Salman Ahmed
These days, the echo of “Ooooo” is resonating across social media. Interestingly, this sound originated in Japan and found its way to Pakistan, with credit for its introduction in Pakistan going to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, it was his political opponents who made it viral.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wanted to convey how nations are built, but his manner of expression became a target of satire and mockery by his opponents. Social media was flooded with memes and videos of “Ooooo.” While the Prime Minister delivered the sound with a certain rhythm, his opponents replicated it in a humorous tone. As writers, we choose to express this sentiment through words rather than sounds, hoping our protest style will be acknowledged.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed to explain how nations are formed. Unfortunately, we failed to grasp the essence of his message and instead turned it into a joke. This reflects our tendency to prioritize mockery over addressing serious issues.
Citing the example of Japanese workers, the Prime Minister emphasized adopting peaceful ways of protest. According to him, protests should not disrupt daily life. For instance:
Citizens could voice their concerns about increased electricity bills by uttering “Ooooo” while paying them.
Shoppers could express their frustration over inflation with “Ooooo,” while shopkeepers could respond with their own “Ooooo” to protest taxes.
In Pakistan, protests often involve violence, arson, roadblocks, and loss of lives. While “Ooooo” may work as a protest method in Japan, here it would likely become a source of ridicule, as peaceful protests are rarely taken seriously.
Our society often exhibits a lack of tolerance. Be it religious gatherings, weddings, or construction projects, public inconvenience is overlooked, and roads are blocked. During protests, violence, stone-throwing, and destruction of public property highlight our collective behavioral issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s question, “How are nations built?” is vital. However, the answer lies not in speeches or advertisements but in upholding the rule of law, transparency, and justice. The formation of governments and adherence to the constitution are essential. Regrettably, in Pakistan, the constitution is often disregarded.
When election results lack public trust, governments may form, but nations cannot. In countries like Japan, even amid protests, the rule of law prevails. In contrast, in Pakistan, the law is subject to the whims of the powerful.
In Punjab, pensions and benefits for government employees are being slashed, while the salaries of MPs and ministers have been increased by 400%. Such disparities deepen public frustration. Government apathy toward public issues has led people to resort to satire as a means of expressing their emotions.
Nations are not built by the echo of “Ooooo” but through justice and the rule of law. The governance model of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the words of Hazrat Umar (RA) remind us that a leader’s responsibility is to ensure public welfare.
If we truly aspire to be a nation, we must fundamentally change our attitudes, systems, and priorities. Instead of indulging in mockery, we should seriously reflect on whether we are capable of using “Ooooo” as a means of recording our protest—or if it will merely remain a source of amusement.
