“It is not an end, but means to an end!”

Posted @ LahorePostBlog

30^th October 2011, a new ascertained historical landmark for Pak history textbooks, when a crowd of 500K characteristically declared solidarity with Imran Khan against Pakistan’s inept regimes, at the symbolic venue of Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore. Analysts say it was the largest congregation of its kind in the last 40 years and a tipping point in Pak political history. The divine crowd was a representation of all the socio-economic strata of society, sects, and religions- a happening rarely witnessed in the class-stricken, religious intolerant Pakistan. Samson Sharaf from PTI, credited for bringing thousands of Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians to the congregation. “Imran Khan to reconstruct Jinnah’s Vision.” he tweeted, earlier that day.

As the lion of Pakistan roared, he commenced by eulogizing Jinnah and Iqbal as his political and religious mentor, respectively. Khan shared a brief policy outline, sketchy, covering almost all core issues faced by Pakistan today. Undoubtedly, the mighty khan has implicitly proven himself as a concrete political contender. My heartiest condolences to the envious cynics and the bereaved pessimists!

Moving on, Pakistan craves for a leader-in-charge who may not have to be one hell of an orator, but certainly a sterling planner, exceptional administrator, committed and willing to produce the promised change. Luckily, Khan is that champion. Albeit, Pakistan today cannot afford a change akin to Obama’s.

Team Imran Khan, should therefore, rapidly move on to the next STEP. Three core issues to address. One- vote registration. Masses, particularly in villages, don’t even have their ID cards made, forget about votes. NADRA and Election Commission needs to look into that. Moreover, the urban youth, otherwise motivated, inclined for change, is undermining the gravity of vote registration. Media can play a major role here in reaching out to them.

Two –Policy. The Irony of governance practices in Pakistan has always been an absent implementation, policy making never was. Since politicians always had stakes, policy enforcement hardly happened, merely slogans and rhetoric. Reversing this trend and a policy of “Right man at the Right grade” will yield results (otherwise, governance is no rocket-science). Still, for team-IK, policy papers be made public, without fearing copycats. By doing so, professionals who are otherwise neutral or apolitical can assist in modification or revision. A think-tank, inviting and incorporating accomplished professionals, (including expats) may be considered.

Three- Candidate Selection. Khan now an established Kaptaan, should know, he is the highest bidder. So choose the best. Selection credentials, therefore, for fundamental positions be elevated and there must be zero tolerance for the opportunists. Personally, I do not really agree with this notion of media gurus of having political heavyweights as a marker of success. Why so? When even the cleanest of them all are also stained.

The hulking support, unconventional and non-compromising politics, credibility, and his achievements for Pakistan, now makes him holier than the establishment – the weakest today in Pakistan’s history. They might need him-he does not need them. Therefore, irrelevant mud slinging is not required, as it is the weapon of cowards, effete, and incompetents.

Most important: critics should refrain from equating his supporters to GHQ puppets -that is major insult. The military top brass and Jawans, not a supernatural force, also represents a sample of 180mn Pakistanis, so any support within the army ranks or frank admission of his solid power by them should not come as a surprise. Nevertheless, they or any other forces for that matter, if illicitly attempt to hinder the change he promises, will be swept away by the Tsunami that has only begun!

Working towards a progressive Islamic Pakistan

Posted @ PakTea

Religion has never been a part of state in Pakistan, in fact only been abused to serve political motives since her inception. Despairingly, dilemma of Pakistani intellectuals is that in a peripheral discourse of Jinnah as a secular or Islamist, even the meaning of a sovereign dominion has been lost, let alone Islamic Pakistan.

Sadly, both the seculars and the Islamists use the same obsolete version of Islam to justify their claims. A liberated, democratic, just, economically effectual Pakistan is consistent with what Jinnah envisioned as well as Islamic principals.

The expeditiously changing global socio-political environment after a failed WOT resulting in altering socio-religious dynamics globally, now makes the narrative of Zia and textbook indoctrination as sole radicalization agent irrelevant. It does not explain post-WOT sudden surge in Islam globally, rapid Islamization even radicalization of the west and rising racism. Thus making the secular doctrine, inconsistent with the “timeline”, getting groundless and unconvincing every passing day. Opportunist mullah, still to-date is getting leverage and excuses, cashing on the developments around, living on a vacuum created by failed state policies and lack of interest from intellectuals to feed the on growing demand vis-à-vis religious interpretations. It follows that; religion neither should be abandoned using clergy as an excuse, nor be left exclusively in cult domain.

