Politics: A sensitive issue in Pakistan

Disagreement is natural; it is not wrong to say that this is human instinct and quest for knowing things which become the reason for human development. The conflict of idea or difference in opinions has made the human reach to peaks. Change is a universal truth of our world, and it is no possible without conflict of ideas.

Divergence and disagreement are good until it is taken constructively. You may have often observed people disagree on which football team is best. Still, these disagreements are a mere expression of people’s opinions. But when this comes toward political opinions, things might turn out bad; from the last few decades, talking about politics is a more sensitive matter than religion. Discussions take a few minutes to change from ideological divergence into emotional disagreements. Stories of tense festival celebrations and un-friend some old friends because of political differences are common these days.

It is good to have a political stance, but breaking off ties and fights is wrong. Sadly, this is not something related to any specific country. It is a common phenomenon worldwide, and you can’t express your views without being highly criticized by opponent followers whether you live in a developed country like America or developing country Pakistan and India.

Being a Pakistani and observant citizen, I found these issues that trigger different opinions into major conflicts:

·         Thoughts of being I am Right:

In people’s minds somewhere, they have made up an opinion, which is I am right. The first rule of getting some constructive results is to purify our mind from negativities and subjectivities. But unfortunately, people remain bias deep down their heads. Every argument leading toward “my favor” is right; my mind proves it logical, and any argument opposite is wrong, and I will prove it illogical.

·         Less patience:

This step leads to another step, which is less patience; when you have decided that you are right, than somehow you can’t tolerate other opinions; if your arguments end, you might get up and lose temper.

·         A trigger of anxiety:

Political leaders come with policies; some are right according to your views. Some are wrong, and those conflicted policies trigger anxiety. Take an example from American and Pakistani scenario. In America, when you talk about food safety policy, it is fine to talk. Still, when you talk about legislation against abortions or LGBT rights, which can trigger anxiety and anger. Likewise, in Pakistan, talking about roads’ construction is fine, but making amendments in the syllabus can trigger anxiety and anger.

·         Un-questioned loyalties:

Politics have always been the game of few families in Pakistan. Rich feudal lords have been dominating it since partition, and many of their followers are uneducated. They don’t know about politics at all. Many consider their feudal as lords, so talking about them is talking against their lords, whom they might not tolerate no matter how corrupt those leaders are; they are still their lords, and they can’t be disloyal to them by talking or casting votes against them. They can kill or get killed to prove their loyalties to respective “Saiyin.”

·         Easy access to media:

Social media is a blessing and a curse at the same time. We have easy access to knowledge and information. Still, it has also become one of the major weapons to spread fake rumors, abusive posts, misleading news, half-truth, etc. Now you can say anything to anyone without being caught. Political parties even run a paid campaign to disintegrate or embrace political leaders. An abusive post and single slang comment start a never-ending fight of abuse and violence, which ends drastically bad.

What I suggest is

What I think we can do as a sensible citizen is

·         If you express your view, that means you must have a temper to listen to opposite views. It can be different. It can hold some validation, or in the worst scenario, maybe they are not tolerant enough to get hyper and abusive. In this case, have Patience – Do not let politics ruin your personal life.

·         Be open-minded: Never decide before listening to the whole story, try to be objective, and neutral you might get healthy information.

·         Remember every coin has two sides, don’t listen half and twisted news. Never believe on any news posted on social media. Listen both sides of stories then decide to talk. A difference of opinion is natural, disagreement is also part of it, but don’t lose your loved ones for a mere political view. Make it constructive and positive, or leave the topic, present your ideas, so that doesn’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Don’t try to impose the idea to others. If what you believe is the true world will find it eventually one day.

 

v  All of the above are my personal views; many people may disagree and agree. I wish this article will help lessen the bitterness of political hatred among many of us, and we all lead toward a happy and prosperous society with lesser problems.