Chowrangi

Political parties have once again depressed the minority englightened section of the Pakistan society, while civil society, lawyers, judges and handful of politicians are closing ranks on the common platform of an independent judiciary and media freedom.

Due to the external and internal pressure, and the lust for Kursi, it was impossible for Benazir Bhutto to boycott the elections, while it was a political suicide for Nawaz Sharif to boycott the elections, while PML-Q and PPP were going for them. Its true that it was the question of ‘Do the Parties uphold principles?’ or ‘Do they become realistic and practical?’. From the political history of Pakistan, and the nature of the Pakistani voters, who are normally from the backward areas, its obvious like daylight that PML-N had no option but to go for elections. Nawaz Sharif, from the platform of APDM, tried hard to convince Benazir for boycott, but she preferred her deal with Musharraf more.

Imran Khan has only grown in stature. He hasn’t got anything to gain by participating in the elections, but he has hit a jackpot by boycotting it. Once he was a nominal and yet another member of parliament, but now he is sticking it out, and is one of the most vociferous boycotters of the election 2008. For his individual, the decision seems right, and it will benefit him in the long run. But for the real party with a huge vote bank, participating seems the right choice, as it is already giving creeps to the likes of Pervez Elahi, who is aspiring like hell to become the next prime minister of Pakistan, God Forbid.

Shireen Mizari is the director general of the Institutes of Strategic Studies, Islamabad and a frequent contributor to the newspaper articles and magazines. She has recently wrote very fine lines in one of her articles, and I am producing them here,” Only Ms Bhutto has been absolved of all her corruption and legal lapses while in power – whereas others like the Sharifs will not be allowed a level playing field in the political arena. While critical of Nawaz Sharif on some major issues in the past, I still feel he has a more indigenous feel for this nation than Ms Bhutto who looks first to Washington and the West before casting a condescending eye on her own nation.”

Truer words by her.

Other posts by Commoner

• Redivising the Strategy - October 15th, 2008
• No Urgency Still - October 15th, 2008
• Ulema Also Came on Board - October 14th, 2008
• From Where...... - October 14th, 2008
• Aid Secured by Pakistan - October 13th, 2008
• Another Scare - October 13th, 2008
• Chew the Cud - October 13th, 2008
• Religious Politicos Stance - October 12th, 2008
• Zardari is Confused - October 12th, 2008
• Pale of the Things - October 12th, 2008