Politics in Utopia
By: Shozab Ali Halepoto Muet
The word Politics is considered a dirty game. It generally paints a picture of treachery and conspiracy all over the world, but more specifically by the people of Pakistan. The reasons behind the negative connotations of the word are mainly due to three things: Firstly, the activities of politicians; secondly, the lack of awareness; thirdly illiteracy about political science- a discipline taught in many universities of Pakistan. Finally, in some cases, youth is deterred to discern and to take part in it due to its egregious picture before them. Vastly, many remain unaware about the system of the government they are living in and the majority consider it useless to understand it so. For instance, democracy in Pakistan has transformed into a Russian salad, in which many mysterious ingredients are mixed to restrict common masses to question the stately matters, or simply put political conspiracies. Consequently, leaving common masses blind to the science behind politics- which, in Pakistan, takes a new turn, or either you turn, depending on the personal agendas of politicians.
Besides, many politicians take the negative advantage of common people’s concern by intervening in non-political matters. such as the detention of people without the proof of any criminal charges, in police stations upon the orders of MPAs or MNAs. This practice is common in Sindh, due to the mutual but illegal relationship of officials with politicians. Although, this relationship sometimes helps officials in solving dilemmas such as honor killing, early marriages, and blasphemous acts, yet some politicians take negative advantage of these associations for their nuisances and individual interests. Clearly, the Oxford dictionary defines the word politics as: ‘The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power.’ A Politician in the dictionary is described as: ‘A person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of an elected office.’ Ambiguity creeks in if one endeavors to know the “activities” politicians are liable for, which appear inevitably, unlimited in the case of politics in Utopia. One famous joke of Punjab fits the situation of family politics in Pakistan. When the son of a farmer questions his father ‘If Chaudhry dies, who will be the next Chaudhry?’ The father responds: ‘Certainly, his son.’ Again the little child questions that if his son dies then who will be the next Chaudhry? The father hopelessly says: ‘Even if his entire family dies, you won’t be given a chance to be Chaudhry.’ Identically, even if the entire family of politicians passes away, no-one else would be allowed to take the position of politician. Recently, some distinguished columnists were comparing the growth of former East Pakistan “The Bangladesh”- the saddest chapter in the history of Pakistan, with neighboring countries, and accordingly: One of many reasons behind the prosperity of Bangladesh is political stability.
The tensions between political parties have hindered the development projects. The huge delays in the Green Line Bus project are one of many examples which show the strain between Sindh and Centre. Unfortunately, during the inauguration of the project, not a single provincial minister or representative appeared. Afterwards, Chief Minister, Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, was heard in assembly saying that we are part of Pakistan and we should be treated as so. In addition, Sindh refused Cenre to develop two islands along with Karachi’s coastline and Sindh also abstained to be the part of the health card scheme of Centre. Ishrat Hussain in his article ‘The Bangladesh story,’ says: “Despite bitter political rivalries, there has been a continuity in economic policies, projects and programs.” Unlike, in Pakistan, Center either stops or interrupts ongoing provincial developmental programs. However, Pakistan took another major step towards strengthening provincial autonomy and streamlining the federal structure when it passed the 18th Amendment in 2010. Although further constitutional safeguards were built for the regulation of the federation, the smaller provinces still found reason to be dissatisfied. Writes Ahmed Bilal Mehboob in his article” The Sindh-Center strain”- The political strains leave provinces with a feeling of being marginalized. On the whole, Politics in Pakistan is messier than in any other country. Every politician holds an agenda that is almost irrelevant to the interests of common people. Considering the unnumbered incidents of corruption by politicians, the miserable picture of politics in Pakistan can be examined. Consequenttly, their affiliation in common matters of the public has added insult to injury. The ongoing political chaos should be put to an end, or else detrimental situations are not far from the map of Pakistan. One can only hope to one day get rid of servitude, family politics, personal agendas of politicians and conspiracies in the name of politics.