Pakistani Jamhori Deomala (Mythology of democracy in Pakistan)

My Op-Ed published at Urdu Times can be read in Urdu at the following PDF file. An English synopsis is also enclosed.

Jamhori DeoMala

Mythology of Pakistan’s Democracy.

My Op-ed published at Urdu times discusses the concepts of  the mythology of Pakistan’s democratic system.
It suggest that if in future a mythology of Pakistan’s democracy evolves, it may be based on the fifth labour of Hercules, on the story of Sisyphus, and on the Snake and Ladders game.

In the article I point out that the people of Pakistan have been cursed by self made Gods who have created so much filth that it may take years for the people to clean up. People have been burdened with the unending hardships like that of cunning Sisyphus. It was the same God who was happy to commit murders of its own people, travellers, and guest. He indulged into harsh persecution so that those rules by him always feared him.
I suggest that when Gods are injected into worldly governance, then people are destined to go to hell.

It suggests that past Pakistani dictators especially Gen Zia so distorted the constitution by adding religious clauses that most politician do not have the courage to fully correct it.
The article provides the whimsical exercise of scrutinizing the Muslim parliamentary candidates by questions regarding their knowledge of Islam. This is according to article of constitution that requires that such candidates be free of major sins, and should display knowledge of Islamic injunctions. Such injunctions cannot even be challenged in courts since under the prevailing environment the Supreme court will rule against candidates.

The demigods of Pakistan have bags full of tricks to thwart any democratic order, the above mentioned clauses are right out of those bags.

The article suggests that mythologies have failure and successes. Hercules was able to complete his penance of twelve labours that included the cleaning of stables, killing of nine headed Hydra, and much more.

The article mentions the hopes and dreams of Pakistani dissident writer like Faiz, who saw a spring, a dawn, and a bright future.

The article proposes the belief in hope and fulfillment of their dreams as long as people of Pakistan are willing to hope and dream of defeating the demigods

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