Change for the better

Anum Fayyaz Raja

Nations only survive through instinctive introspection by looking at the annuls of history and learning their lessons. Those who disregard past and only tend to live in the present, usually have no share of luck in future. Those who do not learn and choose to betray the true origin of their history, cultural moorings, moral values and honour, simply fade away into the past. A panoramic view of the security spectre of Pakistan makes startling revelations that are perceivable, yet not necessarily visible. From the shift and drift in US intentions to the move against Pakistan, from the questions between the courts and the executive regarding the NRO to the corruption tales, from the energy crisis, economic and social problems to the real threat of militants, from the increase in the hardships and destitution of common people to the exploitation of institutions, from judiciary to the rule of law, from corruption to accountability, from Kerry Lugar Bill and other economic assistance to the Memogate, Pakistan is facing a spectrum of crises, which are live, intense and overly complicated carrying a cobweb of uncertainty.

Many a dark shadow is looming on the national horizon with numerous questions warranting priority sort out. We are facing a nationwide energy crisis which seems to be getting out of government's hands. The society is plagued by unabated violence right across the country. There is a strange coldness and ignorance towards Baluchistan, which is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of territory and resources, but is being neglected since decades and is under perpetual darkness. This situation may be beyond emancipation because it poses real threat to the very foundation and integrity of the country. The same fate once befell East Pakistan, not so long ago. We hardly talk of that episode in our history now, but this is what reality is. So, negligence towards Baluchistan is only a repetition of the blunder we seem to have perfected. Both Baluchistan and the integrity of Pakistan are wailing for a messiah.

Everyone talks of free and fair fresh elections before the schedule. Different television anchors present their own presumed stories, but it is very complex to detach facts from fiction. All these things never bring ease and comfort to the common man. There is a general harmony around the premise that there is no remedy to the innumerable problems if the prevailing political system with all its players and the ills remains there. So, we need to see that what can be the possible struggle ingredients to put in, to help our country get rid of all the ills and malpractices which are becoming national irritants with every passing day.

Pakistan was created on the basis of the assurance given to Muslims of the subcontinent who were in minority that with a homeland of their own, they would be free to go to the places of their worship and the non-Muslims were also allowed to do so. But now, we ourselves are denying the strength and the spirit of the goal to achieve Pakistan. We have fallen prey to a different mindset which is the basic reason of the deterioration and the weakening of the spirit of our goal. By distorting and denying the history and the basis of their existence, nations cannot meet success, rather their very survivability comes into question. Successful nations can neither come into existence nor sustain themselves unless they appreciate, acknowledge, respect and learn from their history, at least of their own.

It is a very difficult environment in which the goals being pursued contradict the spirit of our history. In such a critical situation, the leaderships that has been elected to power and heads the political dispensation lacks the vision, morals, ethics, principles, honesty, candour, reputation, sincerity and valour. These willful people pursue their personal interests and focus on their own self which later becomes the primary component of all the policies being made and pursued. The national objectives become far less important and are considered deferential to the personal interests. They manipulate all the instruments at hand to enable themselves to cling to power, even if they have to exploit the freedom, justice and fair play. Such leadership puts the foundation of biased and unequal exploitative mindset which is far away from the emancipation and liberation. With this, the society becomes confined in terms of mind and spirit.

Pakistan has year after year, suffered the penalty as a result of different dysfunctional democracies and tyrannical dictatorships. Each one of them has added in its own way, the flavour to the enslavement of the minds and spirits of the nation and each one of them has contributed to the abandonment of the ideals and higher standards of life. The country and the national interests have become subservient to the interests of a few. With this process, the nation is left with skeleton, and is void of the courage and the spirit of its history.

It would be too pessimistic to say that there is no solution to the current problems we are facing in Pakistan. Same way, it would be too idealistic to say that there is no problem in the current political system and that the current democracy is the solution to every problem. If we see realistically, there are numerous problems and ills in the current system and players and there are solutions to those problems as well if our nation is determined and resolved to solve them and bring a CHANGE. To begin with, we need to realise and comprehend as a nation, that "there is always an opportunity wrapped in each crisis".

There appeared some silver linings in the dark clouds as well, though less, but were a ray of a hope for a positive change in the country. Much of the state's affairs have come to place through the legislation in the 18th Amendment which is a significant step. Some of the major laws have been put into place especially regarding women, which is of critical importance. Having the right laws in place is of crucial importance and one of the important steps in bringing about a solid change and lessen the degree of uncertainty over what would happen in future.

Whatever level we have achieved, much more needs to be done to bring about a positive, solid, and long-lasting change. To bring an enduring and long-term change, it must be ensured that this change is embedded in our true values and holds a great significance and relevance with the history of Pakistan. To change and change for the better are two different things. It should not only come for the sake of change, but also for the sake of addressing the primary needs of common man in compliance with the true spirit and courage of the historical basis of Muslims of Pakistan, so to promote our fundamental principles and continue promoting the development and advancement of its citizens.

The moral values and interests of a nation are of critical importance as is clear from the example of Bangladesh. It proved that not only religion, but also the culture, moral values and interests can bind a nation together and keep them integrated, or otherwise. So, to respect the foundation of its survival and learn from the experiences of history is important for the survival of a nation.

The change of faces alone cannot bring about the desired change. It will only come by recognising the importance of history and values and then by putting a team with an accountable and transparent mechanism which would work on the prescribed guidelines according to the needs and requirements of the common people.

We direly need to create a vision for our country. The needs of the nation, nation state and its constituent human capital should be the top priority of this vision. A regional identity also needs to be established by Pakistan, which would allow her to be trusted, coordinated and cooperated with. We all need to work towards this goal in an integrated manner and achieve at least some level of success in bringing about a positive change in our country.

The Pakistan of the future should be a progressive, peaceful and peace-loving, internationally trusted and respected, internally stable and just, regional contributor, prosperous welfare state and leader and of the homogenous Muslim world.