What has obstructed Pakistan's rise .

[WAJsal]

What has obstructed Pakistan’s rise ?


Pakistan has a magnitude of problems ,diverse and vast . Including the Taliban, religious extremism, violence against women and official religious discrimination . Bruised and blooded , Pakistan is still here . Realizing this, those who would like it to disappear into thin air tend to take solace in Pakistan’s misery. They paint a picture of a country that is hopeless, underdeveloped and without any future, a failed state or even an irrelevant state. Yet visiting Pakistan often disabuses the visitor of their odd preconceived notions.


Pakistan has some serious problems .Yes ,but we should never be defined by these problems , as usually portrayed .

The only thing that has threatened Pakistan’s national security has been this penchant for imposing a quasi-authoritarian state on a diverse people. Instead, if Pakistan’s federal structure is worked honestly and democracy is given a chance, there is no power on earth that can undo the country. It would be this attitude and antipathy towards federalism and representative rule that led to the breakup of the country in 1971. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all evidence suggests, was ready to settle for a more honest interpretation of the Lahore Resolution. It was the state that failed to accommodate the genuine concerns of patriots driven away to separatism. The paradigm shift has to be that national security be linked directly to the idea of democracy. Nothing strengthens Pakistan more than democracy and nothing weakens it quite like dictatorship. History bears witness to this fact. After every stint of direct military rule, Pakistan has emerged weaker and bruised. Democracy on the other hand has never weakened Pakistan contrary to the popular narrative in the middle class .

Democracy , if given time , will evolve and serve the people . Much like democracy political thought also needs to , has to evolve . Those who do family politics can’t be expected to run a democratic country . If the country is to move forward those who do politics in the name of sects or religion , need to change their political thought .

The state throughout the years has had a very obtuse policy towards terrorism , which have had a very strong counter effect on the state . These policies so futile , weak and biased , that insurrection of all sorts had risen against the state . Anyone who pleased would openly support and welcome these insurgents . Our enemy had cunningly used our poor situation in their interest for many years and internally destabilized us . The state itself has been at the brink of collapse many times socially and economically .

All in all it has been our poor policies that has obstructed our rise .

We have been through it all bad , worse ,even hell .Regardless of their attempts to weaken us , we have always risen . Even after their most horrific attempt to weaken us , we rose up .Pakistan’s current situation calls for optimism , as terrorism through definite and decisive policies has fallen ever since operation Zarb-e-azb started .Now it’s time to completely exterminate this parasite that has been living among for so long. What kept us going all these testing times had been hope . We the people have lived in this land since time immemorial and we are not going to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by either those barbarians out to destroy us through bombs and guns or those who wish us ill and revel in our misery. Pakistan will rise. It is not a question of if but when. Let us do our part to make sure it happens sooner rather than later.Pakistan is a country of 180 million plus people with a large middle class . A country with diversity , pluralism , a mosaic of cultures , more than 10 languages and history dating back to 6,000 years . A country rich in mineral resources . Every element to become a great country .

The solutions to Pakistan’s problems are its people. There is no need to complain, cringe and blame others. Work towards ideas you believe in, support causes, start your own cause, involve your community or neighborhood, establish businesses, take action and engage others. There is a Jinnah, Edhi in each one of us. One hopes, that we, the individuals, realize our potential and importance. One hopes that we become the change that is needed in our society. And one hopes to succeed against all odds.In Pakistan we have a great country , a country blessed with uncountable gifts . We have every element to become a great country. We must focus on educating our huge young population , eagerly wanting to do something for their country , to make it a better place .Good education is present in almost all emerging democracies and we cannot be left behind . Let us all do our part to make this country a better place for our next generation .

We must follow our founder's teachings , it was our very ignorance that has led to our current situation . We must make a Pakistan , our founding fathers had long dreamed of strived and sacrificed for .

May god bless Pakistan .

