The Foundation of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf A Quest for Democracy By Memoona Shahid

The Foundation of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf
A Quest for Democracy
By Memoona Shahid

The patriotic nation of Pakistan woke up from the dream of lethargy when the drop of Pakistan movement for Justice felt on their parched lips. Founded on April 25, 1996, with the aim to establish a true welfare state, the leader of the party known for his selfless devotion and bravery, Imran Khan did every effort to promote anti status quo movement. The mission statement of PTI is to establish an egalitarian society with the slogan “Justice, Humanity and Self Esteem” based on Islamic model of democracy.

Since the foundation stone is laid, PTI is questing for democracy. Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens are meant to participate equally – either directly or, through elected representatives, indirectly. However, unfortunately, Pakistan is severely acking democratic system in Pakistan. According to PTI motto, if democracy is not being translated in true essence, that means good governance is also lacking. We all know that “Democracy is based on two core principles; Participation and accountability.” Therefore in he light of above observation when there is less or absolutely no democratic prevalence in nation that mean there are leakages or loopholes in governance as well. It means if there is no democracy, there is no governance. Now just imagine, if Pakistan is working under independent unchained democratic setup than governance is definitely in its good position but what about the criteria when democracy is not restored in its original position yet governing features are executed and implemented in almost every sphere of politics and economy?

Unfortunately Pakistan’s more than six decades of history is deprived of both the expeditious execution of accountability and the participation of the people’s mandate by their chosen representatives even after the due share of both the military dictatorship and democratically elected govt. Somehow both of these golden rules of democracy are enjoying complete absentia in Pakistan. Whether someone agreed or simply reject but we will say that governmental status quo of Pakistan i.e. democracy, good governance, economic affairs as well as social sector is somehow incompatible. And this is the stance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf too against sitting government as well as feudal Monarch system.

In Pakistan, State power is used only for the benefit of the elite and does not protect citizens from the excesses of the powerful. The system of justice has been used to the advantage of the rich and the powerful and criminal acts of the elite classes are accepted phenomena. The misuse of power has been institutionalized by the rise of mafias who gain access to the political system. These mafias use the executive discretion of the political authority in appointments; formulation of public policies; disposal of public assets; and the purchases of goods and services.

Corruption and cheating have become institutionalized and more dangerously are well developed habits. It is generally believed that all institutions of public service have been corrupted and therefore has weakened public confidence in political structure, executive authority and judicial system. Regulatory systems are believed to be not for the public welfare but for economic exploitations and suppression of the vulnerable sections of the society. Even the security of life and property is generally believed to be non-existent. This has led to a general rejection of the judicial, legal and political structure. The psychological impact on the society is too catastrophic.

The institutional checks over the abuse of the authority by prime ministers and chief ministers and their cabinets have become weak over a period of time and the institutions of State are being run in accordance with personal whims of the political leaders with the result that exercise of State power has become personalized rather than institutional. The federal government has the tendency to concentrate all powers in its own hands and deprive the provinces of their due role in the federal polity. Consequently, the center dominates the provinces and the federal character of the State is being eroded. A general sense of disillusionment sets in against every government after some time and therefore whenever a government is removed, the people take a sigh of relief and repose hope in the future set up. It is claimed that the aforesaid deficiencies underlying the political system need to be addressed so that democracy can be sustained over a long period of time.

The political edifice of Pakistan had been raised over the foundation of its bureaucracy, civil and military relations, civil institutions such as Judiciary, the Press and intelligentsia. But in Pakistan, all of these have lost their image and become the victim of political interference, corruption and nepotism. These institutions are the main culprits of the society. In Pakistan there is a big institutional imbalance between the political decisions making process and the policy implementing bureaucratic structure, civil and military.

Good governance cannot be brought about in a day. Democracy can only be developed at roots level and cannot be imposed from the top by making amendments in the constitution. The Pakistani rulers must keep in mind that the constitution and political system are just like the wheels of any nation’s life. Rewriting and amendments can only shorten the life span of a nation. Grave political issues cannot be settled by the cult of the knife, or by gangsterism. The difference between parties cannot be resolved by attacks on party leaders. Nor can political views be altered by the threats of violence.

Keeping aside ones political affiliation, being a loyal Pakistani, what should be the responsibility of any citizen for bringing the democracy back on real track. Should they keep on sitting in their homes and wait for an unseen help from Allah or should they come out of their homes and struggle for justice and equality. If people fail to get justice from the respected institutions, they have the right to assemble or protest in a democratic country. Pakistani Politicians have no accountability, they have ruined the country, they have no shame. Pakistan is in ruins. The nation and its imagery, law and justice, commerce, thinking hubs, political governance all appear dysfunctional and self-contradictory. Eroding freedom of thoughts and action speaks of missing accountability of political elite.

