The Pakistani Spectator

18th February elections in Pakistan are somewhat different in the sense that they are not yet another Nora-Wrestling match between Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto. They are perhaps yet another dealt-with, pre-decided, Nora-Wrestling, but this time between new players for the new stakes.

These elections are all about change. The sun is setting for the old faces, and the likes of Nawaz Sharif has to go now. Benazir Bhutto was sent away rather in a crude fashion, and if Nawaz Sharif insists, then his fate is also in the quandary. Terrorists have got no heart for the light play, and neither they are in the mood to listen to any reason.

As for Pakistanis, these elections are a big opportunity to sink forever or to rise with new zeal and zest and surge ahead on war footings. But unlikely they are in very much apathy and there is no movement and stirring among the masses as far as the elections are concerned.

People are just not giving heck to the elections, as they are busy in fighting for gas, flour, food, power and other basic necessities of life. But they are running after the short term goals, while elections render them with long term survival. I would go on and say that these elections are the war of our survival, but is anybody home to listen to this far cry?