By Iftikhar Mashwani
I am deeply anxious and sorrowful, as though my country has been engulfed by an ill fate. The land that
once resonated with dreams of freedom and progress now seems burdened by division, chaos, and
despair. The vision of a united and prosperous Pakistan is fading, leaving behind confusion, uncertainty,
and pain.
In many places, the air is filled with tear gas, a constant reminder of the unrest gripping our cities.
Protests, once a peaceful expression of democratic rights, have transformed into battlegrounds. The
struggle between protesters and authorities is no longer about dialogue and compromise. Instead, it is a
cycle of violence where neither side is willing to understand the current situation, and each
confrontation deepens the divide between the rulers and the agitators.
A disturbing trend has emerged during these protests—blocking roads with containers in an attempt to
halt movements. This strategy paralyzes daily life, shutting down businesses and closing educational
institutions. In emergencies, getting patients to hospitals becomes nearly impossible, creating serious
risks for the public. Office attendance drops drastically, and communication channels, including phones
and the internet, are disrupted, further isolating people with their love ones and daily business for their
livelihood. Families cower in their homes, uncertain of what the future holds. Is this the nation our
forefathers envisioned when they sacrificed so much for independence? In this context Political parties
must collaborate to develop a joint plan that ensures the democratic right to protest is upheld without
disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens.
The rich diversity of our land, which was once our strength, has become a source of endless conflict.
Instead of settling our differences, unseen forces are being instigate to divide us. They seek to separate
us based on ethnicity, sect, or region have torn apart the fabric of our nation. Brothers are turning
against brothers, neighbors against neighbors, not for any rational reason, but because they have been
conditioned to see each other as enemies for the fulfilment of hidden agenda.
Institutions that are supposed to protect our national integrity are pitted against each other, seemingly
inactive. Who will protect the rights of the people when they have been entrusted with this
responsibility and are more focused on protecting their own interests?
Hatred has reached its peak, and the tolerance that once defined us is rapidly disappearing. Social
media, which was meant to empower and connect us, has become a breeding ground for division and
intolerance. Civil discourse is replaced by a toxic culture of blame and accusation. The values of respect
and patience have been drowned out by the need to win every argument, to be louder than the other
side, no matter the cost.
In moments like this, I ask "Is there anyone who can stop this downward spiral"? Is there anyone who
can rise above the chaos and remind us of what we stand to lose? Our country is not just its borders or
its flag; it is the collective spirit of its people. But that spirit is being eroded by the forces of hatred,
intolerance, and disunity. We need voices that can rise above the noise—leaders who can pull us back
from the brink and remind us of the ideals that once united us.
Where are the statesmen of integrity, the scholars of wisdom, and the activists of conscience who can
intervene before it is too late? It is easy to lose hope when everything feels so bleak, but we cannot
afford to give in to despair. The future of our nation depends on the actions we take today. Silence and
indifference will only allow the darkness to spread. We must confront these issues head-on, no matter
how painful it may be, and no matter how much it forces us to confront the ugliness within ourselves.
The nation does not need a single savior; it needs a collective awakening. We must rekindle the spirit of
unity that our founding fathers championed. Surviving these turbulent times is not enough; we must
emerge stronger, with a renewed commitment to justice, equality, and peace. We must remember that
Pakistan was built on the dreams of millions who believed in a future where people from diverse
backgrounds could come together as one.
We cannot let their dreams die. The forces that seek to divide us are strong, but they are not invincible.
If we find the courage to come together, to bridge the divides created between us, we can overcome
them. We must hold our leaders accountable, demand transparency and fairness, and refuse to be
manipulated by political games that only serve to benefit the powerful.
In this time of crisis, each of us has a role to play. We can no longer afford to be bystanders. If we truly
care about our country, if we truly wish to see it thrive once again, then we must stand up and be
counted. The road to healing will be difficult, but it is a journey we must begin if we are to reclaim the
soul of our nation.
