Forging a Shared Future: Understanding Pakistan's Challenges
امید نو کی کرن تو کبھی کی پھوٹ چکی
مگر فلک پہ ابھی تک وہی اندھیرا ہے
ریاض لغاری
Defining Moments: Birth and Dismemberment:
Pakistan, founded on religious nationalism in 1947, had a seismic upheaval in 1971 with the loss of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, due to cultural and ideological differences. This defeat was a crucial failure in the quest to unite geographically disparate regions under a single Islamic identity, changing Pakistan's trajectory and putting the country's unity in jeopardy.
Identity Quandary: A Name Amidst Loss:
Despite the dismemberment of East Pakistan, the western region's retention of the name "Pakistan" reflected a reluctance to acknowledge the crucial role of Bengal in the nation's development. This disregard for regional identities provided substantial obstacles in redefining Pakistan's essence after 1971, causing internal turmoil and calling the country's unity and identity into question.
Post-Disintegration Challenges: Redefining Pakistan's Essence:
Following the 1971 partition, Pakistan struggled to redefine its identity and essence. Keeping the name but changing the essence created internal and external obstacles, including the lingering Kashmir conflict, intensifying the nation's struggle to define its identity and purpose.
Jinnah's Principles and Subsequent Realities:
Although Jinnah's visionary beliefs emphasized the rule of law, accountability, and democracy, subsequent leaders were unable to uphold these fundamental objectives. Corruption, nepotism, and power disputes harmed the nation's progress, resulting in a slow collapse after Jinnah. Consequently, everything seems to be in a stat of flux now.
Roots of Degeneration: Factors Eroding Pakistan's Fabric
Multiple factors contributed to the post-Jinnah fall, including mafia-driven corruption, the weakening of democratic ideals, military intervention, and myopic leadership. These factors worsened Pakistan's difficulties, moving the country away from the course envisioned by its founding ideals.
"Finally, the mindset of those who succeeded Jinnah and Liaquat because of their myopic vision of politics, economy and foreign policy also plunged Pakistan in vicious political and economic crisis. Only by reverting to the vision and principles of Quaid can Pakistan be saved from further degeneration. In a nutshell, the Quaid would never have liked to live to see the pathetic state of his country at the hands of dishonest, corrupt, inefficient and mediocre leaders" (Ahmar, 2022).
A Nation Shattered: The Peshawar Tragedy
The heartbreaking 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, which took the lives of many people, including children, repeated the devastation of the 1971 dismemberment. This tragedy echoed throughout the country, emphasizing the critical need for national unity, security, and coordinated measures to combat internal and external threats.
Path to Unity and Progress: Embracing Jinnah's Vision
A restoration to Jinnah's founding ideas is critical to reviving Pakistan. To set a new course, it is critical to prioritize integrity, the rule of law, accountability, and an emphasis on nation-building over state-building.
Addressing the Threat of Terror: Holistic Approaches
Counterterrorism tactics require multiple measures that include enhanced information, strengthened border security, and international cooperation to combat extremism. Education and socioeconomic development investments can help to fight extremism and build a sense of national identity.
Fostering Unity through Diversity:
Pakistan's unity is dependent on accepting its various cultural fabric. Respecting and recognising regional differences while building a united national identity through participatory government and inclusive policies is critical to the country's unity.
A Unified Pakistan: Strong Citizen-State Bond
Maintaining democratic principles, offering equitable opportunities for all citizens, and transparent institutional functioning are all critical components of maintaining a strong citizen-state relationship. A unified and flourishing nation must prioritize wellbeing without discrimination.
Conclusion:Charting a Resilient Future
Pakistan is at a crossroads, requiring introspection, innovation, and inclusivity. Collective efforts, visionary leadership, and a commitment to inclusivity are critical in building a resilient nation that values diversity while standing unified in the face of adversity. It is a revolutionary path that will necessitate unity, dedication, and unshakable resolve in order to create a future that works for every Pakistani.
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Reference:
Ahmar, M. (2022, December 26). What went wrong in Jinnah’s Pakistan? The country was unable to follow Jinnah's principles during the Pakistan Movement after taking the reins of government. The Express Tribune. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2392843/what-went-wrong-in-jinnahs-pakistan
Dr Moonis Ahmar, former Dean Faculty of Social Science at the University of Karachi, reflects on Pakistan's failure to uphold the fundamental values established by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Dr Ahmar's research looks into the obstacles that impeded Jinnah's vision from becoming a reality following the Pakistan Movement, challenging the diversion from Jinnah's ideas after acquiring governmental control. Ahmar's analytical study focuses on four significant factors leading to Pakistan's degradation throughout its formative years and beyond. On December 26th, 2022, The Express Tribune published this article.
Some of Dr. Moonis Ahmar's articles can be found here:
TNS: Dr Moonis Ahmar
The Express Tribune: Dr Moonis Ahmar
