Guest Post by Hassan Baig
“Mulk khud hi chalta rehay ga” (approximate translation: the country doesn’t need our contribution to thrive) is a sentence many Pakistanis are prone to saying. I confess that till a few years ago, I myself was confident of this misleading notion. Misleading and dangerous – especially in today’s volatile climate. As Pakistanis, it is imperative that we come to terms with the fact that no heavenly Manna will alleviate our country’s plight. The job rests squarely on our own shoulders; with the destiny of a whole nation tethered to our will and to the execution of that will. And so as the clock ticks and the prophets of doom raise a foreboding murmur from East to West, it is high time for us to learn some crucial lessons. Lessons without which our collective slumber will only deepen:
1) Extremism always overcomes moderation. History is fraught with examples of moderate majorities ruled and controlled by extremist minorities. Therefore unless we are extreme in our moderation, our endeavor – any endeavor – is doomed to be highjacked by powers which know more meticulous passion. From the radicalized Islamic cleric who preaches bigotry and hatred to the Neoconservative-backed Christian televangelist who sermonizes the urgency of preparing for an ethnic genocide pithily called Armageddon, we today live in an increasingly polarized world. And since Pakistan exists on the very fault-lines of this burgeoning conflict, our problems are exacerbated. Regardless of what stance we take or which side we pick, our country will remain on the receiving end for the foreseeable future. And regardless of how hastily we disregard conspiracy theories, the extreme forces on all sides will continue to augment their belief systems with hybrid religiopolitical prophecies. Prophecies which have a way of snowballing into self-fulfilment. Therefore it is critical that we take our moderate stance to be more of a proactive doctrine rather than apolitical aloofness. Our very existence depends on it.
2) Microanalysis never gives the complete picture. The details are undoubtedly important when comprehending any system. But often overlooked is the effort to mull over the big-picture such details contribute to – roughly the equivalent of what Sir Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal referred to as tadabbur in his reformist discourse. As denizens of a land increasingly rife with numerous challenges, we simply cannot afford intellectual naiveté. Notwithstanding esoteric themes, we consistently fall short of sensibly determining atleast the more obvious big-picture connections in unfolding narratives. This is utter mediocrity. Whereas some would mistake this for a failure of ability – this is infact predominantly a display of negligent disinterest; of an irresponsible, desensitized populace.
Countless times we have allowed ourselves to fall for the same old tricks. A glaring contemporary example is the myth of Pakistan’s democratically elected government we all seem to have digested without any modicum of reflection. Ostensibly, the country voted out the dictator and brought in a government ‘for the people by the people’. But consider the macro picture: currently the seat of political power is the Office of the President – a position where the current incumbent’s name was never advertised on the ballot on Election Day, a position where the current incumbent affected the people’s voting decision by publicly disavowing any interest in the Presidentship on and before election day, a position which still exercises the uber-powerful, dictatorial Article 58 2(b). In form, we indeed have a democratic set-up in place. But in substance?
Now confessedly this example is a soft and convenient target. Moreover even had most Pakistanis successfully connected the dots, demands for a true democratic set up would be a low priority given more daunting issues the country is currently facing. But it’s one of the more visible examples and is relatively fresh in memory – overall an effective illustrative point. Furthermore it helps emphasize the need for greater intellectual involvement on our part. Unless we start to discern between real enemies and contrived ones, manipulation of us and our coming generations by exploitative elements both internal and external will continue to be a dominant theme in the national narrative. That is no future to look forward to.
3) Moral relativism is a conduit to absolute corruption. Those who start compromising on principles – even in trivial issues – end up going all the way. A textbook example is that of our previous President: By the end of his regime, General Pervez Musharraf was not the man he was when he first usurped the seat of Pakistan’s government. Over time as his political age advanced, he underwent a staged metamorphosis: from an amateur idealist, to a practitioner of temperate Realpolitik, and then finally to an outright Machiavellian Prince. This is the classic lifecycle of corruption; the philosophy that principles are subservient to actions instead of it being the other way around. We must learn once and for all that those who have the proverbial ‘crack in the armor’ inevitably succumb; that their demise is a certainty.
Now realistically speaking it is true that there is no absolute escape from moral relativism, but we atleast need to be skeptical of the more blatant practitioners of this philosophy. We all know who they are. Too many times we have fallen for those who claim that they have been reformed; too many times we have made choices based on the ‘lesser of two evils’. This is folly because it reinforces the longevity of the corrupt by repetitively giving them second chances through the people’s misplaced, gullible trust. Until and unless we explicitly reject this opportunism, our polity will remain enslaved by the puppet-masters.
4) Morality is a myth in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Ethnocentric self-righteousness robs us of our ability to be constructively self-critical and stems societal improvement. Unless we teach our progeny the truth about the decrepit moral standards prevalent in the country and pass on a ‘to-do’ list of sorts; we would have failed in parenting responsible future citizens. We have all witnessed how the various religious movements burn CD shops, dynamite girl schools and dismantle barber boutiques without raising an eyebrow at the greater tyranny of the socio-political system. We have personally seen principled stands getting drowned in derision; the politics of necessity being proclaimed king. We have beheld firsthand justice being abused by megalomania; injustice becoming the law. This is not a lesson to be forgotten or concealed.
5) Don’t believe everything you see in the media (self-explanatory)
6) But don’t become too paranoid either: empathy and objectivity are seminal in asymptotically approaching the truth. Currently as it stands in Pakistan, we seldom ‘think things through’, and instead prefer to latch on to the first and most convenient explanation the social circle around us resonates with. This is futile practice. Futile because herd mentality is seldom rational, is borne of fear and dread, and invariably leads to the sort of exploitable mass-hysteria we have witnessed many times over circa 9/11. Make no mistake about it – by abandoning empathy and objectivity, we give up our very freedom of thought and become marionettes to higher interests. In a world of pervasive fear today, Pakistan can chart the course of its destiny better if the collective remains independently thoughtful.
