The elections have taken place. Until just 48 hours ago, the entire nation was in suspense. The prevailing perception was that holding elections was challenging due to heightened security concerns. Although the elections may have occurred in only a couple of provinces, the world witnessed on February 8th as voters came out, cast their votes, and made a decision about their destiny. With this step, much has been left behind. The fear of elections not happening, allegations of rigging, and accusations of an uneven playing field were prevalent, especially against institutions and particularly the establishment. However, up until now, the results have proven that everything has been conducted in an extremely clear and transparent manner. A positive and encouraging aspect is that, so far, no political party has raised objections to the election results. Now that the public has expressed its decision, it is necessary to embark on a new beginning.
Yes, this is the time for a new beginning, one where neither the old Pakistan nor the new Pakistan exists, but rather an intention to manage the existing Pakistan and take it forward. The determination should be to lead this Pakistan ahead. Whatever government is formed, especially in a situation where there are numerous challenges, the most significant responsibility will be to unite the population of these 220 million. In the past few years, where Pakistan witnessed a lot, there was a significant global image crisis, hatred, and rebellion. The rebellion even extended to internal conflicts, hatred over differing opinions, animosity over mentioning someone’s name, and this hatred escalated to the point of resorting to violence. In households where disagreements occurred and jokes in good humor turned into serious conflicts, relationships were strained. Supporting a different political party would lead to being labeled a traitor, and the outcome of liking one party would mean considering someone else an enemy.
For any new government coming in, the foremost challenge will be how to eliminate these hatreds. How to bring everyone onto one platform, how to move everyone from under the banners of their respective parties to under the flag of one Pakistan. Beyond other challenges, undoubtedly, this will be the most significant challenge.
At this moment, the tolerance within the community has diminished. In response to differing opinions, when there is no constructive response, discussions often devolve into heated arguments. However, the argument based on evidence has come to an end. Courtesy has vanished, and respect has disappeared. The most significant global issue is the lack of belief in what is heard. For everyone, their leader is right, and others’ leaders are wrong, and vice versa. Rarely does anyone bother to research whether what the opposing leader is saying is right or wrong. God has granted everyone consciousness and intellect, but unfortunately, humans have only used it sparingly. Whoever forms the government should set an example by engaging with political opponents with an open heart, patiently, with tolerance, and through understanding, to establish a precedent for their followers to follow suit. Listening, comprehending, and explaining with patience and perseverance should be the approach.
It is said that when there are numerous issues, the problem that is most urgent and critical should be addressed first, and the rest can follow later. If priorities are not set, problems tend to persist because we are unable to solve the one that requires immediate attention. The same situation exists in the country right now, with countless problems surrounding it. In my opinion, the most crucial issue affecting the nation is the state of disunity. There is a need for the incoming government to bring the nation on the same page, engage with opponents to improve relations, and discuss every aspect to address the issues comprehensively. As long as the nation remains divided, the persistent problems will continue.
This nation, especially its youth, has suffered greatly in the past few years, and further enduring such losses is unsustainable. Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned unity before the creation of Pakistan, which is why people achieved Pakistan after uniting. Allama Iqbal had questioned whether one is Afghan, Baluchi, Sindhi, Punjabi, but are they also Muslims? This question remains relevant today – we may be affiliated with PML-N, PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami, PPP, MQM, TLP, or any other political party, but are we also Pakistanis? In every political party’s rallies, how many flags of Pakistan do we see? This reflects the unfortunate state of division within this nation.
Until we break free from partisanship, we cannot become true Pakistanis, and this significant responsibility will fall on the incoming government. The country’s economy will improve, peace will prevail, and prosperity will be widespread. But before all of this, it is time for a new beginning, a new mindset, to spread love and peace, and to move forward together. It’s time to bury the old politics and welcome a new day. The one who has won in this election has a heavy responsibility not only to humble their opponents but also to discourage their followers from engaging in anything that could further fuel the flames of hatred. Sitting in positions of power, teach the lessons of love, compassion, and peace. Formulate policies that permanently bury the politics of hatred and division. Believe me, if it doesn’t happen this time, what has been happening will continue, and the outcome for this nation of 220 million will be nothing but destruction.
Delaying in fighting the enemy within will only lead to internal wars, and we will continue to fight among ourselves. So, let’s pray that this new government brings new hope, a new beginning – a beginning of love, brotherhood, and peace. May it transform Pakistan into the Pakistan envisioned by our founder. Amen.
