Reason is cunning, so it changes many disguises. Regarding respect, there is a Persian proverb: “Respect comes not from wealth, but from skill.” That is, respect is not obtained from wealth, but from skill. And zenith, reaching the peak of perfection—that is, acquiring power and authority—might be more suitable for those who achieve power. Without reason, the zenith cannot be maintained for long. Before discussing the political use and effects of reason, respect, and zenith, first listen to a true incident.

The late and forgiven Iqbal Tikka was a wise friend and a compassionate, kind politician. He said that when Bhutto stepped down from power, Zia-ul-Haq announced new elections again. The Pakistan Peoples Party had to announce tickets. Iqbal Tikka was desirous of the National Assembly ticket from Arifwala. A day before the announcement of tickets, Bhutto called Iqbal Tikka for a meeting and said, “Look Tikka, you are my friend. Tell me, would you prefer to remain Bhutto’s friend or take the ticket?” Iqbal Tikka instantly replied to the difficult and complex question: “I will prefer taking the ticket.” Bhutto, trying to play with Iqbal Tikka’s emotions, smiled and said, “So you are preferring a party ticket over the friendship of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto? I did not expect this disloyalty from your friendship.” Iqbal Tikka, without getting emotional, replied, “If I don’t even get the ticket, then what friendship and where is the connection?” Bhutto smiled, fell silent, and gave Iqbal Tikka the National Assembly ticket.

Let us try to apply the political interpretation of reason, respect, and zenith to the current situation. The middle class of society is the guardian and custodian of values; that is why the word “respect” is most sacred in it. In common parlance, it is said: “I just want respect,” or “It is not wealth and power, the real thing is respect,” and “Life may go, but respect must not go,” etc., etc. In an Indian film, the middle-class concept of respect was mocked by calling it “Izzat” (Ajjat). Film, of course, is a film; there is less reality and more fiction in it. But those in power and those at the zenith and peak of perfection have been preferring power over respect using their reason. Their philosophy is that politics is a game of zenith and decline. Respect, disrespect, and ups and downs are the moves and tactics of this game. A wise wrestler catches the opponent’s weakness and plays that same move repeatedly; if he has a weakness of his own, he does not let it show. The great boxer Muhammad Ali Clay used to let his opponents strike his stomach, while protecting his face and head by hiding them with his fists. When the opponent got tired of striking the stomach, Muhammad Ali Clay would adopt an aggressive posture and knock out the opponent. Boxing and wrestling are, after all, games of physical strength and skill, whereas politics is a game of power, unemotionality, and reason, every move of which has to be played after careful thought and keeping its possible effects in mind.

The two major allies of the current government, Nooni (PML-N) and People (PPP), have seen many ups and downs in the past 41 years. They have not only closely watched the spectacle of jail and rail, throne and gallows, but both of them have also been targets of practice at different times. Having passed through periods of temporary respect, popularity, and unpopularity, they now make decisions not with emotions but with reason. They know that if the zenith is to be maintained, power cannot be given permanence through temporary respect. Even if they have to bow their heads, they bend their backs and pass through the difficult path. Clear light has to come after the tunnel.

Let us conceptually see what conversation might have taken place among four leaders of Noon—Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Shehbaz Sharif, and Ishaq Dar—in a meeting regarding the talk of ending the system, and how the decision was made. The beginning, obviously, must have been made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself so that he could represent the real situation. Shehbaz Sharif must have said that the establishment sincerely wishes for Pakistan’s progress and improvement. But despite the joint efforts, hard work, and sincerity of the establishment and ours, no big change is coming. The capable thinkers of the establishment believe that until revolutionary changes are brought into the structure of the administration, effective and best governance is simply not possible. In this regard, this change can be started by creating new provinces or administrative units so that the regional and district economy can be promoted. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was the youngest in age in terms of this gathering; therefore, it is estimated that she must have been the first to raise the question: “Why was this bomb dropped without telling us? Everything was going fine, what was the purpose and need for bringing this sudden earthquake?” In response, the Prime Minister must have said: “Daughter Maryam! The demand of national and international circumstances is that we and the ruling classes move forward together so that we can steer the country’s boat to safety through reform. We have to look at the situation not emotionally, but with a cool heart.” Ishaq Dar must have said that this is not the right time for this explosion. Fire is raging in Kashmir, Pashtunkhwa, and Balochistan; Sindh and Punjab are peaceful. This is not the time to set off an explosion and light a fire there. I have access to the powerful circles; I will go and talk to them that this is not the time for such controversial decisions. Hopefully, the powerful circles will listen to my words carefully and might even agree. At the end of the meeting, Nawaz Sharif must have made the final decision and said: “Shehbaz, this is an inappropriate thing to happen; in a way, it is tantamount to stabbing politics in the back. But this point of Dar Sahib is correct, and I also agree with your opinion that this is not the time for the establishment and Noon to fight. Shehbaz Sahib and Dar Sahib, go to Rawalpindi and talk. For now, Noon should not give any reaction. If any change is to be brought, the establishment and the leadership of Noon should sit down together and decide with meticulous detail.”

On the other side, consultation must have also taken place on this topic between the President father of People (PPP) and his son Bilawal Bhutto. Let us decode this conceptual phone call, which possibly took place somewhat like this:

Father: “The speech that took place in Islamabad, I had no news of it nor any idea, although Mohsin met me last night, but he did not tell me anything about this announcement.”

Son: “I have been telling you for a long time that the Noonis are conspiring against our party. Our seats in Azad Kashmir have been snatched by force and rigging. False propaganda is being spread about the Sindh government and your corruption. The establishment is being alienated from you and me.”

Father: “Our strongest contact with the establishment was through Mohsin, but now he has grown very big and often acts according to his own will. He is our child, but he also has to take care of others. Mohsin is sincere with us.”

Son: “Your friends in the past have always gotten us killed. Mohsin himself is very good, but there are many who instigate and coax him. We have to be careful.”

Father: “We have to move with patience and caution; only by controlling emotions can we avert this crisis.”

From the conceptual conversation and consultations of the Nooni and People camps, it can be estimated where and how much the bomb set off by the Interior Minister has affected politics…!!