Although i have not updated this blog for sometime due to a personal shift of paradigm on the political landscape of Pakistan, it is not to say that i have not had my views on a variety of recent issues and turmoil! I did think though that it would be good to at least communicate my disbelief on the recent events that have transpired over the last day or so – with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Whatever one’s political and personal views are with respect to Benazir, it is sad to know that children have lost their mother in such a tragic manner. I think that she was a strong willed woman who pursued her agenda aggressively and was willing to sacrifice her life accordingly. As the media continuously points out – this although unfortunate, was not totally unexpected – something even Benazir herself conceded to and acknowledged on numerous occasions recently.
What confuses me more than anything is the reaction of the people of Pakistan. The rioting and looting, that the common man bears the brunt of , is rife. Poor people burn each other’s cars and motorbikes without any rhyme or reason. This behavior is totally irrational and only further irritates an already delicate situation. I know people personally who were caught up on their way home, their cars stoned and burnt. I couldn’t believe that mobs burnt banks, restaurants and even hospitals – yes hospitals! Ambulances were being shot at and indiscriminate firing is a regular occurrence on the streets since yesterday – what is going on?! The streets even now are littered with burnt cars, buses and reminisces of a night of turmoil – i will try and get some pictures to post later… The army has now been called in, and been given “shoot to kill” orders and things seemed to now be calming down. let’s hope that it continues to provide a sufficient deterrent to would be rioters. After all no one really knows what goes through the mind of the people who are taking to the streets – apparently not much.
I understand that this is an emotional time for some people, but emotions need to be kept in check. The people of Pakistan are exceptionally emotional to the point where it usually overshadows most logic – this is true on a micro and macro level within this country. It seems to be a national trait – and not a good one. I mean there is a essential place for emotion, but not at the complete expense of all reason and logic. Emotion appears to be the key (and sometimes sole) factor that seems drives our decision making process, our behavior and permeates all aspects of our life – and in my view one of the main reasons we do not progress as a nation, like we should. Drama is our staple diet and will become our downfall unless we let sense prevail.
Apart from the issues facing the PPP now, we as a nation have significant challenges to overcome now. Speculations are being made as to the perpetrators. Of course the international community (i.e. Americans) are obviously touting their old boogie man friend – Al-Qaeda (Ex-CIA head on CNN yesterday: “whatever we may think we need to start with the premise that Al Qaeda is behind this”!), internally though there seem to be alternative anti-government theories bubbling. Personally i think there is not enough information – at this stage – for any conclusive analysis . What is true though is that various people (including the two above suspects) could benefit as a result and had enmity/differences with her. Although internationally the fingers are being pointed at “Islamic extremists” it seems from the letter sent by Benazir after the incident in October her suspicions also seemed to lie more so within elements of the current government. All of this means that the way forward is now very fragile. There is a growing atmosphere of distrust amongst all.
To further add to the confusion is the fact that we are receiving a variety of views in the last 24 hours as to the cause of the death. At first it was because of a bullet to the neck and head, next it was shrapnel from the explosion and the latest culprit appears to be the lever of her sunroof – yes – the lever. The CIA thought pinning JFK’s murder on Lee Harvey Oswald was an accomplishment – well we have managed to shifted the blame to a lever! Beat that. I am curious as to why all the “free media” is unable to speak to the actual doctor who could probably clarify some of this confusion. Why does it matter? well the truth always matters…sometimes the insigificant is anything but….
All the while the politics continue….Nawaz Shareef announces a boycott of the elections – during his emotional visit to the hospital – DOH! I mean he could have waited to see what would happen…even the PPP in the height of turmoil have not managed to loose their political savvy - they refuse to commit to a boycott. It’s not that i agree or disagree with the boycott. The boycott decision is primarily dependant on your motives. If power, regardless of partner and system are paramount then a boycott would be silly – if though an ideology prevents cooperation with an apparently illegitimate regime – then a boycott could be considered….i do get the feeling though that Nawaz Sharif misread the situation, and possibly felt that the PPP would follow his lead….i may be wrong…. The PML-Q – who are usually media whores - i mean they get around….are no where to be seen apart from a few brief appearances – where is Sheikh Rasheed when you need him? oh yeah… Altaf Hussain took the opportunity on a TV show to address the nation (from London) and made a lengthy and tearful (no joke) speech – much to the bemusement of the interviewer! The whole political landscape is surreal.
I guess we now sit and wait – literally….everyone is pretty much on house arrest – unless you need cigarettes!The funeral took place today and it appears to have been a cathartic event – the street have calmed down – but that could also be the new army policy’s impact - These are difficult times for Pakistan……and again it is the poor man bearing the brunt of it – either through random violence or through the loss of his daily wages and meals - while we sit on the net and complain about it being boring ! At this stage all i can hope is that each subsequent day is better than the previous…..for us all.
Posted by ha5san 