How we made Pakistan

How we made Pakistan

The Frontier Post 

Waqar Abro

Pakistan is the acronym of Persian word “Pak” which means pure and “Istaan” which means territory. Hence, Pakistan can be categorically defined as land of pure people. Before leading the topic towards present scenario, history of Pakistan should be given a focused view.
Basically, Pakistan did not get independence on 14th of August 1947 rather it was made independent in the skies by the lord of heavens, earth, and all universes on 712 A.D when Muhammad Bin Qasim for the very first time hoisted flag of Islam in Sindh and planted roots of Islam in Subcontinent which immediately grew up after Hindhi-Urdu controversy in post war of independence (1857) period. Though, it took time for Pakistan to be officially independent yet it came into being on 27th of Ramzan considered as Lailatul Qadar a night better than thousands of nights on 14th of August 1947.
During the course of independence struggle, our Muslim brothers burnt their all boats to make possible an independent sovereign state yet it’s worth mentioning that Education played pivotal role in the whole struggle. Coming back to the roots that were planted in our soil by Muhammad Bin Qasim that why they took a number of centuries to be grown.
Although, during this time course many rulers ruled the masses yet their part can never be considered as independence struggle cause they all were practicing the nefarious designs of Hizbu Shiyateen ( party of Ibless). Few of them went to such extent that Islam should be mixture of all religions and termed it as Deen e Ilahi. Though, their motive of mixing Islam with other religions was completely political yet they were unsuccessful in their plans. In surah Al-Imran Ayat no 3:54 Allah says:” And they planned and Allah (also) planned, and Allah is the best of planners”.
Allah punished all those rulers who misused his religion for their personal vested interests and most of the sufferers were Mughals. Not only He punished them but also brought changes in polluted Muslim societies which were affected by Mughals and other rulers through “Shaikh Ahmed Sirhindi , Shah Waliullah and other Sufis. It appears as Allah went on cleaning this land (Pakistan) to make it the Land of Hezbollah (Party of Allah). And, during all these happenings, a number of wars also took place between Muslims and Infidels.
The most prominent among those wars was “War of Independence” for which Muslims were declared responsible for the carnage and mutiny. In the post war period, Prophet of Education; Sir Syed Ahmed Khan emerged as a glimmer of hope for the Muslims.
Though, he was like a drop of water in the drought yet many Muslims started pointing on their fingers over the credibility of Sir Syed. They went to such extent that they declared him through Fatwas as Kafir (Infidel). Reason of their in depth loathe was mainly to not regain lost glory of education. They were of the view that Sir Syed wanted them to be like English but they did not understand the depth of his emphasis that it was not of English’s education but of Muslims. And, a few decades later “Allama Iqbal” endorsed the same views in his poetry. It goes without saying that “Sir Syed” was the next gardener of the plant that had been planted by Muhammad Bin Qasim. Sir Syed asked Muslims who were in the grip of chaos to acquire education.
He knew that if Muslims would dedicate their head and heart towards politics their growth and separate state dream would be unachievable. That is the same we notice in the divine instruction. Allah says 857 times in Quran to get education more than salaat and zakat.
It is also worth mentioning that Allah himself chose education to guide his people however he revealed four different sacred books to different Prophets. To continue with post war period, though Sir Syed was neglected by many Mullahs yet he was helped by Allah to complete his mission of creating a separate Muslim state.
Since, he disallowed Muslims to take part in politics even after the creation of “Congress” yet he himself politically declared in his two nation theory that Muslims and Hindus have different religion and culture thus they could not exist together. Moulana Abdul Haque has rightly said that “First stone of Pakistan was laid down by Sir Syed” During his time of struggle, Allah had already sent down his other soldiers to make possible a separate Muslim state and a few of those soldiers were Quaid e Azam, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Moulana Muhammad Ali johar, Moulana Shaukat Ali, Hasrat Mouhani, Salimullah Khan,Wiqarul Mulk ,Mohsinul Mulk etc. All these leaders contributed their best in pre-independence struggle period and most of them were either disciples of Sir Syed or his students. Since, role of Congress was getting influential Muslims thought that they should also have a political party through which their genuine demands could be heard by the ruler.
Hence, Politically, Pakistan came into existence on 1906 when Muslim League was formed. Today, the same Pakistan which had been made independent after a long struggle, is in the grip of chaos. It is in the dire need of the same spirit which liberated it from shackles of Hindus and British.
To make it a New Pakistan, it is necessary to revive the lost glory.

Pseudo Democracy in Pakistan

Pseudo Democracy in Pakistan

Waqar Abro

IMPORTANCE of democracy is abstruse in countries like Pakistan where most of the people do not know about their fundamental and voting rights. Basically, democracy brings political independence but it is meaningless without economic and intellectual independence.

Since the creation of Pakistan, Pakistani people have been searching the real democracy prevailing in the western countries. But due to dearth of education people have not fully understood what democracy means. Though, the current democratic transition is a positive omen yet it would take time to come in its actual form at mass level. Basically the existing political setup in Pakistan is not completely democratic in nature. Politicians are successors of their fathers and contesting such elections can never be named as democracy.

