Throne of Islamabad

Despite all the doubts, political turmoil, regional instability and security concerns, the general elections have been conducted successfully.

Criticizing political opponents during election campaigns is a norm in order to boost the morale of voters. However, it is a good sign that after the election, the leaders of the major political parties, while forgetting their differences, have extended a hand of cooperation for the sake of the country.

From ancient times to the present day, there have been countless rulers who were given an opportunity to rule over people, but after some time, they failed to maintain public trust.

The presence of well-qualified, talented and sincere advisors in the cabinet is a key factor behind the success of any ruler. I always acknowledge with good words the great philosopher Kautilya Chanakya, who was born 2,500 years ago in the ancient historical city of Taxila, located in the neighborhood of Islamabad. Chanakya is believed to be an actual king maker and the man behind the successes of the great Hindu ruler Chandragupta Maurya.

Chanakya was the great teacher of Takshashila, the first university in the world in known human history. His books Arthashastra and Chanakya Niti, containing amazing lessons of wisdom and knowledge, are applicable in every era and in every society, even in the 21st century.

Chanakya discouraged the escalation of hateful conflicts, mostly based on misunderstandings. According to him, a ruler’s successful state policies have a great influence on the development and prosperity of the nation. He emphasized that the misuse of powers by a ruler in an irresponsible way leads to more serious problems, hostile differences and unresolved tussles.

According to Chanakya, the long-term stability of the government is subject to internal stability. In order to establish peace in society, it is necessary for the ruler sitting on the throne to control ego and initiate dialogue with the opponents for reconciliation purposes in a good faith.

Chanakya declared courage and endurance to be the most powerful weapons by which a ruler can conquer the whole world. He advised that a king should focus on taking the right decision at the right time in the right direction. A powerful ruler is one who has the ability to forgive while keeping inner emotions under control.

Today, a unique situation has emerged after the general elections; PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari’s politics of reconciliation is once again making news headlines. Due to his leading contributions, the coalition parties, especially the PPP, are playing an excellent role in stabilizing democracy in the country by deciding to support the PML-N.

The current political arena has also proved the predictions of Vedic astrology that I elaborated in my column published in these pages on December 22, 2023. Famous for his unique politics of reconciliation, Asif Zardari is a well-known politician who faced numerous difficulties and challenges in his life bravely with a smile.

This is what I had expressed in my article: “As a reward for his tireless struggle and notable contributions, the karmic year 2024 with the influence of the planet Saturn, is ready to bless him in the form of Raj Singhasan (throne) of Islamabad.”

After the election results, Zardari has surprised everyone by playing the role of a kingmaker. Now that the path to the highest position of the president of Pakistan has been paved for him, the astrology, the ground facts and public support are clearly indicating that no one will be able to stop Zardari from sitting on the Raj Singhasan throne of Islamabad.

He will rule the hearts of people this year by moving forward the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Rani Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

The writer is a former member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani