Thursday, July 28, 2011
INDIAN HEGEMONY
Indian hegemony, apparently a bitter pill to swallow for all the Pakistanis, but lets be realistic and accept the ground reality. Both India and Pakistan got freedom from The British Raj at the same time but present day India is not a match to Pakistan in each and every aspect of life, be it their adds in the TV or its per capita income or its literacy rate or its IT sector, Indians are going forward with stead fastness and destination in mind. On the other side, Pakistan is boggled when it views world’s tilt towards India .we must remember one thing in mind that there are no permanent friends or foes in today’s world, it’s the interests which matter most. If Miss Clinton comes on the stage and calls for Indian role in the area, this invitation should not be seen with envy rather we need to evaluate the circumstances which prompted US secretary of State to make this call. World’s bent of mind towards India is in no uncertain terms, rather it has proved that they deserve to be pampered and liked owing to their all round performance in every walk of life.
OUR INCUMBENT FOREIGN MINISTER
Pakistan at present is fraught with unending and never relaxing problems, which has put this country in a messy situation. It is a fact that perilous situations do come in every society and nations do come out of such problems by the dint of determination, perseverance and unmitigated will power but for Pakistan, all these positive and constructive features are just the part of discussions and rhetoric. Unfortunately, the people sitting at helm of affairs are least bothered about this situation and they are busy in mud slinging and saving their interests. The recent blunder, made by the Govt is of international magnitude through appointment of Miss Khar as FM of the country.
The current domestic and international scenario demands a seasoned and more vibrant person, who could bring country out of chaotic situation. Khar’s appointment as foreign minister is an attempt by the sitting Govt to show the world its liberalism and progressive attitude but as a matter of fact it is the reiteration of age old feudal and clan system. We need to open our eyes and face the bitter prevailing realities which demand practical results .our biggest fault is that we don’t learn from past and keep repeating blunders not mistakes. At least we should learn lessons from our next door neighbor, India who most of the time have knocked us down on diplomatic fronts and made us face alienation and isolation in international comity.
Little –carrot-long-stick approach of Washington against Pakistan, relations with India, conflict in Afghanistan and shift in China’s foreign policy makers are few of many other fronts where Miss Khar will have to prove her skills and abilities which apparently she lakes. Ministerial responsibilities will consume most of her time in the coming months. She is walking into a minefield of foreign relations.
The current domestic and international scenario demands a seasoned and more vibrant person, who could bring country out of chaotic situation. Khar’s appointment as foreign minister is an attempt by the sitting Govt to show the world its liberalism and progressive attitude but as a matter of fact it is the reiteration of age old feudal and clan system. We need to open our eyes and face the bitter prevailing realities which demand practical results .our biggest fault is that we don’t learn from past and keep repeating blunders not mistakes. At least we should learn lessons from our next door neighbor, India who most of the time have knocked us down on diplomatic fronts and made us face alienation and isolation in international comity.
Little –carrot-long-stick approach of Washington against Pakistan, relations with India, conflict in Afghanistan and shift in China’s foreign policy makers are few of many other fronts where Miss Khar will have to prove her skills and abilities which apparently she lakes. Ministerial responsibilities will consume most of her time in the coming months. She is walking into a minefield of foreign relations.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Illiteracy
Historically speaking, no nation on earth could earn name by showing step-motherly attitude to education. Most of the developed nations have prioritized education sector to attain success and affluence. But unfortunately, Pakistan seems averse to writing on the wall and education has been probably the most neglected area despite the fact that literacy is a catalyst and life-blood of development. The nations which are galloping and making strides towards development and progress are spending a huge chunk of money to improve their literacy rate, but Pakistan is still spending a minuscule amount on education.
Statistics also testify low profile of Pakistan in education. It stands fifth in SAARC and comes after Maldives, Srilanka, India and Bhutan because of its fragile literacy rate. Its rating in the world is also not praise-worthy owing to its standing on 159th place. Ministry of education states, Pakistan has 46% of literacy rate but independent sources are much skeptical over this claim and believe it to be round about 26% and these include even those who can handle little more than mere signatures. Various surveys, conducted by reputed organizations and agencies present a very bleak situation, their surveys show that 54% of the population have never went to school even once in their life time. Over all situation is very grim.
