It is really unfortunate that the political atmosphere of Pakistan has gotten this polluted during the last few weeks. The politicians of Pakistan were desperate to reach the corridors of power and no one seemed worried about the problems being faced by the masses. The lust for power has forced them to abandon the basis teachings of morality. Those who used to call each other thieves and dacoits were sharing the same table while enjoying lunches and dinners. Both the government and opposition don’t care about the common man in this fight for power but their only agenda is to safeguard their personal interests. The politicians of Pakistan only want the protection of their ill-gotten money that they have accumulated through unfair means and therefore, a circus has been going on for the last couple of days.
How can one forget the fiery speeches of Shehbaz Sharif when he used to criticize Asif Ali Zardari? The PML-N President had once said while delivering a speech at Lahore’s Bhatti Gate that he would hold Zardari from his collar and drag him on the roads. Now, the same Shehbaz Sharif is hosting Zardari–only to reach the power corridors. Similarly, Imran Khan used to avoid going to the funerals of his close friends and relatives, but now we have seen how he visited all of his allies only to remain in the power. He severely criticised the MQM in the past but then he tried his best to woo the part. Alas! He failed! Where is morality in politics? Where are the people of Pakistan who are suffering from inflation and unemployment? No one talks about the common man and these politicians only want the “power” to rule the country.
Pakistan has suffered a lot in America’s war on terror not only in the form of 80,000 lives and more than $150 billion but mostly in the form of losing soft power and foreign direct investments. It also couldn’t develop its tourism industry which could have been a major breakthrough for its economic crisis. Unfortunately, the army had to launch operations, as operations Zarb-e-Azab and Radd-ul-Fasaad, in its own territory, inevitably killing some innocent individuals as well. Apart from more than 3 million people being displaced, the collateral damages caused during these operations and drone attacks by the US-made locals disgruntled towards the state and its security institutions. It made them more vulnerable to be exploited by non-state actors. It will take generations to repair these losses.
This is the high time for the nation to stand and compel political stakeholders to give a unanimous message to the west and Europe that: Pakistan is an absolutely independent sovereign state; no one can dictate its foreign policy. Pakistan is open to everyone and more than willing to cooperate in the economic arena following its geo-economic strategy benefiting the national interests solely. Apart from inflation and trade deficit, Pakistan’s economy is in the right direction. Although, Pakistan needs more reforms to promote export-oriented industries while attracting FDIs as well. But before that, we need to inculcate in our psychologies that we will not fail as a state without western economic injections.
The time demands that all parties should remain calm keeping in view the national interest of the country. Our politicians must think about the issues of the common man instead of always trying to reach the power corridors. The national interest must be held supreme for once, instead of the usual personal agenda.