[The most harrowing example of this betrayal was the secession of East Pakistan, a tragedy rooted in political greed and authoritarianism….] By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
Under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent fought a monumental struggle, sacrificing millions of lives for a single dream—a
homeland where they could enjoy human rights, religious freedom, and live with dignity. This vision gave birth to Pakistan, a state that was meant to stand as a beacon of Islamic values, social justice, and democracy, and to be a global symbol of the Muslim Ummah’s aspirations.
Yet, as we reflect on the trajectory of Pakistan in the past seventy years, we are left with a haunting question: what has become of that original vision? The principles of justice, equality, and welfare that formed the foundation of Pakistan have been systematically eroded by those entrusted to protect them. Far from fulfilling Jinnah’s dream, Pakistan has been led astray by power-hungry rulers, corrupt elites, and self-serving military generals who betrayed the very people who gave birth to this nation.
The most harrowing example of this betrayal was the secession of East Pakistan, a tragedy rooted in political greed and authoritarianism. The military rulers in West Pakistan, rather than embracing the democratic and inclusive principles upon which the country was founded, pursued narrow personal interests, leading to one of the darkest chapters in the history of history. Instead of unity, they sowed division. Instead of democracy, they enforced martial law. And instead of merit, they empowered politicians and individuals who had no loyalty to the people, but only to themselves and their foreign backers.
This cycle of betrayal has not ended. In fact, it has only worsened. The last February elections in Pakistan were a shameful spectacle—so flagrantly manipulated those international observers and analysts openly declared them a fraud. The will of the Pakistani people was trampled upon as a corrupt and illegitimate government was installed, not to serve the people, but to execute the agenda of external powers. Aided by unscrupulous judges, compromised officials in the Election Commission, and the ever-present interference of the Pakistan Army, this fake government was handed the reins of a country whose future hangs in the balance.
Let us not be naive—this is not the doing of one political party or one institution. It is a web of corruption and deceit that spans across the military establishment, the judiciary, and political elites who have sold the soul of this country for their own benefit. They are the real traitors of Pakistan—the ones who wear the mask of patriotism while betraying the core principles upon which this nation was built. They have stifled the voices of the people, stolen their votes, and crushed their hopes, all to maintain their luxurious lifestyles in Islamabad’s most expensive buildings.
Today, the people of Pakistan stand at a decisive juncture in history. We can no longer afford to remain silent, to watch from the sidelines as our future is bartered away. The time has come for us to take a stand—for our rights, for our freedom, for the very survival of the Pakistan that Jinnah dreamed of.
Pakistanis, the hour of reckoning is upon us. This is no longer just a political crisis—it is a moral and existential battle for the soul of our nation. If we do not act now, our children and their children will live under the shadow of oppression and tyranny. The corrupt, the powerful, and the elite have thrived while the common people suffer. They have failed us, time and again, but now is the moment to seize back control of our destiny.
We must rise from our homes, from our towns and cities, and march to the heart of this betrayal—D-Chowk, Islamabad. This is where the corrupt, the complicit, and the collaborators sit in their ivory towers, indifferent to the plight of the nation. It is time to make our voices heard, to demand accountability, and to stage a protest that shakes the very foundations of their power. Pakistan was not built for the elite—it was built by the blood, sweat, and tears of the common people, and it is the common people who must now save it.
This is not just a protest—it is a movement for justice, for freedom, and for the future of Pakistan. We must stand united, undeterred, and unwavering in our demand for change. We must remain in the streets, in Islamabad, in every city across the country, until these corrupt rulers are thrown out of their opulent offices, and Pakistan is returned to its rightful owners—the people.
Pakistanis, the time is now. For the sake of your dignity, for the rights of your children, and for the future of generations to come—rise and reclaim the Pakistan that was promised to us. (The writer is a Sydney-based journalist and editor Tribune International, Australia. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com).
END