This is not just an election; it is a critical juncture of Pakistan’s history. The choices we make now will determine the fate of our nation for generations to come. Let us be resolute in our pursuit of a just and equitable society, free from exploitation, oppression, and the shackles of the past. Despite the rigged nature of the game, the possibility for change remains. The youth, increasingly disillusioned with conventional politics, hold the key to building an alternative future. Progressive forces must come together, mobilizing those outside the system to forge a new path forward, before the creaking bridge beneath us collapses completely. The upcoming elections present an opportunity for anti-establishment voices to engage with the public. This includes exposing the corrupting influence of money and corporate media in shaping the electoral landscape, ensuring that the so-called “electable” are not preordained victors.
The decree has been issued: general elections, slated for Feb 8, are on the horizon. Yet, in the eyes of seasoned observers, a somber cloud looms over what is purportedly the pinnacle of democracy, the single most crucial event. The establishment remains unconvinced that the PTI Frankenstein, brought to life and power in 2018, has been tamed. The specter of repression and tainted media leaks persists, prompting speculation about a possible extension of the election date. Regardless, the inevitability is that when the elections unfold, the results will bear the unmistakable imprint of the establishment.
The PML-N, with its emboldened leader Nawaz Sharif, eagerly awaits its turn as the establishment’s junior partner. Other major parties, including the PPP, are also maneuvering for their place in the post-election order. However, the question that begs to be answered is: will these elections truly bring about meaningful change for the lives of the people? The Harsh Reality: No Change for the Masses The answer is a resounding no. Our existing political landscape offers no viable economic program that prioritizes the livelihoods and dignity of working people. Instead, the parties remain fixated on appeasing international creditors and oligarchs, further solidifying a neoliberal agenda that promotes privatization and mega-infrastructure projects at the expense of public services like education and healthcare. The youth, in particular, face an increasingly precarious future characterized by casualization of labor and limited opportunities.
The brutalization of Balochistan, epitomized by the recent events in Kech, represents just one facet of the simmering discontent within Pakistan’s peripheries. The arrest and treatment of Manzoor Pashteen exemplifies the ongoing oppression of Pakhtun youth who dare to challenge the injustices of counterterrorism measures. Disillusionment and anger are brewing in Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Seraiki belt, posing a significant challenge to the narrative of a unified Muslim nationhood. The deepening roots of right-wing ideology pose a significant threat to the future of Pakistan. This trend is evident in the opportunistic alliances forged by mainstream parties and the growing influence of groups like the TLP, JUI, and TTP.
Despite the prevailing pessimism, there is an opportunity for anti-establishment voices during the electoral process. This includes unveiling the role of money and corporate-dominated narratives in shaping elections, ensuring that the ‘electable’ is predestined to win. However, the powers that be will likely have most electables aligning with their agenda on Feb 8. Does this mean the majority in Pakistan cannot overturn the status quo? In principle, they could. Yet, the reality is that formal democratic institutions function like a rigged game in militarized Pakistan, fostering disillusionment among the youth. The glimmer of hope lies in progressives uniting those outside the rigged game to forge an alternative path. Time is of the essence, as the bridge of democracy in Pakistan creaks under the weight of a rapidly flowing river.