The Change Mantra

The logic goes on to tell us that Pakistan needs a “change” in the coming elections. Apparently most would agree with this catchword because the prevailing situation in the country demands a forward looking positive political development to cope with the plethora caused by multitude of problems. Change in this context is taken for granted and it is supposed that a "change" would bring an end to all political crisis through new faces and refined vision.

Wherever the word change is used these days, the users are either expressing their disillusionment with the status quo or to a lesser degree they see in Imran Khan’s PTI a kind of frail hope for gearing the country in the right direction. The “youth’s hero” Imran Khan has sympathizers in the media and establishment because he is supposed to bridge the gap between the establishment and the disempowered youth. On a deeper level, this is the establishment’s growing hatred for the rising Pakistan bourgeoisie who according to them are corrupt, politically inept and at times a threat to status quo. Thus the discourse of change is perpetuated so that a level playing field is provided to Imran Khan for contesting elections without having to allow him to become reactionary, revolutionary or anarchist.

The change mantra derives its strength mainly from the weak political leadership of the left who are distancing from their ideological roots and the masses. Over the years, the religious state narratives have been shrinking their political space and continual military take-overs have forced them to become conformists. Politics of the left has degenerated to a level that ideologues are basking in the sun of power, wealth and luxuries. Thus they are failing to provide a genuine anti-establishment platform to the masses.

Pakistan is becoming a laboratory where political ideologies are tested. Now it seems every country can have a space for experimentation if she has money and the right plans and strategies. The time is not too far when every Pakistani will be a political scientist. But the problem is each of us has to survive explosions, mob-frenzy, persecution and abject poverty.