Various incumbent governments have claimed to have done a lot in this field but still we are reeling and crawling on the same place. Still poor education is a matter of concern. This gory picture becomes more horrific and lamentable as we move out of central Punjab and sindh ,rest of the areas of Pakistan seem to have no concern with education. There are scores of problems ranging from social, cultural. Religious, political, psychological and economic spheres. If one problem is tried to be solved, other prove to be more gigantic in proportion and without solution of these problems and with out provision of a viable mechanism ,all the efforts of sustainability are not more than a pipe-dream. Resultantly, Pakistan will remain an impoverished and week state to make it more vulnerable and prone to destabilization.
Suffice to say, Pakistan has made some advancement in the field of education since independence but these efforts are not enough to rely upon. We need war-like preparation in the filed of education. The Quaid very aptly said,’’our education policies are needed to be suited to the genius of people, consonant with our history and culture and having regard to the modern conditions and vast development that have taken place all over the world.’’ There is a dire need to launch awareness campaigns to alter mind set of people. Majority of people in Pakistan have a tendency to say, what is the use of such education which is not job oriented. They believe that education is solely for the purpose of pragmatic gains. They do not reckon education as a demarcating line between humans and brutes.
Such situation is prevalent particularly in rural areas where feudal lords and wadera system is a big hurdle in the realization of dream of better literacy rate. Statistics show that there are tremendous disparities in the country on the basis of gender, class and regions. There is overall a miserable literacy rate and to further dent it, women have even less representation. On national level, their literacy rate is less than half compared to that of men, and this gap attains magnitude when we turn to rural areas where it is 5%, the lowest in the world for any class or gender. Recent onslaught of Extremists specifically on girls’ institutions in the Northern areas has further aggravated already precarious situation.
In rural areas of Pakistan and tribal belt ,women are going through various socio-religious restrictions and centuries old taboos, where it is considered a sin if female folk goes out of the boundary of their respective houses. A very thin group of women very daringly could reach to colleges or universities. In many other cases, girls, if willing, are unable to go to their institutions due to long distances or non-availability of means of transportation. As regards, boys, their families wish them to be helping hand owing to agricultural back ground.
Poverty is yet another obstacle, posing problems. The country where 40% of people are living below poverty line can how turn to education? According to UNICEF,17.6% children work and support their families. So, in such conditions, role and support of govt becomes inevitable but govt is continuously paying deaf ears to such demands. At present, Pakistan is among those twelve countries of the world which are spending less than 2% of GDP on education, whereas, china is spending 2.82%, India 3.5% and countries like USA, Uk, Japan and Italy are spending more than 5% of GDP on education. The govt of Pakistan should come out of hibernation and lethargy and should allocate at least 4% of GDP.
Quality of education is also very poor, especially in public sector. A dilapidated infra structure, lack of methodology and irrelevant curricula, paucity of books and teaching aids are common ills, found in public sector institution. Teachers are following erstwhile boring teaching methods and they are unable to create any interest in the students. Hardly any audio-video methods are resorted by these teachers and height of ignorance is that they refuse to equip themselves with refresher courses whenever they have been asked to go through. Critics believe that the relevance of the curriculum, the
availability of pedagogical equipment and attractive facilities and above all the skills and interest of the tutors need much improvement. It is true that every successive govt vows to adopt certain measures to improve literacy rate but political instability has seriously jeopardized the efforts and many serious efforts are found in dole drums. Consequently, inconsistency in govt policies is checking onward progress of the country and education sector is the main sufferer. Along with this inconsistency, Red Tapism and frequent bureaucratic changes are also hampering onward progress. There is a strong need of much improvement in our literacy rate. Govt needs to work in liaison with private sector. Active and constructive Role of NGO’s and community should also be taken into consideration. No doubt, private sector is playing its role but its role is focused on urban areas only, data shows 65% of private schools exist in urban areas only, so their cooperation towards rural areas is much needed. Clearly much greater consistency and concreteness of initiatives is needed if we are to reach somewhere near the literacy rate of India even. And for that to happen, we must keep in mind that this is not the job of govt alone, every one has to play its role, the parents, the teachers, the students rather the whole community. The sooner we create more and more literate people, the better for nation and country.
Statistics also testify low profile of Pakistan in education. It stands fifth in SAARC and comes after Maldives, Srilanka, India and Bhutan because of its fragile literacy rate. Its rating in the world is also not praise-worthy owing to its standing on 159th place. Ministry of education states, Pakistan has 46% of literacy rate but independent sources are much skeptical over this claim and believe it to be round about 26% and these include even those who can handle little more than mere signatures. Various surveys, conducted by reputed organizations and agencies present a very bleak situation, their surveys show that 54% of the population have never went to school even once in their life time. Over all situation is very grim.
