Pakistan’s current situation is quite volatile and complicated. Everyone is extremely worried about the future course of action for this nation. The undemocratic forces are out to bring us face-to-face with disaster and have ensured that there is a clash between the important pillars of the state. This is, however, time for people and political parties to exercise complete restraint and ensure that all steps and actions they take measure up to the demands of national interest and patriotism. Yet, maximum responsibility lies on the government’s shoulders and any faulty step taken by it is likely to have a negative impact on the solidarity and integrity of the country.
The undemocratic forces are trying to create a clash between the government and the armed forces on the one hand, and the government and judiciary on the other. Likewise, they are building up the sentiments of the people to move towards civil disobedience and revolt against the federal government, so that the country is led into a state of disorder, confusion and uncertainty. Our media, too, is inadvertently being manipulated by vested interests to create hatred among the people.
There are some differences of opinion about the procedures in providing good governance and improving the quality of life of the poor masses, yet the political parties in Pakistan, including the PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, PML-F, ANP, JUI-F, JUI, PTI etc, are patriotic and nationalistic. This is quite natural in a democratic setup and there is no reason to doubt their commitment to the country and the people. Therefore, no one has the right to exploit these healthy differences to create hatred and animosity among the different segments of the society.
Also, it is necessary that the political parties, the armed forces, the judiciary and the members of the civil society take maximum care not to allow the enemies of state succeed in their evil designs. We definitely need to show signs of maturity and statesmanship at this critical juncture.
Fortunately, the reaction of the political parties, including the PPP, has been very positive and encouraging and barring an odd outburst of political speeches by some individuals, their conduct has been very positive. The party leaderships have displayed tremendous restraint and taken the most positive approaches in their talk to the media, which indicates that they realise the gravity of the situation and want to ensure that the undemocratic forces are defeated at any cost.
Needless to say, the most important role in the present scenario is that of the media. That has the onerous task of guiding us and preserving national unity through dialogue, discourse and conviction. Indeed, anchor persons and political analysts can play an important part in forming public opinion and in channelising the reaction of people on political and other critical matters of sensitive nature.
As a final word, we want to see Pakistan prosper, so that we can live in peace and the future of our coming generation is secure.
The writer is a Karachi-based senior columnist.
Email: rakhshanda.article@yahoo.com