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 loved 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 instigating 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.
—The writer is Director General National Assembly of Pakistan.
(ememiqbal68@gmail.com
