Pakistan — On the Voyage of Rediscovery

Columnist M ZAFAR says the country is returning to the basic principles of its foundation.

Some two decades ago an unbelievably shortsighted ruler of Pakistan crafted a formula for perpetuating himself in power. The aim was to freeze society’s march towards social awareness. Coercion and blackmail built around the essential conservatism of an ancient and gullible society worked wonders. Religious groups with extremist leanings found an opening and wherever they failed or felt encumbered, state power enlarged through a myriad of laws imposed at the will of the dictator, was used unabashedly to smoothen things and crack the harder nuts. When a decade later the dictatorship ended, a seemingly democratic order took over. However, the democratic credentials of the new order proved illusory. If anything the new rulers were less sensitive to popular sentiment and more aggressive in pursuit of their personal goals. Corruption was the order of the day and offices of the state were at times openly sold. Merit, no longer counted as a factor in considerations for selection. To survive in such a state people aligned themselves to parochial and ethnic groups and took extensively to hypocrisy and shallow display of virtue. In this atmosphere even the genuine became suspects.

Among the higher classes the difference between practice and precept was already overwhelming. Others too, found it convenient and safe to join the main stream while incessantly citing the kindness of Allah for the accumulated windfalls. Society got more solidified in its strata, and movement within came to an end. It thus became more vulnerable in moral and ethical terms. Those who remained loyal to their values spoke bitterly. Many left for the distant shores — disappointed, disillusioned and disgusted.

The zealots exploited the vulnerability of the society. They preached morality and prescribed dire and instant punishments for transgressors. This populist approach towards crime and punishment appealed to the public and fed their hunger for the spectacle. In time, use of violence became commonplace. Life of ordinary innocent citizens became a nightmare.

Pakistan’s policies in Afghanistan played a part in confounding the situation. Overly active elements openly pleaded for a Taliban type political order in Pakistan. They strategised to build fundamentalists’ pressure via Afghanistan and reach the pinnacle of power through tactics of coercion and violence. Main stream political parties had reservations on the desirability of bringing in Taliban type Islam in Pakistan but could not overlook the advantages of having a friendly regime in neighbourhood and the military consideration of ‘strategic depth’ howsoever flimsy. That such a policy would have fallout on the internal politics of the country was realised but was considered containable. Pro- Taliban madressas (seminaries) where students were taught to hate West as enemy of Islam mushroomed all over the country. Inspired by the likes of Osama bin Laden and Zwahiri, young seminarians planned and conducted their own Jihads. Their targets were as much the non-believers as the members of other Islamic sects. Soon a religion based organization demanded immediate imposition of laws of Sharia of their interpretation in a constituency where it held sway. This tendency was likely to spread and sure to divide the country.

Voices were raised against this march back to the past. In the absence of a clear and agreed model that could be applied in a modern state a blind foray into gray areas would be dangerous. Caution was not heeded. Events that ordinarily would be considered as shocking were not even noticed. Under the cover of defence of morality and values, heinous crimes against women and other weak sections of the society were committed with impunity.

Then as if ordained by nature itself a storm overtook the deaf and blind men in Islamabad. The top layer was blown off on 12 October 1999 but the strata below remained in tact. The new leadership did not consider itself strong enough to challenge the might of the entrenched interests. Despite claims, the process of making Pakistan a moderate and modern Muslim state remained slow.

Attack on USA on 11 September 2001 changed the world scenario and galvanised the region. America the sole super power on the planet concluded that forces of Islamic fundamentalism located in Afghanistan were responsible for the attack and decided to eliminate the threat through use of military force. When the US was constructing a coalition it also approached Pakistan. It was important, as Pakistan was the immediate neighbour of Afghanistan and one of three countries that recognised the Taliban regime. It was asked to make a choice. That concentrated the national mind.  Pakistan was forced to look deeper into its own soul and finally decide on its identity, purpose and direction. The answers came instinctively. Pakistan was bound to be a progressive, moderate Muslim state that was committed to the betterment of its people. Country’s leadership committed itself to remain steadfast on that route. The baggage that had piled up during the years of drift had to be loosened up and cast away in the pursuit of the original and central goals of the country.

So when war came to Afghanistan on 8th October 2001, the moral dimensions of the conflict were already clear and defined. Pakistan made a principled and political choice and was now firmly in the camp led by USA. Quite understandably this did not go well with a few parties. They flexed their muscle but failed to make an impression. President Musharraf had won the initial round. But that was not the end. Two months later on 13 December 2001 came the attack on the Indian Parliament that brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war. Thanks to General Pervez Musharraf’s courageous and skilful handling of the crisis that he was able to keep peace in the subcontinent in tact. Then came attack on the American Centre in Kolkatta. Indians as usual blamed Pakistan based extremist elements for the outrage and promised to bring more heat to the existing crisis. Killing of Mr. Ehtishamudin, the brother of the Interior Minister and kidnapping of an American journalist in Karachi followed in quick succession. In these acts the hand of Islamic militants enraged by Pakistan’s support to American policy in the region seemed apparent. The kidnapping of the American journalist was particularly a great embarrassment because it came at a time when the President was getting ready for his trip to America in search of money and military support. This was also meant to pass a hint about the frailty of the regime. Here again the straight forward manner in which General Pervez Musharraf dealt with the events degassed the balloons and things have remained normal. So far.

What the Jihadis do not seem to appreciate fully is that after 11 September 2001 the world has changed. Terrorism as an instrument of political change has had its day. States that consider themselves as victims of terrorism have now been conceded the right to take the fight to the countries that house, protect and provide for terrorist organizations. That cuts out the possibility of having safe and secure bases for the guerrillas. With changed perceptions and the delicate balance of power between India and Pakistan a small miscalculation could bring about a nuclear havoc.

There is yet another factor. There is the growing demand from the masses that fruits of independence and new technology be brought within their reach. General Pervez Musharraf is acutely aware of this and revival of economy has always been on the top of agenda. How do you reinvigorate economy without the cooperation and assistance of world community? General Pervez Musharraf made his point well with the Western leaders. They all see the necessity of being involved in the economic development of Pakistan. Signs are there for anyone to see. Debts are being written off or rescheduled. Access to market is made easier. Pakistan foreign exchange reserves are improving and will soon touch 6 billion dollar mark. Trade and commercial delegations are again crowding the chambers of commerce and industry. For the people of Pakistan rendezvous with prosperity is around the road bend. This is a chance that we did not actively seek but has come our way. To let it go would be tragic.