SOME people would say that a 70-day sit-in in Islamabad was a failure as the ‘revolution’ claimed by Dr Tahirul Qadri and his followers did not happen. The prime minister was not sent home, nor was the ‘10-point agenda’ achieved. But seeing beneath the surface, the long sit-in has brought about some changes that no one can deny.

Every unbiased eye can observe a change in the environment of homes, streets, roads and educational institutions of Pakistan. It has given a new vision to the people. For the first time it explained to the people their rights so effectively that they have now got courage to speak against violation of their rights.

Whether it be VIP culture or tax theft, voices are being raised. It has also unveiled nepotism, corruption, money laundering and rigging by unmerited politicians. Educating people about the system of taxation, true democracy and the importance of their vote is also a big achievement of the sit-in. The youth who was never interested in politics is now keen on knowing every bit of political news.

All these things show that this movement certainly played a part in awakening the nation.

Ayesha Qayyum

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2014