Is democracy suitable for Pakistan?

I spent the first 10 years of my life in Bahrain and grew up remarkably unaware of my family’s status in Pakistan.

My parents made a concerted effort to keep us out of the political spotlight. Following the death of my grandfather, General Zia Ul Haq, in a mysterious airplane crash, we moved to Pakistan and were immediately placed in the American school.

My brother Osman and I were content with the laidback international atmosphere we lived in, while my parents campaigned for the elections and tried to adjust to Pakistan.

Life was idyllic but we quickly realised that we lived in an innocent ‘bubble’, which would eventually burst when we faced the real world.

Coming from a strong political family, I have been asked the most absurd questions regarding my family’s accomplishments and mistakes, my views on the Bhuttos and if I have any plans to step into politics. I have kept my opinions to myself, until now.

I confess that I am torn between the merits of military and democratic regimes. While I’ve never been one to protest for leaders who are apparently going to save us, I’m definitely not in favour of seeing Musharraf rule our nation either.

I have also given a lot of thought to democracy and while it is the ideal solution, I’m still not sure if I can see an effective democratic government in this relatively new and developing nation.

While I am not in favour of the military, the question I pose is whether Pakistan is ready for another democratic government or are we just simply hoping for the next elected political figure to come and perform miracles?

As tragic as it is, most Pakistanis, including the educated elite, are unaware of the meaning of ‘democracy’.

Do the masses even consider what the past leaders have given them (or should I say have not given them) before running out on the streets and risking their lives for them?

The latest developments have plunged Pakistani politics into a state of confusion. We have been hearing about many different ‘talks’ that have occurred but what were Sharif, Bhutto, and Musharraf negotiating that led the country into such a disaster?

Why was Bhutto’s return to Pakistan a cause for celebration while Sharif was deported after his attempted grand entrance?

Are we just being blindly enthusiastic at the thought of living peacefully in an idealistic, terror-free, democratic nation?

Democracy is a political system that guarantees its people basic sovereignty and rights so I’m guessing we have yet to experience one. I don’t remember studying about how it is acceptable for leaders to run away with millions that belong to citizens of the country and then be welcomed back with open arms.

President Musharraf and his cabinet have spent a lot of time and energy on Pakistan by not only helping the country avoid an economic collapse but actually achieving a phenomenal growth rate as well. Why is he now encouraging us to resent him by manipulating politics to stay in charge?

While I think it is acceptable to reject his uniform, I don’t understand how that has led Benazir to believe that she is the saviour of Pakistan.

Does she genuinely believe that the public is going to forgive her? There is more to a democratic leader than just being a strong, educated woman with a great accent. Who exactly decided that Benazir is the symbol of modernity and democracy?

In my opinion, she is utterly incompetent. She pulled a disappearing act when accused of corruption, came back when the charges were conveniently lifted, has not shown any responsibility of the chaos upon her arrival, and refuses to talk about her past terms as prime minister.

Instead, she blamed the bombings and most of her problems on Ijaz Ul Haq and General Zia’s supporters.

It’s time Benazir starts campaigning on her own accomplishments rather than whining to her father’s supporters and pulling the sympathy card on how General Zia was cruel to the oh-so-innocent ‘Daugther of the East’.

 Like many Pakistanis who have lived abroad, I have been nervous while walking up to the immigration officer at JFK Airport.

While extremists are doing their best to ruin the little bit of respect that we have left in the world, politicians are fanning the flame of civil war back home.

I know it is easy to sit back, relax, and watch the show but it’s about time that we Pakistanis make a difference rather than merely depending on our past failed leaders and expressing our concerns at dinner parties. Is there hope?

Of course there is, otherwise we wouldn’t even confess that we have a problem. Let’s hope that we figure things out before the world gives up on us. Till then, I will continue to hold my head up high and be the proud Pakistani that I am.

The writer works for an international bank  in London.