Democracy Scale

Why?

        If liberty and prosperity of the people are major pins of democracy, then democracy in Pakistan is in an unceasing vertical spin gaining momentum every coming day. Democracy, in our culture, means liberty and further prosperity of the big fish only — at the peril of 180 million people. Therefore submission of these lines, to the few sincere amongst political elite, some in media, and countless learned Pakistani citizens; who can logically deliberate on saving Pakistan from becoming a bigger Karachi.  In which the ones with bodyguards fire bullets at each other, the people being used as shields and getting pierced by bullets. The hallmarks of democracy, respect for human life, public and private properties, stand of no value for the shade of democracy we are presently being smothered under.

        To adopt democracy suitable for our prosperity, first we have to dispel the syndrome “No such example” — the lame logic with which creativity is glared down in the subcontinental culture. The French evolved their own democracy, and did not follow the British one. America chose her own democracy for her prosperity.  That no other country practises merit-based democracy as suggested in my blog leadershipchangeinpakistan.wordpress.com is why because either no other country matches our history and our compulsions,  or they happen to be politically colour-blind as we have been so far.

Democracy and suitability — a historical glance

        Our political calibre has horribly deteriorated, but not evolved a notch higher than the trash it was 100 years ago; fed up with which Jinnah had left the subcontinent, thinking never to return back. But 1000 years’ psychological burden of history (Muslim rule) on the nerves of subcontinent, tilting towards detriment of an educationally backward and economically down-trodden community, kept nights of Iqbal sleepless. Well aware of the available leadership calibre of the community in subcontinent, the visionary Iqbal pleaded with the Quaid in ink, “You are the only Muslim who can lead the community out of peril”. The Quaid came back for leadership. His stand for proportional representation of the community, in a united India, was derided by Indian Congress leadership—the democrats. The Quaid — the demorcat politician par excellence, when denuded of all reasonable options, opted for Pakistan. This was readily accepted by the Indian Congress on estimation that with no leadership but aging/ailing Quaid-e- Azam, and no economic /industrial resources, the new country will evaporate within months, under democracy. The Quaid too, knew the calibre of counterfeit coins in the Assembly, many of whom had joined his Party, when Pakistan’s emergence was on the wall, for likely  goodies coming their way.

        But to the dismay of Assembly members, the Quaid-approved Pakistan’s first cabinet had only six ministers, finance ministry included — under charge of Civil Servant Ghulam Muhammad. The merited Civil Service was relied upon by the Quaid which worked without the burden of politicians—the scions of princely states etc. Sans less-than-mediocre politicians, Pakistan from scratch, instead of evaporating in few months as estimated by the Congress leadership, went from strength to strength till less-than-mediocre politicians had their hey days.

Our present

        Today, we live as a nation, whatever our existence is, under homage to our elders who put in their sincere work during first 22 years of fledgling Pakistan. These elders were denunciated by parasite politicians, who live on the nation and do not give anything in return.

        Today we do not have Kalabagh dam, have little electricity, less gas, sick industry, staggering education and no wholesome growth in jobs. What are we achieving? We are achieving Bhutto, who was alive “yesterday” and is alive “today”. And the Type, and the kind and calibre of MPAs/MNAs we always, always have.

Please decide

        Now, please deliberate what scale of democracy suits us for prosperity of the people? Certainly, not the one which the bulk of our politicians represent. And by the way what number, from the tillers of the soil to the highest professionals in our country, has the wherewithal to campaign for an Assembly seat? In case the resultant number shames us all, then do expose the fraud, “Any citizen” can contest election under the Constitution, with the very might at your disposal.

Democracy Scale for Pakistan

        Democracy for Pakistan’s prosperity may have following contours:

(a)     Non-Party National and Provincial Assemblies.

(b)   National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies, will jointly elect a President of the country. The President shall select a team of Federal Ministers at his/her discretion, not necessarily from within National /Provincial Assemblies.

(c)    Provincial Assemblies shall elect their Governors. The provincial Governor shall select their team of respective Provincial Ministers at their discretion, not necessarily from within the respective Assemblies, but from amongst the best talent in respective province.

(d)    The Assembly members shall restrict themselves to the highest honour—legislation; and shall not interfere in the working of Civil Service.

(e)   Any instance of corruption shall be brought to the notice of respective Head of Department, NAB or Courts.

        The merit-based Assemblies, as suggested in my blog, elected by the people, shall make necessary amendments in the Constitution.