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Milad-un-Nabi turned
topsy-turvy
The overwhelming day of Eid Milad-u-Nabi turned havoc for the people of Pakistan. The tragic bombardments: one in Mastung, Balochistan, killing more than 50 innocents and at least five in Hango, Peshawar, destroying a mosque and parting boons of destitute masses, are deeply disconcerting. Whilst people were celebrating the birth of Islam’s Prophet, sudden attacks from a belligerent abstract enemy turned things topsy-turvy.
Pakistan, since its inception, has one intact quality of being an old cemetery. The political and economic turmoil along scathing ramifications have inadvertently made the country’s porous boundaries accessible. The corrupt institutions and failed governments that languished with time, in contemporary Pakistan, have immaculately relinquished their constitutional responsibilities.
However, the security issue is incontrovertible, hence, it needs stringent accentuation on electronic and print media for general precautionary measures. The terrorism and surrounding forces including belligerent neighbours keep on drubbing plights assiduously.
But the country’s security forces including security agencies and military just assist and reinforce regional forces to combat security conundrums. The bombardment on Milad un Nabi is admissible of the fact that enemy’s concoctions are deep gnawing, undermining Pakistan’s stability.
SAJID ALI NAICH
Khairpur Nathan Shah
Welfare of citizens
With elections around the corner, it is time for the political elite to focus on the welfare of 230 million citizens, who have been facing the brunt of economic downturn, instead of usual rhetoric and theatrics about their own issues. To quote JFK’s historic words “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”.
Pakistan was created for the welfare of its citizens where the state would invest in human resource development by investing in education, health and provision of basic necessities of life. Instead, starting from 1956, the deprivations of the poor have increased and the game of thrones started with all its morbidity. Subsidies for education and health stood withdrawn and the state chose to outsource them to the private sector. Cartels have flourished and so has tax evasion, depriving the state of fiscal space needed to ensure that Jinnah’s vision of a modern democratic welfare state is restored. They must realize the gravity of the ground realities.
A few have had their share of misfortunes, faced political victimizations etc and even imprisonment on trumped up charges, but all this fades away compared to daily suffering of citizens. They were all at helm and chose to swim with the tide. The daily suffering of people, almost 40% living below the poverty line, are far more than the perceived injustices that the political elite has endured.
The tragedy of Pakistan is that those who benefitted the most from opportunities offered, abandoned this country and moved to foreign safe havens with their assets.
The politicians who were part of the political struggle under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam faced humiliation and harassment. Even Madare Millat Fatima Jinnah was not spared.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Reviving student unions
In recent years, the absence of student unions in Pakistan’s educational institutions has sparked a debate about the importance of these organizations in grooming future leaders and promoting democratic values.
While concerns about political interference and violence have led to their ban, there is a growing realization that reviving student unions can play a vital role in nurturing a democratic culture among the youth. The recent decision by the Quaid-i-Azam University to revive the student union has reignited this discussion, emphasizing the need for independence, accountability and student welfare.
One of the key factors for the success of student unions lies in their independence from political parties. By maintaining a healthy distance, these organizations can ensure that their agenda is not hijacked, and that the focus remains on student welfare and academic growth. Independence also allows for unbiased representation and prevents the imposition of self-styled codes on students. It is essential to establish guidelines that prioritize the interests of students and foster an environment where diverse opinions can be freely expressed.
Student unions provide a platform for students to voice their concerns, engage in constructive debate and develop critical thinking skills.
NASIR ALI
Via email