Though Pakistan got independence through democratic struggle yet it survived without real democracy. Plutocracy, aristocracy, theocracy, dictatorship and ethnicity based leadership always prevailed in Pakistan in the name of democracy but astonishing point is that people never agitated or demanded for the democracy Quaid-e-Azam envisioned. They always supported overtly or covertly all forms of governments and made themselves seekers of silence. Their silence could be due to lack of proper understanding of democracy yet they are partly responsible for the prevalent worse condition of the country.

The misuse of religion has also largely contributed for destabilizing the political setup. There is system of (peeri-mureedi) on the basis of which most of the illiterate people cast their votes to said representative whether if h/she fulfills the pre-requisites for contesting elections or not. Apart from this, role of teachers, socialists, media men, civil society and educationalists is also worrisome. They never informed people how to vote, why to vote and whom to vote. Every Pakistani wants his child to be an engineer, civil servant, doctor, teacher, pilot, army men, or sportsman but no body wants to encourage his child to be a politician because contesting election against a feudal lord is not as easy as one perceives.

It goes without saying that most of the politicians in Pakistan movement were also feudal in nature and democrats in practice but their sincerity with the country can only be gauged by peeping into the history of Pakistan. They were the main heroes who hugely contributed for the separate Muslim state for which they not only lost their near and dear ones but also lost their wealth. Contrary to this, current feudal intend to maintain their hegemony on people along with heading all institutions. However, they choose legislation profession for exercising their power at national and provincial level.

Plutocrats, aristocrats, theocrats, dictators and ethnically motivated leaders have enjoyed the taste of absolute power therefore they never brought reforms in education sector and always allocated low budget for it from national exchequer. They know that education develops a sense of judgment of right and wrong and an educated society would never allow such type of rulers to rule the masses. Pakistanis need to work day and night if they want to change the system. They should collectively put their efforts in order to fight against few families. They must teach every citizen of the country whether educated or not the importance of vote. Hopes are high that one day Pakistan would be a complete democratic country in which leaders would be emerging from grass root level and there would be no room for dynastic political system.

—The writer is a Islamabad-based researcher.

PPPP: Successes & Failures of Democracy

Successes & Failures of Democracy

WAQAR ABRO

There is a notion in everyone’s mind that what are the successes of democracy in the last five year. Though, there is a big list of failures yet positive aspects are always neglected. Democracy has brought revolutionary and evolutionary changes in Pakistan. Yes,it had brutally failed to adopt welfare-oriented democratic norms but it has still delivered. Mental poverty is worst then social and economic poverty.

The main reason that always prevented democracy to thrive was intellectual bankruptcy.Though democracy brings political independence yet it is meaningless without economic and intellectual independence. In the last five years, people have started learning political system and its functioning.Today, due to modern means of communication and free media, people are more aware of politics then before. They know very well that what is going on in the capital. They in their street gossip do not only exchange their political opinions but also analyze different manifestos and past performances of various political parties.And, the main actor of this success is electronic and print media.Unavoidably, democracy is flourishing and people are keenly observing each and every thing. It seems as people are intellectually liberated. To further elaborate the successes and failures of democracy, the writer has enlisted the crux of the topic as follow;

Successes: 1) Judicial Populism 2) Freedom of Media 3) Social Media and its effects on society and Institutions. 4) Intellectual, Political and Economic bankruptcies addressed 5) Pluralism In Politics (First time ,in the history 216 political parties will contest general Elections) 6) Openness in System 7) Accountability of Army and wealth eaters 8) Political Socialization 9) Women rights to some extent addressed and their status also elevated (Fehmeeda Mirza, Shela Raza, Malala etc) 10) Legacy system nosedived 11) Mature and Harmonized Political system (APC example) 12) Provincial Autonomy 13) Independent Election Commission 14) Change in Status quo mindset 15) Constitutional Amendments.

Failures: 1) Bad governance 2) Politicization of institutions 3) Corruption 4) Target Killings 5) Poverty 6) Energy Crisis 7) Economic meltdown 8) Unemployment 9) Slaughter of merit 10) Drone attacks 11) Unfair distribution of resources 12) Balouchistan Issue 13) Tax evasion 14) Institutional disharmony 15) Sectarian violence.

Though, there may be few more points to be added in the failure list yet successes of democracy should not be neglected. Someone has rightly said that democracy may be a terrible system but it is the best system that we know. Now,the future of Pakistan is to be decided by the people in the upcoming general elections.whom they want to bring to the parliament a cheater or a changer? To conclude,the best form of revolution is the positive and correct use of vote.

Islam: Ramzan Karim; Bless us again

 Ramzan Karim: Bless us again

The word Ramzan is derived from the word Ramz which means to burn your desires. It is the ninth month of Islamic Calendar being celebrated by almost 1.9 billion Muslims throughout the world. Ramzan is generally perceived as a month of blessings because on 27th of this month, the Holy Quran was revealed. In this month, all the Muslims hold fasts for the sake of Allah and avoid eating food from dawn to dusk. Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says that when Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained. No doubt, Allah showers countless blessings on his momins (staunch believers) in this month and forgives all the sins intentionally or unintentionally committed by the believers. This month itself is a blessing and full with incomparable rewards. Whosoever holds fast and fulfills all the pre-requisites laid down in the divine law, shall be highly rewarded by Allah. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Every action a son of Adam does shall be multiplied—a good action by ten times its value, up to 700 times. Allah says: With the exception of fasting, which belongs to Me, and I reward it accordingly. For, one abandons his desire and food for My sake.

