What We Need to Do
By Air Marshal (Retd.) Ayaz Ahmed Khan
Pakistan
“Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." - Albert Einstein
Follies of the past cannot be turned into un-productive self-criticism and chest beating. Pakistan has a well educated, vibrant new generation, which will change Pakistan's economy, culture, education, and destiny. It will help the country to achieve excellence in diverse fields. Pakistan has a vibrant banking sector, which did not buckle, despite huge reverses in the US and global economy. Under the able leadership of Chief Jusrice Iftikhar Chaudhry, the nation stood behind the lawyers and the legal community, and forced General Musharraf out of office. Democracy has been ushered in, and the Supreme Court is playing a key role in checkmating corrupt politicians, and in the recovery of stolen billions from loan defaulters and tax evaders. The military has willingly sidelined itself, and is fully engaged in fighting and eliminating terrorists and criminals. The field now is open for the parliament to play its role in good governance and rule of law.
Politicians and some generals who grabbed power and tried to prolong their usurpation had a sad end. The nation and the military has learnt hard lessons, and hopefully democracy will flourish in the coming decades. The mullah has benefited from the illiteracy, poverty, joblessness and official corruption. The mullah has a captive audience in the mosque and is able to brainwash the vulnerable, poor and the frustrated individuals by exposing corruption and promising a golden future in the here-after. The suicide bombers are the product of an unjust society, where the brainwashed paid recruits, deprived of hope, destroy themselves in utter frustration. The politicians need to learn fast, and end their corrupt practices, including bribery and nepotism immediately. The lust for money and luxury is deeply ingrained in the psyche of Pakistani politicians. Besides Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, the Chaudhrys of Gujrat, the Bilours and Hotis of Pukhtukhaw, the Waderas of Sind, MNAs (members of the Parliament), MPS (members of the provincial assemblies) are billionaires, and have a lavish lifestyle. They need to look across the border and learn a lesson from the simplicity and frugality of the Indian politicians. The greed of the politicians is a weapon in the hands of the mullah, to brainwash the hungry and the frustrated.
Instead of recalling tales of sorrow of the past, our writers need to focus on the present and the future. They need to highlight the centers of excellence, the high quality of the Pakistani workforce, and suggest how the country can be turned around.
