We do not for a moment forget the intrinsic value of the democratic set up, when we point out some of the achievements registered by those, who have established undemocratic regimes. They seem to be urged on by a growing desire to declare by deeds, the effectiveness of their regime, by exhibiting an energy, will-power and drive – all aimed at the removal of those atrocities and injustices perpetrated by anti-social elements.

While those who pin their faith in democracy are eager and vigorous in presenting salubrious acts for putting down the activities of unsocial elements and yet allow the evil to persist, believing perhaps, that the very enactment would annihilate such evils, those who dare not claim to have gathered around themselves popular support through the ballot, begin eradicating evils and annihilating atrocities, with such quickness and effectiveness, that the people find themselves drawn towards them, in spite of the fact that they happen to be dictators. For, having waited for a long time, with confidence, the people found to their dismay that their chosen leaders who were lavish in their promises became half-hearted, fumbling, dabbling, postponing and evading issues – and when someone who did not ascend the place of power, cajoling the people or catering sweet promises to the people, pounce upon offenders, hunt down black-marketers and smugglers, well naturally the people get elated. Those in whom the people have placed implicit faith and confidence have failed to deliver the goods. Succour comes from the most unexpected quarter. Hence the people are bound to be wonder-struck and thankful. They may not like the system – in fact most of them do not – but how could they minimize the importance of the benefits that are conferred on them.

From Karachi is published the sensational news, that the Special Military Court sentenced Haji Wali Mahomed Bhatti, a notorious smuggler – it seems he was known as the King of Smugglers – to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs.2 lakhs was imposed. The government confiscated gold worth a crore of rupees from this smuggler, which was hidden in the sea – bed and which the Pakistan Navy salvaged.

The very news ought to have sent thrills of joy. People would have been naturally drawn towards the regime. Here is a man with a strong will and purpose. He is quick, effective and relentless, when dealing with such anti-social elements as smugglers.

Cabinets have come and gone, hopes were raised afresh and shattered, but the smugglers were having their sway. Ayub took the reins of the government, and these smugglers who were eluding the democrats, are booked and imprisoned.

“Democrats,” some would come forward to argue, “could not take such swift and strong action, for, they are cribbed, cabined and confined by so many restrictions, rules and regulations and they are answerable to the House, to their party caucus and to the public. Hence they could only take cautious steps. Not so a dictator. He could afford to throw all such restrictions overboard and launch an offensive. That’s how they get quick results”.

But they who put forward such an argument forget, that when those democratic governments are faced with agitations, strikes, demonstrations and the like, in which commoners are involved, hesitate not to take swift, and at times savage measures, to maintain law and order! Perhaps, the democrats here as well as in Pakistan have indulged in more shootings and baton-charging than the much maligned foreigner.

Well, when these democrats are able to muster courage, brave dangers, and marshall forth their might, in putting down agitations sponsored by the people, why is it that when they are asked to take effective and quick action against vested interests and anti-social elements, they tremble and falter? When orders are issued for opening fire, they seem to be vigorous. When in the House, there arises opposition, the democratic ministers rise up to defend police action, in sure and certain tone. They do not, on such occasions, stop to ponder about the possible criticisms that could be raised. They ‘shoot to kill’! But when they are asked to take cudgels against smugglers and such anti-social elements, they begin debating! They are not vigorous enough and valiant enough when they are asked to take stern measures against the vested interests.

Shielding vested interest, is not a virtue and certainly that is not to be cited as one of the ingredients for democracy.

If democracy becomes ineffective in defending the people against the onslaught of anti-social elements, how could it hope to retain its hold over their hearts?

The ‘Dictators’ – most of them – have got the knack of keen perception, bold conception and quick delivery whereas ‘abortive attempts’ only are presented by the democrats.

It might be that under the dictator, people could not enjoy freedom of thought and expression. They are not called upon to ‘elect’ their rulers. But even it is a question of clearing the mess, putting down atrocities and injustices, vanquishing the machinations of vested interests, the dictators score brilliant victories and no amount of debates about doctrines on democracy could act as a break, to the enthusiastic support that the people rise up to lend to the regime.

It is exactly because of this that dictators are suffered to remain at the helm of affairs.

We against hasten to declare that we have not lost faith in democracy as such – we but point out that democracy should draw ample lessons from such events. Indecision can never strengthen the hands of democracy. And democrats should note, that there they – the dictators – score. Democrats should become more vigorous, less vacillating and when fighting vested interest, they should not be chicken hearted.

(Sub-Editorial - 12-04-1959)