Pragmatically, viability of an Islamic state consistent with the 21^st century should now be the objective. Say, it is not rocket science to interpret that future belongs to interest-free banking (not the pseudo Shariah banking being offered). Recessions, debts, global financial crisis paves the way for a revised system. However, imperative is this serious discourse must not be left for inept mullahs, instead skilled banking professionals should carve a way forming a roadmap, gradually altering the system. Certainly, somewhere in the Europe steps will be taken now for similar reforms (e.g. debates over ethical banking, full reserve banking perhaps a precursor).

Likewise, primary objective of a fair judicial mechanism in any civilized society is to ensure justice provision for the weak and minority (might being always right manages). Apart from the Medina treaty, there are innumerable examples throughout the Islamic history of minorities particularly Jews being well protected and flourishing in an Islamic set-up. Moreover, I am unable to grasp, in a state where majority is not getting justice, and the law of the jungle prevails, how could minorities ever be protected?

Ostensibly, merely discarding Iqbal as an Indian poet is a disservice to his enlightening prose pieces. Taking him as a philosopher would reveal his religious reconstruction as a powerful tool, which portrays a picture of Islam that is neither left nor right, but perfectly coherent with 21^st century. Like for Caliphate, Iqbal’s panislamic concept is not precisely what mullahs have portrayed. In his own words (prose):

“Equipped with penetrative thought and fresh experience the world of Islam should courageously proceed to the work of reconstruction before them”

 “For the present every Muslim nation must sink into her own deeper self; temporarily focus her vision on herself alone, until all are strong and powerful to form a living family of republics. A true and living unity, according to the nationalists thinkers, is not so easy as to be achieved by a merely symbolical overlordship”

“It seems to me that God is slowly bringing home to us the truth that Islam is neither Nationalism or Imperialism but a League of Nations which recognizes artificial boundaries and racial distinctions for facility of reference only, and not for restricting the social horizons of its members”

I perceive this impression of caliphate somewhat similar to a UN body or say EU or a proactive OIC.

Unlike mullahs “Ameer-ul-momineen” monarchic dogma, he advocates caliphate to be a Republican type of government with power shared by one assembly, and not overruled by one person. Albeit, supremacy lies with God.

“Should the caliphate be vested in a single person? Turkey’s Ijtehad is that according to the spirit of Islam the caliphate or imamate cane be vested in a body of persons, or an elected assembly. The religious doctors of Islam in Egypt and India, so far as I know, have not yet expressed themselves on this point. Personally, I believe the Turkish view is perfectly sound. It is hardly necessary to argue this point. The republican form of government is not only thoroughly consistent with the spirit of Islam, but has also become a necessity in view of the new forces that are set free in the world of Islam.”

Devising the concept of “Spiritual Democracy” as the ultimate aim of Islam, he advocates vision and spiritual enterprise as fundamental leadership credential-“Two hundred thickheads altogether cannot yield what a single visionary can”. And as Paulo Coelho rightly tweets, “Spirituality is not all about meditation and prayer, you have to act it!” Following this, if vision, integrity, and honesty be made the criterion to choose leadership instead of lingo-provincial based sectarianism, ultimately a spirited, progressive democratic state consistent with Islam will be instituted.

The future belongs to invigorated or reconstructed Islam, nor is secular, neither theocracy an option. Kamal’s constitutionally secular Turkey is propitiously and serenely transforming into Erdogan’s modern Islamic Turkey, having civil supremacy, and leading Europe in economic growth. Why can’t we do this?

ISI – The New Sita White

As the public turns immune to the old and deceased Sita White, hunt for a new one was religiously and fervently going on. The campaign proved to be a triumphant one. The timing; perfect. Making the emergence of ISI as the new Ms White. The association, regardless of being true or false, has been fallaciously established now. With local, and particularly media abroad, conscientiously co-relating Imran Khan and ISI together now.

seemingly, due to stasis in Pakistan’s political thought process, lack of insight and out-of-the-box thinking, hardly anyone is looking at two fundamental, emerging “intelligent” agencies that is, the youth of Pakistan and the overseas Pakistanis.

First “Intelligent” agency the youth, with their number, bubbling energy, equipped with modern thought, rejecting the old political customs is as influential and a winning source as ISI. Whosoever manages to break in warrants a win.

