Nothing has changed for the
people of Pakistan since independence irrespective of the regimes, democratic or
military. The foremostreasonis that the basic issues have not been addressed
either deliberately or due to incompetence, lack of vision and sincerityon the
part of ruling elite. All efforts had been, and are still being made to maintain
status quo to benefit the already rich and powerful elite.
One, Population Growth. In 1947, the then West Pakistan(present Pakistan) had 50
Million people. Today we are 200 Million,are growing at 2.5 pc and predicted to
double by 2050. Whereas, resources like water and agricultural land are
decreasing rapidly. In fact,Pakistan is likely to face drought situation 12
years from now if no action is taken. All socio-economic problems, terrorism,
law and order etcare directly or indirectly linked to population growth. All
governments have showncriminal negligence in this regard. This can be checked by
incentive, disincentives, creating awareness among the people and through “
Ijtehad”. Pakistan can gain demographic dividends by investing in education and
health sectors, otherwise demographic disaster will ruin the country.
Two, Ruling Elite and Electoral Laws. Same ruling elite comprising about 250-300
families is rulingthe country since 1947 and has amassed huge wealth by
misappropriating state resources and through corruption. Their assets, business
and family interests in foreign countries has become national security issues.
It is a mafia, and a cartel whose only aim is loot and plunder. Its members
protect each other irrespective of party affiliations and are devoid of any
moral and ethical values. This elite must be replaced with educated, honest and
capable people with moral and ethical values having no interests outside
Pakistan. This can be done by amending electoral laws and an independent
election commission capable of implementing those laws to bar the corrupt, loan
and tax defaulters, drug and land mafia and those with business and family
interests in foreign lands, to contest the elections.
Three, Political Parties. Our political parties are actually the fiefdoms,
personal and family properties of the leaders and are inherited by the sons and
daughters. Proper party elections and audit of their accounts must be held under
election commission to free them from the clutches of few families. There should
be a ban for close relatives becoming party heads after the leader at least for
five years.
Four, Judicial System and Police. No society can progress without peace and
justice. To a great extent, our judicial system and police have failed, though
there are other factors equally responsible, in this regard. A complete revamp
of entire judicial system, investigation and prosecution procedures is required
to ensure affordable and speedy justice. Recruitment, training, postings,
transfers, promotions, rewards and punishments in police should be purely on
merit andwithout political interference. It should be raised, trained and
equipped to maintain law and order and help the people as opposed to subjugate
them like colonial era.Moral and ethical training and motivation of the police
through incentives and personal example by the leadership at all levels can be a
deciding factor in the performance of their duties. Education of their children,
medicalfacilities for the families, married accommodation, food and transport
during duty and compensation in case of death be looked after on the lines of
armed forces.
Five, Education, Morals and Ethics. Our education system has not produced honest
and responsible citizens with high moral and ethical values. It has resulted
into the division of society due to different education systems and medium of
instructions. Education system should aim at preparing the nationwithhigh moral
and ethical values with latestscientific and technological education top
priority. Educatedclass without moral and ethical values has damaged this
country the most.
Problems like corruption, bad governance, absence of rule of law, energy
crisis,failed economy, law and order and terrorismetc are the result of these
basic issues and not the issues in themselves. These basic issues are
interlinked and unless these are addressed in their entirety, nothing will
change.
The writer is a retired Brigadier and can be reached at “ [email protected]”.