There are two occasions of joy for a fasting person: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord, and the (bad) breath (of a fasting person) is better in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk. Today, the temptation of worldly desires has gone to such extent that people have forgotten the essence of this holy month. Though, people hold fasts in this month for the sake of Allah yet they do not understand the rationale behind of holding fasts. Basically, Ramzan offers a number of opportunities to believers and promises to bring revolutionary changes in their lives. It maintains status equality, religious superiority and psychological connectivity. The beauty of Ramzan is that it is properly training all the believers through divine injunctions. It is kind of a shield; preventing people from indulging in wrongdoings, character assassinations, use of obscene language and humiliation. It preaches and promotes love for mankind, peace, forgiveness, protection from hellfire, sense of starvation and welfare of the downtrodden. Since, we believers have sunk into the ocean of nothingness , we forget the teachings of our prophet. Life of Muhammad (PBUH) is a biggest example before us. Yes, we cannot reach at such degree of humanity and spiritual superiority as attained by Rasollallah but at least we can follow his footsteps. We can also change our behavior and style of leading life by adopting the principles suggested by our Prophet. The world we have been living in, is ephemeral and subjected to end. We need to focus on the eternal world which will start from life-hereafter. And, holy months like Ramzan, gives as an enormous opportunity to walk on the path of Allah. However, it must be kept in mind that the worldly pleasures we wish is nothing before the pleasures as promised by Allah. But, the most unfortunate thing is that people give due importance to televised programs-which means to earn money- rather than focusing on divine law. Yes, televised programs help us in understanding many religious things but the spirit required to comprehend Islam appears nowhere. It is also true that most of the Muslims recite holy Quran in this month but very small ratio of them understand the glorious importance of the holy book. It is the reason we all Muslims are in troubles today. Understanding Quran means understanding Allah and the actual message his prophets. In the Surah Yaseen Allah says – Yaseen Wal Quran-ul Hakeem which means the Quran is the most wise book. And, prior to understanding Islam, it is necessary to understand Quran. Hence, it is time to attain company of Allah rather than commercializing the teachings of Allah. We need to individually realize that why Allah made us Muslims and What is the real message of Quran. Remember, in the history, most of the nations reached at zenith by acquiring spiritual attainments not by the worldly pleasures.

Prime Minister of Pakistan: Some Suggestions For You

Suggestions For Prime Minister

The Frontier Post

21-06-2013

Since, the newly elected government has started functioning at federal and provincial level, it is necessary to bring revolutionary reforms to change the existing status quo system. Actually, Pakistan is replete with natural and human resources. But, what legs it behind is mismanagement and style of governance. Sixty years have been lapsed but style of governance has not been changed. It is still weird and slow in term of delivering service to the people. Hence, for the betterment of this country, I lay down some constructive measures before the honourable Prime Minister.
1. Depoliticization of police: When police is depoliticized Thana culture will be naturally ended. Apart from this, there should be a post of police ombudsman for addressing administrative issues pertaining to FIR lodging , postings & transfers etc.
2. Corruption has become natural tendency owing to force of the situation. Hence, there should be augmentation in salaries of the government officials. Besides, corruption prevention force can also be created with regard to controlling its rife. To wipe it out, NAB and Anti-Corruption departments should be re-organized.
3. There should be reforms in lower judiciary and Chief Justice should direct concerned officials to set vigilant watch over the performance of judges at district level.
4. Millions of educated Pakistanis run here and there with degrees. It is therefore, jobs should be immediately created in various public sector organizations for lessening down the unemployment ratio.
5. The style of governance can never be improved unless merit is not promoted. Honest officials should be deputed to head different state-owned enterprises and all provincial and federal commission chairmen should be honest and dedicated people.
6. Prime Minister of Pakistan should seek progress report from his close aids on daily basis.
7. Human security should be given the same degree of attention that is given to border security.
8. At grass root level, local commodities profiteers fix amount of their choice on groceries. Hence, District officers should be directed to check prices of various products by paying surprising visits at different shops and markets.
9. On political front, all the grievances of opposition parties should heard and they must be addressed timely and properly. It will bridge the political gap existing among various political parties.
10. For improving law and order situation, there should de-radicalization policy with some modern measures.
11. The primary duty of legislators is to make new laws in the interest of Pakistani people. Hence, conflicting clauses of constitution should be amended and new amendment should be brought.
12. The back of bone of our economy is overseas Pakistanis. However, revolutionary reforms should be brought in ministry of overseas Pakistanis for increasing the ratio of remittance.
13. In the light of Article 25-A of the constitution, new government should increase education budget.
14. E-governance should be applied in all state-owned public sector organizations.
15. All types of jobs should be given on the basis of merit provided that gender , caste, color and quota discrimination has not been adhered.
16. All the untapped natural resources particularly the environmental friendly should be explored with immediate effect. In the larger interest of Pakistani people, Sindh and Federal government should collectively work in utilizing the unexplored coal preserved beneath the sand of Thar.
17. For alleviating poverty there should be announcement of micro-finance schemes under minimum criteria.
18. Since, Pakistan is agricultural based economy and cotton exporter, there should be some reforms in agricultural sector. Presently, there is biggest issue of proper distribution of water.
19. India is supposed to have created one hundred dams and has acquired one year water preservation ability. However, there should be aggressive policy of establishing new dams at mouths of the rivers in Pakistan.
20. For permanent peace in Balochistan, all stake holders should be taken into confidence and genuine issues of Balochi people should be addressed with immediate effect.
21. Special package should be announced for educated Sindhi people roaming here and there for work.
22. Drone attacks must be stopped and a dialogue process should begin with people representing tribal areas of KPk.
Dear Prime Minster, it was the golden dream of Jinnah that Pakistan would emerge as a well organized and well governed country in the whole world. Presently, Pakistan is endowed with a number of problems and you are the only person who can bring revolutionary and evolutionary changes in our lives. To change Pakistan, it is necessary to change the system and for changing it , I have suggested above some measures with regard to creating a new Pakistan.

