Elections 2002 & the rise in Nationalism

By Asim Mughal

Despite the focus on the first ever intra-religious party affiliation and its subsequent claim to a solid 3rd spot in Pakistani elections, a careful analysis reveals that via their voting power, the people of Pakistan have handed a crushing defeat to anti-state elements. As a whole, the nation has come together and moved into the mainstream, rejecting ultra-extremists and has reached out to drag religious parties out of the closet. If nothing else, the acceptance and dominance of mainstream PML-QA party in the elections 2002 results is a resounding support for President Musharraf and his policies.

Given that Pakistan is going through troubled times, being a frontline state in one war on Western borders and another threat of war from million-man army of bitter rival India on the Eastern border, and furthermore, suffering from infiltration of Indian RAW terrorist elements, if Pakistani conscience had not woken up at this stage to defend its ideology, one would argue that it never would. Realizing the peril the nation is in, the elections depict the nation is rejecting all anti-state and extremists elements. It is not surprising to see that the likes of ANP, MQM and Jaey Sindh are reeling under a staggering defeat.

The mood of the nation is very understandable and there is great resentment at the mistreatment of Pakistan at the hands of relentless anti-Pakistani propaganda, including the one currently in progress equating the rise of current election’s nationalism to ‘religious extremism ‘ or ‘Talibanism’. Pakistan in leading the American war on terrorism, and by any standard, should be able to reasonably expect that it would be treated with respect and considered a friend, not only by the American government but also by all Americans. Unfortunately this has not been the case. The continuous hate-mongering, defamation and constant twisting and manipulation of every issue to show Pakistan in a bad light has been the star achievement of many media outlets, e.g. Fox News and CNN. The mistreatment of non-terrorist, innocent detainees in jails, who have done nothing but overstay their visa, adds insult to the injury.

Islam by definition is a peaceful religion; an increase in religious affinity in the mainstream gives no indication that religious elements will go ‘rogue.’ Rather, it will be bounded by the norms of the mainstream. It is clearly wrong to assume or misinterpret religious affiliation as ‘anti –western’ or ‘Anti-American.’ Pakistan was most Islamic and most close to America during General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule. Saudi Arabia, a strong religious theocracy, is one of America’s best allies in the Middle East.

President Musharraf gets a standing ovation in being the first general, which per the Supreme Court mandate, held elections on schedule and is willing to transition power to a civilian government in a peaceful manner. Musharraf’s exit appears to be as bloodless as his entry.

The nation is truly rising as a modern, moderate and responsible Islamic State.

[taken with permission from http://paknews.com/editorials.php?id=1&date1=2002-10-12]

Date/Time Last Modified: 10/24/2002 9:21:40 AM

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