Second, fundamental “Intelligent” agency – the Pakistanis abroad. They are an eminent funding source, with their budget in total, many folds relative to the military. A force so powerful, that it is maintaining a hefty pool in this economic shutdown by their remittances and possesses immense capability. Whosoever they choose to fund, need not have any other funding source.

Nawaz Sharif’s un-timely tirade looks very timely for his own personal gains, but undeniably not national interests. Killing two birds with one stone, clever! One; any one having a glimpse of foreign media in the last few months can contemplate the campaign for maligning and discrediting armed forces, despite their tireless contribution in WOT (the security lapses by frustrated and fatigued  ISI of course added fuel to the fire) but, who is NS trying to please actually? Two; his fear, and apprehensions that, though, power corridors today go through US, yet an enraged ISI can still turn tables by bringing forward agency supported leadership, allegedly Imran Khan.

Morally speaking, the perfect timing for Kargil inquiry, and NS maltreatment by military top brass, just like BB murder inquiry, was immediately after post-mush 2008 elections, with NS in coalition govt. The next ideal timing was later after their grand chief justice restoration world cup win. Moreover, while NS had a reputation of playing with, sacking, forced resigning military top brass, why Musharaf was not forced to resign post-Kargil?

Probability is, Sharifs’ and the rest might get ISI under pressure and mull them for support, like old times, but they lack the insight and aptitude to get the attention of two fundamental emerging “Intelligent” agencies i.e., the youth and the professionals overseas – Pakistan’s gold-diggers.

Governance today in Pakistan is not simply about sewage reforms, overhead bridges, and extra-judicial dictatorial terminations. The country needs factual serious fixing, not merely in foreign policy, but health, education, and social reforms as well. That formulates vision and will, credibility and higher moral ground, as the only savior.

Politicians exploiting intel agencies is as harmful as agencies using politicians. The sole immediate resolution of the current military debacle is that the fine line between the surgeons and the physicians be rationally drawn. To begin with, the Over-stretched, PTSD afflicted, and bushed military should be sent back to barracks without more ado, after a 10-year long nonsensical and unwinnable war.

Hitherto, the classic example of civil-military equilibrium is the Ankara model, where the most skeptic of the military (having a constitutional role) becomes the most successful, sweeping a third term, this week. With a GDP growth of 8.9%, leading Europe in economic growth, a contemporary education policy, reforms, vision and will, Erdogan and his justice party maintains the moral high ground.

Only a democratic reform with an Ankara epitome and not what Washington orders can save Islamabad now. Meanwhile, relish the new Ms White, instead of giving the allegations any more significance and applaud the contenders’ efforts and limited foresight!

Posted @ DailyLahorePost

Do not forget the nightmare we have recovered from

Posted @ LahorePostBlog

Pakistan lost to India in the world-cup semi final at Mohali. The battle of Mohali, a cricket match for the 20% of the world population, turned into massacre of Mohali for Pakistani fans and deeply struck them. Heartbroken 😦     There were high hopes and expectations, coinciding the event with the 1992 world-cup win, which even the team captain Imran Khan acclaimed, was a miraculous victory, though it was a hardworking and competent team.

Nevertheless, an ordinary, controversy stricken team brought us at the verge of a world cup win and so we have all the reasons to celebrate. Last four years and particularly the last one had been historicity, the worst one for Pak cricket, with all those spot-fixing scandals undermining national pride. There were fears being raised about Pakistan’s possibility of elimination from International cricket. This semi-reach has projected to the world on a huge Mohali platform that “we might be sleeping but we are not dead”!

Albeit, the way the event glued Pakistanis together is amazing to see. For what the country has been through, the divides, the turmoil, this one rare event united us all together. There were prayers for the team in mosques, temples, and churches alike –a spirit rarely seen.

‎”Though Afridi couldn’t win the world cup, for 30 days he made this country into a nation” – goes Ramiz Raja.

I have a firm faith in miracles, but with that come strenuous hard work and determination. Some real hard work needs to be done here. The “unpredictability” factor is not our strength; it is a mark of a flawed and struggling system bubbling with talent. The young surprise bundles Wahab Riaz, Asad Shafiq reflects the immense aptitude, and potential this country has. With such talent, there is dire need for institute building. More new boys need to be inducted.

Considering the fact that “everything is wrong” with Pakistan Cricket Board, what that has happened  is for good because certainly a win would have camouflaged known critical issues with Pakistan cricket, especially PCB instead of rectification. They must learn from mistakes and peak above politics.