 

[WAJsal]

Guys give it a read and do share your insight . Things might be a little out of place . Do tell me ,i'll edit them . I hope there aren't any historical inaccuracies . Ignore any grammatical errors , please .

@waz , @Irfan Baloch , @syedali73 , @fatman17 , @Nihonjin1051 , @Hyperion , @Gufi , @Icarus , @Abu Zolfiqar , @Horus , @Oscar , @jamahir , @krash , @S.U.R.B. , @DESERT FIGHTER , @Desert Fox , @WebMaster ,@levina , @Shamain , @IrbiS @Armstrong , @Green Arrow , @Dr. Stranglove , @Secur , @Jango , @Jungibaaz , @Emmie @Akheilos , @Atanz @Slav Defence , @Jazzbot ......

 

[jamahir]

@WAJsal

a mature and self-critical essay, with clear recognition of most of the problems in the second paragraph itself... though i say umm when people use the phrase "paradigm shift".

like you, i too find it unfair when certain nations call pakistan as "failed state"... i know that india calls so and i find it sad because india too is the typical south asian failed state.

though i don't know what the "lahore resolution" was, in context of east pakistan, it is clear that you recognize that it was failure of the central government ( the state, the establishment ) in not heeding the complaints and concerns of the east pakistanis.

also, like you imply, the military of a society should be the protector of civilian democratic setup and not become the long-term government itself.

but we must recognize that just having a elections/five-year-government-change system is not true democracy but a anti-democracy chaos where multiple groups shout their own party agenda and attempt to come to power so that their agenda is imposed on those who didn't vote for them... this system forgets that democracy must be welfare of the people, under the guidance of the people, where every group or individual must be allowed to opine and participate in the functioning of the society.

direct-democracy ( or participatory-democracy ) must be the goal, with socialism as the guide... only this will yield a just and scientific society... the military must exist to protect this system... generally, military people across the world have been instrumental in bringing progressive thought to their society by forming revolutionary groups, be this in egypt or in venezuela... one such progressive leader that pakistan had was musharraf though he deepen and simplify his philosophy of "enlightened moderation"... i don't know how many pdf pakistanis support him but he, in evolved form, is the leader to have, with the support of imran and fatima bhutto... i include fatima even though some on pdf have said she is inexperienced... well, radical changers gain experience during the course of jumping in and bringing radical change.

hope my ramble is of some use.

 

[Green Arrow]

We as a nation has immense telnet and potentials to rise but it is the Lack of education and corrupt leaderships which is holding us back.

 

[Maira La]

1. Nothing strengthens Pakistan more than democracy and nothing weakens it quite like dictatorship. History bears witness to this fact. After every stint of direct military rule, Pakistan has emerged weaker and bruised. Democracy on the other hand has never weakened Pakistan contrary to the popular narrative in the middle class .

2. Democracy , if given time , will evolve and serve the people . Much like democracy political thought also needs to , has to evolve . Those who do family politics can’t be expected to run a democratic country . If the country is to move forward those who do politics in the name of sects or religion , need to change their political thought .

3. Pakistan is a country of 180 million plus people with a large middle class . A country with diversity , pluralism , a mosaic of cultures , more than 10 languages and history dating back to 6,000 years . A country rich in mineral resources . Every element to become a great country .

1. "Strengthens" is a rather vague term. Can you create some infographic comparison of Pakistan's economy during military rule vs periods with democracy?

2. Yes and no. Yes if there's no external interference. But the democracy of a poor and weak country can be bought by foreign powers, leaving you general public with no control over your "elected regime".

3. Rich in mineral resources.. But are these yours (common citizens) to take? Can democracy secure your right over your own resources from local scums and foreign powers? Not saying it can't - just points to ponder.

 

[rockstar08]

Pakistani People ... Biggest cause of Pakistan's Downfall ..

 

[WAR-rior]

What has obstructed Pakistan’s rise ?