7) Our destinies are tied to Pakistan, to our ethnicity, and to our religion. In the increasingly divisive world of today, individual allegiances are being outdone by overarching stereotypes. In other words, no matter what shade my skin may be, what dialect or accent I speak in or what my beliefs about God may be, I will always be perceived as a Pakistani Muslim by the world at large. And thus, my fate is inescapable from that of Pakistan. So for example if this country is torn asunder due to civil-war brought on by geopolitical strife, I will invariably be perceived as a refugee in the world. Thereafter I can achieve the American dream, or move in international social circles, or even perfectly synchronize my habits with Western norms – I can do all that and I’ll still be a refugee. Pakistan’s imprint echoes in my very existence; in all of us. We can live our life denying this fact and bury our head in the sand. Or we can accept it, embrace it and let it influence our priorities. How we choose our greater allegiance today will shape our collective, intertwined destiny.
8) The onus for reforming the system is on the middle classes. That is, the onus is on people like you and me. We are the potential agents of change. And thus by implication, we are also blameworthy for allowing the system to remain broken, for not wanting to ‘get our hands dirty’, for being the silent, apathetic onlookers. The moneyed elite are not to blame – they adhere to their characteristic decadence and nonchalance; they do precisely what they’re expected to do. Corrupt politicians are not to blame – a thief knows little more than the art of thievery. Likewise, neither the military’s top brass, and nor the have-nots of Pakistan are culpable. They all play their designated roles in manners they ought to. This leaves the middle and upper-middle classes – essentially people like you and me. Us. We are the true architects of revolutionary change. For we are the only societal segment in this country which is situated at the confluence of a moral code which may be disillusioned but still partly intact, a vision which is alienated but still somewhat patriotic and an agency which is disoriented but still adequately resourceful. In short we are far from perfect, but we are the only messiahs Pakistan can realistically count on. There is absolutely no one else. This lesson is perhaps the most consequential one we have to learn.
9) Incremental change is not a bad option. Activism through small, comfortable increments is not an impractical way of approaching the paradigm of change. That is, even small steps help since at any one time atomic constituents are more solvable than the complex whole. Hence we must not abhor atomizing issues and then indulging in micro-activism – it is ok if how one contributes does not have immediately noticeable repercussions.
I have encountered many Pakistanis who cite their inability to have a substantial, resounding impact as the main driving force behind their evident indifference to the country’s woes. To all those who espouse this view, I say that though I can empathize with your sense of demoralization, I simply cannot condone the rationale for such inaction. For it is undeniable that some progress is better than no progress; that going from 100 to 101 is a better deal than staying put; that the smallest gestures help too. If all of us today – the 140 million plus of us no less – individually contemplate the smallest, tiniest way we can contribute to Pakistan’s socioeconomic betterment and act on it, is there any doubt that the country will not change overnight in one big rush of altruistic activism? Now this is ofcourse an unrealistic, rhetorical example – but it is thematic of the power of incremental change. A change easy to accomplish with the results snowballing as more people buy into the paradigm. In short we must not overlook this option; rather it is sensible to include it as an ally in our portfolio of loftier ambitions.
10) Lastly, Pakistan can shine. No really; this is not just talk. If you don’t know where to start, there’s a lot of help around. And not to mention many examples to take inspiration from. Did you know that Pakistan possesses the technological knowhow to manufacture drones indigenously[i]? Or that one of the most highly regarded applications available in Apple’s iPhone App Store today is of Pakistani[ii] origin? Or that 27 Pakistani scientists[iii] are scheduled to work on CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (the ‘Big Bang’ experiment machine)? Or that a Pakistani Venture Capitalist has been placed in the top 10[iv] in Forbes magazine’s worldwide annual VC ranking?
These are just a few inspirational stories among a plethora of real-world anecdotes and accomplishments with a quintessentially Pakistani stamp on them. For all that is made out to be defective about this country, there are flashes of brilliance just waiting to be given the opportunity to show themselves in their true splendor to the realms; to spread out and envelope the gloom infesting our polity. We just need to get rid of the “Mulk khud hi chalta rehay ga” approach. And fortunately, this is not as hard as it sounds. There are numerous small but meaningful ways in which we can make a personal contribution. Some suggestions are:
- Make yourself heard. Become involved, for your continued silence is really an endorsement of the status quo. Reject what must be rejected, condemn that what is condemnable, endorse and encourage where merited. And do not be fooled into thinking that this is an ambitious proposition: increasing accessibility to the information superhighway has made it easier for any individual to become part of the public discourse. There are numerous Pakistani internet blogs and forums where you can voice your opinions and contribute in your own way to mold the national spirit for a brighter future. And you do not necessarily have to write articles – blogs traditionally invite one-liner comments as well. It is the same as, if not easier than, writing a text message on your cell phone.
- Brainstorm in public to seed ideas and to inspire. Many people talk about the way the world should be, but much less understand how to get there. If you do have thought-provoking ideas, then there is nothing more fruitful than exposing your design – through, say, the internet – to the collective intellect for it to dissect it, understand it, polish it if necessary and support it when satisfied. Also remember that your proposed solutions do not have to be comprehensive – for many issues simply cannot be solved bottom-up[v] and the burden has to be placed on the unlikely possibility of a non-elitist, well-educated visionary coming along and dominating our political scene in the future. But your ideas can always ameliorate problems; lessen their severity so to speak. It is imperative that such brainstorming enters our public discourse – the resulting crosspollination is what will slowly and steadily alter the course of our destiny.
