SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF PAKISTAN
Sixty one years is a sufficient period for any nation to take a dispassionate stock of its achievements and weak areas which lend resilience and strength and immensely contribute to national power. Pakistan's inception in 1947 was highly tumultuous as it
entailed gigantic problems of survival. The sixty one years period is a mixed baggage of how Pakistan has been able to overcome difficulties and where it has failed to meet the
challenges that it encountered. However, the greatest achievement of our society during these years was the survival against the heavy odds. The history shows us a very clear picture that nations which do not learn from experiences seldom retain their independence. The security of a nation is a vital element to ensure its viability and survival as well as it is essential for securing an environment which will facilitate the process of national growth. Moreover, the concept of national security in itself deserves a continuing debate to determine its elements which include democracy, good governance, psycho-social and economic aspects beside the obvious imperative of defence. A strong and viable democratic political and economic system is essential to sustain any nation. In case of Pakistan this element of national power has been quite weak from the very inception. Emergence of frequent autocratic regimes further debilitated. The important national institutions have retorted their growth. The situation was further aggravated due to unholy alliance among the feudal, bureaucrats, military junta, religious leaders, politicians and business elite. At this, stage, there is an urgent need to think and find ways and means for developing a genuine democratic process leading to political stability, good governance and economic development.
We are living in an age of economic competitiveness. In fact all elements of national power are being directed towards achievements of economic objectives. The majority of our people are living below the poverty line and suffering many deprivations. Without improving the quality of lives of our people we cannot emerge as a nation with honour and dignity. Fortunately, we are endowed with sufficient bounties of nature to be self-sustained in the fields of basic necessities of life. The dire need is to harness our human and other natural resources and ensure that the benefits are equally shared by all the people. The impediments to our economic growth need to be examined and overcome through innovative strategies.
The economic imbalance between defence expenditure and a very large national debt, corruption and mismanagement of economy is threatening the security and stability of the country. The neglect of agriculture sector and the ever increasing population has also created a serious problem of good security. The arms race has not only impeded socio-economic development but has also tilted the balance of power in favour of India and Pakistan. However, the lasting peace and security may be maintained through military prowess but it can only be required and sustained through national economic development.
With the spectacular progress in the field of science and technology, the whole world has shrunk into a global village. It's considered that economic development is the only secure foundation for domestic, regional and global peace and security. It's also true that origins of conflicts lie deep in socio-economic deprivations, disparities, denial of human rights and true democracy. Therefore, it is imperative that our political and intellectual think tank-embark upon a strategy of compassion with all the communities so that the standard of living could improve.
Despite sixty one years of independence, Pakistan's political system remains inadequately institutionalized and highly personalized. The country has alternated between long periods of military rule and unstable civilian governments. While the rural peasantry continues to be dominated by powerful feudal families, the urban middle class and working class remain weak and poorly organized. As a result, our political s31tem is confronted by direct action, endemic violence and powerful primordial loyalties that have come to dominate all political and economic disputes.
Politics in Pakistan has become a zero sum game Karachi has been cut off from mainstream politics since long and now needs a new political and economic direction to overcome terrorism technology invented for Karachi which has now spread throughout the country. We have to change our attitudes and develop self confidence in our intellectual and natural resources to overcome our weakness. The ruling and political elite have to free themselves from their colonial and feudal mindset and give up the archaic policy of divide and rule. The peace and progress through economic, social and political development is the only option available to us and it can be attained only through the combined efforts of the people at large.
entailed gigantic problems of survival. The sixty one years period is a mixed baggage of how Pakistan has been able to overcome difficulties and where it has failed to meet the
challenges that it encountered. However, the greatest achievement of our society during these years was the survival against the heavy odds. The history shows us a very clear picture that nations which do not learn from experiences seldom retain their independence. The security of a nation is a vital element to ensure its viability and survival as well as it is essential for securing an environment which will facilitate the process of national growth. Moreover, the concept of national security in itself deserves a continuing debate to determine its elements which include democracy, good governance, psycho-social and economic aspects beside the obvious imperative of defence. A strong and viable democratic political and economic system is essential to sustain any nation. In case of Pakistan this element of national power has been quite weak from the very inception. Emergence of frequent autocratic regimes further debilitated. The important national institutions have retorted their growth. The situation was further aggravated due to unholy alliance among the feudal, bureaucrats, military junta, religious leaders, politicians and business elite. At this, stage, there is an urgent need to think and find ways and means for developing a genuine democratic process leading to political stability, good governance and economic development.
We are living in an age of economic competitiveness. In fact all elements of national power are being directed towards achievements of economic objectives. The majority of our people are living below the poverty line and suffering many deprivations. Without improving the quality of lives of our people we cannot emerge as a nation with honour and dignity. Fortunately, we are endowed with sufficient bounties of nature to be self-sustained in the fields of basic necessities of life. The dire need is to harness our human and other natural resources and ensure that the benefits are equally shared by all the people. The impediments to our economic growth need to be examined and overcome through innovative strategies.
The economic imbalance between defence expenditure and a very large national debt, corruption and mismanagement of economy is threatening the security and stability of the country. The neglect of agriculture sector and the ever increasing population has also created a serious problem of good security. The arms race has not only impeded socio-economic development but has also tilted the balance of power in favour of India and Pakistan. However, the lasting peace and security may be maintained through military prowess but it can only be required and sustained through national economic development.
With the spectacular progress in the field of science and technology, the whole world has shrunk into a global village. It's considered that economic development is the only secure foundation for domestic, regional and global peace and security. It's also true that origins of conflicts lie deep in socio-economic deprivations, disparities, denial of human rights and true democracy. Therefore, it is imperative that our political and intellectual think tank-embark upon a strategy of compassion with all the communities so that the standard of living could improve.
Despite sixty one years of independence, Pakistan's political system remains inadequately institutionalized and highly personalized. The country has alternated between long periods of military rule and unstable civilian governments. While the rural peasantry continues to be dominated by powerful feudal families, the urban middle class and working class remain weak and poorly organized. As a result, our political s31tem is confronted by direct action, endemic violence and powerful primordial loyalties that have come to dominate all political and economic disputes.
Politics in Pakistan has become a zero sum game Karachi has been cut off from mainstream politics since long and now needs a new political and economic direction to overcome terrorism technology invented for Karachi which has now spread throughout the country. We have to change our attitudes and develop self confidence in our intellectual and natural resources to overcome our weakness. The ruling and political elite have to free themselves from their colonial and feudal mindset and give up the archaic policy of divide and rule. The peace and progress through economic, social and political development is the only option available to us and it can be attained only through the combined efforts of the people at large.
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