Pakistan has a magnitude of problems ,diverse and vast . Including the Taliban, religious extremism, violence against women and official religious discrimination . Bruised and blooded , Pakistan is still here . Realizing this, those who would like it to disappear into thin air tend to take solace in Pakistan’s misery. They paint a picture of a country that is hopeless, underdeveloped and without any future, a failed state or even an irrelevant state. Yet visiting Pakistan often disabuses the visitor of their odd preconceived notions.


Pakistan has some serious problems .Yes ,but we should never be defined by these problems , as usually portrayed .

The only thing that has threatened Pakistan’s national security has been this penchant for imposing a quasi-authoritarian state on a diverse people. Instead, if Pakistan’s federal structure is worked honestly and democracy is given a chance, there is no power on earth that can undo the country. It would be this attitude and antipathy towards federalism and representative rule that led to the breakup of the country in 1971. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all evidence suggests, was ready to settle for a more honest interpretation of the Lahore Resolution. It was the state that failed to accommodate the genuine concerns of patriots driven away to separatism. The paradigm shift has to be that national security be linked directly to the idea of democracy. Nothing strengthens Pakistan more than democracy and nothing weakens it quite like dictatorship. History bears witness to this fact. After every stint of direct military rule, Pakistan has emerged weaker and bruised. Democracy on the other hand has never weakened Pakistan contrary to the popular narrative in the middle class .

Democracy , if given time , will evolve and serve the people . Much like democracy political thought also needs to , has to evolve . Those who do family politics can’t be expected to run a democratic country . If the country is to move forward those who do politics in the name of sects or religion , need to change their political thought .

The state throughout the years has had a very obtuse policy towards terrorism , which have had a very strong counter effect on the state . These policies so futile , weak and biased , that insurrection of all sorts had risen against the state . Anyone who pleased would openly support and welcome these insurgents . Our enemy had cunningly used our poor situation in their interest for many years and internally destabilized us . The state itself has been at the brink of collapse many times socially and economically .

All in all it has been our poor policies that has obstructed our rise .

We have been through it all bad , worse ,even hell .Regardless of their attempts to weaken us , we have always risen . Even after their most horrific attempt to weaken us , we rose up .Pakistan’s current situation calls for optimism , as terrorism through definite and decisive policies has fallen ever since operation Zarb-e-azb started .Now it’s time to completely exterminate this parasite that has been living among for so long. What kept us going all these testing times had been hope . We the people have lived in this land since time immemorial and we are not going to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by either those barbarians out to destroy us through bombs and guns or those who wish us ill and revel in our misery. Pakistan will rise. It is not a question of if but when. Let us do our part to make sure it happens sooner rather than later.Pakistan is a country of 180 million plus people with a large middle class . A country with diversity , pluralism , a mosaic of cultures , more than 10 languages and history dating back to 6,000 years . A country rich in mineral resources . Every element to become a great country .

The solutions to Pakistan’s problems are its people. There is no need to complain, cringe and blame others. Work towards ideas you believe in, support causes, start your own cause, involve your community or neighborhood, establish businesses, take action and engage others. There is a Jinnah, Edhi in each one of us. One hopes, that we, the individuals, realize our potential and importance. One hopes that we become the change that is needed in our society. And one hopes to succeed against all odds.In Pakistan we have a great country , a country blessed with uncountable gifts . We have every element to become a great country. We must focus on educating our huge young population , eagerly wanting to do something for their country , to make it a better place .Good education is present in almost all emerging democracies and we cannot be left behind . Let us all do our part to make this country a better place for our next generation .

We must follow our founder's teachings , it was our very ignorance that has led to our current situation . We must make a Pakistan , our founding fathers had long dreamed of strived and sacrificed for .

May god bless Pakistan .

I always talk bout 1 thing Pakistanis need to do. Education and Industrial Growth. Get outside Pakistan to other countries and see the difference.

Thats the only way to change Pakistani mentality and hence bring progress.