- Become an activist through inaction (can’t get easier than this). Every populace has its own share of idealists and lunatics. Ones who think the impossible is possible, the unrealistic is realistic and that conventional wisdom is unwise. And too often people succumb to the temptation of vociferously chastising such individuals; of telling them how futile their beliefs are; of how the system will crush their hopes. Now during my days at LUMS, a Groucho Marx quotation used to do the rounds quite often: “Blessed are the cracked ones, for they shall let in the light”. Just let the lunatics be no matter how imbecilic[vi] their ideas are. Let them have their shot at change. Next time you meet the idealist, unreasonably optimistic seedling who thinks he or she can change the world, be lazy and do not make the effort go negative on them.
All of the suggestions above are very small starts confessedly. But by no means is such a start inconsequential. Through the build-up of momentum, confidence to tackle bigger beasts can evolve and we can then trailblaze our way to that true destiny envisioned for Pakistan by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This is our moment; let’s seize it. Let’s get going.
[iii] http://techlahore.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/27-pakistani-scientists-working-on-cerns-lhc-big-bang-experiments/
[v] Take this simplistically formulated example: India has roughly 8000 universities for its 1 billion people (approximately one university for every 125,000 persons). Pakistan has around 120 for its 140 million (one university for every 1.2 million persons). Assuming this level stays constant (unrealistic assumption), simple math shows we need 1000 more universities to attain parity. That is a massive task. And therefore the kind of fiscal muscle required to pull it off necessitates active government involvement.
Comments
117 responses to “10 lessons all Pakistanis must learn”
Enjoyed reading it, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I believe we have no other option except what is proposed above, I am making your article as a ‘about us’ reference for my blog.
May Gaad Bless Pakistan.
The Obama campaign made widespread use of the slogans ‘Change we can believe in’ and ‘Yes we can.’ Plastered everywhere, the slogans were easy to remember and gave inspiration and direction to even the simplest, non-media exposed people.
What slogans would be appropriate in Pakistan today?
Well I have been thinking on the same lines.I felt isolated because it was impossible to disscus the core issues which are basis of Pakistanis dilema politics and religion and silence of society.
I understood we are afraid ,we are afraid of the labels and we are afraid of expression because we are afraid of persecution by the hands of police,military and thugs.
Ziad Zaman is a high profile person,a sound one as well being a journalist and Islamist and strategic thinker but he is so vulnerable to the hate of people.
We did the same to Musharaff ,not that I am his personal fan but he defended Pakistan ,he out-manouvered USA when they were ready to attack us.He drew a line for ordinary citizen ,he took a stand between Terrorism and Islam.
He is not an angel but thousand times better than Zardari.
We accept Zardari,not Musharaff and not Imran Khan?
My question is why?
From Imran Khan to Asma Jahangir to Pervaiz Musharaff to Zaid Hamid, whoever stands for human rights,for Islam we scandalise them we hate them and we bring them down.
When we accept Zardari ,we accept people like Nawaz who had an extra marital affair,we accept Shahbaz Shrief who had married God knows which wife no ,Tehmina Duranni.
This silences the intelligent people.Intelligent and educated people are sensitive as well.
Which young educated woman would like to be scandalised?
For expressing herself.
Which educated man would like to be harrassed and degraded by politics and politicians?
Unless educated people will feel safe to express themselves and unless they open up,our society would not change.
The media ,the journalists ,the writers ,Mr.Zardari and his team,no one represents the educated class of Pakistan.
Which has high potential and full of expression,unfortunately it is banned ,the untold sensor of society ,makes me think very often,what a different person I would have been if I didnot have to think before speaking that I am woman ,to think I am from Pakistan,to think I am muslim.
BUT as FAiz said;BOUL KAI LAB AZAD HAIN TERAI
The least I can do for the sanity of myself is start sharing ,and sharing thoughts is beautiful ,it is two way expression,we learn and we teach and we feel satisfied.
I have learnt so much in past few months about Pakistan through discussions and comments.Let us not hold ourselves back.Learning is our duty ,to excell is our personal satisfaction but we need to return to humanity and soceity what we have learnt.
Political process of a country is a process of sharing thoughts and comming to a mutual consences.
Finding solutions collectively,
Pakistan is emerging,let us break the mold of stereo typing
let us support each other and make a better society.
Anthony!
“WE WILL “is my slogan and
“WE HAVE TO” is my motto.
If it helps you.
Anthony
Obama won the election not because of his slogan,his slogan was not given to him.He genuinely connected to people ,I am in Britan ,I am muslim and Pakistani origin,but he connected to me .
Change worked for him,it was obvious the world wanted change from George Bush but at the same time it is humanistic and humble approach and pride of Obama and his Michelle which appealed to people.
You know the secret,even if this man does not deliver us anything he will still be elected second time because he is one of us.
The aspiring ones.
From Imran Khan to Asma Jahangir to Pervaiz Musharaff to Zaid Hamid, Zardari,Tehmina Durrani to Tahira Syed and to the working woman and men ?
What is the criteria of society to judge people?Until this judgement is stopped people will not be realxed ,they will not open up.
WE ARE NOT PERFECT.
I do not see any crises in Pakistan apart from leadership.
We have the leaders,Imran Khan,Altaf Bhai and Perviaz Musharaff.
Would people of Pakistan realise for a nuclear Pakistan Musharaff is the best representative because he is from millitary,that is not his weakness that is his strength.
That is our strength Nuclear Pakistan head of state should know exactly the military challenges and responses.
