Could there be an Egypt-style revolution in Pakistan?

[yasirhassan]

Greetings all,

Given the developments in the middle-east over the last few months, rulers of countries such as Syria and even Saudi Arabia are showing signs of concern that 'revolution fever' could spread to their own lands. Abdullah in Saudi has been handing out grants and interest-free loans for example.

My question to the forum members is do they feel that this is something that is possible, likely, or even desired in Pakistan? As part of the diaspora (based in London), I only have an external view of the situation, but despite it being obvious even from here that the regime is detested by many (if not most) people within the country, I do not see any signs of similar uprisings.

Would appreciate any thoughts on the subject.

Yasir

[Mastankhan]

Hi,

Pakistanis won't have a revolution on their own---under the current circumstances----we have been so much used to having the millitary doing our biddings in the past---that we have forgotten how to sacrifice ourselves for the cause of justice---.

We will bit-ch and moan---but we have lost that string of character which is attached to that thing called integrity, honour and character.

The presence of Zardari as a president should have automatically set the wheels in motion----this criminal and corrupt man has been sitting as the president of the country and the nation has done nothing----so make the deductions yourself---.

[yasirhassan]

Thansk for your reply. I must admit my own sensations are similar, although I hate to sound pessimistic about Pakistani people, but the same zeal that you see in the middle east just doesnt seem to exist amongst pakistanis. It took one person setting himself on fire to ignite the whole of Tunisia, but I am certain that even worse happens on a daily basis in Pakistan, what with the drone killings, Blackwater militias roaming free etc.

So the question is: why is this the case, and what can be done to get Pakistan going?

I have heard that there are plans for large sale rallies on April 17th- has anyone heard about these?

Originally Posted by Mastankhan

Hi,

Pakistanis won't have a revolution on their own---under the current circumstances----we have been so much used to having the millitary doing our biddings in the past---that we have forgotten how to sacrifice ourselves for the cause of justice---.

We will bit-ch and moan---but we have lost that string of character which is attached to that thing called integrity, honour and character.

The presence of Zardari as a president should have automatically set the wheels in motion----this criminal and corrupt man has been sitting as the president of the country and the nation has done nothing----so make the deductions yourself---.

[Lady Macbeth]

Originally Posted by yasirhassan

Thansk for your reply. I must admit my own sensations are similar, although I hate to sound pessimistic about Pakistani people, but the same zeal that you see in the middle east just doesnt seem to exist amongst pakistanis. It took one person setting himself on fire to ignite the whole of Tunisia, but I am certain that even worse happens on a daily basis in Pakistan, what with the drone killings, Blackwater militias roaming free etc.

So the question is: why is this the case, and what can be done to get Pakistan going?

I have heard that there are plans for large sale rallies on April 17th- has anyone heard about these?

The 17th April rally called on by HT (no gooder, Hizb u Tahrir - Same name, same banner all over again) sounds as far fetched, to be anything related to Egypt, as the 11of March rally by Sheikh Rasheed. Yes, there was supposed to be a rally in Lahore all the way to Islamabad today.....havent heard anything in the news so far.

Anyway for the people of Pakistan to really revolt there needs to be certain elements present and bubbling over.

One - Kiyani should take over our country in a military coup and declare Martial Law for the next 30 odd years (note - Zardari sans COAS uniform should be able to reach that status, if he were to rule for another 12 years)

Two - Restrict the media!!! The 9 o'clock news should only include details on 'what was Bibis favourite season/colour/perfume/etc' to 'how to make computers out of a bit of cling film and a shoe box' (and yes that does mean no internet).

Three - Taxes taxes and more taxes....atleast on the less privileged (what could be worse, a revolt or all the poor dying due to mass suicide and starvation)

Four - Let the Contractor go.....grant him immunity I beseech thee.

Five - Enforce strict laws for anyone going against point number 3. No exemption for the needy!!!!

This should be a good start as any revolution, Egypt style, or what so ever is totally out of the question.