 

[Jungibaaz]

Answer to the thread title: Pakistanis.

Also, good essay. This is EXACTLY what I've been saying for a very long time. Pakistan has been severely damaged by these dictatorships, one after the other, uprooting institutions, destroying progress, creating instability, ruining our image globally, creating a short term unsustainable halt in development with some short term progress. And the thing about dictatorships is, they are bound to fall, and to fall quickly. And when they fall they leave behind a mess.

And when they don't go quietly, there's blood and sometimes war. We've been lucky on two counts: that for one; every dictator after their time has not yet put us in a state of war at their leaving, and that two; despite the hell we've been through, today's Pakistan remains in tact. You can thank our very strong civil society for that.

IMO, the worst case scenario for Pakistan right now would be another dictatorship, especially an unpopular one.

 

[Thorough Pro]

Pakistani People.

What has obstructed Pakistan’s rise ?


Pakistan has a magnitude of problems ,diverse and vast . Including the Taliban, religious extremism, violence against women and official religious discrimination . Bruised and blooded , Pakistan is still here . Realizing this, those who would like it to disappear into thin air tend to take solace in Pakistan’s misery. They paint a picture of a country that is hopeless, underdeveloped and without any future, a failed state or even an irrelevant state. Yet visiting Pakistan often disabuses the visitor of their odd preconceived notions.


Pakistan has some serious problems .Yes ,but we should never be defined by these problems , as usually portrayed .

The only thing that has threatened Pakistan’s national security has been this penchant for imposing a quasi-authoritarian state on a diverse people. Instead, if Pakistan’s federal structure is worked honestly and democracy is given a chance, there is no power on earth that can undo the country. It would be this attitude and antipathy towards federalism and representative rule that led to the breakup of the country in 1971. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all evidence suggests, was ready to settle for a more honest interpretation of the Lahore Resolution. It was the state that failed to accommodate the genuine concerns of patriots driven away to separatism. The paradigm shift has to be that national security be linked directly to the idea of democracy. Nothing strengthens Pakistan more than democracy and nothing weakens it quite like dictatorship. History bears witness to this fact. After every stint of direct military rule, Pakistan has emerged weaker and bruised. Democracy on the other hand has never weakened Pakistan contrary to the popular narrative in the middle class .

Democracy , if given time , will evolve and serve the people . Much like democracy political thought also needs to , has to evolve . Those who do family politics can’t be expected to run a democratic country . If the country is to move forward those who do politics in the name of sects or religion , need to change their political thought .

The state throughout the years has had a very obtuse policy towards terrorism , which have had a very strong counter effect on the state . These policies so futile , weak and biased , that insurrection of all sorts had risen against the state . Anyone who pleased would openly support and welcome these insurgents . Our enemy had cunningly used our poor situation in their interest for many years and internally destabilized us . The state itself has been at the brink of collapse many times socially and economically .

All in all it has been our poor policies that has obstructed our rise .

We have been through it all bad , worse ,even hell .Regardless of their attempts to weaken us , we have always risen . Even after their most horrific attempt to weaken us , we rose up .Pakistan’s current situation calls for optimism , as terrorism through definite and decisive policies has fallen ever since operation Zarb-e-azb started .Now it’s time to completely exterminate this parasite that has been living among for so long. What kept us going all these testing times had been hope . We the people have lived in this land since time immemorial and we are not going to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by either those barbarians out to destroy us through bombs and guns or those who wish us ill and revel in our misery. Pakistan will rise. It is not a question of if but when. Let us do our part to make sure it happens sooner rather than later.Pakistan is a country of 180 million plus people with a large middle class . A country with diversity , pluralism , a mosaic of cultures , more than 10 languages and history dating back to 6,000 years . A country rich in mineral resources . Every element to become a great country .

