Thank you for that post. You make some great points.
Changing 'minds' will have to come later - what is needed first and foremost are effective institutions and process - government and institutions in which people have confidence.
Effective institutions of governance are indeed critical. Please take ANY government department as an example, and tell me how one would increase its effectiveness? Assume that you were made in-charge of any department that you would like to, and let's discuss what can and cannot be done, one step at a time. Please convince me that I am wrong in thinking that I do not see any reason for optimism rather than just calling me names. (We can take this discussion to another thread if you wish.)
I still maintain that the vast majority of Pakistanis are 'moderates' and have no interest in participating in, or seeing perpetuated, 'honor killings, tribal punishments, blasphemy killings' etc., but this majority has been cowed into silence and acquiescence by those committing the above sins and crimes, since the criminals and sinners have force and brutality on their side, while the institutions such as law enforcement and government that are expected to protect the 'moderate majority' are corrupt, ineffective, and at times complicit in these crimes.
I agree with this absolutely. The majority of the people of Pakistan are some of the best people on Earth.
The 'moderate majority' can be empowered without changing a single part of the constitution, by merely implementing the existing laws.
Yes, but how to implement existing laws. To go back to my point above, would you like to assume that you are the CJ, or Law minister, or any other office you choose, and let's talk about step by step implementation of your planned line of attack?
So the 'solution' (or the beginning of the solution at least) lies in somehow putting a government in power that will act to strengthen institutions and the rule of law, and win the confidence of Pakistanis, and allow the 'moderate majority' to speak up without fear.
Forgive me, but that is a tall order indeed. My contention, for which I am derided again and again, is that it is not possible, unless a major and drastic change occurs. Please prove me wrong, with logical counter-arguments either here or in a new thread.
It is because of the dire need of such a government that I am willing to support Imran Khan and give him and his party a chance, though I disagree with him on various ideological issues.
IK is indeed a hope, and I wish him well, but I know that, if elected, he will be just as big a disappointment as many before him.
Ideology, secularism, 'de-Islamization of the State' - these all need to take a back seat for now. We need to get back to basics and simply get the current laws implemented across the board and get our institutions working FOR Pakistanis, free of political influence.
Okay, let's talk about how. 1,2,3.... and discuss.
The independence of the superior judiciary and the media, from political pressure (for the most part) is a good step in that direction, even if we may not agree with the positions they take on occasion.
Yes, there are some glimmers of hope for the judiciary and the media, but overall, this is a carefully managed mechanism for letting off steam and will not be the harbinger of better changes to come.
I apologize for my candor beforehand.