As a matter of routine, opposition parties have expressed deep concerns about the future and loudly criticized the performance of the federal government in multi-party conference. Interestingly, no words were uttered about the Sindh provincial government, which recently proved its questionable talent during rains in Karachi. While generating the optics of a greater alliance, opposition sufficiently exposed its differences and divisions. Difference of opinion on the issue of collective resignations and complaint by JUI chief on hindering the live transmission of his self-assumed revolutionary speech were enough to understand the state of affairs. Leaving aside the details of traditional political differences, let’s try to dig out the root causes of massive polarization visible at national canvas.
Deep divisions and non-flexible stances of the monarchs and the clergy have provided enough maneuvering space to the foreign spoilers
Genie of sectarian division came out of the bottle with highly undesired violent radiations. Social media trolling and hateful sectarian campaigning dangerously ignited public sentiments and turned the environment more inflammable. Prior to the sectarian boil, Sindh and Centre were seen locking horns over Karachi governance and crisis management issues. Motorway rape case momentarily jolted the society towards alarming upsurge in this heinous crime against women and minors. Unfortunately, debate on this sensitive social fault line diverted in political blame game and unnecessary debate on methods of execution. Part time intellectuals and social media addicts took the debate much away from the most serious issues of flawed investigative procedures and slow judicial mechanism. Regional issues like Afghan peace process and precarious situation across the LoC in IIOJK directly affecting Pak security could not be deliberated at appropriate forums by public representatives. There is no visible effort to build consensus on sensitive national issues among ruling party and the opposition through credible political means. Parliament and its multiple standing committees are the most appropriate forums to take on the important issues and formulate policies through collective wisdom. Unfortunately, starting from governance to national security, top political and religious circles responsible to lead the society in respective domains are deeply split. It is about time to ponder upon rapidly worsening division and social deterioration. What has made us so polarized and off sight as a society? Persistent polarization may potentially shake the very foundation of our society. Creation of Pakistan was the outcome of greater unity among the Muslims of subcontinent beyond any sectarian, lingual and territorial association. Pakistan, being a Muslim dominated land, was bound to be extra accommodative, caring and peaceful for all the non- Muslim citizens as taught by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him). Violence based on sectarian or religious discrimination is in fact practical denial of the ideology adopted by the founding fathers of Pakistan. Unfortunately, weaker writ of the state and leadership vacuum damaged the core values of the society. Recent upsurge in sectarian rifts is not a sudden outbreak! There is a long history of violence, foreign interferences and malicious political patronizations. Pakistan has long been a battleground between rival powers who fanned sectarian themes to safeguard their hidden or open interests. This vicious mindset is not restricted only to Pakistan! Battle between the sects and revolutionary ideologies has taken a great toll of the Muslim world in Iraq, Yemen, Beirut, Syria, Iran, Libya and Iran. Deep divisions and non-flexible stances of the monarchs and the clergy have provided enough maneuvering space to the foreign spoilers. Pakistan is no exception to deep rooted cancerous foreign ingresses in the Muslim world. Back in 1971, our political polarization and linguistic prejudices eventually resulted in disintegration of the East Pakistan. Sindh especially economic hub Karachi kept bleeding in the hands of criminal gangsters patronized by the flag bearers of linguistic politics. Dubious slogans and vague demands used by the ethnicity based pressure groups operating in Balochistan and KPK are enough an evidence to comprehend their real intent. Pakistan needs internal stability and unity to face the existing multiple challenges. Any campaign, idea, slogan or activity damaging national unity or stability must be countered with full force. All quarters of the society should play their due part in the healing process. Sectarian division, political differences and ideological polarization must not be stretched to unmanageable limits. By adopting the golden principles of tolerance and mutual co-existence, we can make Pakistan a much better place to live. There is a need to spot and isolate the hate mongers hidden in all quarters of the society; may it be right or left. Society cannot afford violence and polarization on any pretext. Our founding fathers won freedom by uniting all segments of the society without discriminating on account of ethnicity, sect, territorial linkage and social leaning. Pakistani society has paid a heavy price for being ignorant towards foreign sponsored elements who kept exploiting the sectarian and ethnic fault lines. We have enough material from past seven decades to make a realistic balance sheet reflecting the gains and losses. Undoubtedly, a major course correction is needed to continue the journey in right direction. This is not possible while remaining in denial mode. All segments of the society are responsible to adopt a tolerant, balanced and flexible corrective approach to make the motherland more stable. Let’s realize that Pakistan is the only option available to the most of us for living with honor and peace in entire world.
The writer is a freelance and can be reached at [email protected]