The Real Democracy

Each day passes leaving people with a feeling of regret of wasting dreams of another generation. War against terrorism, War against extremism, War against non-democratic forces, War against this and War against that.

I am yet to see on the agenda list war against poverty, war against illiteracy, war against curable diseases killing thousands of children & adults and war against corruption.

”Qaum key Khadim” – lavishly sponsored with people’ tax money – elected to solve their problems become masters. So busy in recovering “Investments” made in election, protecting rights & wrongs of their party leaders, almost blindly and mindlessly. Political leaders shamelessly switching roles; criticizers becoming defenders and defenders becoming criticizers; quoting instances of west when suit them and questioning applicability when not; acting like saviors and submitting incorrect tax returns; undervaluing castle-like houses, having billions in bank accounts yet performing Hajj & Umrah on poor tax payers’ money; molding democracy to the shape that suits them; hacking political parties by adding name initial so heritage remains with their sons, daughters, nieces and nephews. Those who couldn't develop leadership within their parties, would develop the nation? Fooling nation or fooling themselves!

I feel there are basic flaws in our election system. Our adopted election system can bring anything in the country but the democracy. Majority of the people do not excersie voting right, not because they don’t feel it a national duty, but because they don’t find any candidate good enough to vote for. Usually election turnover remains 25 to 30%. In fact, these democratically elected people are chosen by less than 15% of the nation and claim to be representatives of 180 million people. What a pity.

I suggest introduction of an additional box/category in the ballot paper for those who believe none of the candidate is good enough to vote for. This initiative should be supplemented by severe penalties for not using voting right i.e. 3 months imprisonment this will ensure 100% turnover. If voters for such box/category exceed 50%, the election should be declared void and the candidates should be banned to contest any future election for at least 10 years. This is the only way to get rid of these Professional Qaum key Khadim and bring real democracy in Pakistan

Give Way

I had an experience when I had to wait at the motorway toll plaza for 2 hours because of an accident due to heavy fog on the road. It was a big one, I can tell from the number of ambulances trying rushing to the site. I am familiar (probably due to having opportunities of living abroad) with the rule of “Give Way” especially to emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire brigades and police. So, I squeezed my car in the left lane (with great difficulty as people in that lane undertaken best effort to not to let me get in - without understanding my motive) so the fastest lane can be left for ambulances. But I was shocked to see the behavior of other people who either were not willing to give way or were trying to exploit the chance by following ambulances to get to NO WHERE – as the way was blocked ahead.

Every time an ambulance succeeds making its way, there was a new queue of cars behind it, choking the lane again. Another siren from distance ….. but no way as the path made with great difficulty was full of the “ambulance chasers”. And you are right!! There was not enough room to squeeze on the left lanes either! Ambulance sirens keeps going the same distance but what to do? Cars do not fly unfortunately.

Injured people, at the verge of life and death, counting every second. God knows how many people would have died due to avoidable delay in medical aid but we do not understand. Why it has to be our child, brother, sister, parents, uncles or friends on the suffering end to learn a lesson? Why cant we learn from others?

We have to act now and educate people on giving way to emergency vehicles before we become victim of own apathy. Who knows it would be us or our loved one waiting for emergency aid next time!!! But it may be too late by then.

Lets pledge that we will move to the side and if possible come to complete stop as we hear any emergency vehicle siren. And urge our family, colleagues and friends to do so. Lets help ourselves by helping others.

Media

I am yet to witness the benefits of free and independent media in my country. I strongly believe that Pakistan media yet to understand the importance of code of conduct. One has to appreciate that personal gain isn’t everything and the only life lived for other’s is worth living. Money and fame can be very dangerous at times especially when become driving force. Nothing should be larger than our country’s integrity, sovereignty and respect. Problem starts when some shortsighted anchor persons try becoming larger than life and go beyond limits to increase their market value / worth. This is a great country with so many positives. Lets pledge to concentrate on positive sides and help building image of our country rather than damaging it.

Activity & Productivity

I have recently noticed that one of the leading consumer product companies has spent millions on hanging colorfull banners all over the Lahore Cantt area. I am shocked to see the money going into such kind of irrational and non-creative marketing in a country where people do not have food to eat, water to drink and enough medical care.

I feel that with this kind of amount one can undertake mega projects of public service, housekeeping (to clean our towns and cities) and childern safety.

I feel like screaming on the quality of TV ads which costs fortune. I am yet to find out who is the gainer here.... The advertisers, the consumers, the media or the country? I don’t know. But one thing I know that the amounts being spend are enough to make a difference in people life. And I am sure - if spent wisely - it will win them greater customers' loyalty and result in higher turnover.