Famous Last Words or a Messiah in Khakis?

Finally! The process of restoring democracy in Pakistan was initiated by the General in his press conference, addressed primarily in ‘Minglish'—a term used to describe a mixture of Urdu and English.

The idea of delegating power to the district levels is indeed long awaited, as is the plan to revise the voters’ roll. Pakistan’s inherent problem over the last few decades has been the way the country has been run. With the scions of power heavily rooted in the Centre, words and deeds of political ‘wisdom’ have emanated from the corridors of Islamabad by a select group of individuals. This practice has to stop. During the press conference, the CE inadvertently used the word ‘feudal’ instead of ‘colonialism’ when commenting on governance prior to 1947 and immediately thereafter. He was not too off the mark. Transfer of power from the elite to the masses is a process some in Pakistan would not prefer to experience. Certain members of the landed gentry who, over time, have established themselves in the political arena, are not comfortable with the idea that members of the middle and lower classes can also partake in the legislative process. However, it must be pointed out that I do not throw a blanket of blame across all politicians belonging to a feudal background. There must be ‘good’ people amongst them, who have the ability to govern and play a constructive part in the progress of democracy. Politics is not about religion, caste or creed, rather an inherent desire within an individual to do good for the masses. To reserve oneself from indulging in activities detrimental to one’s being as well as the country. It is essential that Pakistan undergoes a transition phase and develops a system whereby the aspiration to hold political office is not limited to the elite.

I believe strongly that for democracy to thrive in any environment, the middle class has to have access to power, justice and be able to voice its opinion on a countrywide platform. In drawing comparisons with India—as a Pakistani, when will I learn to stop doing so—one has to realise that our neighbour, the world’s largest democracy, has managed to strengthen its governance structure solely on the basis of a large middle class. The gap in distribution of income in Pakistan is so wide that it allows for only two segments of society—the rich and poor. An established middle class in Pakistan is still a concept and not hard reality on ground. This, again, can only be achieved by ensuring that ‘good’ governance is introduced and transgresses to the deepest roots of urban and rural living. The common man has to feel that he can strive to make a difference to his community.

Now comes the hard part: Can the Army deliver? This question is probably in the minds of all those who hope to see a brighter future. Some, older than myself, who witnessed first hand the fateful speech by General Zia, in which he promised elections, may feel that the current CE is also echoing the same thoughts as his predecessor—including the concept of conducting non-party based LB polls. I, however, will put my neck on the line and state that I believe General Musharaff to be a sincere man in his vision for Pakistan. The idea of leaving his team’s plans for open debate till August this year, is a sign of someone willing to listen—a luxury common Pakistanis have not afforded in a long while. Interestingly enough, his jibe at the fact that he kept mentioning the year after every date in order to avoid people construing a longer period, though trivial in matter, carried weight with me. True, the entire implementation of District Governance seems slightly complicated on paper, yet as I mentioned earlier, it’s the need of the hour. Pakistan should not fear a system of governance in which political power can move downstream to the lower levels to provide provincial and district-level autonomy. Empowering districts with fiscal powers is vital to prudent and efficient governance. Looking around at successful democratic models, one has to realise that de-centralisation is essential. In addition, the elections being non-party based should not be construed as undemocratic. It should be seen as an opportunity for capable individuals to come forth without binding themselves to corrupt political parties.

Above all else, ensuring that the civil servants perform what actually is their duty is vital to the concept of grass-root governance. The bureaucracy in Pakistan has to enshrine itself anew on the principles of ‘serving the people’ and one way is by separating the executive from the judiciary. Though the District Co-ordination Officer (DCO) and District Police Officer (DPO) will be reporting to the Chief Mayor, it is vital that the latter’s office is not subservient to the former. The vetting of applicants is an issue that needs considerable attention as well. The prospective District Assembly will be able to vote and select an individual worthy of the position of DCO or DPO and this process may help in bringing forth capable officers and not the usual ‘sifarshis’. The case of SHO’s and DC’s being appointed at the whims of CM’s, ministers, etc. needs to end. Though a number of positive attributes can be drawn from the press conference, what is important above all else is the fact that the present regime delivers what it promises. Pakistan’s problems can not be solved over a short time, and no reasonable person can expect a mess made over the last five decades to be cleaned up overnight. That is just the way we, as Pakistanis, like to function—full of emotion and vigour; I believe ‘josh’ would be the most apt definition of our emotions. I accept that the Army’s place is in the barracks and not in Islamabad, but do realise the fact that our country’s history has been peppered with adventurous military excursions. The Army is an integral component in Pakistan’s political machinery and whether we like it or not, it will continue to play this role for some time to come—at least till a point where we as a people can learn ‘good’ governance. Was this not acceptable to the masses, they would have come onto the streets in rebellion long ago. Some may believe this last statement to be naive, yet I sincerely believe that what the common man desires, he gets through revolution or reform.

A concluding thought for the General: you, Sir, have at your disposal a golden opportunity. One which, if exploited nobly and honestly (I stress upon this) will herald you and your team, as well as the image of the Pakistan Army into a new era of flourishing democracy. You can release the people of Pakistan from the political arena’s black sheep, constantly bleating in the background about democracy being robbed from them at gunpoint; a democracy they themselves disgraced and in the process, left Pakistan in a quagmire of deceit, corruption and sectarianism. Go boldly forth my friend, and let no one hinder your task—be honest and sincere and I assure you the people of this great land will stand by you, pray for your strength and remember you fondly for times to come. . .