Revolution the only way

Aitzaz Ahsan talks about the chances of stability in time to come

Karachi: A seasoned politician and veteran lawyer of the country, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, in an interview with Bol News, talks about the growing economic and political uncertainty and Pakistan’s position in the changing world order.

Where do you see Pakistan in the changing world order?

When I think of Pakistan in the context of the changing world order, I see a bullock cart with a huge barrel in which our nuclear bomb is in the middle of Time Square.

Over the last 30 years, the world order has shifted in such a way that China has benefited while America and Europe, particularly America, have suffered the most. Currently, the market is flooded with ‘Made in China’ products, and this has placed our neighbouring country in the driver’s seat.

Do you see Pakistan changing for the better in future?

Placing responsibility on others has become a thing of the past; the need is to change oneself now. Unfortunately, I do not see this happening soon.

Amid growing political and economic instability, do you see a revolution brewing in Pakistan?

The country has not been able to stabilise in the last seventy-five years, nor is it likely to do so with the current state of affairs. Now revolution seems to be the only way for the betterment of Pakistan in days to come.

How do you see Pakistan’s foreign policy in the current economic situation?

Saudi Arabia has exerted pressure on us on behalf of the United States, and they may do so again. Of course, China and the United States are the dominant players in the changing world order, but the non-dominant players are also very important to us. Saudi Arabia will be critical to us as long as we are reliant on oil. India will also be significant. Europe, for a variety of reasons including substantial diaspora, has its importance too.

Do you think the appointment of the Army Chief was hyped up beyond measure?

This is what has been happening right from the start. The army chief has always been in a position to take the most important decisions. As per the constitution, the supreme commander of the armed forces is the president of the country, but he is powerless. The statement by the former army chief has underlined the interference in politics in the past.

What is the future of politics in this country?

Unfortunately, neither the future of Pakistan can be predicted nor any indicators determine the direction of the country.