OUR ruling elite and politicians pretend that they love democracy. However, since the creation of Pakistan, these farcical words have been repeated as a mantra by politicians and even military rulers, with real democracy nowhere in sight.

Whosoever gets power, by whatever means, becomes the champion of democracy while doing whatever he wishes they wish with no regard to the will of the people. In fact, people have been the most neglected party in the various forms of democracy that have been experimented in our country.

The only people benefiting from these dramas seem to be rich and powerful. They have amassed wealth beyond imagination, while common citizens become poorer by the day.

On the one hand, healthcare and education remain neglected, on the other hand, the ruling elite and their aides, using their ill-gotten money, can afford world class health and education facilities within the country or abroad.

We need a system overhaul that allows people to understand the norms of democracy, ensuring they are not in politics to make money and do not think of power as a hereditary right.

Only then will we have leaders who are answerable to the people and care about them.

Pro Bono Publico
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2020