Pakistan
is on the verge of making history. For the first time, a democratically-elected
government is going to transfer power in the forthcoming elections. This is,
indeed, a landmark achievement for a country ridden with military interventions
since its independence. However, one critical factor remains unanswered: how
will the largely uneducated populace of Pakistan choose its future in the
upcoming elections?
According
to recent estimates, only 58 per cent of 180 million Pakistanis can read or
write. Nearby Sri Lanka, despite surviving a violent civil war, has managed to
educate 98 per cent of its population, whereas India, despite being the second
most populated country in the world, has an impressive 74 per cent literacy
rate.
In
Pakistan, however, the few that are educated seem to be divided on the basis of
gender, ethnicity and influence. For instance, Balochistan stands as the least
educated province and women, who form more than half of our total population,
are largely illiterate, especially in the rural areas of the country.
The
emphasis on education is important because illiteracy plays into the hands of
corrupt politicians who try to win votes on the basis of affiliations and biradari
systems, rather than on their contributions to the nation.
Lessons
are to be learned from history. During the Dark Ages of Europe, the Church
purposely kept the people uneducated so as to continue its influence without
facing any accountability. One dreads that the pattern in Pakistan is similar,
where the ruling elite keeps the people uneducated in order to exploit them for
their selfish motives. A glimpse of the budget allocation on the education
sector is reflective of this fact.
Closely
linked to education is public awareness. The mass media in Pakistan has made
remarkable progress in recent years. It has played a pivotal role in keeping
the public informed and bringing the ruling elite under the umbrella of
accountability and scrutiny. However, the achievements have been far from
ideal. There are still certain sections of the media that cater to the demands
of a select few, thus influencing people to formulate biased opinions. With the
elections looming, the media’s role is of utmost importance. Considering the
fact that the majority of our population is uneducated, the votes cast will be
largely influenced by the mass media. It is imperative that the media portrays
an unbiased opinion through print and television programmes so that the public
can make an informed decision.
Otherwise,
the next elected government may continue to push the country towards an abyss
of turmoil and underdevelopment through self-serving policies that continue to
enslave the people. For the right people to be elected, our people need to be
informed and educated. This is where the real challenge lies for the country.
Let us hope that come May 11, 2013, votes are cast not on the basis of sects,
castes, biradaries and political affiliations but on the basis of a thorough,
logical and comparative analysis of the contesting politicians.
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