Let us promote national integration and harmony
IT is very unfortunate that, political leaders of some national political parties are issuing statements to create a wedge among the masses of Pakistan.
These statements are highly condemnable and those issuing such statements must be held responsible and accountable for exceeding their limits and derailing national harmony and national integration.
It must be remembered that the state of Pakistan and the Pakistani masses are more important than the political parties and their adolescent office-bearers and so-called leaders.
The judiciary of Pakistan must take a strict notice against any such individual or political party which forms a narrative for dividing the nation based on political affiliation or any other factor.
Indeed, the leaders must stand taller and above any petty gain which is achieved by dividing the nation.
Issuing such statements cannot be gauged as the slip of tongue or misinterpretation by someone else.
Furthermore, it has to be understood that Pakistanis lost half of their motherland owing to immature leadership and through dividing the masses and nation in 1971.
It was because of the poor leadership and lack of farsightedness by those who ruled the country with a narrow-minded approach towards nationalism and issues of national interest.
National integration is the process of achieving harmony, devising a common identity and a national consciousness among the masses and constituent units of a state.
It is a psychological and educational process for the development of a common feeling of unity, solidarity and cohesion.
To achieve national integration, the factors like political affiliation, religion, language, culture, tribe, caste and ethnicity though play a significant role, yet need harnessing under a single factor; the nationalism.
The creation of Pakistan, though propelled by ideological factor, yet Pakistan has people from other religions, who lived in harmony with the Muslim for decades now.
Indeed, people from all political parties, religions, caste, creeds, different ethnic backgrounds have worked together for a cohesive society and a harmonious state.
Indeed, after its independence in 1947, there has never been a crisis, based on religions or ideologies, though isolated incidents did take place occasionally, which at times were given religious dimension.
The ethnicity at times and indeed misuse of religion by non-state actors did create problems for the state and society of Pakistan.
This misconstrued ideology, indeed, the negative usage of religion is being done by TTP and many other so-called religious elements for promoting their brand of Islam.
This usage is against the essence of Islam and the ideology of Pakistan. Whereas, Islam promotes peace, harmony, mutual respect and sacred nature of the life of every human being, these militants do exactly the opposite.
The selfishness of the political parties and their petty gains are a new example of creating disharmony.
Many factors serve as the base-line for the promotion of national integration. Looking at the history of Pakistan and the concept of Two-nation Theory there is a lot to learn and practise in the contemporary Pakistani society.
It was Urdu as a language, which became the identity of the Muslims in united India.
In 1867, the Urdu-Hindi Dispute appeared as the first indicator, which gave Muslims a realization for their future.
The ambassadors of Hindu-Muslim unity, like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, were compelled to think differently.
The language later united the Muslims under the banner of ideology and Muslims of India got united to have a mother-land based on their sacred belief.
Political parties are the product of Pakistan hence should not conspire to divide the masses. There is a massive misuse of social media by the workers and leaders of various political parties who constantly provoke the opponents for petty political gains at the cost of national gains and common national interest.
The national and private media, both electronic and print must realise their responsibility towards promotion of national integration.
Except PTV, the private media channels have generally been found lacking in the promotion of national cause and national integration.
There is a strong need that PAMRA should allocate special and dedicated hours in each media house for the promotion of national integration through nationally motivated narratives and programmes.
The media is indeed the most significant pillar which can promote the national cause and harmony.
The best way forward for the promotion of national harmony and integration is through good governance, indeed, the essence of all.
For decades now, Pakistani state and society has suffered because of the poor governance and ill management both at the federal and provincial levels.
The issues like timely provision of justice, education facilities and health facilities are most important to be addressed on priority.
Through good governance, these crucial aspects can be addressed to end the social unrest, prevailing in Pakistani society.
There is a strong need that the ruling class should adopt the people’s centric approach, rather than using the government authority for their personal gains or to benefit their political parties.
A merit-based system achieved through competence and justice would greatly help in overcoming the polarization.
Owing to many domestic and external conspiracies, today, there is a strong need for a harmonious and integrated society in Pakistan.
Apart from the ruling class, the media, academia, the intellectual class, civil society and the political and religious leaders must play their part in the construction of national narratives.
A well-built national narrative and a cohesive society would greatly contribute towards national integration of Pakistan; therefore, let us promote national integration and harmony to defeat the political statements like civil war and chaos in the country.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
