Without Malice towards Pakistanis

Instead of marching Pakistan towards democracy, the Pakistan army and the ISI have chosen the model of totalitarianism camouflaged as parliamentary democracy as a way of governing their people. Armed forces are an apparatus in the hand of a national government; unfortunately however, Pak National Government has become an instrument in the hand of Pak army Generals and Pak Parliament is nothing more serious than a debating club.

Policy subjugated to adversarial-obsession-with-India, anti-India rhetoric or demonstrations will not solve any of the crises facing the Pakistanis. These protests and speechifying are ISI's way of distracting attention from the government’s failure to improve the living conditions of the people living under its repressive regime.

The only way for the Pakistanis to move forward is by protesting against their failed political parties and military establishment. Many Pakistanis, however, are afraid to speak out against their rulers in Pakistan. Why would any Pakistani speak out against the national government when the ISI or the Pak army arrests and harasses those who even dare to post critical remarks on Facebook? Why would any Pakistani criticise their Prime Minister when he or she knows that this would endanger their lives?

Pakistanis must remember that their grand-fathers and great Grand fathers were all Indians. They can choose to hate India if they are willing to hate their heritage and their legacy. Pakistan cannot achieve peace with India until Pakistanis are at peace with their lineage and history which they share with Indians.

In April-May, India will again celebrate democracy by voting in a free and democratic election. The Pakistanis, meanwhile, will mark another year of weak regime and failed democracy, and will continue to dream about heading to any real ballot box at all.

Is this the future for which Jinnah created Pakistan separating from India? Pakistanis and Pakistan deserve better.

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