90s were like roller coster. Army had successfully ventured proxies in Afghanistan and Kashmir. Money was abundant. Nuclear program further matured. Army became bossier. When USSR left, Jehadis became jobless and Talibanisation was a natural consequence. Information revolution reached next level via World Wide Web. Materialism touched new heights. Farse of globalization surfaced. At ours, institutional decay worsened. Tussle between over zealous Army & thug politicians grew. Army's high handedness grew while Pajero policians brimming with false egos went on corruption rampage. Both were wrong. End state of Pakistan is the evidence to that. Mullahism preached divisiveness and sectarian hatred was the bestseller. Minority western liberals lived on their own cloud no 69. Polarization and confusion galore. Along came Pakistan's First dictatorial emancipation era. Amazing how rich is our history with oxymorons.
So we enter new Millennial undecided on form of govt and life in general. GWOT made us frontline state. Army rule was more acceptable for its efficient execution in Afghanistan. We complied like paid mercenaries, except that there was no payment. Gung-ho guerilla added to the macho image of military at home and abroad. Another feather in his cap was letting loose the monster of media in Pakistan. Thus forming natural alliance of politician and media. Media Seths (سیٹھ) and anchors needed money and connections whereas politicians needed coverage and cover. Judiciary continued to make a name for itself. For his double crossing US, redundant dictator was sent packing. For a change, this one left the arena on his feet unlike his predecessors who were carried in caskets.
And we enter second decade of new millennial. It can be called millennial of Pakistan style change i.e. moving one step ahead and two backwards. Raheel Sharif was one step ahead and Kiani-Bajwa extensions were two steps backwards. Military take over free decade is in itself a luxury. Backdoor 'cordial' relationships between politicians and military are like those old habits which die hard. Two assemblies completed terms. Third political force emerged or some would disagree but that's just ok. Change party lacked political maturity. This party wasn't nurtured by a dictator but political waste of past became chink in its armor. Yet allowing past political goons space in party remains a leadership lapse. Executive only worked for its patrons. Legislature never worked at all. Judiciary continued to grow in stature for all the wrong reasons. New 'force' of advocates made a dabbang entry. Social media became a force to reckon with. Awareness exposed mullah. Non divisive neutral voices like Maulana Ishaq, Engineer Muhammad Ali etc could be heard. Niether killed so far nor wajib ul qatal fatawa served to them. Media polorization came as blessing. Deceptive nexus of politicians and media also got exposed.
Along came Corona and it seems to be here to stay for a while.
Next up is how our colorful history affected society which continues to produce gems like 'Col ki Biwi'
Only Allah knows the whole Truth.
It was a good read as far as history is concerned. I believe, by and large, it's a good, unbiased and realistic analysis. However one feels thirsty not to learn anything on the subject that is 'Col ki Biwi'. Because, it's not clear as yet whether some Mrs Col was in actual so unreasonable or only the name of Col was used by some mischief maker.
ReplyDelete