May 9, 2023, marks the upheaval of a crisis leading to a violent turn of events across the country after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan from High Court (HC) premises in Islamabad with the assistance of the Punjab Rangers—a paramilitary force. Following the arrest, things very well went out of hand; the furious mob set fire to numerous public properties and historical buildings in the major cities. Ultimately, after a heated state of affairs for two consecutive days, the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared Khan’s arrest unlawful, and Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial ordered his immediate release on May 11, 2023.
In his address to the nation, Khan pointed fingers at the Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan. His speech has prompted an unproportioned rage in public towards the army, which is an unprecedented sight in Pakistan. Consequently, PTI supporters were seen at loggerheads with the army as well. Time after time, unreasoning zeal towards following Khan has been a characteristic of Khan’s supporters. Khan’s speech against army personnel erupted in mass hysteria. For the first time in the history of Pakistan, someone has been able to incite Pakistani people against the Pak Army in such a manner; hands that always bestowed roses on army troops are now throwing stones at the same troops. These incidents are appalling and dismaying.
Many people believe these events to be the onset of a revolution. Although a revolution is somewhat inevitable, as the people of Pakistan are desperate to witness one given the state of affairs in the country, Khan is far from bringing it about. While it is true that holding individuals accountable for their actions is important, it is a fundamental miscalculation to think that change can be brought about solely through criticism and condemnation.
Khan and his party must recognize that institutional change requires a comprehensive approach that involves addressing systemic issues and implementing reforms at all levels. Additionally, it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue with those who hold different perspectives and to work towards building consensus around shared goals. Ultimately, bringing about meaningful change in Pakistan will require a sustained effort that goes beyond mere rhetoric or finger-pointing. It will require a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
It’s an error of judgment to think that by ousting a single person, anyone can revolutionize the country. As it has been argued by Mufti Abdul Khaliq Azad Raipuri, head of Rahimia Institute of Quranic Sciences, Lahore, anyone who talks about change by focusing on or seeking to topple the people in authority rather than trying to destroy the rotten existing system is at fault. Ergo, if things are to get better for the people of Pakistan, then the leaders of Pakistan need to divert their attention toward toppling the system rather than disposing of individuals.
Furthermore, the revolutionary leadership needs to find ways to dismantle the corrupt and oppressive system without dismantling the respect of the institution. Definitely, there are some legitimate issues pertaining to the institution of the armed forces in Pakistan that need to be addressed systematically. Nevertheless, whenever calamity or disaster left the people of Pakistan devastated and in need of aid and support, Pakistani soldiers have been the heroes who have stepped up to help during times of crisis.
These soldiers have been praised and celebrated by the nation for their bravery and dedication, especially during the various Indo-Pak wars. Their love and devotion to their country have made them untouchable in the eyes of many. However, Imran Khan’s recent statements have turned these untouchable heroes into villains. It is important to remember that these soldiers risk their lives every day to protect Pakistan and its people.
As a nation, Pakistanis have always channeled their anger in the wrong direction and have become instrumental in the hands of manipulative politicians. Our soldiers don’t deserve our hatred; rather, it should be directed toward the corrupt system. Those soldiers themselves are subject to an unjust system, yet they’re still performing their duty dauntlessly. Therefore, we must continue to support our soldiers in times of need and show them the appreciation they deserve for their sacrifices.
Similarly, Pakistanis have been asking the wrong questions, which are focused on individuals rather than the system. Khan himself has acknowledged this fact repeatedly, saying that while he was in power, he found himself helpless before the system. Hence, anyone who claims to precipitate change by targeting corrupt individuals is misleading the people.
For bringing about change in the true sense, the leaders of Pakistan have to begin asking the right questions focused on systematic investigation pertaining to problems in Pakistan, like what are the laws that govern a particular institution? Who made these laws? What isn’t functional in that institution? (As identifying what isn’t functional in the institution is also critical to making necessary changes) What should be the structure of the new system? So on and so forth.
Until that paradigm shift takes place, no change in individuals will make any difference, as the system will keep breeding corrupt individuals.
Considering that this system will continue to create crooked people, how many of them are you going to get rid of?
