Revolutionaries or Chaos-makers? By:ARSLAN SAIF Much pronounced rather touted slogan of revolution, now a days, has become a favorite and hot subject of political discourse in Pakistan. The likes of Imran Khan and Tehr ul Qadri along with their expired compatriots-Shujat Hussain and perviz Elahi-are about to bring a revolution in the country.Preparations for a long march on independence day are underway; ultimatum has been given to the current ruling party and the so-called Sheikh Ul Islam assisted by his spiritual followers is once again recollecting his energies to topple the undemocratic government as his last bids were thwarted by the machinations of a Railway minister. Not to forget, our very own Sheikh Rashid is providing impetus to revolutionaries with his political wisdom.So, Pakistanis are just months away to see French-like revolution in their homeland. But, before heading forward, just take a pause. Does Pakistan, really, need a revolution at this crucial juncture? Have we reached to a stage where revolution has become inevitable? Yes, answer is in affirmative for above cited questions. The socio-political environment is very conducive for radical changes in the social milieu: society has degenerated to the core and riddled with social vices; religious extremism is threatening the social coherence and mutual existence; political corruption has made governance system hay-wire, so to say, there is not even a single segment of society that can be cited perfect and without anomalies. Therefore, a revolution is need of the hour in this country. But the nature of revolution requires an immediate debate. Whether the brands of revolution, championed by our pseudo intellectual politicians, would steer this country out of the murkier clouds of despondency requires the attention of civil society. In retrospection, all revolutions that have been successful in the history of the world- French revolution, American war of independence, communist revolution-were driven by ideologies and political thoughts of the intellectuals led by dynamic leaders who with their acts and un-compromised faiths showed the world that how individuals made difference.With perseverance and unshared loyalty with their nations they transformed the societies and got rid of all social evils. They gave a new social order and unique values system to the people of their countries. They believed that they had abilities and potentially to lead people, and in the end they succeeded in making their homelands great nations. This is how revolutions take place with far reaching positive outcomes.Now, come to Pakistan: Is there any leader at this time of history that match to the credentials of great leaders of the world. In actuality, there is dearth of visionary leaders with intellectual poverty and short of ideas. Bereft with political acumen and sympathies with multitudes, this bunch of politicians are just gimmicks who only want to get their ulterior motives fulfilled with no concern for the stability and consolidation of the system. They are just busy in leg pulling and mudslinging in order to try their own luck. They are just chaos makers and not revolutionaries. Unlike great leaders, who are always profound readers, they hardly read even a single book on politics or philosophy in their whole career. What Pakistan needs is the revolution of minds led by scholars and academicians with concerted efforts from the vibrant media and assertive civil society. We need to internalize the values of religious tolerance, empathy and peaceful co-existence. We must shun away the burden of mis-lead religious beliefs and move forward towards modernism and science. We need revolutions in our outdated education system. These reforms would produce leaders and men of principles required to bring revolutions.Currently, we should support the system and let it run without interruptions. This consistency, gradually, would result in the emergence of inclusive political and economic institutions. That is the sort of revolution needed in this country and not of the brand of our ‘only good cricketer’ and imported Maulana who are also great disappointments.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:19:47 +0000
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