Can we forgive Imran Khan for being once young,dynamic,chrismatic,intelligent,bold and handsome.
Altaf Bhai because he is hope for Karachi,he is a leader who can mobilise and turn Karachi ,Hyderabad from our weakness to our strength.
Look at the potential of these people ,rise above prejudice narrow mindedness .
Musharaff and Imran speak to me through their actions what will convince people of Pakistan of their patriotism and their leadership qualities?Are people of Pakistan looking for these qualities.
India ,USA ,ISrael ,Europe will feel confident speaking to Musharaff, they know the man is incharge and can deliver.The controversy and critcism he brought ,it was inevitable in the stagnant political and literature scene of Pakistan ,shinning face of Imran and intellect and foresight of both people Imran and Musharaff is a challenge.
Come on people rise upto the challenge instead of bringing the challenge down.
Imran,Musharaff and Altaf are a defence wall,their negatives ,the roughness,the boldness,to meet challenges and to deliver ,that is all we need .
When Imran and Musharaff will speak for us world will listen,Altaf sitting in UK can do so much to mobilise and get Pakistanis together.
Think people and decide,USA would not bring us democracy nor freedom,we have to do it for ourselves,our voice must be heard.We are not dead yet.Let us choose.
I am told Musharaff cannot be back into the office before two years,I say we need him now.After two years,it will be too late;
kaun jeeta hai teeri zulf kai sur hounai tuk
The Muslim-world is just distracted by entertainment, sports and trivia. They’ve been brainwashed by depraved mass-media and stupefying education system.
The world has been hijacked by “son of satan” who’s he? none but Rothschild dynasty an inventor of Banking system and a former neighbor of Imran Khan father-in-law when they were resided in ghetto in Germany b4 coming 2 UK.
Rothschild dynasty is a secret ruler of the world and a richest man on the planet due to his fatten of usury.
He has invented the banking system to controlled whole world as they controlled USA since they created Fed in 1913 and in 1927 they had created a Great Depression and after few yrs they’ve had complete controlled over USA
They also created the state of Israel despite Torah-Jews who says its illegal http://www.nkusa.org
Mayer Amschal Rothschild also the author of the protocol of elder of zion which is complete contrary what is Koran says or what GOD wants to human beings.He’s also the sole responsible/financier of World wars 1-2-3
http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/przion1.htm#Table%20of%20Contents
In conclusion Wars, terrorism, depressions, political and social change, entertainment and fads are all contrived to gradually bring about an Orwellian police state.
Just a minor correction – this article has been written by Mr. Hassan Baig – I will shortly edit the post accordingly –
allaaaa!!! hassan baig really struck a cord with me! :] time to get off my ass!! 😛
Gu yasir
Satan and devil was ever present ,if you look at this from theological angle Satan was created before Adam.
So this will always co-exist,nothing in the world is black and white.
Everything co-exist,Western society,Asian societies,Jews,Christians ,Muslims,Capitalism,Democracy,Socialism,religion everything has good and bad.The question is what are the challenges which we are facing as a collective society and how we are going to meet them.
We cannot blame everything on zionists ,it means they are strong and they will overcome us but we do not want them to overcome us ,we have to improve our ideas,refine our thought,we have to develop dialogue and than make concious decision.
farah k eaja: Altaf is a leader? He is a traitor, a foreign agent, and if/when he is tried in Pakistan he will be proven guilty beyond a shadow of doubt in no time. I am a “Mohajir” so please don’t start calling names to any other ethnic group.
From what I know of Imran Khan I think he is truly a hope for Pakistan. I am very confident that he will eventually win support from “Mohajirs”. But he faces a tough almost dangerous competition from Badmaash Brothers and so called religious groups.
Of course any the positive change can only come from the masses, especially from our most populous Punjab. This is my macro analysis!
Reagrding Imran & his EX Wife
Sometimes I wonder actually how brilliant it would have been for Imran if things were as people of Pakistan percieved.
Imagine by marrying the daughter of Goldsmith,head of Zionist means Imran would inherit the Jewish empire.As per Pakistani news columns now Zionists are head of USA ,European and Jewish economy.
It means Imran suddenly struck QAROUN KA KHAZANA.
ANd he will get United states of America or Israel in dowry from inlaws,but we never saw anything of the sort happening.
The divorce of Imran means this marriage is over so what ever Jemima does is her personal life it has got nothing to do with Imran.
How much influence did Jemima had on Imran actually?
1.I guess he was seeing her at the time of World Cup 1992.
So were jews able to buy or maneouver Imran to loose a match in favour of some Christian country.
2.Did Imran ever leave Pakistan he was playing first class cricket in British cricket county.He was a celebrety Star of International level .He could have joined any team and get better money,better life style,better stardum and better future.Somehow he did not ,maybe he liked polluted Lahore and maybe he is just proud to be from Peshawar and his roots and his culture.
3.I know his scandles as well the question I want to ask is,
to the rest of the people of Pakistan ,who point fingers at him is ,have you made no mistakes in your lives.
4.How sure are we that rest of the leaders are absolute and better and pure than him.
——————————————
But anyways people of Pakistan ,our votes have brought us Zaradari,he better be able to defend the country, we have no one else to blame to it is our own decission ,stand by it.
We had the choice and we choose Zardari ,we must know we have to live with his decions .We gave him this power to decide for us.
Paki
Good that you pointed out that we do not have to call names .That is a good start.Thankyou for reaching out and sharing your thought.
I understand we would not agree with the three names I presented ,but than this is democracy,people have a right to differ.Just be civil and let us put our reasons before emotion.
This is my choice ,clearly it is not the choice of Pakistani people .
