A Nation in Distress.

The Pakistan Mess; A Bet goes sour; Darkness in Pakistan; Musharraf Clamps Emergency.

These were the headlines of Editorials and front page news that were published in Newspapers I read daily, following proclamation of emergency in Pakistan, about ten days ago. The write ups trace the events that have been happening in that country since a few months.

The declaration of Emergency in Pakistan was in the air, a couple of days before it was announced. That was the scenario unfolding as events were happening over a period. Now, it is no surprise that a military ruler using this option. This is what he knows, besides using his barrel when he is cornered.

The world has not learnt from History. There is little chance of Democracy surviving in a country ruled by a military dictator. Any dictator should know that a country cannot remain oppressed for long, would always remain unstable, and people would revolt off and on. There may not be any concrete developments worth mentioning during this period.

Civilians form the majority in any country, and they alone are equipped to deal and solve problems of the civilians. If a military ruler sheds off his uniform, he may perhaps learn the tricks to administer the country, but may not be popular.

Democracy is for the people, by the people, and of the people. In Pakistan, this has not been allowed by the Military rulers for a major part of that nation’s existence.

Of late, even among the countries where democracy is thriving, we often come across elected leaders showing streaks of dictatorship. “Do as I say, don’t do as I do, and don’t ask me questions” seems to be their style of functioning. Their greed for power and absolute power corrupts their mind. All their decisions coming out of their thinking defy logic.

Lack of Trust resulted India getting divided into India and Pakistan. That was sixty years back, and even today, distrust exists among its leaders. Several rounds of talks have been held between the leaders of both the countries at different levels, yet permanent peace and friendship still eludes. It does appear, Pakistani leaders are never interested in solving issues, but ever creating problems to seek aid, sympathy and attention without working to improve their country.

It is again no surprise that India, though desires Pakistan to be a democratic country, is exercising caution in not exerting pressure on Gen. Pervez Musharraf. The continued state of Emergency in Pakistan is definitely not in India’s interest. There could be infiltration of terrorists into the southern region of Jammu & Kashmir, and also there could be tensions alongside the borders. India has come to live with these problems, and can face them.

Indian people are unhappy with this development, and the Indian press is certainly playing its role objectively.

There are lots of similarities in our cultures. The people of both the countries desire peace. There have been stories of love, friendship, and hospitality whenever people met across.

The Cricket teams of both countries have enormous following, and whenever they meet, there is a tremendous excitement, and the level of cricket game gets raised. The hospitality shown by the fans of both countries on these Cricket teams should be seen to be believed.

Yet, it raises a puzzling question- Why there is so much of distrust? The answer seems to rest with the respective leaders. They agree at the table, but get back to playing the game of distrust, by issuing provocative statements, and projecting an image of an aggrieved nation.

America, the country so vociferously supports democratic form of governance, has been supportive of Pakistani Dictator, trusting him as an important ally in its fight against terrorism. This implies that USA is NOT supportive of Pakistani People, and their aspirations. It is no wonder that there is a strong anti-Americanism in them.

The culture and the living conditions of people in this part of the continent, is beyond the thinking of those in America responsible for framing its foreign policy. Sometimes I believe the foreign policy makers are themselves in a Marshal Law. It is better they adopt the policy of “Horses for Courses” (An idiom). It would be foolish for USA to support Musharraf further, as he has already drained them $ 10 Billion Dollars for nothing in return!!

It would be long before Pakistan returns to normalcy. President Musharraf has to be judged not by his words, but by his deeds. And this applies to Ms.Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz shariff as well. Both do not have a good track record of Governance, when they were Prime Ministers. It is unfortunate that there are no Charismatic leaders with strong credentials. Both the former Prime Ministers, may have a following, may be crowd pullers, but have no vision for that country. Yet, they would serve their country well if they remain as Party leaders, and propose a leader whose record is clean, honest, and can take that country to prosperity.

People of Pakistan have a long struggle ahead to bring in Democratic rule, and the nations of the world MUST exert pressure on President Musharraf till he steps down. As a ruler, he has nothing fresh to offer, even as a civilian. It would be in his interest to get into oblivion.

The call of a common man in Pakistan to Musharraf would be “GET LOST”

Tail-piece: A Bully is always a Coward. - As per a proverb.