Caged in the city

Strikes, protests, sit-ins and processions are the democratic right of every citizen. The right is exercised across the world to keep a check and balance on the sitting government. However, the exercise of this right should not stretch to an extent where it becomes a curse for the common people. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, citizens of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been witnessing one such show for the past eight days. The sit-in led by a religious group has completely paralysed the life of the twin cities. Students cannot attend school and ambulances cannot reach hospitals on time. All essential activities in both cities have been brought to a standstill. Of course the credit for this mayhem goes to the chief architect, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who was the pioneer of long irritable dharna. The truth is ours is an immature democracy as we do not understand the limits and purpose of protests. Nowhere in the civilized world an activity which disrupts the civil life over a period of weeks and months is witnessed. Such activities mount less pressure on the government and become a curse for the common man.
The government is equally to be blamed for its weak governance and improper handling of issues. Had Khan been brought to book for his dharna which led to huge losses for the capital city and which openly damaged public property, such an activity would not have been repeated. An impression has been created that you can become a hero after such protests. All issues can be resolved through dialogue if the government is strong and firm in the saddle. In the present turmoil all the religious heads instead of witnessing the show on the screens should assemble at the capital and amicably talk and solve the current problem. It is everyone’s moral duty to help in restoration of peace. A lack of political wisdom and vision leads to such debacles off and on.
Zahid Ali Khan (Rawalpindi)