Winds of change

7:58 pm on March 24th, 2008 is the precise moment when the flag of Pakistan was hoisted in front of the deposed chief justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. This simple ceremony of flag hoisting by the representatives of civil society and the judiciary symbolizes the aspirations and hopes of the entire nation; a quest for a change in the unjust social system. Critics may term this symbolization insignificant but I don’t.

In the history of nations, there are several events of national importance -- only few qualify to be termed as historic. I feel no reservation whatsoever in terming this moment to be a historic for the entire Pakistani nation. Silent protests and slogans are often raised on different issues, yet it happens so rare, in our part of the world, that the majority of people stand up for some cause; correspondingly the issues on which, even, the so called ‘silent majority’ gives verdict are few and far between. All these virtues make this struggle, for the restoration of a power legal system, a landmark struggle in our history. Let’s see what this movement has brought to the people of Pakistan: a revived spirit, a renewed vision and a refreshed hope for a better future!

In the wake of this wave, the outcome of the general elections -- although not much un-expected yet remarkably significant -- has declared this newfound enthusiasm in an unparallel manner. The efforts put up by the judges, lawyers, media men, the representatives of the civil society and most significantly, first time in our history with such fervor, by students of LUMS and Punjab University, all must be given due credit. It is the efforts of these men and women that the newly elected parliament can see it writ on wall that its peoples will to see a change in the social setup.

This nation has wasted nearly a decade and a half in deep slumber; blaming the ancestors for the country’s turmoil; waiting for some leader to steer the nation in the ‘right’ direction; sitting at homes doing nothing but to criticize the state of affairs. History bears witness that after 1977, the nation had fallen into a long, seemingly endless reverie. Sporadic upraises like the efforts of journalists, writers and poets in zia’s oppressive rule did take place, but not with the sufficient intensity to bring about a change. After these symbolic movements there was a period of dead silence! --- They say that nations do not die; they just fall into a slumber. A traumatic episode is required to stir their emotions and bring them back to life.

Fig1 :Protest at LUMS against emergency

This traumatic episode came in the form of General Musharraf’s rule. The emotions of people were crushed, their egos challenged and their tolerance checked, in the war against terror, yet they remained silent. The blow on the judicial system was indeed powerful enough to bring the nation back from the subconscious-ness. People have gathered behind one man, who admittedly might not have a flawless reputation, but one who stood for the integrity of justice, who’s determination and commitment for his cause did not waiver under pressure and most importantly, who did not bow before a dictator. I admit that the men we have stood for have several fanatics and opportunists in their ranks too yet it Is the need of the hour to stand up for the rights of common man – greatest of all, an access to an open door for justice.

This movement for the restoration and the independence of the judiciary brought the common man to the street to raise a voice for his civic rights. That is the greatest achievement in our current times. What we all need here to parallel this movement through our contributions. Whoever we are, whatever we do, we can contribute to this movement by performing our respective jobs with utmost honesty and integrity upholding the national interest in high esteem.

Fig:2 Chief Justice's Rally (http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200710/musharraf/4)

More than half of our population comprises of youth. It makes me feel proud that the students in particular did a wonderful job to uplift this movement, to protest in a peaceful manner against the usurpation of the basic human rights and the blatant violation of the constitution. We, the students, need to join hands: through every possible means, making best utilization of the tools available to us like the student unions (thanks to mr. prime minister) etc, to direct our energies and talents for a better and stronger Pakistan; to undo the wrongs of our ancestors, who unfortunately could not develop our homeland, to make Pakistan “one of the greatest nations of the world”.

Muhammad Uzair Sukhera