The Long March
By the Editor

WITH a vow to set-off long march for restoration of democracy in Pakistan – the PPP Chairperson Ms Benazir Bhutto reached the historic city of Lahore on Sunday.

Though the destiny of her plan for this political venture, prima facie – seems firm, determined or if otherwise phrased as crystal clear – yet some stories, attributed to people in power – are simultaneously placing the long march in a state of haze.

One can’t ignore that of-late, Ms Benazir Bhutto had asked masses to come on streets to beam voice against imposition of emergency and proclamation of PCO.

With this in view it is to be seen whether the call of the PPP Chief was a mere pressure line or the PPP is serious in confronting the government.

A pragmatic analysis however manifests that the Ms Benazir Bhutto – really meant what she had pronounced.

Yet, now when President General Pervez Musharraf – has given a timeframe for general election – which is the first week of January next – we expect that politicians – irrespective of their leaning towards specifics – would get engaged in mobilizing and galvanizing the public opinion – which befits the overall national interests.

They are ought to shun the polity of confrontation in every mode or manner – as, at this moment of time Pakistan is faced with a critical situation – both at home and overseas.

Since one can’t clap with one hand – we would suggest to the people, steering the country’s affairs to avoid measures – which could prove provocative – giving an upper edge to opposition to acts that would intensify hostility in politics.

If truth be told – the ban on PPP’s meeting in Rawalpindi has fetched nothing except criticism for the government.

Hence, we feel optimistic that no restrictions – whatsoever – shall be inflicted on the contemplated long march.

Such an upright policy, if pursued – shall not only prove as a marvelous symbol of democratic norms and ethics – but would also manifest government’s constant claims vis-à-vis freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Though leadership of other political parties is – at present behind the bars – yet they too may change their vision for agitation against what they phrase as ‘one-man rule’ – and instead, start concentrating on election campaign – in environs of peace and amity.

Every-one knows that in case of chaos the country would suffer – on multiple accounts – explicitly economically – which the nation can not afford in any way.

We assume that such a hapless scenario – would not be allowed to surface. And, in case, it erupts – the goal for the revival of a solid democratic rule would become complex – as a daydream or castle in the sky.●