The Pakistani Spectator

‘My land is in pain.’ said Ali, my Pakistani friend was mourning the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan Cricket Team. A year ago, the people of Pakistan had elected a democratic government with lots of hopes and aspirations for the future of their country .A year later; their country is in the grip of terrorism, wrestling with the Taliban.

I remember how Ali with tears in his eyes and immense pride for his motherland used to describe his country -a land of beauty, music and Sufism. How this land of Sufi saints responsible for spreading love, tolerance, non violence was transformed into a land of violence? This question echoes in the soul of every Pakistani. People of Pakistan have seen enough of violence and bloodshed. They want to end this nightmare. They are paying the price for remaining silent and passive for too long. They are angry against the failure of the government to provide decent governance. They are worried about what is happening in their country but they are too scared to protest openly.

“We may laugh but our sadness is very deep,” said Ali, “Pakistan is my home and I love my country but my land is suffering ” he said, “Every family in Swat has a painful story. People are beyond despair”. He broke down and cried. “How do we convince them that they have a future, a future of hope and peace?” I felt the pain and anguish in his voice. This is one of the biggest challenges in Pakistan- convincing people who are surrounded by death, devastation and destruction that the nightmare is over now and that Pakistan will again become a land of hopes and happiness.

Democracy with all its flaws is the last and the best hope for the people of Pakistan. It will be a tragedy, if democracy fails in Pakistan. A democratic process which promotes stability, justice, harmony and tolerance, can play an effective role in containing terrorism and promoting peace in the subcontinent. Without democracy, there will be instability, uncertainty, chaos and terrorism will thrive. As Winston Churchill has said,” Never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of democracy and peace” That’s what people of Pakistan are doing. They are not giving up and holding on to the ideals of peace and democracy with great resolute.

The incident of Budaner village where villagers fought with Taliban single handedly and succeeded in defeating them motivated Ali. Ali inspired by President John. F. Kennedy said to his fellow Pakistanis, “Ask not what Pakistan can do for you; ask what together we can do for Pakistan. The world doesn’t owe us anything.” He realized that the success and failure of his country depends finally on its people. Change can only come from within. The American and French Revolutions were the actions of the people, not of governments. He said to me, “If we learn to make sacrifices for our nation, we will never be beaten. Once we grasp this harsh reality, then victory over extremism and terrorism will be ours.”

After hearing the motivational words of Ali, I felt the change in the air. Change is coming to Pakistan. Good luck, my friend in your endeavor.