Daily Times

On October 30, 2011, the chants at Minar-e-Pakistan were loud and clear: “Kaun bachaye ga (who will save) Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan”. For some, the charged crowd brought back memories of the 1940 Lahore Resolution, for others the 1971 call of Zuflikar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) of ‘Idher hum udher tum’ fame became alive; for the youth it was hope of a new Pakistan.

On the stage that day all faces were new except the ‘Kaptaan’ himself. Tremors were felt at the Takht-e-Lahore and the evil empire of Islamabad was shaken. Khan promised to hand over Quaid’s Pakistan to the next generation. Once again, we were back to 1947 when the journey of Pakistan was started by the Quaid and the founding fathers. The era of derailment had to end. The Takht-e-Lahore and the evil empire of Islamabad — also called ‘the establishment’ — decided to strike back. To counter popular appeal, the PML-N decided to focus on the ballot. After the fall of the last khaki dictator, as a result of people’s power, the establishment decided to pursue a tried and trusted approach of, ‘If you cannot beat them, join them’. When the ‘comrades of change’ decided to show their popularity at Mazar-e-Quaid on December 25, 2011, the occupants of the stage were visibly different. By contrast with the Lahore stage party, where all faces were new except the Kaptaan’s, in Karachi all faces were old. There was a sigh of relief at the Takht-e-Lahore and within the ranks of the evil empire.

Between October 30, 2011 and December 25, 2011, the comrades of change had been put on the defensive while the Quaid turned in his grave. There were visible attempts to derail and hijack the bogey of change. Till today, the Kaptaan is the leader of change in Pakistan. His credentials have been put to test in the most troubled province of the country. The stakes are high; it is either swim or sink. In Punjab and Sindh, both parties have been in power for decades. The administration is subservient and loyal. Orders are understood and implemented, the chain of command is clear and unified. The age-old policy of live and let live is followed to the teeth. There is no change; it is more of the same. The takhts (thrones) of Lahore and Karachi and their darbaris (courtiers) run the show.

Change is inevitable and, as such, the battle for change rages on. The comrades are in battle gear while the forces of the status quo are vigilant but threatened. After decades of struggle, vital state institutions are free and functional. The last obstacle to people’s power are free and fair elections. Darbaris can no longer run the show. Voter verification by NADRA can turn the tables on the ruling party. The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan will decide the case, which will have a major impact on the unfolding scenario. A fresh start has been made.

In order to deliver change the lines have to be clearly drawn between the forces of the status quo and change. Jahan-e-Taaza (new life) is needed. Old wine in new bottles or new wine in old bottles has lost its efficacy; this time around both have to be taaza (fresh); baasi (stale) will not deliver. Pakistan has to be saved and built, not sold or bought as has been the norm.

Today, the country faces existential crises mainly because of the deteriorating security and economic situation. Decades of mismanagement and military adventurism in neighbouring countries have landed the nation in a mess. There are no simple solutions to this self-inflicted malaise. Khan continues to insist on giving peace a chance as the available options are fraught with unfavourable consequences. There is a broad national consensus that we have to come out of the mess either through peaceful means or effective military action.

Negotiating with over 50 diverse groups will not be easy but should be tried to isolate the terror front. Pakistani soil has to be cleansed of terror activities while we totally pull out of this war. A limited or full military action may follow if parleys fail. Analysts believe that the army has the capacity to eliminate the terror networks. In case of resistance and prolonged war, US help may be needed. Both these options come with a price tag for the nation. If the army prevails, then, for the next 20 years, khaki boots will be everywhere and, if the US is involved, the Yankees will rule. The unfortunate people have to make hard choices.

The chants of ‘kaun bachaye ga Pakistan: Imran Khan, Imran Khan’ were loud and clear at the Minar-e-Pakistan but got muffled at the Mazar-e-Quaid. Bhutto’s journey of a new Pakistan also started at the same point but lost its way in a few years. Quaid’s Pakistan was also launched from here. Lahore is the dil (heart) of Pakistan. All movements start from the ‘nagri (home) of Data’ but then get hijacked by the forces of the status quo. In the entire political arena, the Kaptaan stands out as the most honest and credible leader. Pakistan has to be saved and he can do it if he follows his course. Then, like March 23, 1940, October 30, 2011 will be remembered as a day when the journey to save Pakistan was started by the cricket hero who rose to be the national saviour.

The writer is ex-chairman Pakistan Science Foundation. He may be contacted at fmaliks@hotmail.com