All over the world, we focus more on the daily utilitarian issues than family and friends, and spirituality, religion and intellectual discourse. We have relegated them to play second fiddle, or be like walk-ons in theatre plays. We seem to be confused about the essentials in life in an increasingly materialist world. At the same time, many people have not yet seen their basic needs satisfied. In Pakistan, the majority lives in poor conditions and about one fifth below the poverty line.
Sometimes, we say that poor people can not afford to be concerned about philosophy; they have enough with their everyday struggle. But also poor people think, and it is through thinking and talking that we learn. We describe and analyze issues, and through that contribute to shaping the future.
This article is about moral and civic responsibilities. We not only have such at the time of elections, but always - as voters and politicians.
Michael Sandel, the political philosopher at the prestigious Harvard University in America, draws huge audiences at his lectures that are otherwise reserved for pop stars. And what does he talk about? He talks about the basic things in life, about ethics, morality, spirituality, justice and how we can live together as human beings. The ‘good life’ is not possible without shared ideas about civic virtues and justice, he says. And people yearn to talk about the big issues, not necessarily to find prescriptions and blueprints, detailed street maps for how all should live, but to be able to reflect and grow through discussion and sharing of experience and insight.
Professor Sandel doesn’t believe in ‘absolutes’. I too always get worried if somebody is totally sure about something - as if no other way could ‘lead to Rome’, or to salvation.
Yet, there must be a certain amount of generally accepted norms and rules in a society, a community, neighbourhood and circle of friends and family - and again, not in detail, but in a broad way. And ‘dissidents’ should be part of the community, yes, even be encouraged to question old ways and look for new ones, where no road goes.
When I was a young student in education and social sciences a generation ago, I became interested in ‘moral education’, with focus on the foundations of child raring, socialization and learning. But alas, this was considered a conservative and outdated field, the same way that it is often seen in America today, where the Christian rightwing has monopolized the debate about such issues, especially related to individual moral behavior. In Pakistan, the extremist groups seem to have done the same, in an even more asocial way. But to be concerned about fundamental values are essential in any society and must be part of the wider discourse that engage us all. It is on such values the practical politics follow.
Before the general elections in Pakistan, some political parties focused more of values than others. I believe all of them should have done that, not just talk about activities without the foundation for those activities. And perhaps we should admit that the ultraconservatives, in Pakistan and elsewhere, may also have points, and they have the right to express concern, albeit in acceptable forms. It becomes a duty of all of us to include everybody in discussions, in our common search for solutions. Philosophical and political discourse is not only among likeminded, although that can also be important so that we put words to our scattered thoughts, make sentences and formulate concepts. But as important is to try to understand those we disagree with, or think we are different from.
Now when the elections are over, we wait for implementation of all the promises and suggestions: less load shedding, better CNG supplies, fewer bomb explosions and drone attacks, more and better schools, improved health facilities, more and better paid jobs, and so on and so forth. And the politicians must deliver, of course!
Yet, at the same time, it is important to continue the public debate about the broader and fundamental issues, and discuss how to prioritize issues and find the best ways of implementing solutions. This is indeed and important part of democracy, and certainly a young democracy like that in Pakistan. 
Michael Sandel says that we should not only talk about utilitarian issues. We should indeed talk about the other issues, notably ‘what money can’t buy’, which is also the title of his latest book. Without having an understanding of values and belonging we cannot make the right decisions for ourselves and others.
What is just and fair for everyone in the country and society we live in? Is it justice that only some have access to education and medical treatment? Is it fair that some earn five hundred rupees a day (or do not have a job at all) while others earn five thousand a day, and yet others, fifty thousand, living in luxury with 24-hour AC, including in their latest model cars? Can we morally defend such inequalities?
It is necessary to talk about such issues in public debates - even after the elections. The oppressed suffers more than the oppressor. But the oppressor also suffers. The oppressors should be enlightened so that they too can become good human beings and do God’s will. Oppressors, thieves, looters, violent extremists, and so on, are not entirely different from each other, and maybe even from us. They have all gone astray and must be called back into the fold. And you and I must also look into our hearts to see if we preach and practice the right things.
Who should organize these debates?
The political parties, labour unions, universities, writers, filmmakers, and other thinking people should do it. Yes, with the TV anchors and media people, but they must not run the shows.
Professor Sandel in America, who is now also traveling the world, does not require sophisticated TV technology, not even an anchor, to present his lecture and engage in discussion with the audience. He may need many loudspeakers and microphones in the hall, even to connect with listeners across continents. But it is actually quite simple.
It is the word, the content that carries the event in auditoriums, community halls and sports stadiums. And Sandel’s justice course in free on-line!
In Pakistan, the NGOs can play a major role, but again, they must let the carriers of the content play the lead roles, notably the political and other leaders and opinion-builders, with ordinary people.
Perhaps we have reached a stage when we should have less gimmick, less power point presentation, less ads and posters - just sharing words and the thoughts, reasoning in a discourse, debating together to bring Pakistan ahead together, all of us, in a common search for the ‘good life’ or, at least, a better life for all, built on solid and well-reasoned foundations? Let us not separate political action and implementation from the discourse. It must go hand-in-hand and be a cornerstone of democracy.

The writer is a senior Norwegian social scientist with experience from research, diplomacy and development aid.