Pakistan dying as a Nation-State

Today’s Shikarpur’s incident again brings another mourning day for Pakistan. Large number of people have lost their lives and are injured. Another committee will be formed again and the chapter this will be closed. The Great National Action Plan has shown to be another complete failure.  However, compensations would be made or healthcare might be provided to the victims. But the point is that why our government is so helpless to combat these heinous acts of terrorism. The lacking governance has become a stigma for the whole top to down structure. Pakistan is standing at the point where the hope is dying. The government is of the elites, by the elites and for the elites. The concept of Pakistan being a nation-state is dying. As state is unable to safeguard its citizens. The state seems to vulnerable and losing its power. In the name of globalization the international forces and international organizations are imposing their influence in decision-making. This has highly damaged our national interest, sovereignty and autonomy. However, the country has all the tangible elements of power to work best for the state and national interest but what it lacks is the area of intangible elements of power which include: Leadership, administrative competence, national morale and reputation. None of the parties have all these above competencies in Pakistan. Some need to have political maturity and some even after being political mature couldn’t give the country this substance by and large. Furthermore, the political issues do effect economic relations. The current political instability is ruining the country’s status quo. The government needs to re-address the great national action plan which has been highly rightly criticized by all due to its ineffective productivity and after today’s incident it has collapsed. The APC is no more the solution for the current government. They need to address the governance issue by any mean. They need to decide whether politics or country. Consensus is surely the key ingredient but let’s not forget national interest and people of Pakistan should always be first.

Obama’s Trip and changing dynamics of the Neighbors

The recent visit of President Barack Obama to India has changed the geo-political dynamics from South-Asia to Southeast Asia. The tilting Foreign Policy of United States has created threat to the whole region by and large. The dominance which was held by China majorly in the region now has a threat. As India and United States now will work together and make their strategic moves. President Obama has made a very calculated and prudent move by shaking hands with India to build pressure on China who is working on revival of Maritime Silk route and is one of the fastest growing economy. However this recent visit has given a blow to Pakistan. Who has always been with United States through thick and thin.  Though, the visit has enforced Pakistan to put their house into right order. Which is surely the need of an hour for the country. Pakistan will always remain a blue eyed boy as United States and other countries cannot ignore its geo-strategic importance in the region. But surely Pakistan needs to effectively address and revamp its foreign policy to combat the unprecedented pressures of future and to save its national interest and sovereignty. Afghanistan on the other hand saw this trip as very alarming sign as the pullout of United States military assistance from Afghanistan has left Afghans in despair due to vulnerable socio-economic status. However this trip has now acted as stimulus to bring Afghanistan more closer to India as they need their and United States assistance to restructure themselves. This ally can be a real threat to Pakistan surely. The other active ally would be Iran to gain a win -win approach and to improve its status quo and get more ease on sanctions in the region. As India has raised its crude shipment from Iran. Now after this visit Iran would have more tilt towards India in the region. Well, Pakistan now needs to see its national interests. No country can live in diplomatic isolation. There is a whole shift in the geo-politics of the region which Pakistan needs to observe and make a strong relation with their neighbors. The current scenario clearly leaves Pakistan with no option apart having cordial relations with India. Thus, sticking to past problems will not bear any fruits. Pakistan is in a vulnerable situation which is already facing immense crises. Pakistan alone cannot combat its internal and external crises. They have to work diplomatically to overcome the various challenges.

Religion being exploited by ignorants

CHARLIE HEBDO

The barbaric killing in Paris has added fuel to the fire for Islam and Muslims, throughout the world. Muslim countries are fighting against terrorism with iron hands. Moreover the West is helping them to eradicate these extremists. Different communities have come together to eradicate the misconception about the Islam. This is highly commendable. Political, geographical and economical interests do divides territories but it doesn’t affect common man’s life. Nobody has an issue from a peaceful neighbor. So to create disparity and agony throughout the world these evil sources come up front. They exploit the names of religions and kill the innocent people. Charlie hebdo was  satirical magazine. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is dear to every Muslim and let me mention here there are lot of non-Muslims who adore and love Prophet (P.B.U.H) equally. The extremists who have killed those 12 people have given nothing good to God, Islam or their Muslim brothers and sisters’ apart embarrassment and disgrace.

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) use to forgive people when they use to give him pain. In Islam the one who forgives is near and dear to God.

“Whoever indeed perseveres and forgives most surely that is an affair of great determination.” (Ash-Shura: 43)

“And let them forgive and forget. Do you not love that God should forgive you” (An-Nur: 22)

These are few versus from Quran for my non-Muslims brothers and sisters who perceive Islam as an extremist religion.  The concept of Jihad is way different which these barbaric groups practice. The misinterpretation of Islam is creating hardships for Muslims all over the world who are peaceful and condemn this attack. Discussion, debating and asking question is right given in every religion. Thus every non Muslim has a right to express their views and ask questions about Islam and clear their ambiguities. On the other hand due to these culprits all the Muslims should have patience to bear the upcoming hardships which will come in their way from the other side. The reaction is natural. Muslims brother and sisters should stand shoulder to shoulder with the non-Muslims and show solidarity towards intolerance. The only way to put things in order is that Muslims have to follow the moral steps projected by religion.  No religion promotes bloodshed and tyranny be that Judaism, Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.  However, on the other side non Muslims should even understand that these culprits are not even good to Muslims. They are only exploiting in the name of religion. They are backed financially and politically with various super powers and agencies. The need of an hour is tolerance, support and pro activeness. Criticizing religion without knowing, hindering religious places and practices will give nothing fruitful but further retaliation.