Regarding Altaf Bhai ,actually I am not defending anyone.I am seeing these people from a distance.
I am just sharing my thoughts and giving my reasons.This is direct democracy ,let us have our say ,regarding the three.
About Altaf Bhai I would say ,it does not matter how he appears to you and me,what matters is how he connects to a huge section of society.
No one likes a trade unionist ,even some workers hate him,mill owners hate him , Trade unionist has a power and that power is that people can connect to him.
The power Altaf Bhai have ,it is not a power of arms,or drugs or provided by India;
I know one thing if he makes a phone call and say no one will eat dinner tonight,a huge no of people in Karachi and Hyderabad will really not eat that night.
That is called leader.We have to respect that.
Please avoid hate and abusive language ,let us try to connect to each other.
@out paki
If Altaf is a traitor then Imran also a traitor who earn from Bradford university and vocal for strong judiciary and FATA region prbs. I too Mohajir but I don’t like politics and politicians neither I’ve any connection with any party.
The world politicians are all a$$ of U$ whose aim is to implement IMF rules and regulation.
Imran Khan can be a good leader in politics but his image being vilified by his opponents and his marriage with pure-jewish family also gave him stain on his playboy image.
The cricket leadership and politics leadership are quite contrary in cricket u’ve to controlled 11 players while in politics u’ve to controlled the 16 million masses.
Imran Khan was a good captain and leader so he has to come back in cricket choose PCB chairman seat and do politics of cricket instead of parliament-politics and try to take Pak team again at #1 position…
Our cultural and social lives is a fraud based on central banks agenda(IMF) and our leaders actually represent ’em instead of us. V for vendetta nowadays but I want change of whole system instead of change of faces/feces
WOW!
I must say that was a masterpiece a great think piece.
1) I disagree with the notion that extremism always overcomes the moderation. It is not extremism, it is a group of highly motivated people who rule the system. No matter who attacked first, this war was inevitable and this war is more political than religious. The problem is the moderate majority distanced themselves from this war. In fact, subconsciously moderates are on the side of enemy. That is why they will be the loser no matter who will be the winner. My worst fear is that if religious element won the war the motivated moderates will pay a heavy price. As I see the growing hatred in the hearts and minds of religious fighters.
2) Dr.Allam mohd Iqbal had a vision, an unbelievable foresightedness. He saw the future and prescribed the treatment, which is unfortunately unacceptable for Muslim moderates of present time who believes in “GROUND REALITIES” forgetting that the biggest ground reality is that the ground reality changes all the time.
3) Completely agreed.
4) Morality can be tricky. For a conservative Muslim every thing resolves around ALLAH (swt) and his orders. Moralities can easily exclude Allah (swt) from its practices. From this point problem arises almost all the people who promote the moralities are not practicing Muslims and they show no passion for religion. Therefore, moralities alone were never a matter of importance for Muslims of Pakistan
5) Again completely agreed.
6) Your diagnosis is just right.
7) We are in vicious circle of corruption and social decay any attempt to get rid of
corruption causes more corruption because we are corrupt society with powerful and intact system, which protect itself from any change.
Who is not corrupt? We are not corrupt because we do not have a chance of it.
How this problem can be solved? While the system is powerful and stakes are high.
For me the answer is revolution like French revolution.
8) Onus should be on middle or upper middle class but I am afraid that it will be vanishing lower middle class and poor who bring the change.
9) Small steps is necessary for mental preparation but again I would say that for paradigm change we need revolution.
10) We have great potential and resources. I agree that Pakistan can shine once we find true leadership, which can use the political force to bring change.
10 Commandments are better way to learn and implement world-affairs rather than choosing Mr.10% as our President.
Jews/goys have forgotten 10 Commandments and make world war zone instead of peace zone.
1.I am the Lord your God
2.You shall have no other gods before me
You shall not make for yourself an idol
3.You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God
4.Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
5.Honor your father and mother
6.You shall not kill
7.You shall not commit adultery
8.You shall not steal
9.You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
10.You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor
If world would’ve been based on above 10.comm then world have been paradise for living but Killing is rampant so as stealing and lying and adultery every forbidden act is rampant due to the whole world based on diabolical conspiracy which is a satanic game instead of GodGame.
Must read whole article below in order to get the real and bigger picture of those who are hell-bent to destroy the world how visit and read below
http://www.overlordsofchaos.com/html/new_order_of_barbarians.html
A very good article but the problem with pakistan and its society is that everything suggested above will remain in future tense. Soon we will be having 10 new things that pakistanis should learn and practice, then again we will have 20 things that pakitanis shouldnt have learnt, done and practiced. The problem is that the fault lines in Pakistani society have exacerbated to such an extent that it will only take a Herculean task to fix pakistan and precedents to which exist none in the recorded human history. Even if you fix pakistan the cost of fixing it and the time line of fixing it will have to be debated by the world as Pakistan alone cannot fix it self and the cost will be beared by its neighbours and the world.
@ Vijiith: Let me guess, you want to live in Jinnahpur right? you’re one of those …. 😛
Sir, It doesnt matter where I live but you certaily live in Faujistan and that is the reality.
@Vijay: A reality we’re trying to change, not exacerbate. You wouldn’t get it. So whose payroll are you on? 🙂
@vijiith!
we saw how india was on it’s knees only by few fighters.
tell me what will happen when dozens of insurgencies in different states start getting out of control
in spite of giving us bhashan why don’t you learn some lessons and fix your own problems.
you have absolutely nothing which can be offered to pakistan or any other country.
so get rid of your complexes and do some thing good.
One of the most remarkable things about the lawyers’ movement was that it was the first time in Pakistan that I’ve seen open public discourse.