Waqar Abro
Karachi

Letters To The Editor : Govt Employees Disgruntled

Govt Employees Disgruntled 

The Frontier Post 

17-06-2013

It is generally a wish of every Pakistani to be reckoned as a Government servant. After sixteen years of hard-toil and troublesome life very few out of millions of educated Pakistanis manage to get governmental jobs. 
Since, jobs on merit are not available and Stagflation is on hike, most of the educated people have turned out to be psychological patients. Despite knowing the ground realities, federal government of Pakistan has forgotten its lower and higher officials. 
Today, it has become very difficult for a clerk to lead his life while fighting the number of socio cum economic challenges. Even though, a life of a normal civil servant of lower cadre has gone to such extent that he finds different private jobs in off hours to fulfill his basic necessities. As mentioned in the constitution that government will be responsible for providing basic necessities to its subject, government has to revisit its budget policy and make a room for those lower cadre officials who dedicate their head and heart for the betterment of an institution. 
Someone has rightly said that efficiency in administration cannot be attained unless due wages are not timely paid. To make administrative system effective and efficient it is necessary to do something for the public servants. 
Otherwise, the ongoing clerical strike will spread like a fire in the forest; resultantly, affecting already lackadaisical administrative system of the country.
Waqar Abro
Karachi

Govt Employees Disgruntled 

Pakistan Observer

17-06-2013

It is generally a wish of every Pakistani to be reckoned as a Government servant. After sixteen years of hard-toil and troublesome life very few out of millions of educated Pakistanis manage to get governmental jobs. 
Since, jobs on merit are not available and Stagflation is on hike, most of the educated people have turned out to be psychological patients. Despite knowing the ground realities, federal government of Pakistan has forgotten its lower and higher officials. 
Today, it has become very difficult for a clerk to lead his life while fighting the number of socio cum economic challenges. Even though, a life of a normal civil servant of lower cadre has gone to such extent that he finds different private jobs in off hours to fulfill his basic necessities. As mentioned in the constitution that government will be responsible for providing basic necessities to its subject, government has to revisit its budget policy and make a room for those lower cadre officials who dedicate their head and heart for the betterment of an institution. 
Someone has rightly said that efficiency in administration cannot be attained unless due wages are not timely paid. To make administrative system effective and efficient it is necessary to do something for the public servants. 
Otherwise, the ongoing clerical strike will spread like a fire in the forest; resultantly, affecting already lackadaisical administrative system of the country.
Waqar Abro
Karachi

Letters To The Editor : Tax exemption on Hybrid Cars

Tax Exemption on Hybrid Cars

The Frontier Post 

16-06-2013

First impression is the last impression. PML-N has recently announced exemption on 1200cc hybrid cars. Though, there are thousands of items subjected to be exempted yet Finance Minister considered hybrid cars for the exemption. Technically, this move is subjected to be applauded by all and sundry but practically this is an odd step.
Basically, a hybrid vehicle is one that combines the best features of two different energy sources, one of which is electric power. In short, it is supposed to be less fuel or CNG consuming car. Therefore, it can be inferred that the intention of Finance Minister must be that to introduce such vehicles in the country through which fuels and gas consumption could be lessened.
But, the point required for attention is that 1200cc Hybrid cars have not been manufactured yet. Even though, Japan the world’s leading cars manufacturer does not make 1200cc hybrid cars. In that case what kind of tax exemption is all about?
Reportedly Ministry of Finance had not consulted single foreign cars imports prior to announcing the exemption. Hence, PML-N has to realize that state of preparedness is necessary before making anything to public otherwise it will be facing the same embarrassments which had been faced by the previous government.
Waqar Abro
Karachi

Hybrid Car Tax Exemption

Pakistan Observer

16-06-2013

First impression is the last impression. Pml-N  has recently announced exemption on 1200cc hybrid cars. Though, there are thousands of items subjected to be exempted yet Finance Minister considered hybrid cars for the exemption. Technically , this move is subjected to be applauded by all and Sundry but practically this is an odd step. Basically, A hybrid vehicle is one that combines the best features of two different energy sources, one of which is electric power. In short, it is supposed to be less fuel or cng consuming car. Therefore, it can be inferred  that the intention of Finance Minister must be that to introduce such vehicles in the country through which fuels and gas consumption could be lessened.  But, the point required for attention is that 1200cc Hybrid cars have not been manufactured yet.  Even though,Japan the world’s leading cars manufacturer does not make  1200cc hybrid cars. When there is no 1200cc Hybrid cars then what kind of tax exemption is all about?

