Inertia is a ‘property of matter by which it continues in its
existing state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless that state is
changed by an external force’.Status quo has its inherent inertia. It requires
effort, persistence, perseverance and patience to bring about a change in the
status quo.
The magnitude of the change determines the time and effort to fulfil the
objective.The Prophets vied for revolutionary changes in the attitude and
behaviour of an entire population. They challenged the most primary concern of
the people, their religion. They werefiercely opposed, isolated, economically
and physically tortured, murdered and crucified. The resistance to change is
directly proportional to the qualitative and quantitative concerns of the
majority.The politicians all over the world strive for power. It is a very
legitimate ambition. They want power to serve the people. That is what they
universally profess.
In Pakistan the politicians were no different. They came to power and went back
as poor or rich as they had come until Z. A. Bhutto. Except for one odd blemish,
which occurred perhaps by default rather than design, ZAB could also not be
charged with corruption. After Bhutto the ball game underwent a metamorphic
change. For Sharifs power had an entirely different connotation. It opened new
vistas for them to catapult the family business. Benazir might have acted like
her father. But her marriage to Zardari was a cruel stroke of destiny. For
Zardari, an upstart stuck in the midst of an opulent and all-powerful feudal
elite, money and that also in abundance was the only potent means for enhancing
his personal and family image. He went hell for leather, no holds barred. BB
turned a blind eye to her husband’s atrocities.Commonality of ultimate
objectives eventually brought Benazir and Sharifs togetherin an unholy alliance
through‘The Charter of Democracy’. The apparent aim was to keep the political
temperature cool enough to preclude third party intervention. The agreement was
in fact a ‘Charter of Kleptocracy’, ‘you scratch my back and I scratch
yours’.Therefore, despite all the tall claims no accountability was ever
initiated by one party against the other.
This political culture continued for almost 30 years, firmly taking roots at all
levels and in every sphere of public life. Those in authority looted unabashedly
and the outsiders discovered to their glee that money could help flout any law
and regulation in Pakistan. Money made acquisition of power easy. If you had
money and power you could easily get away with murder,as appalling as that
atModel Town.
Enforcement of any disciplinary regime started to appear as impingement upon
human rights and liberties. The zest for personal freedom got confused with
anarchy. The rule of law became an object of ridicule. Not long ago it was
thought better to pay the judge than hire an expansive lawyer. The ability to
flout the law became an indicator of power,the impertinence to challenge
traditionallyrespected institutions was calledmoral courage and showing
disregard to sensitive national concerns as liberalism of the enlightened and
broad minded.The malaise affected everyone with power of any kind. It was free
for all in the Banana Republic.
The establishment of the ‘State of Madina’ in the present-day Pakistan is a very
tall order. It requires revolutionary changesextremely difficult to enforce ina
slow and tedious democratic dispensation. The resistance is huge. The detractors
are powerful and deeply entrenched. Wishing for a corruption free Pakistan means
stepping on the toes of all who wield power, small and big. For the bigwigs any
departures from the status quo, means the end of the road, political demise.
They would join hands with anyone and at any cost,as long as it promised an
escape from the trap of the ‘Change’. The smaller functionaries wouldalso
cooperate or aquacise in favour of the status quo. The cleverly disguised
departure of Sharifs leaves a lot to ponder about. It does point towards a
comprehensive manipulation involving a whole chain of functionaries in a noble
profession.
For the change to be meaningful and enduring, it is important that the
government and the military remain on the same page. It is equally important to
take the judiciary, bureaucracy, media and even the like-minded politicians also
on board. IK has undertaken a huge responsibility. It is impossible for the
government alone to achieve the desired objectives. IK has to motivate and
provide the much-needed leadership and inspiration to all the pillars of the
state and sincere elements in the society. It is also important for him to keep
his calm and maintain his focus in the face of trivial provocation by the
mediocre opposition. Coaxing will alienate other institutions. Motivation will
make them join hands with him.
The judiciary has a revolutionary act to perform. It must be the first to firmly
cast aside the invisible shackles of status quo. It needs to reform the police
and investigation mechanism, streamline and interface the entire system of
justice. It might have to ask for legislation to ensure visible and speedy
justice. Placing the police under the politicians is a deadly proposition. It
must be made independent like those of the developed countries. The examples of
the US, UK and Japanese police have plenty to learn from. The judiciary must
play its role in pulling the nation out of adhocracy and ‘Might is Right’
syndrome.
Justice is the panacea for all the ills of the society. The Prophet himself (PBUH)
had warned us about more powerful people before us who had perished because they
had different rules for the strong and the weak.
Let us all strive for a truly welfare state, with the concept of the State of
Madina as our ideal.