Various incumbent governments have claimed to have done a lot in this field but still we are reeling and crawling on the same place. Still poor education is a matter of concern. This gory picture becomes more horrific and lamentable as we move out of central Punjab and sindh ,rest of the areas of Pakistan seem to have no concern with education. There are scores of problems ranging from social, cultural. Religious, political, psychological and economic spheres. If one problem is tried to be solved, other prove to be more gigantic in proportion and without solution of these problems and with out provision of a viable mechanism ,all the efforts of sustainability are not more than a pipe-dream. Resultantly, Pakistan will remain an impoverished and week state to make it more vulnerable and prone to destabilization.
Suffice to say, Pakistan has made some advancement in the field of education since independence but these efforts are not enough to rely upon. We need war-like preparation in the filed of education. The Quaid very aptly said,’’our education policies are needed to be suited to the genius of people, consonant with our history and culture and having regard to the modern conditions and vast development that have taken place all over the world.’’ There is a dire need to launch awareness campaigns to alter mind set of people. Majority of people in Pakistan have a tendency to say, what is the use of such education which is not job oriented. They believe that education is solely for the purpose of pragmatic gains. They do not reckon education as a demarcating line between humans and brutes.
Such situation is prevalent particularly in rural areas where feudal lords and wadera system is a big hurdle in the realization of dream of better literacy rate. Statistics show that there are tremendous disparities in the country on the basis of gender, class and regions. There is overall a miserable literacy rate and to further dent it, women have even less representation. On national level, their literacy rate is less than half compared to that of men, and this gap attains magnitude when we turn to rural areas where it is 5%, the lowest in the world for any class or gender. Recent onslaught of Extremists specifically on girls’ institutions in the Northern areas has further aggravated already precarious situation.
In rural areas of Pakistan and tribal belt ,women are going through various socio-religious restrictions and centuries old taboos, where it is considered a sin if female folk goes out of the boundary of their respective houses. A very thin group of women very daringly could reach to colleges or universities. In many other cases, girls, if willing, are unable to go to their institutions due to long distances or non-availability of means of transportation. As regards, boys, their families wish them to be helping hand owing to agricultural back ground.
Poverty is yet another obstacle, posing problems. The country where 40% of people are living below poverty line can how turn to education? According to UNICEF,17.6% children work and support their families. So, in such conditions, role and support of govt becomes inevitable but govt is continuously paying deaf ears to such demands. At present, Pakistan is among those twelve countries of the world which are spending less than 2% of GDP on education, whereas, china is spending 2.82%, India 3.5% and countries like USA, Uk, Japan and Italy are spending more than 5% of GDP on education. The govt of Pakistan should come out of hibernation and lethargy and should allocate at least 4% of GDP.
Quality of education is also very poor, especially in public sector. A dilapidated infra structure, lack of methodology and irrelevant curricula, paucity of books and teaching aids are common ills, found in public sector institution. Teachers are following erstwhile boring teaching methods and they are unable to create any interest in the students. Hardly any audio-video methods are resorted by these teachers and height of ignorance is that they refuse to equip themselves with refresher courses whenever they have been asked to go through. Critics believe that the relevance of the curriculum, the
availability of pedagogical equipment and attractive facilities and above all the skills and interest of the tutors need much improvement. It is true that every successive govt vows to adopt certain measures to improve literacy rate but political instability has seriously jeopardized the efforts and many serious efforts are found in dole drums. Consequently, inconsistency in govt policies is checking onward progress of the country and education sector is the main sufferer. Along with this inconsistency, Red Tapism and frequent bureaucratic changes are also hampering onward progress. There is a strong need of much improvement in our literacy rate. Govt needs to work in liaison with private sector. Active and constructive Role of NGO’s and community should also be taken into consideration. No doubt, private sector is playing its role but its role is focused on urban areas only, data shows 65% of private schools exist in urban areas only, so their cooperation towards rural areas is much needed. Clearly much greater consistency and concreteness of initiatives is needed if we are to reach somewhere near the literacy rate of India even. And for that to happen, we must keep in mind that this is not the job of govt alone, every one has to play its role, the parents, the teachers, the students rather the whole community. The sooner we create more and more literate people, the better for nation and country.
