Hollow slogans

The political history of Pakistan is replete with hollow slogans. To begin with, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto raised the slogan of ‘roti, kapra and makan’ that turned out to be a mere illusion. Next came Gen Ziaul Haq whose slogan was Islamisation, but instead he radicalised the country sowing the seeds of sectarianism, ethnicity and Kalashnikov culture.

Benazir Bhutto cried hoarse for the emancipation of women and abolition of gender-based discrimination, but women are still victimised in the name of honour. Pervez Musharraf’s slogan was enlightened moderation, but his repressive policies pushed the country into violent extremism and terrorism. Nawaz Sharif promised to break the begging bowl but the begging is far from over.

Khalid Pervaiz Raza

Chitral