May not be an ideal decision for PTI at the moment, but definitely worth trying for.

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)