Monday, February 23, 2009
WHAT ATTRACTS USA IN AFGHANISTAN?
USA and USSR remained at logger-heads for almost three to four decades in a bid to dominate each other through commonly known “Cold War”. This cold war was more than a war between these two countries; it was a war between two different ideologies. Each ideology threatened other, each denounced other and each tried to saddle other. In the USA a “witch hunt” was carried out against communists and similarly, In the USSR, proponents of capitalism were “fenced in.” Although no “Hot War” was fought, yet proxy wars were the order of day.. This saber rattling came to halt for a while at the collapse of USSR, but under the carpet, itching and dislike continued and is still going on for that matter. Now USSR has, once again, started flexing its muscles and USA is trying to prolong its hegemony in this uni-polar world. This effort of prolongation can be traced even in Afghanistan at present.
Afghanistan is a mountain capped country, almost a barren and desolate, which produces nothing except weapons and opium. It is not a mineral laden land, it does not produce oil, so why The U.S., despite teetering on the edge of national insolvency, is still trying to increase military force in the region where every invader in history has failed to achieve his objectives. To find an answer to this question, one needs to glance at geographical location of Afghanistan . It is a landlocked state that shares its borders with very important countries like Iran, Pakistan, china and central Asian states, so on the basis of its geo-strategic position, it has been a focus of U.S. and international interest. Dick Cheney, current vice president and former chief executive of Halliburton, speaking in 1998 said,” I cannot think of a time when we have had a region emerge as suddenly to become as strategically significant as the Caspian”. He was in no uncertain terms, referring to Afghanistan. Osama Bin Ladin and his Al-Qaida, whether exist in Afghanistan or not , they have certainly given a pretext to the USA to spread its tentacles in the entire region and that is just because of the region's geo-political significance.
Interests of the USA in the region are multi-pronged. It believes that it is its prime obligation to contain neighboring countries of Afghanistan. Containment of China, control over Central-Asian states to explore Caspian Basin, access to sprawling Indian market, vicious eye on Pakistani Nuclear Nukes and bridling nuclear Iran are the contents of American Prolonged Status-quo programme in Afghanistan. As a matter of fact, Security and Business are two main US interests in the region. All afore mentioned neighboring countries have adverse and antithetical interests than that of the US or for that matter US interests are not in consonance with these countries.
China, in no uncertain terms, is a communist country and communism to the USA is a red rag to the bull. Apart from Communist rivalry, china is the emerging Super Power on the horizon of international comity. It has proved its potential to be at the top through its performance in every sphere of life. With the help of its jueqi ,it has raised consternation in the world, particularly to the Us. So Us would never let China pose a knock-out threat to its hegemony. US-Iranian conflict is also not a secret, be it on the basis of Iranian Revolution of 1979 or Iranian pursuit of Nuclear technology or its bordering with Caspian sea, Iran has remained a thorn in flesh for the US. US, perhaps, feels, Israel couldn’t produce desired results in the Gulf, specifically in reigning Iran because Iranian govt has called a spade a spade to The US, which was quite an embarrassment for The US.
Energy rich central Asian states have also made US mouth water and it has been dreaming to create its influence on the states by bringing them out of Russian clout . The vast oil and gas reserves of the Caspian basin are also of immense significance in global power play. Russia's political and economic control over the central Asian republics and diminish America's long-term influence on the region over the next century . USA’s stay and interest in Afghanistan seems to be the solution of physical problem of exporting the fuel from the Caspian Basin, because if USA thinks of transporting the fossil fuel through Russia or Central Asian States, it would diminish Russia's political and economic control over the central Asian republics and enhance America's much wanted long-term influence on the region, which Russia would resist at any cost. Iran is another option to think at but Iran and USA have already locked their horns. In this situation, the only other option left with USA is export of fuel via Afghanistan and further through Pakistan.
However, the situation in nuclear Pakistan deserves special attention. Pakistan has been under much debate in the congress and American Think Tank. Americans believe that Pakistan is fully implicated in backing, supporting and financing the Taliban in a bid to continue having belief in “ Afghanistan as Pakistan’s Strategic Depth” theory. They have raised their eyebrows on number of occasions as far as Army’s involvement in the current fuss is concerned. American know that between 1979 and 1990, CIA has trained Pakistanis in the Brooklyn School in New York and in Virginia to fight against Russians and support Taliban. Since then, Pakistani army and ISI have very soft corner for Taliban, but they cannot say it vociferously. To them nuclear Pakistan is now more dangerous than past.
