Gulliver’s Travels and Pakistan
By Misbah U. Azam, PhD
Phoenix, AZ
In the third part of Jonathan Swift’s famous classic“Gulliver’s Travels”, the pirate crew leaves Captain Gulliver on a desolate island where he is rescued by the flying island of Laputa, a kingdom devoted to music and mathematics but utterly unable to use them for any practical purpose. There Gulliver comes across a race of mortals, unique in shape, habits, and countenance. They have servants, carrying a blown bladder fastened to the end of a short stick. These bladders are employed to give their masters a soft flap on their eyes, mouth or ears to prompt them to see, hear or speak.
The book is a biting satire on middle eighteenth century England. It became immensely popular as soon as it was published. It can be safely said that Gulliver’s Travels has never been out of print since it was published as the political elites in the world are still like the characters of Laputa, who are so much out of touch with reality that they listen and see only when they are aroused by the promptings of their servants around them.
It was ironic that in his last address to the nation General (rtd) Musharraf bragged about the great economic progress during his time and recalled how during his tenure many, many people were seen standing in line in posh restaurants! His recollections were no surprise as all military dictators always talk in the same tone.
But it is very unfortunate that the elected leadership in Pakistan, who came to power through the vote of the masses, seems to be turning into Laputian elites too: They do not see the ground reality and act on what the people around them say. It is understandable that by having Mr. Zardari as President, the country could avoid a semi-martial law situation (a Bangladesh model) in the future which would more likely occur if some neutral candidate would be sitting in the presidency. However, he should understand that if he lets the coalition collapse and joins hands with PML(Q), the masses would be greatly disappointed and the PPP’s credibility would suffer.
The PML-N too should realize that by taking a hard line they would prove themselves incompetent and shortsighted. Their decision to stay in the opposition will not help the judges cause.
At this juncture, the coalition parties, lawyers, and deposed judges, should take the middle course for the larger interest of the country without imposing deadlines and holding out threats of civil disobedience.
