ARPOPOS the opinion piece ‘The assembly’s first year’ (Aug 11). The comparison is a snapshot to quickly see the similarities and contrasts of present and past assembly in the face of the slogan to change (tabdeeli).
One has to understand that the word ‘change’ is a very broad word. A ‘change’ is the only constant in almost every situation human kind has faced since the beginning of the world. We need to narrow down the meaning of this word to a smaller level so a classification can be established.
When Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf made the narrative of change — their election slogan — people just started to follow the lead. There are certain changes in society which do not come from political echelons. They need to come from within. Prime Minister Imran Khan showed the bright light of change and people accepted it without realizing that the PTI could end up as ‘deer in the headlights’.
The huge criticism for every ill Mr Khan faces today cannot be justified. However, he, himself raised the bar so high that even he could not anticipate will become a bane rather than boon.
The change which is duly required in politics would also have to be internalized by other segments of our society.
A moral change is needed to start fixing the mess of 72 years. Moral change comes from every individual and every section of society based on humanity, humility and tolerance.
We have to start to make a line-up for our turn to get food from the table not jump on it to take lead. There is enough for everyone. We need to make a line-up to board the plane be it Karachi, Doha or Montreal Airport. Civilised conduct is the first phase towards change.
We have to shed selfishness from our collective psyche.
Anas A. Khan
Edmonton, Canada
Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2019
