REJECTION OF CORRUPT ELECTORAL SYSTEM

As a democratic nation which has the right to vote a number of people are seriously considering NOT voting in the upcoming elections. There are a number of reasons for this, some argue that faces will change yet the system will remain corrupt. Others do not see a viable candidate to take Pakistan out of the mess it currently is tangled in. Finally a popular thought process is that the system itself is the root of all evil as it is allowing corruption to prosper and flourish rather than those people abusing it (in essence the system in place currently promotes and allows corruption to continue not the leaders themselves). I have heard from numerous people that the reason leaders continue to abuse is because the system allows them to do so. The undeniable truth is that unlike other democracies, in Pakistan only a select few can stand for elections, those who are rich or those who have vast extensive financial backing. The common man, or even a well-educated talented person quite clearly cannot run to represent their constituents and fellow people. As mentioned earlier a number of people want to reject this elitist, monopolistic system and protest until a new mandate is made where the politics is more transparent and is inclusive of all people.

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is one of these people who wants the nation as a whole to fight against this. Dr Qadri himself has openly stated that neither PPP, MQM, PTI, ML and so forth are the enemy of the people but the enemy is this corrupt system.

Some points he has made are as follows
- The Severe decline in voting numbers from 1977 onwards is due to people's perception of an entirely corrupt institution which only breeds further corruption.
- That no politician has a manifesto which they rely upon- even those who do never fulfill those promises. In democracies across the world a politicians manifesto is regarded as his/her bible.
- The 5-10% elite in society have always benefited at the expense of the rest of the nation.
- The millions spent by candidates to ensure victory. If milloins are spent then inevitably that money will be recouped at the expense of the nation. Due to this people with no financial backing simply cannot compete.
- The need to implement proportional representation.
- The issue of winning horses whereby the winners whore themselves to the highest bidder to secure their alliance.
- That Pakistan is close to a failed state and that continual military intervention in the past has been due to the failings of poor leaders.
- That even 100 elections will not bring the desired result as the system needs an overhaul not the leadership.

There are a number of other issues highlighted by Dr Qadri, however I have just provided a taster of the picture he is trying to portray. He has hence instructed the nation to come in its millions to protest at Minar-e-Paksitan on the 23rd of December 2012.

Currently Pakistan lacks a leader. Sadly 65 years ago a charismatic leader with his people were in search of a nation. 65 years on a Nation is hunting for a leader. I will not say Dr Qadri is that leader, maybe it could be someone else- however the efforts of this man are unmatched and unquestionable. Although seen as just an Aalim, he has gone around the world propagating the true reality of Islam. He has authored in excess of 1200 books on various topics from classical Islam, Islam and Science, The economic downturn of Pakistan and so forth. He is widely regarded as a man of authority who is loyal, dedicated and trustworthy. He is well versed in economics, social welfare, humanitarian aid and this is evident in this organization Minhaj-ul-Quran. Dr Qadri's Fatwa on Terrorism alone has been given worldwide acclaim and appreciation. It has been translated in to numerous languages and as a great literary work can undoubtedly solve the issue of terrorism, state funded terrorism and the radicalization of youth. Should our nation not be looking at individuals like this to take us out of the abyss we are currently engulfed in?

I hope you will be in attendance to see what the 23rd of December will hold. It may or may not bring about the change a lot of people crave but will the stature Dr Qadri possesses and as a rare Pakistani viewed positively in the world media, would you not agree that his ideas should be given a chance?

M.Sofiaan Laeeq
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Section F