LAHORE (April 21): The growth and the expansion of the middle class during the past 25-30 years due to reformation in the economic framework is unprecedented. There is a culture of resistance in our society which is very deep rooted and this thing should be celebrated and glorified.

This was stated by renowned political scientist Dr Rasool Bakhash Rais while delivering a lecture on “The Post Military Regime in Pakistan: Is There a hope for Democracy” organized by Punjab University Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS) here New Campus on Monday. Dr Rais discussed to different approaches in detail regarding the present and the near future scenario in Pakistan and hope for democracy.

Discussing, what he termed ‘the pessimistic approach’, Dr Rais discussed three key points: (1) people think that the same ruling groups, which had been tested in the past are included in the new government like Zardari, Nawaz, Asfand Wali Khan etc, (2) there is ambiguity in the mind of the leaders at the Centre and the provinces regarding President Musharraf’s stay in the presidency, restoration of the judiciary, understanding between the US and Zardari because, he said, efforts for compromise between Musharraf and Zardari have not yet come to an end fully, (3) some peoples are considering the next six months are crucial. He said Pakistani society underwent three important stages which we have to understand. Firstly, the growth and expansion of middle class during past 25-30 years due to reformation in economic framework and this is the class which is a greater hope. Secondly, the new generation of Pakistan in the form of young students, lawyers, media-men and writers is very committed towards the construction of positive image of the country. They want their country not to be named as uncivilized, terrorist or extremist etc. This new ideology has taken deep roots in our youth and society.

Thirdly, there is a culture of resistance in our society which is very deep rooted and this thing should be celebrated and glorified. Centre for South Asian Studies Director Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar raised the lecture and thanked Dr Rasool Bakhash Rais for what he said ‘giving a hope to them regarding political scenario in the country’. A large number of the students, faculty members and heads of departments were also present.