Humanising Politics

Author: Asif Mahsud

Humanism is the cardinal element of human life. Its absence turns a human into a beast and barbarian. The concept of humanism whirls around human values and the promotion of human capacities. The one who carries it forward is called a humanist. Based upon this definition of humanism — very few qualify to be called humanists within our current political spectrum. While most are just misleading the public while calling themselves humanists; activists, only human and social rights activists qualify this definition.

Unfortunately in our parts of the world, human or social rights activists are not as politicised as one would hope. The reason for this is obvious as they consider the current system extremely exploitative for the common citizens of the state.

For here, only the affluent rule. However those activists are politicised that have created their own political parties- as they aren’t willing to become a part of the existing ones. It will albeit take time for these emerging political parties to establish themselves.

Now the question arises that why in Pakistan people with political career deemed differently as Frankenstein monsters while the fact is that there job is the noblest one. As politics is defined to be an act of responsibility. A politician can make much more difference to the lives of general public than people of all other professions. That’s a fact provided they devotedly pursue their job and provided with some authority.

In this the followers of political parties need to play a pivotal role. When we limit our thought process to certain political party, movement or social right group then we would never be able to justly contemplate over issues. We need to broaden our thinking horizon. Otherwise we will remain partial. Thus, the best solution is ‘be a humanist’. Always stand with humanity. Your approach to right and wrong should hinge on human values rather than your political inclination.

On top of it, we would be able to call to account our representatives against the standards of humanisms. Anything that is inconsistent with the definition of humanism should be condemned.

Your approach to right and wrong should hinge on human values rather than your political inclination.

All in all, human rights activists should become a part of our national politics as they can better serve their countrymen by possessing the required authority in their hands. Moreover when human rights activists enter the political arena it would infuse a sense of competition amongst conventional politicians, everyone would strive to do more good than the other. It will improve the state of affairs overall — and the beneficiaries of this process of humanising politics will be the general public.

The writer can be contacted at asifmahsud44@yahoo.com

Published in Daily Times, September 3^rd 2018.