ABDULLAH MUSTAFVI
What all is being practiced by political parties of Pakistan in the garb of democracy is entirely anti democracy in nature . Responsibility for this poor conduct flatly rests on the shoulders of all those political groups who managed to reach in the power corridors by portraying themselves as flag bearers of democracy while absolutely lacking the same quality in own ranks and files. No doubt that present political system has largely failed in quality deliverance to the masses but cure needs to be found from with in the system . All state institutions should strictly restrict to the well defined constitutional parameters as any overstepping or trespassing in other domains might add to the existing disaster. Political parties have failed in educating the masses on national issues . Generally , political debates are revolving around baseless blame games and character assassination of rivals . We hardly find any serious debate over party manifestos! Overcharged spokespersons jump in the arena of talk shows and continue verbal cannonade comprising more of foul language and least of the arguments . Major parties and alliances like PPP , PML-N and MMA have half heartedly fulfilled the formality of releasing the respective manifestoes ! PPP, the biggest drumbeater of democracy, precisely violated her own very manifesto while being in power for ten consecutive years . Like wise PML-N remained busy in all non issues and widen the gulf of rifts among institutions . Corruption and obvious cover ups remained at top of the priority list . MMA is another alliance of parties having entirely opposite views on certain matters . JUI(F) had been warmly thick with PPP and PML-N in receiving share in the form of ministries as well as other privileged appointments while the party leader could not display restrain in criticizing PTI . On the contrary JI leadership was part of PTI government in KP and remained extremely critical towards PPP and PML-N . Contradictions in verbal claims and performance is probably the one common feature among all major parties which include MQM , PTI and other small groups like GDA , BNP , PKMAP etc . Upcoming elections bear an undeniable significance in national discourse .Our past ignorant ways must be altered through collective resetting of future course . Power of ballot paper must not be left unutilized . It is much better option to elect an honest candidate rather than crying or complaining for five years about the corruption of a goon who would get elected by hoodwinking the system . It would be criminal on part of those voters who never turn up to cast their votes and let the corrupts to win by gaining majority. A common citizen should express his ownership of country loudly by electing the best available man on the ballot paper . Pakistan can not be left on the mercy of looters , liars , hoodwinkers and money launderers . Let’s snatch the maneuvering space from the corrupt mafias by using optimally our right to vote on the polling day . A voter should set his mind free from the chains of hero worship , community bondages , linguistic or racial prejudices and petty financial offerings thrown by the feudal lot prior to polling day . If we need justice in the country then at first place it must be judiciously displayed collectively by us on the polling day . Election commission of Pakistan , under the provisions of constitution, is responsible to conduct a transparent election . It is a sacred and highly sensitive responsibility . Unfortunately , inaction or negligence of election commission in the past enabled corrupt lot to sneak through the system and capture the state resources . Country has suffered to unimaginable limits in the hands of incompetent corrupt opportunists . Pakistan can not afford any more of such follies . Election commission should assert with full force to hinder the hijacking of electoral process by the old black hands . Side by side , a campaign must be launched by Election commission and the media quarters to educate the voters about their rights and responsibilities .25 July is not a usual vacation to enjoy movie with pop corns in the lap . It is a day to use the ballot like a bullet against those who snatch the milk from kids, medicine from patients , education from students and justice from the oppressed ones. Let’s prove our worth and use the vote to put Pakistan back on the track of peace , prosperity and justice .
