What do people want?

This refers to the article, ‘Lesson of October 12, 1999’ (October 12, page 2). The writer seems to be obsessed with democracy and insinuates trust in the present day’s inept political leadership. According to the writer, “...the day led to a long military rule in the country, where democracy was still taking roots.” The democratic era of the 1990s left much to be desired. Both the PPP and the PML-N used power to enrich themselves and did not give anything to those on whose vote they came to power.
Poor law and order, unprecedented corruption, favouritism/nepotism, economic slide and no accountability have played havoc with the state and its people. Unfortunately, the so-called democratic system in this country has become a big business in which only the rich and powerful can participate and enter parliament. What people want is good governance, protection against hunger, jobs, education, access to medical facility and rule of merit. They are least interested in the type of political system – as long as it delivers.
Kulsoom Arif
Karachi