Revival Of Institutions- A Historic Look
By Fayyaz A. Soomro
09 August, 2011
Countercurrents.org
If you are a member of this society, you probably remember that there used to be social life of our elders full of happiness, prosperity and dignity of unity. Now it is called “Our Pakistan” in the pages of history. There was also a sense of consciousness of kindness, called national integration, which enriched our society with morality and high values.
For the last two three decades, Pakistani society has been victimized of uncertainty and hopelessness. Economically, socially, politically, culturally and religiously, people of this country have borne a heavy loss leading towards traumatic environment. It is often said, “hope is food of man”, but when hope is attacked, nothing remains soothing.
Politically, this nation, since the creation of Pakistan , has always witnessed many a night mare in the form of Bangladesh episode, recurring army coups, earth quakes, floods, foreign attacks and many man-made shocks. No sooner, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah left this immortal world, the following political saga forgotten its lesson of public service and national integrity and remained busy in dirty politics; damaging socio-political and economic fabric of the country. Army- the mighty institution- of this county has got realized the old mughal ruling oligarchy full of pomp and luxuries. This institution left no unturned stone towards writing honorific epic of the history. Since long, no sooner political set up got weakened, the corps turned their staring from borders to houses and continued its ruling for a longer period. In a nut shell, the army led bureaucracy allocated a heavy portion of country's meager budget to defense by squeezing economical, political and social institutions of country. There are a lot of explanations for why this is so, but no body could respond properly.
Last hope of people of this country was democratic set-up, but pity is that the existing democratic govt set up added only fuel to fire. Every new day, prices of consuming goods, electricity, gas, Furness oil and other edible and potable things are touching heavens. No working class from public sector to private sector can breathe sigh of relief. Resultantly, strikes and criticism govt policies have become order of the day. Democracy proved mere spectator ere chanting slogans, big policies without implementation, high monitory figures without accuracy and old Anglo-Saxon ruling style of divide and rule. This has created much traumatic situation among all the subjects of the country. Hence, both the army and politicians use to earn bitter criticism, diametrically.
Ever since the idea of Pakistan was put forth, there was continuous doubts and predictions about the economic and the financial viability of the very existence of Pakistan . But it was only indefatigable and ceaseless efforts of pioneers of country's political set up who took the onus. But now, economically speaking, per capita income of each Pakistani is quite lower as compared to person of its neighboring country. India (1265 $) and Bangladesh , parts of this country are giving economic beat to Pakistan . What to talk of Iran and china, these countries have brought paradigm shifts in their socio-economic policies and become economic giant, competing the most advanced countries of world. This is because of proper utilization of human and natural resources in its true spirit. Our society must ensure economic revival strategy based on, macroeconomics stability and restoration of working relationship with international financial institutions (IFIs), like Wold Bank, ADB etc, structural reforms to remove distortion in the economy, improving governance (especially economic and reviving key national institutions and poverty alleviation measures and last but not lest entrepreneurial culture.
Compared form natural and human resources point of view, Pakistan is a rich country blessed with natural and human resources. Four seasons, the land, potential agricultural sector, water resources, mineral resources, power resources, human resources, the rising sun, big ocean, coastal areas, hills, rivers, deserts, mountains, valleys and socio-politico, economic and religious institutions and a universal religion are the inheritance of this country. Missing factor is only national integration, advanced educational system at par with international community, internal and external security and dedicated willing workers. Hence, devoid of role played by active resources (man), these passive resources can not be materialized. It would have been much better if worked with unity ensuring equal opportunities in the country. Otherwise present state of affairs unbridled socio-economic inequity will not promise country's progress. Exigency of time demands ceaseless effort without personal cause and interest and unhampered willingness towards socio-economic stability, otherwise social injustice and deviant behavior would remain permanent guests. Consequently, society would remain subject to war and conformation from different fronts. Issues like mass killings of innocent civilians on linguistic, territorial and geographical basis, honor killing, street robbery, gang rape and many other social maladies are vivid picture current state of affairs. No angle would dawn to revive this apathetic condition of our society, but only a collective will and institutional stability would be harbinger. No society can embrace prosperity unless social situation is changed. And ours is rich country replete with stable institutions, sound social norms, healthy values and traditions which are inherent part of any sound society. Just need to realize its worth through ideal and scholarly role. Than, this social set up of country blessed with bounties would unequivocally pay a lot. Hence, it is need of time that all people of Pakistan should stand shoulder to shoulder in bringing transparency in the institutions, proper utilization of the resources and effective implementation of the long term policies at right time with true political will by ensuring democratic values.
Fayyaz A. Soomro is Visting Professor at IQRA university, Islamabad
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