Moreover, I am an admirer of Indian unity, their lasting pride, and nationalism-their “gairat brigade”. Much of it was echoed during the Mohali battle. I appreciate and I think they deserve the victory. The cup will come back to us when we will show sustained and unrelenting unity and discipline for it. Lets hope that this semi reach be the first step of the ladder. Let us optimize this unity – for now, we badly need it more than the world cup.

Fairly, at the end of a dream, some of us still do not realize the nightmare we have recovered from….Cheer up Pakistan!

…………………………………….

UPDATE

Ritz Rulz @imdnextbuffet tweeted at 6:10PM on March 30th from Mumbai,

“Bookie update..India will bat first score over 260, 3 wickets fall within the first 15 overs, pak will cruise to 100, then lose 2 quick wickets, at 150 they will be 5 down and crumble and lose by a margin of over 20 runs. Let’s c if its truee.. Neways who cares.. Winning is impt.. Evrythg is fair in love n war… N dis.. Is WAR”

So????? 😦

Are our heroes not really heroes?

Damn, bookies?? 😦

Why Nawaz don’t seek medical treatment in Pakistan?

Sharif, the boy who cried wolf…

Sharifs’ left just in time, similar to Zardari abandoning Pakistan during devastating floods, while an issue of international importance, Raymond Davis, took a dramatic turn here. Poor Rasheed is now helplessly defending them, irrationally of course. Inventing that the whole Davis rescue mission was not into their knowledge, and expecting that people will believe them.

Nonetheless, I have serious reservations regarding Nawaz’s “ill health”. Being a high profile leader (self-proclaimed) in power, why did he not get treatment from Pakistan? “Unstable Angina”(which I presume he has or is feigning!) is a minor heart problem vis-a-vis therapeutic management and even a fresh medical house officer can manage. In addition, if he had angina symptoms, first thing he should never have traveled!

Do not forget, Sharif’s run their own two hospitals, Ittefaq and Sharif medical complex (appealing  website). It is understandable why he does not trust state run hospitals, since they have done little to improve them except sloganeering and false claims in public advertisements, but why the distrust on his own hospitals!

British prime minister gets his wife delivered in a district government NHS hospital. Manmohan Singh gets his cardiac by-pass surgery in a state-run hospital in Delhi. Javaid Hashmi goes to General Hospital for his life-threatening Hemorrhagic stroke, instead of being flown elsewhere. Dr Qadir gets his successful prostate cancer treatment in Pakistan. Imran Khan does not fly to UK for a major abdominal surgery.

If Nawaz’s wife was unwell, which she might be, than he has two grown up sons and sons-in-law, who should have accompanied their mother especially when the big boss himself was sick!

Being aware of the “Moral” past of Sharifs, especially in context of deceit and lying, I find it difficult to buy the “illness” story, unless they publically produce his angiography and medical record and a reason for seeking management in London or Switzerland. Unfortunately, it is the “The boy who cried wolf” saga with them now. No sympathy- we need our answers first.

Protesting against Raymond Davis’ release- tell you why

Raymond proved to be a rare unity dot in Pakistan’s recent history other than cricket. Reason being the extreme anguish and frustration amongst general public vis-à-vis government’s ghastly poor governance including foreign policy; unbalanced and tilted far away from national interests culminating in horrendous security concerns.

Davis, a mole having a list of accusations to his credit – an assassin, a contractor, and his alleged connections with banned outfits, acted as a catalyst. The case proved to be a check of deliverance of justice as well as a test of fidelity of the present regime. Bound to release, but the whole saga has uncovered literally everybody.

Though, it wouldn’t be fair to hold judiciary or qisas law alone responsible for what happened, because the trial on legitimate grounds never happened. However, it has been ascertained now that the Pakistani authorities under American pressure misused the law, the judiciary was beleaguered, and Davis was released in an overnight commando extravaganza. Which sovereign country and which solemn democratic nation would accept such a run?

Juvenile free Judiciary succumbed to pressure, but role of establishment was equally disappointing. Nevertheless, they are working under utmost pressure for the whole strategy building responsibility, a job of the political lead in a democratic state, has been assigned to them, with minimal liability on part of the irresolute premiership.

Looking at the victims’ indigent family, it should not come as a surprise that they eventually surrendered and accepted blood money, unless perhaps there had been such reassurances from other ends. Still, it’s early to opine until the family, missing now, comes forward.

