Reflections on a Journey and Society: A Tale of PTI, Youth, and Change

Methinks upon the day when I embarked on a journey to Islamabad, the noble Daewoo coach being my chosen mode of transport. It was decreed that this conveyance would bear us to its terminal, situated on the Super Highway, via a humble shuttle service departing from Numaish Chowrangi. The clock, I surmise, displayed approximately four in the afternoon when our shuttle commenced its voyage from Numaish. Alas! It was the day of the grand assembly for PTI. It took a span of an hour and a half to traverse the meager half-mile span of Numaish Chowrangi, and the ill treatment we received from the assembled throng is beyond articulation. In the company of my fellow travelers, including gentlewomen and families sharing our conveyance, we suffered grievous harassment. Our shuttle driver hastened to reach the terminal as he crossed Gurumandir, and within a quarter of an hour, we reached our destination.

The entire sojourn to Islamabad encompassed a span of approximately 24 hours, and naturally, our discourse centered on a particular topic. We engaged in multifarious discussions concerning politics, particularly within Karachi and its youth. My standpoint was unadorned: the manner in which we were mistreated spoke volumes, and I conveyed to my fellow travelers that this political party and its leadership were molding a generation upon whom we would eventually have pity. There would be no room for tolerance, understanding, or reverence for elders, mark my words. Some assented to my perspective, while others held differing views, believing that they might outshine those who had plundered our land. To that, I said, "Ameen," but I held no hope for such a disorderly assembly.

Years passed, governments changed, and we enjoyed a pleasant period in Islamabad, only to return home and consign the events of that fateful day to oblivion. We witnessed the PTI government in power at the center, governing with an iron hand for four and a half years, contending with every opposing force that arose. I shall refrain from delving into the minutiae of the happenings or passing judgment on who tread the righteous path.

The preamble to our discourse was intended to recall the events of December 2011. Although I had nearly forgotten that incident, it was rekindled by the recent episode at LUMS, where a few students displayed discourteous behavior towards the prime minister, posing derogatory queries & sarcastic comments. The prime minister handled the situation with great efficiency. The talk of the town revolved around the individual who reminded the esteemed Prime Minister that he was fifty minutes late for the event. In response, the Prime Minister declared, "I volunteered for this duty; it was not an obligation, nor was I remunerated for it. Furthermore, you had the choice to depart without repercussion." He added, "I extended the proceedings by an extra thirty minutes during a cabinet meeting, during which we discussed the future of our youth, which includes you. Let us not forget that I am compensated for this responsibility."

Although the event concluded and the incident went viral, it left a substantial query mark on our society and educational system, as well as the concerns I expressed earlier. Reliable sources indicate that the students who confronted the Prime Minister were active members of ISF, the student wing of PTI. Thus, it is imperative to recollect my predictions from December 2011: this political party and its leadership have nurtured a generation of zealous adherents, blinded by their leader, who is more a haughty individual working for his own vanity. I am not affiliated with any political party, nor do I possess any vested interest in such matters, but I hold concerns for our society and our youth, who have unwittingly become like living automatons. While it may appear severe to pose such questions, it is worth mentioning in order to examine our society and surroundings, allowing us to implement both corrective and preventive measures.

Finally, let's have a little fun as I playfully question why it seems like Atif Aslam's concert schedule operates on its own clock, and no one seems to mind if he's fashionably late at LUMs.

Complete Discussion: PM Anwarul Haq Kakar's question and answer session with students In Lums | Hum News

PM Anwarul Haq Kakar's question and answer session with students In Lums | Hum News