Express tv reported to have said that Ministry of Finance had not consulted a single foreign cars imports prior to announcing the exemption. Hence, Pml-N has to realize that  state of preparedness is necessary before making anything to public otherwise it will be facing the same embarrassments which had been faced by previous government.

WAQAR ABRO

-KARACHI

Letter To The Editor: Anti-Youth Budget

Anti-Youth Budget
The Frontier Post
14/06/2013

Federal finance minister Ishaq Dar has unfolded budget in the National Assembly for the fiscal year 2013-14. In his parliamentary speech he said that PML-N is working hard to take the nation out of economic and energy crisis. 
No doubt, the budgetary speech was appealing and nation friendly to some extent but it is also bitter reality that not a single buck has been reserved to provide governmental jobs to millions of educated Pakistanis. 
Providing ten thousands rupees under the given age criteria is neither youth familiar nor in the interest of millions of post-graduate degree holders. It is needless to mention that oppressed youth speedily reacted on social media after the official announcement of budget. People held the opinion on social media that we have been made beggar again. 
One person wrote on his facebook wall that “In Europe Master degree holders are provided jobs while in Pakistan they are offered ten thousand rupees provided that they are less than 25 years old. It has been learnt after evaluating a number of TV discussions that unless new jobs are not created, the said amount for youth will never bring revolutionary changes. Contrary to this, billions of rupees have been allocated for providing laptops to registered university students. 
Why private degree holders have always been neglected. Those who do not afford to get themselves registered in universities for regular studies are always dealt with iron hand. Who is responsible of their fate , state , parents or society?

Waqar Abro
Karachi

Letter To The Editor: History repeats itself

History repeats itself

Pakistan Observer

12-06-13

It’s quite natural that historyrepeats itself. Few years ago when the then President Pervaiz Musharraf was in power, he did his best to oust all the senior politicians. Musharraf went to such extent that he expelled Nawaz shareef and Benazir Bhutto with immediate effect. Prior to banishing Nawaz shareef, he was made a prison under the charge of hatching conspiracy against the Chief of Army staff and kept him in captivity for few months in Adiala Jail. Today, the same person who was violently and restlessly exercising his power , has been made a prison. His lack of political far-sightedness  has largely affected his political highness and devalued him in the political arena.  He must be thinking that it was his grave mistake to act peculiarly against powerful elites of that time. History is full with examples that whosoever turned out to be part of power corridor , behaved abruptly and unconsciously. But, the victory speech of Prime Minister Nawaz Shareef implies that he has learned from the history and trying his best to improve his political status. His words of forgiving all the wrong-doers did not only promote his visionary approach but also showed his mature and grown democratic mindset.  This is what our democrats need to adopt. Playing dirty politics based on character assassination will not bring any productive result. It is the maturity that is required for wealthy democratic system. Hence, attacking one and other is useless because history repeats itself. 

Waqar Abro

Karachi

Letter To The Editor: Nawaz the silver lining in clouds

Nawaz The Silver Lining in Clouds

The Frontier Post

04/06/2013

Finally the historic transition period has come to end and all the elected members of National and Provincial Assemblies have been sworn in.
Though, in the last five years democracy did nothing for people, except oppression and devastation yet it has started smoothly sailing in our country. It would not be exaggeration to state that democrats have started realizing the core concept of deliverance.
They know that governance is the only option through which democracy can be strengthened. And recent election results of all units of the federation speak volume in this regard. Since, large share of population has turned out to be politically mature it would not be easy for newly elected government to throw dust in the eyes of the people. Honestly speaking, people are fed up from the existing status quo mindset and desperately demanding change in our political system.
Actually, our youth comprises one third of the whole population and almost sixty percent of youth is either unemployed or victim of slaughter of merit. Merit is the only way through which wounds of educated people can be healed and Nawaz Sharif has to realize that either he wants policy of consensus based upon distribution of resources or a policy of making Pakistan the fastest growing country in the region.
Technically speaking, Nawaz Sharif does not need support of any political party because his seats have already secured the required quota to name its prime minister yet he intends to carry all political parties in government boat. Yes, there is no harm to form coalition government but to fulfill the dreams Nawaz Sharif showed to youth can only be fulfilled by showing zero tolerance to corruption.
And presently, he is the only ray of hope for the entire nation. Being a youth, I wish him best of luck and conveying a message that “Dear Prime Minister” never compromise on merit and corruption after taking the oath of premiership because you are the “Sliver Lining Cloud”.
 
Waqar Abro
Karachi

Letter To The Editor: Pakistan's Judicial Reforms

Pakistan's Judicial Reforms
Pakistan Observer
27-05-2013

To increase efficiency of lower courts , it is necessary to change the existing style of dispensing justice. Though, Supreme and High Courts are speedily working yet reforms are needed to be brought at lower level of judiciary. Some reformative suggestions are placed before concerned authorities to improve district judicial administrative system.

