During the past few years, in Pakistan there has been a great shift in the mindset of people about whom they considered their saviour through out their history. Unlike several other democratic nations, for decades the public in Pakistan had been in support of dictatorship. The rule by Army had been desired and welcomed by the public whole heartedly.
It was because of the reason that the public would find more economic relief during the dictatorship era. More welfare projects were visible and lesser social unrest was observed. On the other hand, whenever there was a democratic government, there were more economic crisis, higher corruption cases, lesser welfare projects and more social upheaval.
Because the public found more peace and relief in the dictatorship eras, they never stood against the Army's government. Instead they always desired for such governments to prolong.
The genuine love the public had had for the Army was unmatched. Anyone who would say a single word against the Army was disregarded by masses.
The public believed that the Army was the only sincere institution in the country. It was the only one who was there to rescue people whenever in need. It was unthinkable for the public that there existed any evil intentions or corruption in the institution.
The army was successful in maintaining the persona for several decades. Nevertheless, no matter how much we conceal the truth behind the fabric of fascinating lies there comes a time when the truth comes to the surface. So it did in case of the army.
In 2018, there came a democratic government in Pakistan which was favoured by a large majority of the nation’s public. Though the country was persistently facing economic difficulties but the fiscal reforms by the government for economic stability and against corruption were remarkable.
With the passage of time the effects of strong personality and ideologies of the then Prime Minister, Imran Khan, started earning more respect and appreciation. He was not afraid of taking bold steps with foreign policy and internal affairs that were long term welfare of the country.
His fearless speeches, clear and strong verdict along with staunch actions, a dignified manner of representing the country the simplicity is his living, transparency in the government’s monetary matters and merit based allotment of public seats not only brought honour to him but also became a source of respect for the expatriates.
Nonetheless, there was an unrest among the masses because of the increasing prices of the livelihood. Fiscal crisis were a by-product of covid 19 all over the globe and so was Pakistan not immune to it.
Several critics and all the other political parties rendered the government responsible for the economic crisis. However, it was not enough for creating hatred for the government. The public was disappointed but not hopeless and yet not ready to ask for the removal of the government.
Then it so happened one day that the government was unlawfully swayed away by the so called public representatives imposed on the nation due to parliamentary form of government. The incident and circumstances later made people realize that no one including the army was sincere to the country. In fact, the other political parties were merely kids of the army in pursuit of corruption.
With time the corruption in the institution of army got exposed. The more they would try to prove themselves innocent, the more they got exposed.
Actually this time they had experienced something, that they never encountered before. The leader they had tried to ruin was followed by learned, knowledgeable and skilful people. The understood the importance of social media and knew well how to utilize it for creating awareness among masses.
The army had successfully controlled the traditional media. Some media houses and anchors were silenced by bribing or issuing threats. Those who refused to surrender were tortured, kidnapped or murdered. Some had to run away for their lives.
Despite controlling the traditional media, the army couldn’t stop spread of knowledge because the people had shifted towards social media for gaining insight into what was happening in the country and their favourite leader. The people kept on becoming aware of the wrongful doings the most trusted institutions had been involved through out the history.
In the face of this awkward situation of increasing disapproval and hatred among masses, the army took more right usurping steps. Several social media activists were put into prison. Twitter was unavailable to the public. Facebook also faced halts in transmission. And for now it is the turn of WhatsApp. The app has been put under regulation.
They don’t want us to know the truth about their corruption and ill intentions. For this reason they have putting forth their utmost efforts to silence the voices that are opening up the Pandora's box of their insincerity and dishonesty.
The current situation of affairs in the country underscores the importance of being informed about the issues in the country through news. It creates awareness and gives an opportunity to the public for participating in the matters that concern their welfare.
While knowing about the truth may cause a temporary unrest and upheaval in the country but it is crucial for the long term welfare of the nation. The awareness brings accountability and accountability leads to progress and reforms.
Hiding the truth in guise of maintaining peace is merely a method of protecting the selfish interests of stakeholders. It allows corruption to thrive unchecked.
Informed citizens are the empowered citizens. They can hold their representatives accountable and thus may contribute meaningfully in the betterment of their country. Therefore, it is the right of the citizens to be informed about everything in their country that has to do with their welfare and progress.
○○○○○■○○○○○
This post is my response to Hl-featured contest prompt week 124 edition 1.
Image created by me using Bing AI.