Karachi Political Reflections

 Karachi  Political Reflections

 Mubasher Mir

In a series of recent diplomatic events in Karachi, the Consulate General of France and Türkiye commemorated their national days — each rooted in moments of profound national transformation. These events not only marked significant historical milestones but also offered an opportunity to reflect on Pakistan’s contemporary challenges through the lens of these pivotal revolutions and democratic movements.

Commemorating Bastille Day: The French Struggle for Equality

At a local hotel, the French Consulate General in Karachi celebrated Bastille Day — observed on July 14th — a defining moment in French history. The French Consul General, Alexis Chahtahtinsky, addressed the gathering, explaining the symbolic and historical significance of the storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789.

The Bastille, once a fortress turned into a state prison, represented the absolute monarchy of Louis XVI, where political prisoners were detained without trial. The storming of this prison became a powerful symbol of the people’s resistance against oppression, class inequality, and arbitrary power. The revolution, rooted in the Enlightenment principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, triggered profound structural changes in France and across Europe. It forced the monarchy into reforms and culminated in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, enshrining civil liberties that echo in democratic constitutions to this day (Schama, Citizens, 1989).

In his address, the Consul General highlighted the longstanding Franco-Pakistani relations, particularly in defence cooperation. He cited Pakistan’s acquisition of Mirage fighter aircraft, still operational with the Pakistan Air Force, and the collaborative development of Agosta-class submarines — a project that tragically witnessed the 2002 terrorist attack on French engineers in Karachi. These examples underscore both the depth of cooperation and the challenges faced in the pursuit of strategic ties.

Türkiye’s July 15th: A People’s Victory Over a Coup

In a parallel ceremony, the Turkish Consulate General in Karachi observed the Day of Democracy and National Unity, commemorating the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016. The Consul General, Cemal Sangu, addressed attendees and recounted the dramatic and harrowing events of that evening — when a faction within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The coup plotters launched airstrikes on the Turkish Parliament, police headquarters, and attempted to seize key government installations using tanks and helicopters. President Erdoğan, narrowly escaping capture, addressed the nation via FaceTime, urging citizens to resist. In a moment that reshaped Turkish political identity, millions of civilians took to the streets, confronting tanks with nothing but flags and resolve. Over 250 people were killed, and more than 2,000 were injured defending the democratic order (Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, 2016).

In the days that followed, a large-scale crackdown ensued. The government accused exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen of orchestrating the coup, which he denied. Tens of thousands of civil servants, military personnel, and judges were dismissed or arrested. While the incident raised concerns over civil liberties, it also cemented a national consensus on preserving democracy, celebrated each year as a day of unity and patriotism.

Parallels with Pakistan: Revolution, Resistance, and Relevance

These historical moments in France and Türkiye are not merely foreign events — they hold a mirror to Pakistan’s own democratic journey.

Pakistan today grapples with glaring socio-economic inequalities reminiscent of pre-revolutionary France. A small elite — comprised of the political class, landed aristocracy, and bureaucratic power centers — controls national wealth and decision-making. Meanwhile, the vast majority of citizens suffer under the weight of inflation, over-taxation, poor services, and crumbling institutions. As in 18th-century France, the voices of ordinary people are increasingly marginalized, while the ruling class remains insulated in privilege.

Similarly, Pakistan has witnessed numerous instances of democratic disruption — where elected governments have been overthrown through unconstitutional means, often under the guise of corruption or national security. Yet, unlike the powerful public response seen in Türkiye, Pakistan’s public resistance has often been fragmented or muted. As political historian Dr. Ayesha Jalal notes in The Struggle for Pakistan (2014), the country has struggled to transition from a security state to a participatory democracy, where the ballot carries supreme legitimacy.

The Rise of Digital Resistance: A New Frontier

However, signs of democratic awakening are emerging. In the absence of institutional accountability, social media has evolved into a powerful instrument of civic engagement in Pakistan. A recent example from Balochistan demonstrates this shift. A man and woman were brutally murdered under a tribal jirga ruling, accused of dishonoring tradition, despite claiming to be legally married. The local administration remained silent, and the incident would have been buried — had it not been for the public outcry on social media platforms.

Facing widespread digital backlash, the Chief Minister of Balochistan admitted to prior knowledge of the incident and was compelled to take action. Authorities arrested the accused and presented them in court. This is not an isolated case — across Pakistan, we are seeing a new digital consciousness, where citizens demand transparency, justice, and reform, often forcing lethargic institutions to respond.

Conclusion: Between Legacy and Destiny

France and Türkiye’s national histories offer profound lessons for Pakistan. From revolutionary France, we learn that systemic inequality, if left unaddressed, breeds explosive consequences. From modern Türkiye, we see the power of collective civic action in defending democracy. Both nations remind us that people, not power, are the true custodians of the state.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads. Without governance reforms, institutional accountability, and respect for democratic mandates, the gulf between the state and citizenry will continue to widen. Yet, with the rise of digital activism, a politically aware youth, and a civil society no longer willing to remain silent — the tide may be turning.

History does not repeat itself, but as Mark Twain aptly observed, it often rhymes. The challenge now is whether Pakistan will learn from history — or become a case study for it.