Syed Mardan Ali Shah, Pir Pagara Sharif, used to issue statements to intimidate politicians, saying that the time had come for a broom to sweep through politics. The late Pir Pagara used to describe himself as a representative of GHQ. His statements were a blend of humor, satire, and bitter truth. In today’s situation, Pir Sahib’s phrase comes strongly to mind, because politics has indeed been swept clean. For now, politics has become completely irrelevant. Like the saying “one is a goldsmith and the other a blacksmith,” instead of long tales of diplomacy, politics, service, and narratives, a single act, one step, has rendered all politics ineffective. The late Pir Pagara used to warn of martial law, signal the dismissal of governments, or caution about accountability in the coming days—but now none of that has happened, and yet the broom has swept through. Is it the alignment of the stars, a miracle, someone’s prayer, or simply a new page in history?

Bravery leaves one astonished. Bravery is a story far beyond intellect; a single act of courage outweighs a hundred events of reason and understanding. Even now, an extraordinary and astonishing display of bravery has pushed both government and opposition politics far behind. That is why it is said that this world is shaped by the brave, while the timid, due to their compromises, are forced merely to live in it. The brave change the course of wars and politics. The remarkable success in the Pakistan-India war was also driven by astonishing courage, and even today, descending the steps of an aircraft fearlessly in war-stricken Iran stuns the mind. The diplomacy of the past few days, and then the visit to Iran, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s history. Such international stature, such balanced diplomacy between the United States and China, Iran and the United States, and amidst tensions between America and China, was extraordinary—but the visit to Iran shook the very strings of the heart. Something was done that had never been done before. Who knows what tomorrow holds, as history’s valleys contain many harsh turns—but for today, he has taken the game, everyone else has lost, and he alone stands victorious.

Whether it is real history or fiction, there are countless characters, but the one who seizes the moment and turns it into eternity is the true hero. In the Greek mythological Trojan Wars, Achilles became the greatest warrior by killing Hector. Alexander the Great led his troops personally to victory against Persia. Ashoka won the war of Kalinga and then spread the light of peace through Buddhism. Hazrat Ali (may Allah honor him) turned the tide of battles at Badr, Uhud, and Khaybar through bravery. Khalid bin Waleed, Richard the Lionheart, Salahuddin Ayyubi, and Tariq bin Ziyad displayed such personal courage that history still remembers them. Bhutto tearing up a UN resolution and then courageously walking to the gallows has not been forgotten even after half a century. Descending the steps of a plane in Tehran is a similar scene that changes history.

Every civilization has its own thought, metaphors, and traditions. In Muslim societies, personal bravery has always been given precedence over intellect. In such societies, the responsibility for every lost battle lies solely with the commander, while the credit for every victory goes to the bravest soldier. The Abbasid caliph and Ibn al-Alqami are still remembered as villains for the fall of Baghdad. Similarly, the stain of General Niazi surrendering in Dhaka has not faded. The stories of Abu Abdullah during the fall of Granada remain examples of decline. For 700 years, downfall has been our destiny, while victory, triumph, courage, and global recognition have become rare for us. That is why we see descending in Tehran as extraordinary bravery and a new history.

The study of history tells us that the most intelligent individuals in society are thinkers and politicians; generals, journalists, or others are not their equals in intellect. Whether it was Churchill’s wisdom or Charles de Gaulle’s understanding, both secured greatness for Britain and France. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah won Pakistan’s case through intellect and created a new country. Bhutto gave Pakistan its first unanimous constitution. Nawaz Sharif introduced economic and infrastructure visions through motorways and economic liberalism. Benazir Bhutto set examples of democracy and human rights. Asif Zardari eliminated grievances about provincial rights through the 18th Amendment. Shehbaz Sharif successfully ran the hybrid system. Imran Khan gave dreams and energized youth in politics. In short, politicians have played a key role in determining Pakistan’s direction. But now, this role has been taken over by a non-politician. A new direction, new destination, and new paths all seem to be set—yet politics, already weak, cannot withstand this storm. That is why politics appears to have been swept away, and a broom seems to be passing everywhere.

Who became a hero and who a zero? How do zeros become heroes, and why do heroes turn into zeros? Looking at politicians, there is no sign of courage or hope anywhere; all are sitting silently, lying in wait. Nawaz Sharif is only available for guidance and has largely withdrawn from practical politics. Asif Zardari is the President, but neither he nor Bilawal Bhutto holds center stage. Shehbaz Sharif is successful, but the leadership and command of the state are not entirely in his hands. The former hero sitting in Adiala Jail, whatever he may be thinking, the situation has changed so rapidly that his imprisonment is no longer the country’s major issue. Thus, both government and opposition together seem to have been swept aside politically.

All this may be true, but if the country is political, its issues are political, and the people are political, then how can a non-political hero run things? In such a situation, how will things function? The powerful circles, politicians in government and opposition, must set aside ego and stubbornness to preserve and maintain this rare moment of success. The way PTI YouTubers were targeting the state and its heroes, events have exposed their propaganda and allegations as hollow. Call it miracles or favorable circumstances—day by day, falsehood is being laid bare. It is becoming clear who protects the state and who opposes it; who seeks instability and who brings stability; who failed in diplomacy and became isolated; who praised himself and who is being praised globally; during whose time Pakistan’s value declined; who spoke of default; and who elevated Pakistan’s status worldwide. The United States and Iran may be enemies, yet both admire Pakistan. Descending the aircraft stairs in Tehran has changed much—politics and the future style of politics as well. If the stars do not change their course, then power, politics, government, and prestige will all belong to him.