Why should only lawyers be the ones (besides the politicians) with the opportunities and skills to air their views in public? As this blog demonstrates, there is a need for greater open public discourse to take place outside of the realms of the printed word.
If the people of Pakistan are to control their own destiny, then not only must opportunities for public discourse be expanded, but greater participation should be encouraged and expected—not just for the people at the head of organizations but for intelligent people generally.
In conferences and workplace events that I’ve attended in Pakistan (and among OPs in U.S.), I’m amazed at how the format remains the same: a few important people face everyone else and do 90-100% of the speaking. Challenging the top guy is unheard of 99% of the time.
Isn’t it time that public events were re-organized to become more participatory? There are standard tools like small break-out groups that can be used to create proposals, implementation plans and commitments for action.
A new ethic of participation should not be limited to politics. It should be extended to workplaces and educational institutions. It will create a new sense of accountability and shared responsibility. In a knowledge economy, hierarchies are flattened and many-to-many communication is the done thing.
Debate and public speaking should be taught and practiced in schools—at all levels. For those of us beyond school age, there should be a greater acceptance that sometimes public discourse leads to silly things being said and that greater participation will occasionally call for greater tolerance for rubbish and misunderstandings.
The best response to rubbish is not less speech, but more speech. And speech should not be a monopoly held by a few or confined to the printed word.
yeh totally agree why only the lawyers we just saw what is happening in greece only single boy shot dead and all the young people are on the street protesting against it but why this can’t happen here is something i can’t figure out
if Pakistan really produced a leader after Z.A Bhutto ,he is Imran Khan . if he works hard in coming elections he can create a mighty upset believe me. He is the man we can believe in.
Jawaadkhan:Good summingup and response
Anthony
Good observation.Public openion is not shaped and active in Pakistan that is what is lacking.
People coming to roads and mass protest have hugely been used and exploited by PPP.We as a nation are extremely political ,one thing which I have noticed people maybe not aware of law and human rights but even in remote villages people have their thought and they are more political.In the case of small villages and areas they know about their affiliations.That is why despite war on Terror etc Fata is united.They are not ignorant but their politics is smaller level,they have high political understanding but that is limited to local area.
People are extremy responsive look at PPP workers,MQM, the only problem is again lack of leadership,tomorrow 2 million people can come out on road ,if Zaradari calls or Maulana Fazul ur Rehman calls,the problem is what do these leaders do once they get into Parliament.The same faces and same stereo typing.It seems the leaders lack direction.
We are a nation who did not accept Shariat,without mass protests we did it subtly .We are very moderate and intelligent nation.Just our leaders need to have vision of International politics and contineous deliverence .Media is crap,stereo type and behind.
Major problem is despite being reading all Marxism ,Capitalism,despite all awareness of Human rights,protests against Zia etc,Benazir comming to Pakistan ,I never attended anything.
Educated class doesnot believe and trust the leadership and we believe it is not worth following them.Rightfully so.
Why should a person like me go on Mall and get beaten when I know these leaders will do nothing for my rights and my oppertunities.
Rest of the life an FIR will demage my carier.People of Pakistan are very wise.
Another thing I have noticed is we are not extremist.like let us say everyone of us like to live a free life.We all fall in love ,boys and girls often get beaten and our biggest fight is with our parents and society in the name of love,well sometimes we loose,sometimes we win.
Islam we cherish.You can meet many charecters from Chaucers Canterbury Tales in present day Pakistan.
Islam is our key which unites us.No matter how Imran spent his youth,no matter how much we campaign against capital punishment,how much Zardari flirts with Pallin or drinks on China delegation ,doesnot matter how much Asma Jahangir criticises government for human rights but we are all muslims to the core.
There is a difference between a Terrorist and a Muslim.World must understand this difference.Pakistan is an Islamic country ,its people are not Terrorists.
Terrorists is a small group whose impact is huge.USA has messed up big deal ,the propoganda as USA ,ISRAEL ,a sorethumb in the middle of all Islamic states,United States is trying to do same now in asian belt Islamic religion and here it has chosen India.
Past century ,Crusade was a slogan used by Alqaeeda ,this century if India did not behave responsibly and USA did not stop marginalising,and branding muslim countries as Terrorists crusade will really start.
I believe it was GEORGE BUSH who preached all muslims that it is a CRUSADE unite against USA and give us a reason to bomb all of you.
Since in every Islamic country from Saudia to Pakistan,Iran and rest ,muslims want to live a free and better life ,the response will be the small Isolated Extremist groups or pockets rejected by general public launching terrorist attacks around the world including the countries they are born in.
OSAMA is Saudi,Suadi Arabia is attacked.Pakistan is attacked from within,India got attacked from within.Britain got attacked from within.Apart from the humdrum of life we have to face United States Politics ,it is good it is a challenege,Pakistani people have to raise upto the expectation and meet this challenege.India has brought more awareness among people by highlighting and blaming it on Pakistan.
War on terror of USA is a war against humanity.it must stop now and no country should rage war on the basis of Terrorism because muslims are victims as well.
We have to work on it together without branding and without generalising that is the only way forward.
Democracy is a charade an illusion and as well as a ruse to controlled every aspect of our lives. Democracy is a ruse for all of those who are rubes India gotcha largest.;)
There can be no democracy when mass-media and education (esp religious) are tightly controlled.
This is rather Plutocracy which handicapped Judiciary so they plutocrats may get a carte blanche to do whatever they want to do under the guise of democracy/dictatorship.
Democracy is a name of fighting 1st in Election 2nd in Selection 3rd in Perfection and democracy never reaches on perfection but rather reach to perversity. Politics is perverse and leaders are figureheads.
