The Chief Justice of Pakistan has said the corruption, mismanagement and the general careless attitude towards the laws of the land have brought the country on the verge of collapse.
Following a two-year tussle between the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the health ministry, the formers executive committee was dissolved through a presidential ordinance. Minister of State for National Health Services (NHS) claimed that the PMDC had never cooperated with the Ministry; to the extent that even when the Ministry demanded a list of registered medical colleges, PMDC had gone to court stating that the ministry was interfering in its affairs.
With the announcement of modalities of new law; and its background (Embezzlement in the PMDC and investigation by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and proceedings now in courts of law) it is expected that the PMDCs new management will work to streamline all issues in an environment of honesty, efficiency and effective service delivery. The culture of corruption and moral degeneration must come to an end giving space to merit-orientation and spirit of empathy. Those in position of authority, no matter how high or low must understand the significance of rule of law as that is the only foundation of justice. Strength of a society and its institutions depends on the implementation of laws and social moral codes.
If a government has the will it can secure necessary cooperation of opposition political parties and all interest groups to curb corruption and all sort of exploitation in the system of governance. Absence of clear focus on political development and strengthening institutions and lack of respect and dedication to look to the legislature for orientation and guidance has been the root cause of complex issues and crises Pakistan faces today.
Self-serving politicians are a major source of corruption in government and all sections of the society. Ghost schools, fake degrees, financial and administrative irregularities, bribes, coercion, inefficiency and incapacity all speak of an aspect of injustice. Indifference and disconnect are major sources of disorganization and disintegration. No doubt this is the dark side of the spectrum. No country is without problems. The west has started to understand the backlash it faces now because of its policies of exploiting the people and the resources of the third world. The exploits of colonialism and neo-colonialism and wars thrusted on the poor countries had to have reaction which is now showing. The west and particularly, the rich-developed countries have failed to help resolve problems of poverty, ignorance and disease.
The current issue of refugees is the product of uncalled for wars imposed on the people most of whom happen to be Muslims. Peace can be expected around the globe once the Islamophobia and prejudices against Muslims are given up and religions based discrimination is legally and socially eliminated. Countries, specially great powers that do not question India on its religions extremism and terrorism, have to realize their responsibility and call a spade a spade. Peace in Asia will remain under threat as long India continues to export terrorism to its neighborhood, specially Pakistan. Peace in Afghanistan is also a remote possibility because of Indian interference and military presence in that war-torn country.
Pakistan is fighting against terrorism since it is a barrier against the much needed effort for development and creating bright future for the next generations. Counter -terrorism is part of our foreign policy goals and international commitment. Pakistans military operations have yielded very encouraging results in terms of wiping out terrorism from most parts of the country. For further such successes cooperation of Afghanistan and the United States and the support of the people of Pakistan is required on continuous basis. May be china could play a role in this context as far Afghanistans cooperation is concerned.
According to reports the terrorists feeling heat in the port city Karachi had gone into hiding in other parts of Sindh province. Hence the justification for establishing more anti-terror courts and expanding operation beyond Karachi. The drive against corruption in Sindh began after Rangers, who are leading operation in Karachi, had said that a major part of terror financing was coming from corruption in government institutions.
The new Ambassador of the United States to Pakistan H.E. David Hale called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at GHQ in Rawalpindi the other day. The envoy praised gains in operation Zarb-e-Azab. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including regional Security situation were discussed.
Looking at the total picture I would say things were not bad as some of the people perceive of Pakistan. Is the glass half empty or half full? It is indeed a matter of perceptions. I think the political situation in the country is very stable, said the Spanish Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Carlos Morales, in an interview. In stark contrast, the perceptions in some sections of the local press are of a civil-military imbalance, however I dont find democracy here to be shaky. I dont think it is on the brink of collapse, said the Ambassador. Pakistans security image is shifting and economy is improving. But more is to be done. Living in a huge market, it is important how you brand and rebrand your products. Pakistan needs some rebranding. Potential to enhance Pak-Spain trade is huge. Learning from Spanish successes in tourism Pakistan can accomplish much in this industry. Maybe ultimately we could get rid of corruption and terrorism.
The writer is a former director NIPA, a political analyst, a public policy expert and an author.
iftahmad786@hotmail.com