In this scenario, dreaming of Halcyon Days in Afghanistan is a tough task for the USA. It has been a very tough endeavor. With every passing day, resurgence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda has led to an increase in violence through out war torn country.
In fact, there has been nothing easy about Afghanistan. And, as Senator Lieberman observed in a recent speech to the Brookings Institution, “Reversing Afghanistan’s slide into insecurity will not come quickly, easily, or cheaply.” Similarly, Secretary Gates told Congress, “This will undoubtedly be a long and difficult fight.” So it is very important for American decision makers to be clear headed about the challenges that lie ahead, and they also need to chalk out a direction which may prove a win-win situation for the stake-holders. But for this to happen, America needs to shun “Pax-Americana” project and its imperialist designs.
Afghanistan is a mountain capped country, almost a barren and desolate, which produces nothing except weapons and opium. It is not a mineral laden land, it does not produce oil, so why The U.S., despite teetering on the edge of national insolvency, is still trying to increase military force in the region where every invader in history has failed to achieve his objectives. To find an answer to this question, one needs to glance at geographical location of Afghanistan . It is a landlocked state that shares its borders with very important countries like Iran, Pakistan, china and central Asian states, so on the basis of its geo-strategic position, it has been a focus of U.S. and international interest. Dick Cheney, current vice president and former chief executive of Halliburton, speaking in 1998 said,” I cannot think of a time when we have had a region emerge as suddenly to become as strategically significant as the Caspian”. He was in no uncertain terms, referring to Afghanistan. Osama Bin Ladin and his Al-Qaida, whether exist in Afghanistan or not , they have certainly given a pretext to the USA to spread its tentacles in the entire region and that is just because of the region's geo-political significance.
Interests of the USA in the region are multi-pronged. It believes that it is its prime obligation to contain neighboring countries of Afghanistan. Containment of China, control over Central-Asian states to explore Caspian Basin, access to sprawling Indian market, vicious eye on Pakistani Nuclear Nukes and bridling nuclear Iran are the contents of American Prolonged Status-quo programme in Afghanistan. As a matter of fact, Security and Business are two main US interests in the region. All afore mentioned neighboring countries have adverse and antithetical interests than that of the US or for that matter US interests are not in consonance with these countries.
China, in no uncertain terms, is a communist country and communism to the USA is a red rag to the bull. Apart from Communist rivalry, china is the emerging Super Power on the horizon of international comity. It has proved its potential to be at the top through its performance in every sphere of life. With the help of its jueqi ,it has raised consternation in the world, particularly to the Us. So Us would never let China pose a knock-out threat to its hegemony. US-Iranian conflict is also not a secret, be it on the basis of Iranian Revolution of 1979 or Iranian pursuit of Nuclear technology or its bordering with Caspian sea, Iran has remained a thorn in flesh for the US. US, perhaps, feels, Israel couldn’t produce desired results in the Gulf, specifically in reigning Iran because Iranian govt has called a spade a spade to The US, which was quite an embarrassment for The US.
Energy rich central Asian states have also made US mouth water and it has been dreaming to create its influence on the states by bringing them out of Russian clout . The vast oil and gas reserves of the Caspian basin are also of immense significance in global power play. Russia's political and economic control over the central Asian republics and diminish America's long-term influence on the region over the next century . USA’s stay and interest in Afghanistan seems to be the solution of physical problem of exporting the fuel from the Caspian Basin, because if USA thinks of transporting the fossil fuel through Russia or Central Asian States, it would diminish Russia's political and economic control over the central Asian republics and enhance America's much wanted long-term influence on the region, which Russia would resist at any cost. Iran is another option to think at but Iran and USA have already locked their horns. In this situation, the only other option left with USA is export of fuel via Afghanistan and further through Pakistan.
However, the situation in nuclear Pakistan deserves special attention. Pakistan has been under much debate in the congress and American Think Tank. Americans believe that Pakistan is fully implicated in backing, supporting and financing the Taliban in a bid to continue having belief in “ Afghanistan as Pakistan’s Strategic Depth” theory. They have raised their eyebrows on number of occasions as far as Army’s involvement in the current fuss is concerned. American know that between 1979 and 1990, CIA has trained Pakistanis in the Brooklyn School in New York and in Virginia to fight against Russians and support Taliban. Since then, Pakistani army and ISI have very soft corner for Taliban, but they cannot say it vociferously. To them nuclear Pakistan is now more dangerous than past.