The ongoing fight btw Al-qaeda/Taliban and USA is fighting for changing whole socio-economic-political system based on God-words rather than Iblees-words.
Ex-wife of Imran Khan wrote article about Benazir that
BB was a Kleptocrat in a hermes scarf she who stole 1.5bn pounds from pakistan and deposited in UK/swiss banks.
I wanna ask Jemima that where did BB get her education no where but from ur own country uni means Oxford so s/he who is a Kleptocrat a whole UK and US and AUS and EU and UN and NATO and CIA and FBI you name it…
Gu Yasir
Tell me what is good for us.I mean what sort of system will work for us.As I definitely do not want military rule.Democracy if is going to end up with Zaradri and Nawaz I do not want that.What sort of system can evolve from within Pakistan.
Khilafat is a no no as well.
It’s good that we are TALKING about how to improve the conditions in Pakistan. We must realize,however, that Pakistan is constantly under attack by “external forces” in ways that majority of Pakistanis don’t even understand, I mean no disrespect! For instance look at this Wikipedia article about Ajmal. It is the pinnacle of BS that I have ever come across.
The writer blatantly ignores the fact that no one in the village that Ajmal Kassab allegedly comes from recognizes the photo. Check it out and edit if you can!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajmal_Amir#References
The current system is sordid economics is full of usury and interest based banking. Politics is perverse and social and cultural lives are fraud based on central banks agenda.
Capitalism and Communism work together in a parallel way both are self-destructive in nature which leads towards materialism rather than humanism. When materialism grows one lost his/her divine mission and lost in world.
The age of Reason aka age of Enlightenment which began in 17th century basically a Lucifer-doctrine to manipulate world religions and its resources by wars, depression, terrorism etc
They’ve largely succeed due to our own folks illiteracy and our bigwigs their agents…
The system which can be useful for humanity is none but Islam which came after Christianity and giving almost a same message which Jesus gave but perished by Judas.
This is the Cosmic Struggle between Spirit and Matter: God will be Immanent; Matter will resist. This is the conflict between God (the view that man is unfinished, and dependent on Divine revelation) and Lucifer (man is already god.)
The lesson of this story is that God is indispensable. He is Reality. We cannot deny Him without denying the principle of our own fulfillment. A secular world order is prey to the devil. This is impasse we are in. We are ruled by a satanic cult.
Some things we can do: 1) boycott the mass media; 2) “out” politicians, teachers and media figures who are pushing the Freemason agenda; 3) refuse to hate other people or fight other countries; 4) celebrate the things the Masons hate — nationhood (internationalism causes war) heterosexual identities, nuclear families, Islamic System with 1GOD1.
mY above writing is for farrah k raja who resides in UK and thinks that we’re superior and successful and rest are terrorists and uneducated.
The reality is different. London is world terrorist HQ they who finance terrorism and earn profit from carnage as they did b4 in WW1-2 and now WW-3 in Iraq what are they doing there none but doing oil-business. They knew there’s no WMDs in Iraq and Saddam has no link with Al-qaeda yet they attacked Iraq so he who’s a terrorist UK/US or Al-qaeda?
Osama seems spiritual and gentle who’s being divinely guided to change system which cannot be achieved without fighting so Terrorist Vs Terrorist fight is on its way the GOD will decide who’s a real Terrorists btw 2 parties we cannot.
The world socio-economic-political system is written by Divine in Koran but we are Enlightened enuff that Koran msg looks old-theory nah but its a basic theory for all human beings since world being created and Adam kept foot on the earth people/messengers change but divine msg remain same but satanic forces are so subtle and powerful that they declare that Men is himself is a god and can make any rule and do whatever he wants to do. Thats what I wanna say now time for dinner sum Chinese dishes with Italian food/salad.
Have a nice day with Bakra and Cow meals/dinner
Good show!!
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Guys how about some intellectual input on various aspects of Hassan’s article? Let’s not digress…
Hassan’s article is straight from the hearts of Pakistani youth. This is what everyone feels like but as farah has indicated the issue of insecurity. I say we become fearless.
This is the time Pakistan needs us. I’m sure to make an individual difference does not take much effort.
The first thing we can do is get rid of the obscene line we use a billions time in our daily lives;
“O yar! merae kehna sae kiya hota hae!”
OR
“O yar! yahan sub yehe kerte hain, koi farak nahi purta!!!”
The silliest remark we here from government functionaries and the privileged ones of Pakistan today is,”Pakistan he to ham hein”. No Sir, we were there when even the name of Pakistan was not heard. Historically speaking, the Muslims once ruled the whole of India and they still exist in Bharat and Bangladesh. What we call Pakistan is the part of Quaide’s Pakistan called West Pakistan. In fact we can use this name only because Mujib, representing the majority of the Pakies, hated the name of Pakistan and loved to call East Pakistan, Bangladesh.
Even, if seen objectively, Pakistan, which was basically a movement of Indian Muslims for solving the Hindu-Muslim conflict obviously failed in its objective miserably, having presently been hijacked by the extremists on both sides of the divide. What is needed therefore is a leader today of the stature of Quaide Azam who can start the movement afresh to save the Muslims by providing them a new platform for attaining the objective of peace in the Indian subcontinent.
@readinglord!
you sound like lord of moron secular fascists.