A law should be legislated that binds judges not to adjourn a case for more than 7 days,provided police has submitted all the facts and figures timely.
1. Coordination gap between police and judiciary should be bridged.
2. A committee should be formed by CJ province which hears complaints of the litigators and review cases and other issues pertaining to law.
3. Free legal adviser should be provided to deserving and poor people.
4. E-justice: all cases should be computerized and maximum 15 days to be set to dispose of a case (final verdict should be given as early as possible). This will lessen down cases backlog.
5. Administration of court should be made efficient and effective for speedy judicial system, by deputing right man on the right job.
6. Postings, transfers and other related issues of judges should be dealt by superior judiciary instead of law ministry.
7. Few provisions of law should be a part of the middle class syllabus for prevention of crime and augmentation of awareness on judicial or legal matters.
 9. Bar council should be more effective and efficient.Honest,loyal and efficient lawyers should head the bar. 10. Judicial investigation wing to be set up to verify the fabricated charges.
11. Salaries of judges should be increased to discourage malpractice.
12. Sms service can be used for coordination, dissemination of case information and hearing dates.

This will save time of court and plaintiffs.
13. Vacancy for Judicial Ombudsman should be created and all issues pertaining to administration of courts should be dealt by Ombudsman. He must be appointed by Chief Justice of Supreme Court and prior to consideration his/her credibility should be a matter of serious concern.
14. Outdated laws of evidence should be replaced with new laws.
15. Prime motive of judiciary should be to promote rule of law in the country and for this equal justice dispensation is necessary.
16. Since Judicial activism has gained momentum in the country , lawyer’s undue movements have created a troublesome situation. However,they must be prevented from acting violently and restlessly.

WAQAR ABRO
—Karachi

Letter To The Editor : Political Fine-Tuning

Political Fine-Tuning 

The Frontier Post

23-05-13

During the season of election campaign, it was appearing from the behaviour of our politicians that they had turned out to be angels of Pakistan. To gain a margin of votes, they started unveiling their real faces through different political paid contents. They went on to the extent that they started using indecent language against each other in different media channels. Since the season of election is over, they have started chanting the same notion of consensus policy which had started circulating after the 2008 elections. In the name of consensus policy, most of the resources and jobs are distributed among coalition partners. Yes, there is no harm to form a coalition based government but what is detrimental, is, properly addressing the nation's agenda. Forgetting nation just for the sake of smooth sailing of government is quite old and revealed tactic. History clearly speaks of the performance delivered by our democratic government. It is time to deliver not to share the resources. People of Pakistan are intellectually liberated and emerging PTI support speaks volume in this regard. Everyone is tired of old faces now. Even though, a deaf and dumb person said to me through actions that he wanted change in politics because soaring poverty and rocketing prices of local commodities have marred the life of an ordinary citizen. Hence, the slogan chanted by Nawaz Sharif that all parties would be welcome if they work with him on national agenda, is a positive omen. I welcome this political fine-tuning that all stake holders should sit together to resolve the country's myriad of problems.
Waqar Abro
Karachi

 

Letter To The Editor: Ambiguous future

Ambiguous future
Pakistan Observer
16-05-2013

After critically analyzing manifestos of different political parties, it can be generally perceived that whosoever comes into power after elections, will not be able to make Naya (New) Pakistan. All the parties contesting general elections, sing the songs of progress and prosperity without understanding and identifying the ground realities. Pakistan is endowed with a myriad of problems. It demands some stern measures for addressing the biggest menaces like corruption and energy crisis. Prior to completion of already vowed promises, one party has gone to such extent that it will launch bullet train within short possible time.

The thing worries me the most is that why do we not strengthen our basic foundation? Why our leaders always try to experiment new things after coming into power? Is it justified that there is no jobs, no meals and no shelter for poor but still our leaders spend a lot on such projects which do not make any sense of a new Pakistan? Building roads and launching bullet trains will never bring any change in our country.

It is the education, which is the first brick of a well-groomed society. Actually, education brings revolutionary and evolutionary changes in human nature. If one reflects what he reads, I bet he will be a perfect and complete human. But, the most unfortunate thing is that such kind of practice is hardly witnessed in our country. Hence, prior to bringing reforms in the country the ambitious political parties must bring reforms within their political structure and try to adopt western welfare oriented norms rather than adhering to same classical style of politics.

WAQAR ABRO
—Karachi

Letter To The Editor: Don’t steal words

Don’t steal words
Pakistan Observer
10-05-2013

This is reply to the letter published on 29th of April 2013 in this newspaper that the writer Faiza Azam plagiarized my content and sent it to the editor for publication with a new title. As everyone knows, editors do not have enough time to verify the content yet being an educated person it was sacred duty of Faiza Azam to avoid copying my word to word passages for the sake of publication. It goes without saying that the same content had been published with the title ‘Cast your vote campaign” dated 23rd of April in this newspaper.

I request to all educated people who used to plagiarize material from internet and from other sources that they should avoid themselves from such creepy and dishonest practices. Under the copy rights law plagiarizers can be held accountable but there is nothing good to drag someone to courts for her slight mistakes. It is therefore, the writer Faiza Azam is humbly requested to write a letter seeking open apology from the genuine author and from this prestigious newspaper editor for dodging them for nothing.

