We may catch or let go RAW agents, the difference between covert and overt behaviours of Indian leadership will continue to lead us to confusion, uncertainty and destabilization. Political and religious extremism and radicalism is now an international phenomenon having implications for the developed as well as developing countries. Prejudice is source of injustice and most conflicts which should be resolved to strengthen peace efforts. We have seen yet another manifestation of extremism and hate in the form of carnage at ‘Gulshan-e-Iqbal’ Park, Lahore and witnessed violence and destruction by Pro-Qadri protesters in the red-zone, Islamabad. Both cases of extremism are to be viewed as attack on the State of Pakistan and challenge to the writ of the government. There is certainly need to tighten the clutches of the laws of the state.
Power struggle, terrorism and extremism are the most dangerous factors that keep the people divided in terms of ideologies, ethnicity, religious beliefs and what not. Indifference, intolerance, non-democratic behaviours and neglect of the rule of law are barriers to establishing system of justice, peace and stability. We need to distinguish between good and bad and right and wrong. Democracy allows rights and space for free speech and expression. But any one misusing this space has to be punished for breaking a law. Breach of law must be reported to the concerned authorities to effectively handle such a situation to maintain harmony and culture of peace and security.
We should listen to political leaders carefully to provide a feed back. What they say may be partly appealing and acceptable to the electorate, yet not the whole truth. Anyone pleading amnesty for hardened criminals is certainly not talking in the realm of fairness and justice. Such demands to let criminals go scot free fall in the category of abetment to the act of crime itself. It may be understood that unreasonable and illegal approach to get a share of vote bank is a crime. Return of Mustafa Kamal, the former MQM Nazim of Karachi and the national political affairs need be analyzed objectively in context of geopolitical scenario, politics of Sindh province and particularly our need for building strong, healthy and happy Pakistan with uniform national outlook.
Our major focus should be on national integration and strengthening the federation. This requires restructuring, reorganizing and democratizing political parties to make them effectively and truly an instrument of representation of the people of the whole of Pakistan and not simply pockets here and there. All major political parties should have effective presence and representation in all federating units.
Inter-provincial co-ordination should be made more effective. The role of council of common interests needs to be more active and dynamic with more frequent meetings to focus on issues that require urgent attention and action. The present scenario in this context is unsatisfactory and not helpful in promoting national unity and sense of togetherness. Pockets of influence simply divide the country, like what had resulted in separation of East Pakistan from the West Wing. The split was political, sociological and psychological as indicated by attitudes and behaviours cultivated through internal as well as external factors. No political party in West Pakistan was represented in East Pakistan. So Awami League became the sole guardian of what turned out to be Bangladesh. Let us not repeat the blunder. Let us ensure an enabling culture and preconditions that keep us united as a forward looking, self-respecting, progressive, and tolerant nation. Unity, Faith and Discipline are the pillars that help keep us building strong Pakistan of Jinnah’s vision. Let us pledge that we shall repeat no blunder any more. And those sincere efforts would be made for assimilation, cooperation and national integration for stronger Pakistan.
Pakistan needs good governance through institutions building and strengthening the system of public accountability that is in place to ensure transparency and representation through participation and rooting out corruption. Unnecessary politicization of institutions such as National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is not in public interest. Similarly, criticizing the Army is in bad taste. Public is all out in praise of sacrifices rendered by our valiant officers and men. War on terror continues and will continue till such time that terrorism is completely rooted out or terrorists surrender to the constitutional and legal authorities. Civil-military leaders vow to step up anti-terror fight.
Elimination of terrorists is Pakistan’s national resolve.
In matters of law there should be no politicization from any quarters. Interference on such questions cannot be accepted specially when a matter is subjudice and an order has been issued by the highest court. What is the usefulness of a protest by the former President Asif Ali Zardari over Musharraf’s exit? The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed that the Supreme Court had rejected an appeal of the federation against Musharaf and the Interior Ministry had issued a notification, removing the Retired General’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL). The due process of law was followed before the Interior Ministry had issued a notification to let Musharraf go for medical care and treatment. Is the opposition ignorant or playing an unwanted game to create confusion? However, nobody would differ on the view for due respect to the principles of justice, transparent and objective methodology and rationality. Any democratic political government would require confidence of the electorate.
Improving relations internally and externally is important. Some of the recent initiatives by Pakistan seem to have impacted positively to improve relations with India. There is desire to change the status quo between the two countries. Cricket diplomacy could help. It is another matter that girls outshined boys in cricket. Anyway the spirit of sportsmanship should be the major consideration.
Aziz-Sushma interaction in Pokhara, Nepal, on the sidelines of the 37thSAARC ministerial conference has renewed their contact and interests expressed in the Heart of Asia conference held in Islamabad on December 9, 2015. One should be optimistic and hope for improvement in Pak-India relations by the time the next SAARC conference takes place in Islamabad in November this year. If bi-literalism on Kashmir has failed so far, could there be an alternate strategy or approach to resolve the issue of Kashmir. Kashmiris have suffered because of Indian State terrorism in the last about 70 years. Pakistan has suffered too. Pakistan cannot afford another war with India. Nor would India wish to opt for war due to her economic and other wish lists.
India has also to rethink of the fact that the resistance in held Kashmir comes from Kashmiris who are not willing to give up their right of self-determination. They will continue to fight against Indian aggression and oppression. Kashmir is an expensive proposition for India.
Solution of Kashmir dispute through an innovative approach could open the gate-way to a new world of peace, security, justice and prosperity. Let the United Nations and other world forums create an enabling culture that makes Kashmir a paradise on earth once again.
Peace in Kashmir means peace and prosperity not only of India and Pakistan but the whole of Asia and beyond.
From sports to politics there is certainly need to reduce tensions and to inject some kind of romanticism, reflecting on human values and show of love that highlights shared concerns, including greater good of humanity-at-large. We feel good if we make others feel good. We need to know the point we are driving at, the mission and goals in view and the strategy as well as the frame of reference as a guideline for search and research. The purpose of observing earth hour is to promote public awareness about global warming due to increasing use of energy. Global warming is a serious issue pointing to urgency of protecting the environment and promoting friendly positive attitudes to face the challenges through effective measures designed to protect from pollution and problematic change. Global warming and change affect life in every sector of economy and society, particularly, health, housing, agriculture, industry and our life styles, including attitudes and behaviours. The United Nations and the super and great powers have major responsibility to invest and share in practical efforts in this context. Global warming issue needs global initiatives to seek proposals for resolving this issue. Every individual has to think and contribute to protect planet earth and do whatever is possible to participate in the war against pollution and environment degradation. Global public welfare demands a contribution from individuals, groups and communities.