THE other day I was watching the news bulletin along with my 12-year-old nephew. When the bulletin started showing scenes of ruckus in the Punjab Assembly involving parliamentarians from both sides of the isle, my nephew asked me what building it was, adding that he was asking because all he had ever seen in ‘this building’ happening was people fighting with each other. I felt embarrassed telling him that those fighting were actually our representatives, and the building was where they are supposed to meet and work for the betterment of the people.

The fact is that watching our legislators behave the way they do in assemblies reflects the value of our vote and the worth of democracy in Pakistan. Pola- risation and intolerance have increased terribly over the last few years, and it is going to hurt Pakistan, and make the future of democracy gloomier.

This polarisation has been tearing apart our social fabric. It is now a Herculean task for these parliamentarians to find common ground and generate a consensus among all stakeholders. This can create a gridlock where decision-making process is stalled, and the needs and concerns of the people are not adequately addressed.

We currently have a weak coalition government in place, which is not likely to be able to take bold decisions to steer Pakistan out of troubled waters. It is not expected to even ensure the supremacy of parliament, and to elevate the dignity of the house. Undoubtedly, such an impasse will only undermine the principles of equality, fairness and inclusivity that are the hallmarks of a healthy democracy. Consequently, it will erode the trust of the masses in democracy.

Therefore, it is important for all political parties to promote dialogue and under- standing, and to show a willingness to work together, even when there are differing opinions, in order to protect democracy. Otherwise, the consequences of this continued polarisation will be so dangerous that even the politicians themselves will not be able to face it.

Faisal Ahmed
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2024