Democracy is a feminine word, so, its fate is similar to that of a woman. A woman in a male dominated society, like ours, is neither loved by in-laws nor parents. When she rushes to parents to save herself from being punished by the husband, parents close their doors and admonishingly return her to in-laws.
But they love her as long as they need her, same with the democracy.
Nawaz Sharif is treating democracy like a father, because nowadays it makes “food” for him, and perhaps, there is no other way around. And Imran Khan pretends to care for it like a beloved one. He says no one loves democracy more than he does. Perhaps, he says it because no one has any stronger example of love for her (Democracy) than him; he is still single at 60.
Other politicians are playing the role of neighbors, who when meet with parents, talk in favor of their daughter and, when meet with in-laws, speak against her.
If you don’t believe, go through the newspapers headlines. Politicians are determined not to speak in favor of government completely; but when they meet Nawaz Sharif they say they support democracy: the government. Similarly, when they meet with Imran Khan, they claim of being on the side of oppressed: Dharna group.
Zardari’s and Bilawal’s voice is not as louder as that of Khursheed Shah and Aitzaz Ahesan. In fact, the former is only a leader from within the PPP who strongly speaks in favor of government as well against any possibility of a coup. Rest of the party is silent as if playing a waiting game. A party of long history of the resistance seems no defiant any more.
MQM now seems a shot in the arm for government when it tries to bridge the gap between the government and protesters, and now; it announces a mourn day when shelling on protesters while storming into parliament house occurs, and demands for resignation of Prime Minister. It is playing a good role of a “neighbor”; partly stand with government and partly with protesters.
Asfand Yar wali, the leader of ANP has said that he categorically supports government, but, alas, his voice has become so lower, especially after PTI coming into power in his province, KPK, that can’t be heard in the hurly burly. Other parties are either in a condition that don’t afford to comment on such an issue of the great significance, or are just waiting in the wings.
Democracy is running in search of shelter here and there.
So, if the coup is mounted, will our politicians be able to prevent democratically elected government from collapsing? Javed Hashmi speaks his mind about engineered Inqlab of his own party. He also asserts of being adamant supporter of democracy, constitution and Parliament. But, can a single voice help democracy from falling into wrong hands? I think no. There would, possibly, be some rallies for a few days, some newspapers condemnation. All of this will recede soon.
As we were discussing about impending situation, one of my friends shouted “It’s Media’s era” “Media is free” he prolonged his speech like an opinion. “So this time, as compare to previous ones, coup is not too easy to come about.” Briefly, He claimed Media will shield democracy with its chattering talk shows and moving cameras. I was really stunned. What an idea! I’m ashamed, why did this idea not come to my mind first.
