TWO leaders are promising revolutions in Pakistan. One fails to understand that a revolution can occur only when the gap between the classes is high. This is not the case in Pakistan where the requisite gap doesn’t exist.

Revolutions are of two kinds — those class-based and those with a religious base.

Class revolutions occur where the gap between the moneyed and labour classes becomes so wide that in labour rises for the betterment of its living standards. This revolution occurs when an overwhelming majority of the people feel that the prevailing system has failed them.

In religion-based revolutions, people from a particular religion or sect reject the system and an agreement among the masses takes place that they should implement the particular religious practices. An example of this is the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Both situations don’t apply to Pakistan, where, though a class gap exists, it is not wide enough to instigate the labour class to overthrow the existing system.

Moreover, Pakistan since its inception has been a balanced state for every religion and sect. The constitution provides equal rights to every citizen. It does not encourage the domination of any caste, creed and sect, therefore it is improbable that citizens would support a religion- or sect-based revolution.

Revolutions are based on expectations and its leaders sell attractive dreams to the people, saying what they want to hear and promising much.

Again, history showed the leaders of revolutions were rejected when the people were disappointed by the new system. The recent Arab spring is a prime example.

Pakistan has experienced various political systems, namely military dictatorship, a parliamentary system and the presidential system. Any system needs time to deliver. Therefore, attempts at revolution will not help Pakistan.

Pakistan needs evolution, which offers peace coupled with strengthened institutions and maturity not only among lawmakers but among the masses.

The evolutionary process, though slow, brings a fair deal for the people and greater benefits. Therefore, the leaders chanting slogans of revolution should concentrate on the evolutionary process.

Khurram Niaz
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2014