In this scenario, dreaming of Halcyon Days in Afghanistan is a tough task for the USA. It has been a very tough endeavor. With every passing day, resurgence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda has led to an increase in violence through out war torn country.
In fact, there has been nothing easy about Afghanistan. And, as Senator Lieberman observed in a recent speech to the Brookings Institution, “Reversing Afghanistan’s slide into insecurity will not come quickly, easily, or cheaply.” Similarly, Secretary Gates told Congress, “This will undoubtedly be a long and difficult fight.” So it is very important for American decision makers to be clear headed about the challenges that lie ahead, and they also need to chalk out a direction which may prove a win-win situation for the stake-holders. But for this to happen, America needs to shun “Pax-Americana” project and its imperialist designs.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
TIME TO LEARN
Einstein once said, ‘To keep trying the same things, over and over with the expectations of a different result is the definition of insanity. “But perhaps, these words were uttered barring Pakistani leaders.everytime they got opportunity, they grabbed it with both hands and made a mockery of the situation and committed blunders with even greater magnitutude. Anthropological view of better successive generation than the previous one also dies its own death when it comes to deal with Pakistani leaders. Whosoever took the reins of the country plundered it considering it a legitimate prey of greed, lust and piggish ness. And every time pliant judiciary under the clutches of “Judicial Constraints” upheld and legitimized unpardonable actions under infamous “Doctrine of Necessity” and now “National Reconciliation Ordinance”(NRO).
Ideally speaking, there must exist a symbiotic relationship between Rule of Law and legitimacy of states. In a civilized country, press, opposition, judiciary and widespread public protests play very vital role in putting a check on erratic infractions of govt.Such interventions and protests serve as the road map & mechanism of correction if the govt is slipped from legal and civilized norms. But Alas! our history is evident, nobody played a vibrant and meaningful role is bridling the deviations of successive governments. The constitution, a sacred document, which aims at regulating and limiting the behavior of those who hold very prominent places, but the same very people utilized this sacred document as toilet paper and then flushed it further down the commode. Be they men in khaki or incapable politicians, all of them pushed Pakistan in the quagmire of gigantic problems. Whoever could lay his hand on this document defaced and mutilated it to meet his nefarious designs.
The countries like Republic of China and India, liberated in the same era as that of Pakistan, are dreaming to capture world economy by the dint of their incessant struggle and by abiding Rule of Law, but we are still haranguing over the issues, whether we should have parliamentary form of govt or presidential form of govt to steer the country forward. The constitution of 1973 as it is left today, enunciates about parliamentary form of govt in the country, but are we having parliamentary form in letter & spirit in the presence of Zardari led presidency? To answer this question, one needs not be a student of Rocket science. Almost every one knows what parliamentary form of govt looks like. PML(N) chief while addressing a press conference in Lahore a few days ago, rightly said that present govt, where parliament is not supreme and all dictates are being issued by presidency, is continuation of Mushraff led de-facto presidential form of govt.
As a matter of fact, following Hegelian philosophy, we have learnt nothing from history and going nowhere. Our self-styled leaders are inept, incongruous and incompetent. There is a vacuum and sincere and capable leadership is in dearth. And this is law of nature that it does not let vacuum remain so for a longer period of time. This protracted lament regarding the lack of leadership has started creating sense of fear & awe that it may not be filled by a more pernicious & annihilating scourge, which we are seeing in Swat and other adjoining areas. The worst scenario is that commendable and creditable lot is being cold-shouldered in favor of sycophants and power-mongerers, resulting in brain- drain and precipice.
There is a dire need to learn from our past mistakes and not to repeat the same again & again. We need to work according to constitution considering it a viable & sacred document. We need to work within our own spheres and domains. Transparency and Rule of Law are required to be reckoned as touch stone in all spheres of life, and “non-compliance of it is subjected to blows, to loss of liberty or even to being murdered” as put by Leo.N.Tolstoy.
