World history is filled with instances of mass destruction by an individual or group for personal gain. The current political scenario in Pakistan is very much similar.
It seems that the political parties in Pakistan are ready to forge alliances with each other to gain political power. But sometimes, political parties, in conjunction with each other, do not have a common ideology and this increases the chances of exploitation and maneuvering the system.
The use of violent means to promote political interests in our country is increasing with every passing day. The parties are using religion as a tool and mudslinging each other. There are also many scams. Arrogance, narcissism, self-absorption, and selfishness have become a way of life and political power is being used to achieve goals. Lust for power in humans is considered one of the worst traits.
Most political parties in Pakistan are limited to specific regions. The Pakistan People’s Party and the Muslim League are no longer national parties. A common feature among them is that they are a one-man/woman party and the personal ambition of these leaders determines the course of politics.
It makes a man completely unethical and loses all his subtle sensations. Undoubtedly, the most relevant to us here is the political power and democratic politics of our country. The political position of an acknowledged leader gives him the power to use his influence on people as well as on the national institutions.
The best examples in the context of Pakistan are Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of West Pakistan and Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman of East Pakistan, both of whom have a strong desire to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan, their lust for power created a gap that became a reason for a new country Bangladesh previously known as East Pakistan emerged on the map of the world in the year 1971. It would lead to immense suffering and the death of many of their countrymen did not deter them from pursuing their ambition.
China’s, Mao Zedong who is also known as Chairman Mao began the infamous Cultural Revolution, which in the process wiped out millions of people, the death toll is roughly estimated between 250000 to 20 Million. Later, the next generation of Chinese leaders suppressed opposition by enforcing the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Germany’s Adolf Hitler’s Hunger for power made him so blind that he completely ignored the cost and impacts of the war that he started which later got converted into World War 2. The enormity and destruction were so huge that 50-56 million soldiers and civilians were killed during the war and additional 19-28 million deaths were because of war-related diseases and shortage of food (Famine). Marshall Lon Nol is evidence of the Cambodian genocide which resulted in the death of 1.5 to 2.0 million people during the four years between 1975 to 1979.
During the post-liberation days, communist leaders were also very ruthless in rebuilding their country. In this case, the name of the Russian leader Joseph Stalin comes to mind. If we review medieval history, it can be said that expansionist tendencies were responsible for many invasions. This lust for power also carries out terrorism/extremism activities.
After the recent U.S. election, it became evident that the battle was between two power-hungry individuals who were ready to step down at any level to seize power. This can also be witnessed even in the current situation of Pakistan, where many regional leaders have joined as an ally to topple the Prime minister’s position just for the Lust for Power.