31st October, 2015…When Shahbaz Observed His Nation and … Questioned Himself!
He is a hopeful Pakistani soul and follows each probable opportunity of change with enthusiasm and spirit. Shahbaz observed the local body elections held in areas of Punjab and Sindh on 31st October, 2015. He was present everywhere, from main cities to minor rural districts. He watched TV transmissions sitting in cozy sofa abroad with mixed feelings of optimism and concern.
Dozens of Parties and Independent contenders were in the playing field to defeat their opponents. Notably just before elections, news of violations of code of conduct for the election campaigns were often reported causing no improvement whatsoever on foul play going on in the ground.
As always, Pakistani media was fully energized and active on 31st October; most of them were claiming to broadcast biggest elections transmission and newest breaking news. Hope was building from many corners that this devolution of Power will change many things, alleviate life of a common man. Media excitement on that day would have taken many believe that “Everything will change after today and we would no longer need to worry about our problems”
Also read https://msultanshah.com/2015/10/10/naya-qanoon-aur-mangoo-ustaad-2/
And then the world started to witness some astonishing news from the polling stations:
“13 years old child casted his vote based on his political affiliation, you just need to have influential party’s Badge on chest and AGE does not matter after that”.
“Media caught people Red-handed while purchasing votes with money in Larkana”.
“12 people killed in Khairpur in a clash between two political parties”. This news stunned the whole country…
Extreme mismanagement was reported; few polling stations could not receive ballot boxes on time. At some places, the election symbols were printed wrong against the candidate’s name.
Police was reported to give undue favor to certain parties by means of their influence and resources.
Shahbaz saw many people getting messed up beating each other in different parts of the country. Uncontrolled fighting mobs were common scenery on 31st October, 2015.
Soon after the polling results started coming out, supporters from winning parties started celebrating; dancing wildly. It’s however not clear the exact reason behind all excitement. It’s unknown whether they were taking it as a festival OR they had witnessed any betterment after any of the previous election…
Shahbaz was standing shocked and speechless in the middle of all this chaos. “Is this the way Nations behave? Can brothers and sisters become enemies like this?” “Do the Celebrating Dancing Bhangras have any idea of what is hidden in their future??? He asked himself…He was lost in extreme pain and anxiety and saw two familiar faces with utmost sad portico sitting at some distance from the crowd…Jinnah and Iqbal looking at him; silent not saying anything at all…
Now having mob in front, Silent Jinnah and Iqbal at sidelines, Shabaz’s mind was circulating like a wheel…Is this the same nation having one of the finest armed forces in the world which recently won the gold medal in Cambrian Petrol?? Is this the same nation which responds in natural calamities as brilliant as it could be…Is this the same nation who forgets everything while supporting Pakistani cricket match chanting Pakistan Zindabad crazily when Pakistan wins? Why such extremities? What is the missing point? Where is the fault line within us?
While tackling this mind boggle, Shahbaz heard some voices:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided”. (3:103 – Surah Ali ‘Imran)
“Why we get divided?” He thought…
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves”. (Quoted from Last Sermon of Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (S.A.W.)
“While our supreme leader Muhammad (S.A.W.) has given lessons of brotherhood how can we harm our brothers and sisters in the name of Democracy (Jamhooriyat)?” Shahbaz was waking up…
“Deo Istabdad Jamhoori Qba Mein Paye Koob,
Tu Samjhta Hai Ye Azadi Ki Hai Neelam Pari”
“In Demos-dress let tyranny’s old demon-dance be seen,
Your fancy calls up Liberty’s blue-mantled fairy queen!” (Allama Iqbal)
http://iqbalurdu.blogspot.qa/2011/04/bang-e-dra-162-jawab-e-khizar.html#uds-search-results
And finally one voice citing Wasif Ali Wasif sahib “Jhootay Muashrey mein Saccha Insaan kis se vote maangay ga???”
Mob was in front of him, Silent Jinnah and Iqbal on the sidelines and mixed voices trying to remind him some Old forgotten lessons…Tears curving form his eyes seeing his nation in such a condition.
“What are you doing Shahbaz, where do you stand in all this disarray?” His inner conscious whispered…
And now slowly and gradually he started reading the situation and recalling real orders from Real leaders. Love and brotherhood instead of hatred and fight…
No more sub divisions, no more linguistic, tribal and provincial subdivide. Pakistan’s flag as one icon instead of so many meaningless flags and identities…
Shahbaz was slowly figuring out what was wrong with nation…Whenever we focused on Pakistan as one nation, we amazed the world with our unmatched potential. And wherever we followed confused methodologies leading to injustice, hate and divide; we always fell apart. We could not get ourselves right due to lack clear approach sound system…
“Now that I know, what is wrong; what should I do next? How can I eliminate all differences within Pakistani society?” Shahbaz asked himself…
“No need to worrying about it at all, this is enough that you have realized. Do your part sincerely and honestly. Wherever you are, whatever you do; just do not betray your people and country. People who disperse Hate and divide can never be your companions; people who try to unite this nation are your real friends. Become leader of your own life and lead circles under your influence. The bigger change will follow, Insha-Allah” someone said in his ears…
He suddenly turned his head; Jinnah and Iqbal had left leaving everlasting impressions. Now focused Shahbaz was standing in front of the mob; ready to play his part TO TRANSFORM THIS MOB INTO ONE NATION UNDER ONE FLAG…
Also Read
Who is Shahbaz??? https://msultanshah.com/2015/08/21/rabi-ul-awwal-and-shahbaz/
14 August, 2014 and Shahbaz https://msultanshah.com/2015/08/07/14-august-2014-and-shahbaz/
Note:
This article was also published dated 13th November, 2015 at following:
http://www.zemtv.com/2015/11/13/local-bodies-election-and-shahbaz/
Article No 45
Striking thoughts 