IS this true that good governance is a prerequisite for political stability, social harmony, public order, economic prosperity and certainly about future of quality education? Are we the people residing physically in Pakistan cynistic or bewildered? In what strange simplification and falsification man lives! How from the beginning, we have contrived to preserve our ignorance and intended to enjoy an almost inconceivable freedom, thoughtlessness, imprudence, heartiness, and joviality to enjoy life? Good governance is not only required for time being but also at all aspects of society and state for all the time. As Friedrich Nietzsche aptly stated honesty is the only form of Cynicism in which ‘base souls approach’. Keeping in view the contemporary or prior scenario of prevalent conditions of instability and chaos in democracy state, it would be elusive to plump. Because world has witnessed that progress and prosperity lies beneath quality education which liberates indeed the intellect, unravels the imagination and is rudimental for self-respect. Akin to way of prosperity and oppoetunities sound education pave the way, making it doable for each and every one to contribute to a progressive and developed society. It is equally a dream and wish to attain the quality and uniformity in education across Pakistan irrespective of any sect and class base. Because learning paybacks every human being and should be accessible to all to ease. Optimistically, Pakistani masses are still looking about it from the general election conductedbut unfortunately could not met with its expected biddings. Especially youths as they were in great optimistic seat that the election will turn into a sign of relief, a ray of hope, a sign for prosperity and dignity but as usual it is all in vain and turned off the lights of optimism. Because an unexpected delayed in result of GE seems quite pessimistic and heart-wrenchingly.
Consequently, youth considering their dormant compulsive slang built in recent years; appropriated the word ‘Run/Bhago’ in their sluggish and compulsive endeavor to express a desire to flee abroad intended to gain a sign of relief or dismay. Most heart-wrenchingly such slang has been supported and aimed by some of the prospectus candidates for the upcoming general election 2024 as their slogan. Because the luckiest of the escapees are considered the ones who moved legally to Europe or America intended to introspective over cynicism or bewilderment of their prior lives. The boldest are the ones who dare to travel either legally or illegally.
On the contrary, with strong access to quality education, our entire neighboring countries along with the rest part of the world have determined and optimistic plans and strategies, not tentative but time-tested. Why not, at least imitate those who not only succeed but also warmly welcome others to be aligned with them? While the rest are vainly optimistic about the change to prevail. In recent times. Pakistan has witnessed some optimistic and encouraging signs of youth’s and women’s active participation in the prosperity of their homeland but it turned merely a dream. For instance, in the contemporary general election, most of the parties concerned expressed massive slogans including Quality education, valued currency, Strong foreign policy, unstoppable inflation, Eradication of corruption and unemployment, and other concerned issues significantly and timely.
Yet, we have observed masses eager and enthusiastic participation in general elections akin to C.S Lewis saying: ‘mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and harder to bear’. Perhaps trying to prove Shakespeare’s Hamlet soliloquy bewilderment of ‘To be, or not to be/ that is the question’. It is stated that communities grappling with illiteracy and economic hardship will neither be able to decide whom to vote for nor to distinguish between cynicism and bewilderment. This situation underscores the crucial need for systemic change. A change with a positive intention does not merely pertain to some special occasion. Political parties must not only increase the number of competent candidates both male and female but also create an atmosphere encouraging their active participation. Furthermore, young, talented, and well-groomed candidates’ representation on general seats is crucial for genuine empowerment. Besides, if a nation’s fundamental mainstay i.e. education is shackled then it means that there is no intention for redemption and progress. It simply compromises with the essence of humanity, politics, and headway. Despite having stated perplexity and complexity, the quality education and uniformity of education across Pakistan is a sole streak of hope, which leads the state to prosperity and progress. Because all the developed and developing states across the globe base is laid on quality education. It is never too late for redemption and reclamation of the glorious past. Respect to captivities, ideologies, and most importantly constitution itself will pave the way to the progress and development of the state. While lowest literary rate is a no man’s land, where life remains in static and darkness and where progress hangs between cynicism and bewilderment. As aptly stated by Sylvia Plath in her prominent poem Ariel; Stasis in Darkness/Then the substance less Blue-/Pour of tour and distances. In a bid to say, Pakistan can redeem its glorious and dormant ideology via quality education providing that if sustained by its resources, geographical advantage, Industrial boost, and most importantly its enthusiastic youth. All in all, it is only possible through combined efforts and mutually strong coordination from a walk of every aspect and sector of dear homeland blessed and sacred Pakistan. There must be zero tolerance for negative stereotyping and mutual antagonism and an eager step toward peace, prosperity, and progress.
—The writer is contributing columnist based in Loralai, Balochistan.
views expressed are writer’s own.