Ideally speaking, there must exist a symbiotic relationship between Rule of Law and legitimacy of states. In a civilized country, press, opposition, judiciary and widespread public protests play very vital role in putting a check on erratic infractions of govt.Such interventions and protests serve as the road map & mechanism of correction if the govt is slipped from legal and civilized norms. But Alas! our history is evident, nobody played a vibrant and meaningful role is bridling the deviations of successive governments. The constitution, a sacred document, which aims at regulating and limiting the behavior of those who hold very prominent places, but the same very people utilized this sacred document as toilet paper and then flushed it further down the commode. Be they men in khaki or incapable politicians, all of them pushed Pakistan in the quagmire of gigantic problems. Whoever could lay his hand on this document defaced and mutilated it to meet his nefarious designs.
The countries like Republic of China and India, liberated in the same era as that of Pakistan, are dreaming to capture world economy by the dint of their incessant struggle and by abiding Rule of Law, but we are still haranguing over the issues, whether we should have parliamentary form of govt or presidential form of govt to steer the country forward. The constitution of 1973 as it is left today, enunciates about parliamentary form of govt in the country, but are we having parliamentary form in letter & spirit in the presence of Zardari led presidency? To answer this question, one needs not be a student of Rocket science. Almost every one knows what parliamentary form of govt looks like. PML(N) chief while addressing a press conference in Lahore a few days ago, rightly said that present govt, where parliament is not supreme and all dictates are being issued by presidency, is continuation of Mushraff led de-facto presidential form of govt.
As a matter of fact, following Hegelian philosophy, we have learnt nothing from history and going nowhere. Our self-styled leaders are inept, incongruous and incompetent. There is a vacuum and sincere and capable leadership is in dearth. And this is law of nature that it does not let vacuum remain so for a longer period of time. This protracted lament regarding the lack of leadership has started creating sense of fear & awe that it may not be filled by a more pernicious & annihilating scourge, which we are seeing in Swat and other adjoining areas. The worst scenario is that commendable and creditable lot is being cold-shouldered in favor of sycophants and power-mongerers, resulting in brain- drain and precipice.
There is a dire need to learn from our past mistakes and not to repeat the same again & again. We need to work according to constitution considering it a viable & sacred document. We need to work within our own spheres and domains. Transparency and Rule of Law are required to be reckoned as touch stone in all spheres of life, and “non-compliance of it is subjected to blows, to loss of liberty or even to being murdered” as put by Leo.N.Tolstoy.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
CHAOS
Various studies conducted on national and international arena have concluded that there are few indispensable requisites to judge a country, whether it is aspiring to grow or getting stagnant. Economy, Law &order situation, foreign policy and Good Governance are the most important of them. The countries, which are ruling the roost have given top priority to these spheres. Consequently, their citizens are enjoying basic amenities of life in a very pleasant way. But if we put a cursory glance on the state of affairs in Pakistan, we are left with no option to shed tears and mourn such a sorry state. Almost every institution is in chaotic situation.
Talk about economy, our leaders were over joyed to announce that they were in front of all when they spread their hands before IMF. It looks as if begging is also a matter of pride for our leaders. On the other hand, they have turned a blind eye on the fact that on socioeconomic level, income disparities have widened. The country’s macroeconomic indicators are worrisome. Frivolous expenditures in various forms have generated a fiscal deficit. Even the International Monetary Fund has said the country’s macroeconomic situation is very fragile and further significant losses in reserves would make it vulnerable to a crisis.
Law & order situation is also very volatile. We are fighting against our brethren, using our arms against our own people with no worth-mentioning success. From Karachi to Khyber, no place is safe. There is always a looming fear, any blast can occur; any stray bullet can bring an end to anyone’s life. Human life has lost its worth and significance owing to such precarious and anarchic situation. The country, which was once known for heavenly sights and sounds, has now become paradise for extremists, robbers and anti-state elements. Scores of untoward incidents, bomb explosions and preparation of suicide bombers by elements wallowing in religious and dogmatic creeds have shaken the very existence of Pakistan. God forbid, its existence looks in dole drums.
This internal chaos is very much in line with our worse performance in Foreign Policy. One should not lift one’s brows if it is said that we do not have any defined foreign policy. The people who are at the helm of affairs least know what to say and what to do. Be its Mumbai explosions or Drone attacks, we have shown our vulnerability. We are always waiting to receive dictation from others. Consistency is alien to our foreign policy. We have been repeating same mistakes without learning lessons from previous follies.
