Nawaz Sharif is all set to form a Govt in the centre and in the
biggest Province of Punjab, PPP though in shock but ready to form govt
in Sindh. The situation in KPK and Balochistan will remain murcy till
formulation of Govt but ultimately this is What Democracy is. first time
in Pakistan’s history the Democratic Process has taken a decisive
lead and fate of the Nation has been decided by the voters themselves.
Success has many fathers and Defeat is usually Orphan. Many new
trends were witnessed during May elections : unprecedented turnout
throughout the country including the Province of Balochistan ( a leading
and renowned journalist Saleem Shahid from Quetta reported in daily
Dawn on 12 May that turn out in Balochistan was almost 40%). Umer
Qureshi of Express Tribune tweeted that over 7000 women cast their vote
in Mohmammand Agency and over 1900 women came out of their homes in
South Wazirastan Agency. Such was never witnessed before and it all
happened despite terror threats from extremist and anti democratic
forces. The upper class living in posh areas of big cities first time
came out of their homes and stood in long queues to express their will
in favour of Democracy. Army Chief was seen casting his vote in a
polling both. Chief Justice, CEC and all big leaders of Political
parties came out and expressed their will. Jubilation and exuberance on
Election day was at its peek. Over all a peaceful election conducted in a
festive environment. Media and International observers had free access
to witness conduct of elections.
Who should get credit for holding of this fair and free elections in
a festive environment: is it Politicians who should be given credit for
this progressive change in our political land scape, certainly yes but
to some extent. is it Media, which has played a constructive role in
formulation of a vibrant society and exposed almost every segment
horizontally and vertically during last five years, Yes Media can take
the maximum credit of this transformation and positive political
development but not the whole credit. Then on whose cap feather should
be pinned, i think two factors contributed significantly for this
success, one is role of establishment which remained committed to the
constitutional role of defending the motherland and left politics to
those who are meant to deal with it. Judicial activism might have
influenced the Political scene but Judiciary is very much part of this
Democratic process and their intervention if any was surely meant for
the good of the society at large. What needs to be appreciated more is
the role of the people of Pakistan. They have projected themselves to be
one of the most positive nation of the world. Despite many hiccups in
governance, masses remained committed to Democracy. But ultimately one
need to appreciate the Military leadership who did not let the system be
derailed. They remained under sharp criticism on one pretext or the
other but they also remained focused towards strengthening of Democracy
in the country.
It sure is a victory of the Pakistani Nation. Entire nation stood
like a rock against terrorists to off set their nefarious designs. This
achievement is indeed reflection that our democratic system is maturing
with each passing day. What we need is to concentrate now is on
strengthening of this system rather than allowing others to exploit
fissures in our society. We should emerge as a nation and who can do
this is, surely the Political System and strong institutions.
