Leadership’s Litmus Test

It is really hard not to be a skeptic in Islamic Republic of Pakistan. If you get stuck in a traffic jam for hours due to insane protocol for the VIPs/ elite or even for foreign dignitaries, you feel as a third rated citizen with no human or citizen rights and with no voice at all. Too many road checkpoints, armed deployed gunmen in some sort of uniforms with lackluster and casual bystander role but hard and uncivilised conduct is confronted by millions of common Pakistani as a daily routine. But regrettably, the elite thriving on public money buzzes past making people feel even smaller and more frustrated. But who cares! For the concerned bureaucracy, all that matters is a pat on the back with an obvious red carrot hanging in front of their eyes; while ordinary citizens continue to sizzle under the scorching Sun. There are too many such insulting treatments meted out to ordinary citizens in Pakistan on the roads, streets and in the offices having names prefixed with ‘National’ or ‘ Pakistan’ ; which makes one wonder as to what kind of people are ruling and administrating this country that is neither ‘Islamic nor Democratic’ in true sense?

As per the accepted global norms, True representative political leadership is defined by selflessness, integrity, and accountability. A genuine leader does not seek power for personal gain, but acts as a true servant of the people, putting the needs of the electorate above partisan interests and striving to translate the collective voice into meaningful action. The most resonant perspective on true representative leadership needs to be understood by the Pakistani elite, which manages to get repeatedly imposed on the people, in the light and spirit of the following quotes: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."(Mahatma Gandhi). "True leaders understand that leadership is not about them, but about those they serve." (Sheri L. Dew). "I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?" (Benjamin Disraeli). "The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible."(Dwight D. Eisenhower). "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." (Abraham Lincoln)

For the legislature, executive and judiciary in their respective leadership spheres, True representative leadership is about being a voice for the voiceless, elevating others, and placing the needs of the community above personal gain. It relies on empathy, genuine connection, and empowering the people to achieve their shared vision. But do our Three Pillars of the State understand and act upon the Core Principles of Representation; which highlight that leadership centers on serving and lifting others rather than self-exaltation, emphasize balancing relatability with the ability to motivate and underscore that authority must be rooted in the consent of the governed, advocates for a humble approach where the focus is on the success of the people, focuses on connection, empathy, and empowering others, suggests leaders shape consensus rather than merely seeking it, and stresses that personal example is the most potent leadership tool. 

Apropos, Is Pakistan really ruled by a true public representative legislature? Is Pakistan really served by honest and efficient bureaucracy and judiciary? The state of mind and the state of affairs in Pakistan do not support any such claim. Despite usual bombast on the floors of the parliament, in glittering official gatherings with nodding heads sitting around, larger than life images created through the national media and by roadside advertisements wasting public money, the masses are disenchanted and agitated. The powerful elite guarded by numerous security personnel in their abodes as well as when on the move, look scared and feel insecure facing people whom wrongfully they claim to represent  and serve The ruling elite has converted their residences and working places into fortresses with high steel gates, walls, numerous security checkpoints, multilayered physical and electronic surveillance—all in the name of security on the public expenses. Just an example: The Constitution Avenue Islamabad from Convention Centre to Margalla-AttaTurk Road junction has been fortified to keep the public away from those whose existence is justified for serving the people of Pakistan, however. What a sad state of affairs!

Nowhere in the world the public is reminded every minute that they are insignificant and born to suffer in silence. It is high time that our privileged elite in the helm of affairs realise the ground realities in most parts of the country, instead of maintaining the proverbial ostrich approach. Please start respecting the people and their mandate rather than coercing the 250 million people for the unnatural comfort of a few thousand. The Litmus Test for the Leadership in higher government chairs is to get out of their prison-like residential and office premises, walk among people, listen to them and serve them as per their aspirations on the internal and external fronts. I suggest taking a start from Garrisoned D-Chowk and then follow it up in other places all over the country instead of Tik-tokers like staged managed superficial appearances. Pakistan Zindabad!