It has been almost a year since the Feb 18 elections, over this time period, the nation has been encountering one crisis after the other. The govt. has failed to fulfill almost all of its promises which it made on different occasions. The controversies and illegalities are constantly being committed by the joy riders of the government. The presidency has never tried to perform its constitutional role of neutrality. Even the loud mouthed representative of Presidency in the Punjab is willingly obstructing in the way of Governance, if there is some in the country. It looks that the authorities are all set to defy all the rules for affective governance and are considering their last chance rob the country whatever left to it. There is a very common perception among the masses that Zardari led govt. is inept and corrupt. Appointments are being made on the basis of cronyism rather that genuine merit. Enough is enough. Please redeem this miserable nation from internal and external challenges before it further goes in the abyss of Anarchy and chaos.
Talk about economy, our leaders were over joyed to announce that they were in front of all when they spread their hands before IMF. It looks as if begging is also a matter of pride for our leaders. On the other hand, they have turned a blind eye on the fact that on socioeconomic level, income disparities have widened. The country’s macroeconomic indicators are worrisome. Frivolous expenditures in various forms have generated a fiscal deficit. Even the International Monetary Fund has said the country’s macroeconomic situation is very fragile and further significant losses in reserves would make it vulnerable to a crisis.
Law & order situation is also very volatile. We are fighting against our brethren, using our arms against our own people with no worth-mentioning success. From Karachi to Khyber, no place is safe. There is always a looming fear, any blast can occur; any stray bullet can bring an end to anyone’s life. Human life has lost its worth and significance owing to such precarious and anarchic situation. The country, which was once known for heavenly sights and sounds, has now become paradise for extremists, robbers and anti-state elements. Scores of untoward incidents, bomb explosions and preparation of suicide bombers by elements wallowing in religious and dogmatic creeds have shaken the very existence of Pakistan. God forbid, its existence looks in dole drums.
This internal chaos is very much in line with our worse performance in Foreign Policy. One should not lift one’s brows if it is said that we do not have any defined foreign policy. The people who are at the helm of affairs least know what to say and what to do. Be its Mumbai explosions or Drone attacks, we have shown our vulnerability. We are always waiting to receive dictation from others. Consistency is alien to our foreign policy. We have been repeating same mistakes without learning lessons from previous follies.
It has been almost a year since the Feb 18 elections, over this time period, the nation has been encountering one crisis after the other. The govt. has failed to fulfill almost all of its promises which it made on different occasions. The controversies and illegalities are constantly being committed by the joy riders of the government. The presidency has never tried to perform its constitutional role of neutrality. Even the loud mouthed representative of Presidency in the Punjab is willingly obstructing in the way of Governance, if there is some in the country. It looks that the authorities are all set to defy all the rules for affective governance and are considering their last chance rob the country whatever left to it. There is a very common perception among the masses that Zardari led govt. is inept and corrupt. Appointments are being made on the basis of cronyism rather that genuine merit. Enough is enough. Please redeem this miserable nation from internal and external challenges before it further goes in the abyss of Anarchy and chaos.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
NRO Of Education
The Quaid once said that Pakistan has come in being to exist forever but I believe Quaid’s soul will be itching with agitation to see the chaotic state of affairs in the country. Every thing looks in shambles. From politics to education, nothing is in shape and order. The wounds of political NRO were not yet healed when another NRO, this time in education has shaken the foundation of Pakistani educational system. NRO of October 5,2007 had made people realize that small amount of money laundering or squandering was a bigger crime in the eye of Pakistani Law as compare to fraud, misappropriation and embezzlement of greater magnitude. I myself have seen people vowing to swindle hefty amount from different sources in order to get clearance from, God forbid, some future self styled redemptor of nation in form of a dictator.
Now NRO in education sector is in the offing, with the Farah judgment, every scion of the elite will be able to tailor & maneuver their results post the declaration of the total marks and for that matter a Pandora box is going to open in education sector. Once again it’s the commoners and laymen who have been suffering since ages and will keep on suffering owing to their poverty. It is rightly said that it is a sin to be poor. Alas! Govt. put all his sources to legalize yet another illegal and unwanted act.
Now NRO in education sector is in the offing, with the Farah judgment, every scion of the elite will be able to tailor & maneuver their results post the declaration of the total marks and for that matter a Pandora box is going to open in education sector. Once again it’s the commoners and laymen who have been suffering since ages and will keep on suffering owing to their poverty. It is rightly said that it is a sin to be poor. Alas! Govt. put all his sources to legalize yet another illegal and unwanted act.
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