IN the present political situation, every person wants a revolution of some sort in the country.

It almost seems that this revolution, when it comes, will be custom-designed to the requirements of the individual wanting a revolution. For example, for some there will be no corrupt politicians, the harassment of people by muggers and dacoits will end, everyone will work honestly, and for others the institutions of the country will work independently and will be strengthened, the new governments will work on improving education, the economic situation and so on. In short as individuals we will continue living as we have but more peacefully.

Without belittling the aspirations of those protesting on D-Chowk and other places, the revolution may be quite ugly for some. The rulers of the country with their assets safe in other countries will be the first to disappear. Others with dual nationalities will follow as they too lost hope long ago!

The rest of the privileged chattering class may be stripped of everything that they have worked for their entire lives. Visualize a sea of illiterate angry poor, with their imagination fuelled, moving towards the DHA in Karachi, demanding equal rights to education and economy, and doing so in violent ways.

The revolution can be a military or a religious one and our rights to freedom may seriously be curtailed. Then the same people who are screaming for change now, may find their voices muffled forever.

If we are seriously committed to bringing change and in a peaceful manner we will have to first change ourselves. Along with the self, we will have to work towards the betterment of society. And that is a mammoth task which will require serious work and persistent effort from all but mostly the privileged class. As a first step, maybe we can begin by standing in a queue and get work done without looking for contacts or offering bribes.

Sadia Salim
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014