The situation in Pakistan’s political atmosphere is dramatically unfolding for the past few weeks. There are a number of conspiracy theories regarding the hype created nowadays in the politics of Pakistan. The hard-core supporters of the government and Imran Khan’s PTI, blame the international establishment, especially the US and western allies for the movement against the government. According to them, the regional and domestic policies of the Imran Khan and Co, are not coming in parallel with that of the west, therefore, regime change is the inevitable option for the latter.
Others highly question the neutrality of the Pakistani establishment and consider it a major factor behind the opposition’s recent aggressive stance. On the other hand, the multi- partied alliance of the opposition and its supporters, declare the oust of Imran khan as the need of the hour and accuse him of the weak economic conditions of the country. However, putting the recent political slogans and emotional narratives aside, the contemporary political situations, indicate some harsh and grievous realities of the political culture of the Pure land.
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The never-ending fiasco in Pakistan’s politics
The recent situation explains that anything can happen and is possible in Pakistani politics if interests are common. The unnatural, principle-less, and unconventional opposition alliance which includes more than 10 political parties, united on common ground and interest, in order to topple the PTI government and somehow make self-centered readjustment. The irony is that these parties greatly opposed each other ideologically, as they belong to either far right or far left hand. But to be honest, there is no parameter in Pakistani politics, where one can judge some political entity by ideological grounds, but the only criteria for decision making is shared interest.
More importantly, the most drastic and alarming circumstances are the alleged use of money to buy the political affiances of the lawmakers. The legislation is probably the most important pillar of a state. These are the bodies who are responsible for the formulation of the law in the country. Unfortunately, in recent weeks, the moral values of the mentioned pillar have been badly demolished, when few members of the government bench aim to cross the floor and vote against their party. In this regard, who can forget the alleged controversial role of the Sindh house in Islamabad, from where these PTI MNAs appeared a few days ago.
There are serious allegations regarding such an appearance, and several political circles blame the opposition parties for the purchasing of political affiliations of these MNAs. Similarly, many accuse the government for setting the precedent by narrating the chairman of senate elections. If it is correct, it doesn’t mean to justify this excuse of the latter. Moreover, it is baseless and hollowed to the present ground for a bad act by narrating the previous one. The reality is, evil is evil and cannot be justified by another wrong act.
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Generally, Politics and power are all about the harsh realities of life
The practical experiences and political struggles always shape a strong, long-lasting and consistent political environment of a state. Unfortunately, politicians in Pakistan haven’t experienced such realities and struggles, as they are given everything in plates from their forefathers. The majority of political leaders in Pakistan have no political identity. Political identity comes from ideas and convections which is lacking in Pakistani political parties. The political leaders in Pakistan have no convictions, beliefs, and philosophy, and they understand politics as the whole personal gains or pursuing family interests. Therefore, instead of a high standard and political characters, Pakistani politics is comprised of electable, which always shift their political affiliations for personal gains which are majorly economic in nature.
More importantly, anything can be happened in the politics of Pakistan, if there is a common interest among the political actors. Just imagine, instead of uniting for an ill and afflicted cause, if these 10,11 parties become united for the progress of the country, the results would have been far better for the country.
The author is an Islamabad-based columnist. He currently works as a Research Associate in the International Parliamentarians, Congress IPC, Islamabad. He can be contacted at barkatullahbarakaat@gmail.com.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.