The solutions to Pakistan’s problems are its people. There is no need to complain, cringe and blame others. Work towards ideas you believe in, support causes, start your own cause, involve your community or neighborhood, establish businesses, take action and engage others. There is a Jinnah, Edhi in each one of us. One hopes, that we, the individuals, realize our potential and importance. One hopes that we become the change that is needed in our society. And one hopes to succeed against all odds.In Pakistan we have a great country , a country blessed with uncountable gifts . We have every element to become a great country. We must focus on educating our huge young population , eagerly wanting to do something for their country , to make it a better place .Good education is present in almost all emerging democracies and we cannot be left behind . Let us all do our part to make this country a better place for our next generation .

We must follow our founder's teachings , it was our very ignorance that has led to our current situation . We must make a Pakistan , our founding fathers had long dreamed of strived and sacrificed for .

May god bless Pakistan .

 

[xyxmt]

nothing but pure laziness and get rick quick without hard work attitude of our people.

 

[Menace2Society]

Pride. Even if you are dirt poor pride carries you forward.

After 9/11 Pakistanis have been humiliated by India, US the world. People felt disenchanted and lost sight of the end goal which is to push this country into a 1st world nation.

 

[WAJsal]

though i say umm when people use the phrase "paradigm shift".

Why is that ? lolz .

a mature and self-critical essay, with clear recognition of most of the problems in the second paragraph itself

I didn't go through it . Thus the reason why i instructed to ignore the grammatical mistakes . Hope it's not too serious .

also, like you imply, the military of a society should be the protector of civilian democratic setup and not become the long-term government itself.

Exactly .

. one such progressive leader that pakistan had was musharraf though he deepen and simplify his philosophy of "enlightened moderation"... i don't know how many pdf pakistanis support him but he

It's because he really did something for the country . If it wasn't for his silly mistakes , he would be quite popular today .

1. "Strengthens" is a rather vague term. Can you create some infographic comparison of Pakistan's economy during military rule vs periods with democracy?

Military rule wins . But overall military rule has hurt Pakistan .

3. Rich in mineral resources.. But are these yours (common citizens) to take? Can democracy secure your right over your own resources from local scums and foreign powers? Not saying it can't - just points to ponder.

It's resources of the state , works like any other country . What local scums and foreign powers . Yes they are our's .

IMO, the worst case scenario for Pakistan right now would be another dictatorship, especially an unpopular one.

I didn't mention it , but have you not seen some sort of change in military tactics ? They are keen to work with a democratic government . I think Raheel Sharif is doing a great job .

 

[GURU DUTT]

What has obstructed Pakistan’s rise ?

good question in my view

1.feudal system

2. lack of tranpirency/meritocracy in beurocracy , judicarry & police system

3.wrong national priorties and confusion about there history and culture and prefrences to languages

4. flawed foriegn & internal policy from day one

5.lack of secularism and intolerence towards shias,ahmadies ,hindu/sikhs and chritians & ilogicall bhalsphemy law

6.too much power in hands of army and few feudal families

 

[jamahir]

I didn't go through it . Thus the reason why i instructed to ignore the grammatical mistakes . Hope it's not too serious .

arre nai janaab, i was talking about pakistan's problems and your essay recognizing it clearly.

Why is that ? lolz .

it is one of those corporate buzz-words that mba types created... another such is "leverage".

 

[third eye]

Answer to the thread title: Pakistanis.

We all - both humans & Countries are a result of the decisions we take

Therefore , no one but you yourself are to blame to for the situation you are in.

Here you have rightly pointed out the obvious. Why else should a nation be forever on the edge ? Pakistanis should stop taking solace from the fact that they are ' still there'. So is Zimbabwe or N Korea- is that how Pakistanis would like to measure their existence ?

Why have they allowed themselves to be lulled into complacency ? A nation does not thrive because of its politicians or rulers. It thrives by the strength of its national institutions which tower above all. Sure, there will be hiccups but thats a part of learning.

The rise of Pakistan has been obstructed by Pakistanis alone.