—Karachi
WAQAR ABRO

Letter To The Editor: Suggestions For EC

Suggestions For EC
Pakistan Observer
06-05-2013

There is hue and cry through out the country that the upcoming general elections are supposed to be turning point of Pakistan history. It is true that every Pakistani demands for change now. But can the change the educated society expects really come if our people from far flung areas would not cast their vote due to some reasons? For voting awareness some constructive and achievable measures should be later by Election commission for increasing voter ratio in the coming elections.

There should be election commission social media campaign for increasing the of a votes. Election commission should direct care-taker government to regularly publish its advertisements in various newspapers. All media men aiming to bring change in the country should be directed to play a role in their own capacity.

Artists and singers of various local languages can also spread the message of voting rights through their melodies at mass level. There should be coordination between EC and NGO’s working on election awareness projects for increasing the voter ratio.

Voting know-how in rural areas is worse than No-Go areas. However Election commission should pay more attention to rural areas than urban areas. Khatibs in their respective areas can also spread the importance of a vote through Friday Sermons. There should also be a room for prisoners and disable people to cast their vote by using modern means of communication. There are millions of people in Pakistan who do not live in their respective constituency. However, they should also be given a chance to vote for their registered voting constituency from any part of the country.
WAQAR ABRO
—Karachi

Letter To The Editor: Suggestions for Election Commission

Suggestions for Election Commission
The Frontier Post
02-05-2013

There is hue and cry through out the country that the upcoming general elections are supposed to be turning point of Pakistan history. It is truth that every Pakistani demands for change now. But, the change the educated society expects can really come if our people from far flung areas would not cast their vote due to some reasons? For voting awareness i lay down some constructive and achievable measures before Election commission for increasing voter ratio in the coming elections.
There should be election commission social media campaign for increasing the importance of a vote Election commission should direct care-taker government to regularly publish its advertisements in various newspapers.
All media men aiming to bring change in the country should be directed to play a role in their own capacity.
Artists and singers of various local languages can also spread the message of voting rights through their melodies at mass level.
There should be coordination between EC and Ngo's working on election awareness projects for increasing the voter ratio.
Voting know-how in rural areas is worst than No-Go areas. However Election commission should pay more attention to rural areas than urban areas.
Mullahs in their respective areas can also spread the importance of a vote through Friday Sermons.
There should also be a room for prisoners and disable people to cast their vote by using modern means of communication.
There are millions of people in Pakistan who do not live in their respective constituency. However, they should also be given a chance to vote for their registered voting constituency from any part of the country.
This country has given has us many things. However, we must individually play our role to augment the voter ratio in upcoming general elections. T.V Artists, sports men and women, writers, columnists, media men, bloggers, civil servants, men and women in uniform, and others should also play their role.

Waqar Abro

Letter To The Editor: Is Technology Boon or Bane?

Is technology boon or bane?
DAWN
26-04-2013

EVER since the world has turned into a `global village`, the gap between people or rather the classes has been widened. Technology has brought revolutionary changes in our society. It has brought the entire world to our finger tips.
Today, a person living in the US or in any other country can easily communicate with his family members or friends. Yes, communications is much faster now and a time-saving process. But, the emotions, the feelings and the attachment linked with writing a letter has all been lost during the last couple of decades. Social sites like Facebook and tweeter are the modern ways of sharing our feelings with our near and dear ones.
These modern means of communication appear to be meaningful ways of communication but in reality have negative effects.
The privacy of a person exists nowhere on these so-called social sites. But the irony is we still praise the West for providing us such a great platform for communicating with our family and friends.
Almost every technology has a bright and dark side to it, its positive and negative repercussions. About a couple of decades back, communicating with a relative or friend was not as easy as it is today.
We used to correspondence once a twice a month to inform them about the latest happenings. We were deeply involved in the communication process. We were so excited while speaking to our parents or friends while calling them from abroad. But today, such emotions can hardly be witnessed.
Inevitably, we are technologically advanced but we have been morally and spiritually weakened. We are heading towards cultural decadence ever since technology has become a part of lives. It seems as if we have sunk into an ocean of nothingness.
With the help of the latest technology, fake IDs can easily be made. Besides, you can post malicious content to defame a relative or friend.
You can also do it out of jealousy or if you want to take revenge for something.
Determining whether technology is a boon or bane is not easy. However, I believe it has more evil effects than good.