But it wasn’t murder alone, Davis should have been trialed for anti-state activities, the foremost concern. Question is why was he not convicted of espionage? And who’s responsible for this leverage. The Incapacitate, sycophant Pakistani authorities deliberately undermined espionage, trivializing their responsibility and should now resign, reason enough to protest against them.

Fearing repercussions at home, Hillary denied paying blood money. Who wins the Oscar for best liar here! The two govts are dodging their nations and spending trillions of taxpayers hard-earned money shielding mercenaries in an unwinnable war.

Rather than alleviating concern of Pakistanis over roaming mercenaries, US welcomed the “deal” by waging a mini-war -6 drone strikes in one day, killing 44 mostly innocent, even admitted and condemned by Pakistan’s military chief. Having already sacrificed 32,000 lives, why should not it infuriate Pakistan?

Nevertheless, I assume the tyranny has gone beyond forbearance and the protests will have no stopping now. Pakistanis will have to stand up to the bullies on the playground – First against the ones within the country.

Two in one budget friendly education reform

Posted @ DailyLahorePost

Quite a lot of ideologies are being coached in one country, eventually culminating in a clash of civilization like situation in the same civilization it seems. The political turmoil within and an unwinnable war at the border has highlighted the flaws in our education system more than ever. Now approaching a threshold, it has turned into a matter of survival and a pragmatic solution is imperative. Beyond the poor and the elite, today there are several social and religious classes depending upon the school or madrassa one has attended. No wonder a depiction of collapsing education system. The only solution is declaration of education emergency and provision of one sallybas for all.

Irony is that, every school of thought here has its own schooling system. Substantial resources are spent and scores of children pass out each year with top grades from the best-known schools but desolately there is dearth of ample knowledge as regards our ideology, Islam, and Islamic history. On the other side of the spectrum, we have madrasas producing unskilled, futile pupil with distorted Islamic ideology, a degree not acknowledged even in their own country and categorically no hope of enrolling into even the lowest ranked professional institutes. In spite of tall claims, not much has been done in context with the madrassa reforms. Instead, education in public schools has further deteriorated. Nonetheless, a fare number has never been to any kind of school.

Indeed a state responsibility, but keeping political will aside, an emergency state demands pressing measures and for that matter, relying exclusively on government would not be enough. Even, the finest of the authorities will now struggle to clear the mess. Presumably, private sector, particularly corporate schools must come forward. Objective must be a uniform modernized curriculum which ‘d not only turn children into proficient professionals but also install strong moral values, flawless character and develop deep rooted love, comfort and awareness of their origin, values, ideology of Pakistan and Islam.

How to muddle through nominal capital is the core issue. There is a model productively functional in our very own country for decades- the missionary convent schools. For constructive community edifice, I suppose there is something beneficial to gain from them. They have this convent school for the privileged and an adjacent associated school, usually called the “urdu school” for the indigent Christian minority run by the same admin. In addition to backing, income generated by the convent school covers the Urdu school overheads as well. Lodging facility is presented to some of them in the form of a convent. Education provided in the Urdu school if not of the convent standard is still adequate and perhaps better than many state schools. There is reduced disparity between the two. Pupils from the Urdu school have a reasonable chance of later getting into professional institutes unlike our madrasas fellows.

We can adopt an “Elite School-Madrasa” relationship based on “Convent-Urdu School” model for madrasa reforms, where one generates funding and the other is a beneficiary. A portion of income generated from the elite schools can be used to reform and uplift an affiliated madrasa or build new lodging facility, boarding school, sheltered accommodation etc. It will be like a self-sustained, self-sufficient system. Once the emergency settles, alternatives may be adopted.

Several elite school systems operative in Pakistan have their branches in every nook and corner of the country making mammoth wealth. If they adopt one madrasa for every school they have for a specified period, such a model can be designed. The hefty charges will not make them starve, I bet!

If doctors and hospitals are expected to serve humanity, why not schools. Alternatively, the state can enforce it or perhaps, the philanthropists, the patriots, and the civil society should come forward and form such two in one budget friendly schooling systems.

Orphan, destitute, and underprivileged seeking shelter in madrasa needs to be accommodated before the enemy does. Already delayed, still if disowned, this vicious circle of revulsion and exploitation will not end.

Who’s next?

