The Pakistani Spectator

Growing up, I had been fond of the TV Election Transmissions that a lot of us are familiar with. Mustansar Hussain Tarar would announce the victors in regions as results would roll in and me and my brother would sit with our fingers crossed in anticipation of the distinct symbols to illuminate the screen. An arrow? A tiger? A bicycle? They all meant nothing other than the meaningless bets that me and brother would make up. Who ever would win the most rounds would take out the garbage for the following month. As I sit miles from home, in anticipation of the results … I still have my fingers crossed, even though I have no bets to make and no garbage to take out.

Elections in the past had been an innocent game for me and my brother. Today, however, they are more than that.

“The country might go into a civil war if the elections don’t go well”, commented a politics professor in one of my classes.

“It won’t Sir.”

“And how can you be so sure.”

Because there is hope. Because the people of Pakistan realize that they need to give the country a chance. Because more people that I know have voted in this election than I can remember and because Pakistan is ready for change.

To all that went out in the midst of uncertainty, I thank you.

To all the leaders : Please give her a chance.

To my brother : You are taking the trash out … again.