Is There a State Named Pakistan?

Imagine a state, where a couple of thousand rogues come on the streets, and their leader openly calls for the murder of Supreme Court judges. And instead of initiating any action, the state begs for negotiations with the criminals.

Imagine an army, where a leader of the thugs instigates the top brass to topple the army chief and take control. And instead of reiterating its commitment, to come in aid of civilian authority to maintain law and order, the army spokesperson begs not to involve the army and distances itself from the crisis situation.

Imagine a government, under whose nose, hooligans in disguise of Islamists damage public and private property, block main highways, attack citizens and burn vehicles. And the government, instead of enforcing its writ, begs for negotiations.

Imagine a state, where the Supreme Court judges, the army top brass and government ministers, instead of taking action against the scoundrels, start offering explanations proving their love for the Prophet of Islam. I recall, when four bloggers were picked up by an intelligence agency for ridiculing the army. And they were tortured for 22 days. Today, the mullah is openly abusing the army but the intelligence outfit has conveniently disappeared.

I recall, when Faisal Raza Abidi was arrested for using inappropriate words for Supreme Court judges. Today, the mullahs are carrying banners calling for the murder of Supreme Court judges. And the police, rangers and army are nowhere to be seen. I recall, when a 69 year old man named Nawaz Sharif arrived at Lahore airport with his daughter, the entire aircraft was encircled by Rangers. Today, the common man’s life is threatened and his property is being destroyed in almost every city. And the same rangers are nowhere to be seen.

The tough stance which Imran Khan took during his speech was very heartening to every enlightened and law-abiding citizen of the country, and provided an opportunity to the state to deal with the menace of the mullah with an iron hand. Many in this country applauded it and were of the opinion that first time in the history of this country, the chief executive, the army chief the Supreme Court, the treasury and the opposition were on one page. However, the euphoria was short lived.

The country, at the moment is burning. But the state is nowhere to be seen. Ministers are mum, judges have disappeared and army says it should not be dragged into this conflict. How safe is the common man in this state, where the most powerful men, with and without uniform, have completely vanished from sight leaving the citizens' life and property at the mercy of fanatic scoundrels.

So far, a country named Pakistan exists on the map of the world. But as I write, is there a state named Pakistan?