Another dignitary sacrificed. Shahzad Bhitti- A rather naïve, benign and serene federal minister gunned down by rogue radical elements in the name of Blasphemy Law. Indeed, a heart-rending event and one wonders if their ever is an end to this.

Personally, for some reason I feel deep assosciation with the Christian minorities amongst other minors. The anguish and insecurity this incidence will create among them is inconceivable. Losing a celebrated figure, already a rarity in one’s community must be torturous. Though, I wouldn’t buy the blasphemy excuse in Shahbaz Bhatti’s case and I believe theirs more to than meets the eye.

No matter how much one detests the conspiracy theories, the acceptance of responsibility by the banned outfit TTP, Punjabi Taliban, straight away after the murder is no less trivial. Especially amidst the series of events that took place in the last month; the news of tussle between the Intel agencies, the CIA operatives “leak”, two of them now in police custody is not insignificant. Shahbaz’s case is different from Taseer’s. Seems like blasphemy Law is only a new excuse the rogues have found. I perceive, this murder has deeper objectives and authorities must look into it.

As regards the govt, theirs should be an explanation regarding provision of security to the minister especially after Taseer’s assassination. It does not require a very high IQ to comprehend that he being the only minister from minorities was the most vulnerable in the cabinet after Taseer’s murder. In addition, family claims death threats. Why were they ignored? Why such grave negligence? Perhaps because he was relatively a “useless” minister for them as compared to Awans? Now the party will cash on his death (as always). The case will be put at the back burner very soon.

By all accounts, govt alone is not liable. Pardon me, but I have solemn concerns with the judiciary as well. Ever since this war on terror, even the arrested terrorists have not been put to task. Therefore, the signal to the mutineers is clear; you are free to do what you want.

The judiciary must seriously look into the matter. Why in a country which herself is now the prime victim of terrorism, not a single scoundrel has been convicted so far? Otherwise, I am afraid, but it is at the back of my mind and haunts me “who’s next?”

Treat the disease; not the symptoms

Originally Posted @ LahorePostBlog

Discourse over Blasphemy law continues. Though I reckon the ruling party as a partner in crime given their fallacious hopes to Salmaan Taseer just like they have been doing to the rest of the nation. Clearly, the confidence in his speeches portrayed obvious strong reassurances from somewhere. The depraved players of unscrupulous power politics later ditched him altogether after his demise.

Paradoxically, the sensitivity of the issue was not taking into account by the parliamentarians as well as the media from the very beginning until to-date, creating perpetual hype. Considering the incredible literacy and escalating radicalization that has happened in our society, it is not rocket science to comprehend that such susceptible issues be dealt by in-camera, low profile briefings. Nevertheless, our politicians are not unacquainted of  how to deal with unpopular laws. After all, they did manage to twist sections in 18 and19th amendments, but then it was their vested interests. The deception is such that while there is grousing over minority injustice, parts in these amendments actually halt fair judicial system in the country!

Only a strong government having credible performance to its credit can now amend or look into Blasphemy Law. Moreover, a farseeing approach is desired now. Where there operates the law of the jungle, where every law is misused, the constitution is disrespected, the judiciary is the most corrupt of all institutes, where the majority is barely getting any justice; how can the weak, the minor be delivered justice??? I m unable to correlate this. Concisely, every law is black here.

Having spent twelve fundamental years in a missionary school, I have utmost respect for minorities. For they are not mere a minor religious group, but mentors, guides and trainers for me. I can still feel church bells subconsciously in my ears. Likewise, having resided as a minority myself in the regimented world, I perceive the difference is that everyone’s on a tight rein there; the rich or the poor, the influential or the powerless and for that matter men or women and religious or non-devout.

Equality is not merely gender and religion related; it also pertains to the poor and the rich, the powerful and the weak. Had the lawyers and the human rights activists in Pakistan really toiled for a free and fair judiciary all these decades – minorities today would have been in a much better situation. I suggest, treat the disease and not the symptoms; be a doctor not a quack! The only solution is improved judicial system for everyone and fearless accountability.

Pertinently, it is disturbing to see same people defending R.Davis, who were outrageous regarding Qadri. What happened to humanity, justice, equal rights here?? Indeed a republic of fear, bigotry, and inequity. Both are killers, both must be condemned fervently for the sake of the rule of Law in the lawless land and both must meet their fate. Even if immune, waiving the right to immunity should be demanded as a rule. The hypocrisy and double standards on any end would only lead to more divides.

