Pakistan

Is liberal democracy in its death throes?

Written

3 years ago

Feb 12, 2021 08:37 PM

Saeed Qazi

We, indeed, are a unique generation. Behind us, not very far away, lies the debris of Stalinism while in front of us are crumbling neoliberal economic structures, plunging liberal democracy in the worst ever crisis of its history.

Saeed Qazi

The denizens of the lands and countries considered a heaven on earth watch in awe the misery engulfing those considered the most fortunate under the sun, whom death and hunger stalks unchecked, while their governments watch them helplessly.

Covid-19 and ensuing economic crisis is perhaps one of the sharpest turns that history ever took. Long standing certainties vanished in a matter of weeks giving way to a most uncertain future, forcing the citizens of the most powerful country on earth and in history to look for safer zones. Till date, thousands of American citizens, who could afford it, have migrated mostly to Australia in a matter of a few weeks. The others built bunkers and moved away from the cities and suburbs to save their lives from fatal coronavirus and unruly mobs.

A great revolutionary, Ted Grants, once said that it was an insult to revolutionaries to be surprised by events. They should predict them in advance. And, of course, there was no dearth of those who painted this scenario in their perspectives long before it happened.

The most pertinent question that follows is what triggered this unthinkable scenario for the most of us in the first place. Ted Grant also predicted that fall of Stalinism would hasten the demise of neo-liberalism and it took almost 40 years to reach where we find ourselves today.

At least now, it hardly requires one to be a genius to understand as to why and how it happened. It was unbound avarice and artificial expansion of the market through cheap credit to keep the assembly lines of the economy running. People bought their homes, cars, furniture etc on borrowed money and were paying their installments and one fine morning the recession rendered them jobless and in a matter of days they were lining up in their SUVs outside food banks with begging bowls in their hands.

All the economic theories that once earned Nobel Prizes became a laughing stock. Even the UN Secretary General has to publically admit that the system in place was utterly incapable to deal with such a crisis, though, quite understandably, he stopped short of admitting the fact that the crisis was created by the very system itself in the first place.

Policy makers are still groping in the dark as to what could be the solution to this crisis and even if they know the solution, they understand pretty well it won't be acceptable to their employers.

Meanwhile, discontent of the public at large is expressing itself in one after another protest movement in various countries all over the globe.

What this crisis has laid bare in very clear terms is the inadequacy of the economic and political structures in place. They are anti-people in character and content and utterly out of sync with the needs of over seven and half billion people living on this planet. One revolt after another is on the order of the day. The movements as yet are looking for the leadership which presently is not to be found but no vacuum stays forever.

Petty politics on non-issues may soon give way to sudden social convulsions like the one we saw on Thursday in Islamabad when disgruntled government employees took to the streets and clashed with police in scenes eerily reminiscent of war zones.

The meaningless wrangling between the ruling PTI vs. PDM may not last for long in the wake of pressing needs of the masses at large. Deteriorating economic conditions of the people may once again drag them to the arena of history where another battle against vested interests earnestly awaits them.

The writer is a senior journalist and political analyst.

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Governor KP pays visit to Thandakoi Bazar in Peshawar city, meets with shopkeepers

Haji Ghulam Ali appeals to take possible precautions including implementation of safety measures.

Published

12 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 09:44 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali Sunday visited the historical Sarkai Gate (Thandakoi) market in the inner city and met with the shopkeepers, traders and people from different walks of life.

In order to be safe from financial losses, he also appealed to take possible precautions including implementation of safety measures.

The local population, business community, shopkeepers expressed their happiness and paid tribute to the Governor to visit the inner city.

The traders, shopkeepers and people from different walks of life appreciated the Governor for visiting and meeting with common people. It is for the first time that a Governor suddenly reached among the common people that is why (Haji Ghulam Ali) has earned the title of People’s Governor across the province.

The citizens and businessmen expressed their happiness seeing the governor suddenly present in their midst and also informed the Governor about various problems and difficulties they are faced with.

The people of the area said that Governor Haji Ghulam Ali not only met with the people himself, but also given easy access to the political and social personalities, including the general public to the Governor’s House, which is highly commendable.

Meanwhile, the Governor shook hands with the shopkeepers, met with them and got information about their problems and issues. He assured of his full cooperation to solve these problems on priority basis.

The people, traders and shopkeepers thanked the Governor who himself came and met with them to listen to their problem. It was for the first time that a Governor without any protocol, visited the inner city and met with the common people of the historical walled City Peshawar.

Sports

President's Cup matches washed out

KRL and HEC shared points in Abbottabad, SNGPL and SBP shared points at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, while Ghani Glass and Pakistan Television also shared points at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.

Published

12 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 09:35 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Lahore: All three matches of third round of President's Cup One-Day Tournament in Abbottabad and Rawalpindi were abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Fourth round fixtures for Tuesday: SBP v WAPDA, Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium; Ghani Glass v HEC, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium; SNGPL v KRL, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Business

Rice exporters organize medical camps for agri-families, farmers

With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, the efforts are underway to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.

Published

11 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 09:52 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Islamabad: The rice exporter associations, in collaboration with Rice Partners Pvt. Ltd and The Lord Sarfraz Foundation on Sunday organized successful medical camps and hygiene awareness Programs in Punjab for agri-families including farmers.

Rice Partners Pvt. Ltd. (RPL) is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of communities through innovative initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, and education, said a press release issued here on Sunday.

With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, RPL continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. The organization, actively collaborating with farmers, farm workers, and local communities, places a special emphasis on contract farming programs.

Since 2015, RPL has been conducting medical camps throughout Pakistan, providing treatment to nearly 100,000 patients in various regions of the country.

In pursuit of its mission, RPL with collaboration of The Lord Sarfraz Foundation has conducted a series of free medical camps and personal hygiene awareness sessions in District Narowal (Punjab), underscoring the importance of proactive health measures in rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is scarce.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ali Tariq, alongside Head of Sustainability Zafar Iqbal and Program Officer Mudassar Ahmed, led the planning and execution of field operations for complimentary medical camps and instructional workshops and training sessions.

Meanwhile on the occasion while talking to the media, CEO, RPL Ali Tariq said the lack of basic health information in rural areas contributes to poor health outcomes, emphasizing the vital role of such initiatives in improving overall well-being.

More than 1500 patients were the beneficiaries of free medical camps, he said.

Lady Health Workers (LHWs) deliver hygiene education, including personal hygiene, clean drinking water, mosquito-borne disease prevention, balanced diets, antenatal care, nutrition for vulnerable populations, and hepatitis prevention techniques. Educational materials were distributed, targeting community women and children, fostering a collective understanding of essential hygiene practices for a healthier lifestyle, he said.

Tariq said that thousands have benefited from the camps, receiving not only diagnosis and treatment but also free medicines.

RPL remains dedicated to bridging healthcare disparities, preserving the earnings of vulnerable populations, and fostering community well-being.