“pakistan hey to ham hen” is the reality not a remark.
yes ofcourse we were there when even the name of pakistan not heard.
in 1984 i went to india the cousin of my maternal grandfather told me what happened in 1947 in dehli.he said that the there was processions of chaste muslim women in the state of complete nackedness on the street of dehli organised by fenatic sikhs and hindu and 60 years after there was similar kind of accidents in gujrat and guess what?
no body was convicted for genocide.
funny isn’t it??/
and muslims are still there.
similar and systemic genocide is still being executed in kashmir.
muslims are still there.
and as a redinglord you must have read the comments of retired judge of supreme court about miserable conditions of indian muslim and grave injustices they have to face every day.
and you msut also aware the post saddam iraq and post taliban afghansitan.
and guess what???
iraqi and afghani are still there.
your comments indicate your personality and mentality every muslim pakistani can easily recognise who you are.
(as bipeds are common in pakistan these days)
can you give this kind of advise to the britons???
no you can’t. because if you did ??you know what will be the reaction and consequences.
it is only post musharraf pakistan where snakes wander freely and spew the venome where ever they want.
did you realise that you comments are so ridiculous and obnoxious that even reading was difficult.
Take it easy guys. Let’s be constructive as Hassan Baig’s article implies. I’m so motivated right now. Guys Hassan is the kind of leader Pakistan needs today! Don’t you agree?
@Husnain!
not so fast.we live in pakistan where any magniloquent sorcer can easily make us remove our dresses by ourselves in public.
People
We are Pakistanis and we are muslims.Our history is such that this thread of politics from religion has not be separated.
Being a Paksitani we have a distinct charecer.We celebrate Eid,Ramadan,New year ,Basant.In the marraiages or public functions sometimes men and woman are sitting together sometimes separately.
We have prostitudes,we have drink parties,we have film stars,we have pop singers,we have human rights,we have mosques,we practice religion,our state of law is secular,our constitution is secular with Islamic principals.
We have muslims with beards ,with clean shaves ,we have woman with hijab and without one.Woman drives in Pakistan,are head of business,are doctors ,engineers and yes woman works in feilds as well and face physical abuse as well.Pakistani men are very sweet ,very caring ,jealous and loving and possessive and hiding all these emotions.
This is all Pakistan.Now in this scenario we have a neighbour called India,neighbour called Iran,neighbour called Afghanistan and International polictics,USA,Israel,Europe,G8,UNO etc how we deal with all this is our politics being Pakistani nation.We have to see what is in our best interest.
The second Picture is Islamic picture,improve the political and social picture of Pakistan and picture of Islam will improve automatically.
UAE,Egypt,Turkey,Iran,Somalia ,Malaysia ,etc are Islamic countries but we have to treat them as they treat us.
USA has recently given this ideology recently that ISLAM is a synonym for Paksitan.No it is not.Pakistanis must stop being walking into this trap.
India our neighbour has used this trap and endorsed it.Saudi Arabia,Turkey ,Iran,UAE ,Egypt,Palestine and Jordan are the true examples of Islam. These are the sacred places.Our islam is liberal Islam.
Let us take a back seat on Islam,improve our social structure,develop our thought and our inspiration and principals must be Islamic though ,and we will be doing a service to Islam and we will be improving the picture of Islam.
Recently I went to see an art exhbition from Saudi Arabia,their dialogue is their own.Their signature is their own.Not Islamic but Saudi Arabia.
Dubai Architect is not Islamic but symbol of Dubai money and business, and yet in collective conciousness of Islam this contributes to a picture of Islam.
Let us not compare ourselves with USA and Europe but far behind are we than Iran,Dubai and Suadia even.
Pakistani people please think on this,SAUDI ARABIA does not allow woman to drive car,yet it has more respect.
Iran is more extreme in woman hijab and condemning USA.
The world percieve Pakistanis as extremist when we are example of most liberal Islam.
Why this controversy and paradox.
USA by using a synonym of Pakistan for Islam has branded us as (hard liner Islamists)actually meaning Terrorists.
The truth is we are most liberal of all muslims.We cannot be more liberal.If USA and West want us to forget that we are muslims ,that cannot be .Muslims,every human being has its own nature,intelligence level and behaviour.
Muslim countries have their distinct features ,Suadia,Dubai,Qatar,Jordan,Palestine,Iran,Pakistan,Bangladesh,Indonesia,Turkey ,Egypt,with all these names a different picture a different images flash before our eyes.
Pakistan doesnot harbour Terrorism infact Pakistan people are victims of Terrorism .
@farrah k raja!
don’t be exaggerated by this kind of propaganda.they know us better than we do.
the problem is that intact and sovern pakistan is a hurdel in their future plans
this is a war we have to fight no matter how moderate and secular we become.they need a fragmented pakistan to achieve their goals.
they are not friends, they can’t be.because it is mentioned in QURAN
dr.Jawwadkhan
Agree with your point.They are not friends,agreed.
Agreed sovereign Pakistan is not acceptable by Israel,By many Hindus & muslims of India who were against creation of Pakistan and by George Bush himself.Also Jews do play a major role in US policy.
Particularly Nuclear Pakistan .
gu yassir
“mY above writing is for farrah k raja who resides in UK and thinks that we’re superior and successful and rest are terrorists and uneducated.”
sorry i did not get this particular sentence.
———–
regarding your essay and thoughts about God and Matter,well that is my thought process,only I prefer spirit over matter.
Also my learning is from Pakistan in other words I am product of Pakistan,I mention London because it represents my internal clashes which I face as a muslim living in UK.
One of the best, most thought provoking articles I’ve ever read. I wish we had even a SINGLE leader who thought half as clearly as Mr. Baig. We seriously need more people like him on the national front. It is people like him who will take us to salvation – such foresight, such vision, such clarity of thought.
You’ve earned my vote sir!
One of the best articles I’ve read on this blog. Quite simply!!!
I second Shafay and Saleem 🙂