The governance demonstrates dead-ended political conscience of the interest of the people. The events before and after the Panama Leaks is clearly exposing the personal interest of ruling class of Pakistan. 

In the wake of this political scenario, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf is the only hope. There are no brave and proactive politicians except Imran Khan to stop the continuing political stagnation. The nation faces colossal disaster day in and day out but nobody is held accountable for the crimes. Executive body of Pakistan is just willing to complete their tenure of office. Pakistan’s problem rests with power politics. Those who grab the power through intrigues, political conspiracies, military coups, sectarian killings and large social-economic disruptions do not foresee any exit to their hegemonic control. These are household names of hatred and disgrace to thinking Pakistanis. The Nation that allows criminally indicted and most corrupt people to hold offices of national governance and responsibility cannot be viewed as a nation of moral values and honor. This is how East Pakistan was lost. The political curse and disintegration of the social, moral and intellectual culture goes on for ages without an end in view. Disillusioned and disconnected with its roots, Pakistan continues to move forward – not towards change, normalcy and progress – but towards tragic events fomenting planned deaths of the citizenry, destruction of the social, economic and political infrastructures, incapacitated and broken lifelines and ultimately to become a battle ground for mindless ethnic and regional divides and national collapse.

​Unless thinking people of the Pakistani Freedom Movement and Foundational Values reactivate their thoughts and energies for a Navigational Change, the Nation is at critical crossroads for its own fragmentation and by its own so called monstrous political leaders. How to Change the political cruelty and tyranny of the few unto anew value-based political system of institutions, responsible leadership and governance? Pakistan desperately needs people of new educated generation enriched with Proactive Vision, New Ideas and political imagination to safeguard the freedom of the nation from ultimate chaos and ruins. Those who are part of the problems cannot be part of the solutions. Foreigners will not help Pakistan; their plans are working to disintegrate Pakistan. Nation’s own future is at stake.

In the wake of this responsibility, PTI is continuously holding Government accountable for their misdeeds to nation. The purpose of AZADI MARCH and the celebration of Youm e Tasees after Panama Leaks is to compel nation to Stand for justice and against status quo and to bring democracy back to its track. The success of Azadi March and the massive Public gathering and support on Youm-e-Tasees shows the development of Public awareness among Pakistani society. 

People came out of their house for bringing change and showed a massive support to Imran Khan. As he is the only politician who is still out of Pakistan’s dirty politics and is known for his honesty. The old rotten, corrupted, politicized, unfair and non-democratic system is no more acceptable by the vast majority of public. The desperate scenario of Pakistani politics since the past few decades has created an immense sense of despair among the youth of Pakistan. Before Imran Khan’s active politics, the youth was desperately seeking any lifesaver, which could bring a change instantly. It is true that the condition of our country is so crucial that some immediate and effective measures are badly needed. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has now gained much popularity not only among the youth of Pakistan but with every age group and there are very high expectations.

One cannot ignore the likely impact of Azadi Dharnas on Pakistan’s political culture. Apart from bringing about the realization that our electoral system suffers from deep flaws and needs drastic measures to reform it, these dharnas have made the masses conscious of the real purpose of a democratic dispensation. Now even a common man has become aware that the essence of democracy is good governance. It is not the form or appearance but substance that matters.

​Imran Khan has successfully mobilized the educated youth. For the first time one is witnessing the youth hailing on streets. His appeal is not confined to any particular region. To dismiss the participants as non-serious seekers of entertainment would be naïve. They are not political activists in traditional sense but they do yearn for a change. The illiterate people who were supposed to have no idea of what Constitution is now talk about the fundamental rights and rule of law. They have begun to think of the Constitution as a sacred document whose supremacy should be guaranteed.

​​PTI has given visible participation to women in their political struggle. One can witness women at large in both sit-ins along with their families. It would not be wrong to say that PTI have involved the larger portion of population that has been ignored and discriminated in Pakistani politics since independence. Women have always played a significant role in the progress and development of Pakistan. Their active participation in politics will help in resolving any problems of the country. Everything has a price. For attaining something greater every nation has to pay some price. It is high time for Pakistan that through these political transformations we should learn some new good lessons of peace and hope. In whatever manner the present political crisis comes to an end, in future the politicians will have to be more accountable for their deeds and responsive to the aspirations of the people and the credit for holding these politicians accountable in front of general public goes to none other than true democratic party “Pakistan Tehreek –e-Insaaf”.

 

About the author:

Memoona Shahid is a Lecturer at Beacon House, Writer of Competitive exams books, Creative Writer in PTI Central.

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)