IN many developing countries, the people are told repeatedly that true democracy means that the country is ruled by civilians. The downside is that the people are not given awareness about their rights and the procedure of demanding these rights.

In these states, people are used for chanting slogans and casting votes. It is sad that Pakistan is also among these countries. Our civilian rulers control the reins of power apparently through a half-election-half-selection process, and live a life of decadent luxury at the expense of the poor masses.

The children of our so-called elected representatives are educated in elite schools in Pakistan and abroad. Our ministers and their families go abroad for medical check-ups, while their voters seek treatment in government hospitals.

Our political leaders have the resources to buy islands to establish their nest egg and enjoy their ill-gotten wealth. It is a vicious cycle.

Our politicians have more and more, while the common man has been pushed below the poverty line. So much so, that 29.5 per cent of the people now live in abject poverty.

The Pakistani nation is a patient one, but the democracy of the current variety, which does not provide succour to the people, cannot prevail for long.

The people demand social justice as this is their right guaranteed by the Constitution.

Fida Hussain Wazir
Shorkot

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2020