YES, we can!

We are living in interesting times. The last couple of years have shown the otherwise disconnected and disappointed Pakistanis the possibility that they are still relevant and can utilize their energies to change their own destiny a bit, if not all. The principle-centered lawyers’ movement led the people to a change no one had thought of. Notwithstanding all the complications being cited, there is no second opinion to the fact that November 3, 2007 judiciary is back and that alone gives some sense of accomplishment to the success-starved people of Pakistan.

No doubt, we have lost one whole year, at least, in foolish political war-mongering. A number of politicians proved to the core that they are unable to comprehend the metamorphosis taking place in our society in the past few years. In a way, it has been a blessing in disguise as all the events have taught a number of lessons to the people as well as to the politicians probably. Many of the political bigwigs have been exposed and many others are apparently forced into a damage control exercise.

The events that took place in the last year indicate that we have two types of politicians (I am not calling them political leaders because there is huge trust deficit for them in masses still). First are the ones belonging to the urban and relatively media-aware areas who know that their voters have started to understand and exercise their rights to question the ways of governance. This segment feels the most aware (or threatened) about the possibility of being thrown onto the backstage during the next elections, if they are not performing well and are not sticking to the principles, their voters believe in.

Second segment belongs to the rural, largely feudal elite, whether old or young, male or female, who consider their election success a definite reality of life. Although people in their constituencies are being affected by awareness campaigns indirectly through their urban friends, the pace of change is relatively slow. These politicians are the ones resistant or rather least bothered about any sort of change within Pakistan. They are living in a separate world altogether and will probably be at ease when changing loyalties whenever required.

In between, we can find groups using fear factor to stay in power and the opportunists who know the art of staying in government, thus enjoying the luxuries. On similar lines, there is a divide within the civil and military bureaucracy who along with their children are either planning to or already settled abroad. The people of Pakistan, on the other hand, are the ones who themselves as well as their children aspire to live their lives on their own soil. Even if they send their children abroad, they want them to come back and serve this nation while living among their countrymen.

The question is how we, the people of Pakistan, could build on the momentum generated in the past two years. Apparently, we appear to be running short of time with all the hype created regarding possible breakup of Pakistan and the wave of terrorism triggered on us through Afghansitan. But let’s remember that all great transformations are started by a small minority at a stage when there are skeptics dominating the optimists. We have to believe that there is no greater power than that of the people.

We have to keep exposing those who have no stakes in Pakistan, may these be in politics or in any form of civil and military bureaucracy. We have to ensure that these politicians do not fail us again. We have to counter any possible threats to democracy, free speech and human rights. The people of Pakistan will have to develop the social pressure to ensure that the government involves them in problem resolution and does not consider them a problem only. So everything probably needs to be done us. We have to move and challenge the human rights violations in courts ourselves and not put all the pressure on the Chief Justice of Pakistan for suo-moto notices. Apparently, too much to ask, but there is in fact no other option. We, as Pakistanis, have to take our destiny in our hands.

Media has to play an even more responsible role. It has to become more principle centered and focused on national agenda. It has to raise even more awareness in people regarding human rights. It has to push the political reconciliation and dialog culture, an independent election commission, the Charter of democracy, perhaps everything that helps us evolving into a just and organized society.

One of our politicians, who has been a beneficiary during almost every government in the recent past recently said, “Pakistan is getting out of “our� hands.� Let’s all work and pray that our country surely gets out of “their� hands and gets into the hands of the people of Pakistan. Together, we have to be optimist that we can do it, and believe me, as I mentioned earlier, we have no other choice.