Daily Times

Sir: There were hopes and dreams that the elections of 2013 would bring a change in the history of Pakistan, a change that has been desired by the people since independence. According to The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), all security measures would be taken to avoid terrorism and pre-poll rigging and that army help would be taken where needed. From the very start of the elections, we witnessed a sequence of terrorism, blasts and killings of the innocent. The elections lost its colours and the event later changed to become the bloodiest elections of Pakistan’s ‘democratic’ history. Unfortunately, we have not seen the army play its role to stop the nuisance. Maybe the ECP was considering May 11, 2013 to be a routine day and so that is why it did not call up the armed forces to be deployed at aggrieved places.

While watching television on election night, I saw coverage of a political force in Punjab driving the election results in his favour without any fear or pressure as he was backed by the law enforcement agencies. Many incidents of violence and pre-poll rigging have made clear to the whole nation that the lion’s share of the election process was hijacked and that the elections were not up to the expectations of the masses. I think that the youth is more disappointed than ever and may even stop expecting a change. I am reminded now of a saying by Alexander Pope: “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.”

BAKHTAWAR ALI

Sialkot