WAQAR ABRO
Karachi

Letter To The Editor: Choosing changers or cheaters

Choosing changers or cheaters
The Frontier Post
15-04-2013

There is a notion in everyone's mind that what have been successes of democracy in the last five year. Though, there is a big list of failures yet positive aspects are always neglected. Democracy has brought revolutionary and evolutionary changes in Pakistan. Yes, it had brutally failed to adopt welfare-oriented democratic norms but it has still delivered. Mental poverty is worst then social and economic poverty.
The main reason that always prevented democracy to thrive was intellectual bankruptcy. Though democracy brings political independence yet it is meaningless without economic and intellectual independence. In the last five years, people have started learning political system and its functioning. Today, due to modern means of communication and free media, people are more aware of politics then before. They know very well that what is going on in the capital.
They in their street gossip do not only exchange their political opinions but also analyze different manifestos and past performances of various political parties. And, the main actor of this success is electronic and print media. Unavoidably, democracy is flourishing and people are keenly observing each and every thing. It seems as people are intellectually liberated. To further elaborate the successes and failures of democracy, the writer has enlisted the crux of the topic as follow;
Successes: Judicial populism, freedom of media, social media and its effects on society and institutions, intellectual, political and economic bankruptcies addressed, pluralism In politics (First time ,in the history 216 political parties will contest general elections), openness in system, accountability of army and wealth eaters, political Socialization, Women rights to some extent addressed and their status also
elevated (Fehmeeda Mirza, Shela Raza, Malala etc), legacy system nosedived, mature and harmonized political system (APC example), provincial autonomy, independent election commission, change in status quo mindset, constitutional amendments
Failures: bad governance, politicization of institutions, corruption, target killings, poverty, energy crisis, economic meltdown, unemployment, slaughter of merit, drone attacks, unfair distribution of resources, Balochistan issue, Tax evasion, institutional disharmony, sectarian violence
Though, there may be few more points to be added in the failure list yet successes of democracy should not be neglected. Someone has rightly said that democracy may be a terrible system but it is the best system that we know.
Now, the future of Pakistan is to be decided by the people in the upcoming general elections. Whom they want to bring to the parliament a cheater or a changer? To conclude, the best form of revolution is the positive and correct use of vote.
Waqar Abro
Karachi

Formation of new provinces in Pakistan

Formation of new provinces in Pakistan

By

Waqar Abro

Should new provinces in Pakistan be created or not and what formula should be applied for their creation?

Since creation of Pakistan we have always taken decisions before bringing consequences of our steps into account and later on regretted that this or that policy should not have been brought. Presently, Pakistan is not at the stage of any experiment. Before initiating any step pertaining to creation of new provinces ground realities should be given a focused view. They must be debated at all forums and a constructive outcome should be considered as final decision.

Reason of creation of new provinces should mainly be administrative in nature and political in practice.

Otherwise, all the tribal based communities will put forward their demands for separate provinces that would not be financially problematic for state but also create chaos across the country.

Hence, there should be a referendum in the Hazara and Siraki belt of the Punjab for separate provinces. Though without bringing amendment in the constitution (Article 239) separation of provinces is not possible yet role of all stake holders is also important in this regard.

All stake holders should be summoned in a meeting being called upon by Prime Minister and demand of separate provinces be accepted on the basis of ground realities which are economy and administration division.

Making provinces on lingual basis will create state of callousness and anarchy for the state however this factor should not be followed otherwise Brohi, jatoi,mahar,kakars and many other communities will ask for their separate provinces later on.

What should be nature of demand?

Demand for creation of new provinces should not be political in nature. For the sake of augmenting seats in Majis e shura provinces should not be created and good governance factor should be given paramount importance.

At the time of beginning, Nigeria had only 4 provinces and there had been tribal clashes and bad governance issues. Later on president of Nigeria brought reforms and made 7 new provinces just to harmonize administration. Today, it has more than 17 provinces and most of them were created just to make governance efficient and effective.

Same has been followed in Egypt and India.

Hence, before creating new provinces we must take a look on our neighbor and Muslim countries stance on this issue and if we find it quite effective then it should be implemented in Pakistan.

The following challenges will Pakistan face after creation of new provinces;

1.       Expenses of new administration

2.       Conflict on resource distribution

3.       Formation of new groups which will later on demand for their separate province on lingual basis

4.       There would also be administration personnel and Para military forces issue

5.       Political forces will also create problems for maintaining their hegemony over each other in newly made provinces.

6.       Development projects can also be affected to an extent.

7.       There can be emergence of turf war.

What is the role of Political Parties?

Political forces of Pakistan are not apparently serious with the new provinces issue. Each party wants to gain sympathy of the people just for its political interests. Same has been observed in MQM recent resolutions. Though MQM is largely considered as Provincial based political force yet it speaks of bringing reforms in KP where it does not have representation.  

                                “If FATA demands for new provinces, MQM will support it”      

                                                                (Altaf Hussain)

Presently role of PPPP and MQM on the demand of Siraki province is to break strength of PML N and PMLQ.  Although, there are many issues concerned to administration yet Siraki province issue has been completely politicized.

What is the role of media?

Media is taking this issue for the purpose of commercialization not for the betterment of governance in the country.

So far talk shows are observed as biased and immature. It can have played its better role by suggesting or pointing International norms to the government on new provinces issue but it has further politicized it.

Perception of individuals

Most of the Pakistanis consider this issue as politically motivated however they do not favor creation of new provinces. But there are also many other people who hold the view that if provinces are created for harmonizing administration of the country and execution of service at lower level then this issue should be resolved and new provinces should be created.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be concluded as Pakistan is economically fragile and politically weak.  If it is further experimented then situation in country can be worsen. Therefore, all stake holders should be summoned in a meeting being called upon by Prime Minister and creation of new provinces issue should be resolved on the view that they will be created solely for administrative purpose.