Actually, this would be the concrete test for our judiciary as well as the government. Albeit, I perceive and dread the day when both the assassins will be released with Qadri having a garland welcome or possibly the trials will linger on forever. May God bless Taseers & Ibads, Asias and Afias and the rest of 180 Mn Pakistanis in the land that is a jungle now.

Global Voices

“Dark Ages” of Pakistan

Posted @ LahorePostBlog

December marks the end of the deadliest 2010, the 201st decade, culminating after more than 100 drone attacks this year, killing mostly civilians. An era has passed, and it happened to be perhaps the most lethal and dreadful period for Pakistan. It proved to be a gloomy and historically “dark age” for the 63yr old country, in a rapidly evolving global geo-political environment. A nation that bore the brunt of WOT, sacrificed more men than any other ally, when no Pakistani was involved in it. Aided by, the most corrupt, and incompetent politicians as rulers of the state. It happened to be an age of bloodshed, extremely low self-esteem, and growing despair. Loosing, 10,000 cops, a good 30,000 civilians, and thousands of those who were crippled since the beginning of WOT. Still, we are not doing more.

The chaos began with the one man, dictatorial decision of Musharraf in 2001 to join War on Terror. It was a decision where options were limited but irony is that the gutless General gave in like a coward, and committed without any forcible terms and conditions.

Thereafter, giving in to their every demand as if Pakistanis were guilty. Later in 2004, he sent in armed troops without taking the parliament and the nation in confidence, and with no positive outcome whatsoever. Eventually an array of suicide attacks began, worsening as each day passes. Musharraf did manage to attract foreign investors but the economic boom proved temporary. Obviously, with a war going on at your borders and a growing concern over law and order situation, how could he have managed to sustain economic growth? Army once a pride and hope, thanks to him, earned an unruly, bad fame in his days. Lately, the 1999 coup fame, ex-Army COAS, Gen Zia-ud-din calls him an inexpert officer, incompetent general and a compulsive liar.

The 2007 Judiciary movement in due course commemorate the end of Musharaf and his continuous meddling with the constitution. He’s the pioneer of the unpardonable NRO which eventually allowed unclean politicians to take charge of the driving seat.

2008 marked the beginning of a democratic government, elected based on their slogan to revive and review policies. It lead in time to the rule of the most corrupt politicians. Theirs no change in the policies, no clear agenda whatsoever, and carnage and casualties continue. The world today is acquainted to drones through Pakistan.

Added to this is the escalating corruption, not even sparing institutions that previously had corruption free fame. Like, last month, motorway police got involved in a challan corruption scandal. It looks like an incurable epidemic. Steel mills scandal is outdated now. They have gone far beyond. The latest being the Reko diq scandal, which is equivalent to 200 steel mills.These guys are inventive and bold. The Hajj looting eventually leading to the prince writing to the CJ must have left many old ministers in a fury for not being so audacious!

More to it is the dooming economy. The Textile industry, our economic backbone, is barely surviving now, being forced towards an unnatural death. Foreign investment is out of question as there is not only miserable law and order situation but also distrust on the government by the International community, openly shown during the flood relief appeals. All of this is in due course leading to price hiking and hoarding of commodities. Might is right here now.

The adversity everywhere is eventually leading to an extremely low self-esteem of the nation as a whole, as is being manifested by the current sporting culture in the country. Cricket being a religion in Pakistan is not mere a sport here but also a representative of the spirit and morale of the nation and the youth. Cricketers are now being scrutinized. Another one, lately fled the field. Guilty or not, but the impact it creates is detrimental.

It is the end of 2010 and like Obama, the change that the elected democratic govt in Pakistan, comprising of the two mainstream political parties, promised is nowhere to be seen. The nation now awaits a messiah and a changeover.

Being an ultimate optimist, I also believe that it can’t go on like this forever and renaissance is round the corner! The nation that carries tremendous potential within herself now desperately yearn for a change. The best educated Muslims in the world today are Pakistanis, proving their mettle all over the world. The brainy, creative youth here is capable of not just making “copy” but “original” as well, (as can be witnessed by the rare opportunities they manage to get). All that is now desired is a changed and charged leadership.

I aspire that the new year and consequently the new age marks the beginning of a new blooming era for Pakistan – I still dream of a prosperous Pakistan, gearing steadily on a dodgy road towards the vision of Quaid, and the dream of Iqbal.