By:Wajid Shamsul Hasan


The Pakistan Day on March 23 would be yet another landmark event in the life of the nation. The first-ever election to be held under a democratic government has been announced for May 11 by President Asif Zardari after the completion of five-year constitutional tenure of the parliament.

It would be yet another first that power would be transferred through vote to an elected government after a series of extra-constitutional interventions of the past. It would indeed be a momentous occasion for the entire nation that has suffered long to see democracy blossom into a formidable dispensation despite long catalogue of intrigues, machinations and Praetorian coups backed by the judiciary.

As the nation gears up for the historic polls, I would like to salute the toiling masses who remained steadfast in their commitment to pursue the democratic destiny chosen for them by the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and those great men and women who braved worst possible persecution to keep the torch of freedom alight.

While it would need a separate article to record the long journey of how we have come to such a joyous pass, briefly I would like to remind the nation about a historic coincidence. One of the greatest political figures of our struggle for democracy Begum Nusrat Bhutto was also born on 23rd March many years before Muslims in India resolved to carve a separate homeland.

Begum Nusrat Bhutto was born in Isfahan, Iran on 23 March, 1929. Her life went through many ups and downs in Pakistani politics. Her husband, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Her son-in-law Mr Asif Ali Zardari is currently President of Pakistan.

Begum Nusrat Bhutto took over as head of the Pakistan Peoples Party after Shaheed Bhutto’s elected government was overthrown in a coup by Gen Ziaul Haq in 1977 and subsequently Bhutto Sahib was eliminated by him in 1979. She led the party for several challenging years until her now-martyred daughter Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto took over as head of PPP to become the first ever woman to be prime minister twice in a Muslim country.

Begum Nusrat Bhutto was an iconic political leader who made significant contribution towards establishment of democratic rule in Pakistan and founded a unified opposition – Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) – to wage struggle to free the country from the clutches of dictatorship. She was one of the most charismatic leaders of our time and god mother for the entire nation, especially those under-privileged who found in her a voice for themselves. Her services for democracy and the masses of Pakistan will never be forgotten.

It is satisfying moment for the nation as it pays tribute to Begum Nusrat Bhutto, her daughter Benazir Bhutto and all those who sacrificed in blood, toil and tears and made idea of a democratic Pakistan possible.

Notwithstanding the enormous difficulties electoral matters are moving in the right direction and we shall have a change of government through vote at last. Five years of democratic rule have been of far reaching consequence.

We never had it as good as manifested in politics of reconciliation and consensus – a vision of Benazir Bhutto – that brought its political leadership including the opposition, military and judiciary on the same page. Constitutional amendments – the 18th, 19th and 20th – have made democracy invincible. Pakistan today is self-sufficient in wheat and its economy has shown improvement slowly but surely overcoming multifarious challenges. Its Benazir Bhutto Income Support Scheme has laid the foundation of a social welfare state.

The legacy of the government that is moving out would be a source of strength for its successor since the nation and its institutions are unified on issues of national and strategic importance. President Zardari’s decision of handing over management of Gwadar Port to China and Pak-Iran gas pipeline are of paramount importance for the progress and prosperity of the country. Among its other achievements include opening up of trade with India without compromising on the core issues.

Yet another feather in its cap is the excellent relations with the United Kingdom as endorsed by the British Prime Minister in his oft-repeated assertion that “your enemies are our enemies and your friends are our friends”. As High Commissioner of Pakistan to UK I must acknowledge the role played by the UK in getting Pakistan market access into EU and its continued tenacious support to Pakistan for GSP+ status. No doubt the UK has established itself as our most reliable friend in the western hemisphere.

As far as Afghanistan is concerned Pakistan has convinced all parties to initiate a dialogue with Taliban for an Afghan-specific resolution when the NATO withdraws by 2014. Now it is up to Taliban to respond positively to a way out of imbroglio. A resilient Pakistan, however, is determined to safeguard its sovereignty and eliminate terrorism.

Pakistan today has an independent judiciary that had been rendered into a pliable tool in the hands of dictators in the past. Media too can gloat itself on account of the absolute freedom it enjoys. It is also a matter of pride for the government that there is no political prisoner in the country. Even rallies led by foreign nationals are allowed to symbolise the nation’s strength in democracy.

It is satisfying to note that President Zardari has buried the politics of vendetta and replaced it with tolerance and peaceful coexistence as a democratic way of life. He has also ensured that power would be transferred to those who win elections within the framework of the constitution under an interim set up. It is a landmark and proud achievement that a democratic government has completed its tenure to make room for constitutionally mandated transfer of power. Long live Pakistan, Long live democracy!

The writer is High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK

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