Pakistan: Youth Responsibilities

Youth Responsibilities 
Pakistan Observer

8/9/2013

Pakistan is comprised of 180 million population out of which 70 percent people come under the category of youth.  Youth is a powerful force of a country. In fact, it was the youth that played pivotal role during the independence struggle of our country. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan knew that a separate Muslim state could not be created unless Students keep themselves away from the Politics. He emphatically said that student should focus on education rather than taking part in any political or revolutionary activity.  Unfortunately, after creating a separate Muslim state, we as a youth forgot our responsibilities and role. It is the reason that our 46 percent population is either illiterate or least educated. The prime responsibility of a youth is to acquire education and use it for the perpetual growth of the country. But, in our country, after acquiring education , most of the youngsters start finding jobs in other continents.Pakistan is passing through testing times and jobs are not available for talented youth and therefore the incidence of brain drain is rampant in the present state of affairs. We should use our talent for Pakistan not for our personal vested interests and repeat the history of pre-independence youth. John F. Kennedy has rightly said that “Do not ask what your country has done for you , ask what you have done for your country”.
-Karachi

Government: Perpetual Pledge for Pakistan

 Perpetual Pledge for Pakistan

Waqar Abro

On 14^th of  August 2013 every Pakistani celebrated the day of independence with full spirit and passion. Celebrating independence was a remarkable occasion but comprehending the glorious sacrifices of our founding fathers could not be seen from the eyes of the people. Wearing Pakistani T-shirts and displaying paper flags on  cars and motorbikes does not mean that one is a true and loyal Pakistani. Loyalty comes with practice not with one day show.  Independence has become an event now. It’s losing its  importance with every passing year. Loving Pakistan is not meant to wear Pakistani shirts but to dedicate your head and heart to make it progressive and prosperous country. Inevitably, Pakistan is tapped with natural and human resources yet it is supposed  to be the most misgoverned country. To lead Pakistan on the path of eternal progress, it is necessary to understand what it demands. It demands sincerity, loyalty and honesty. It demands revival of the same spirit that was with our founding fathers. Hence, it should be kept in our mind that the real celebration is in transforming the dreams of Jinnah and Iqbal into reality. However, we need to  make a solemn pledge with ourselves that we will move heaven and earth to free this country from terrorism, extremism, and corruption diseases. And, make it a progressive, prosperous and peaceful country.

-Karachi

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.

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 : 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: The silver lining cloud

The Silver Lining Cloud

Pakistan Observer 

08-06-13

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 with 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 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: 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 : 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 of Pakistan

Ambiguous future of Pakistan
The Frontier Post
21-05-2013

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 not we 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 are spend thrift on such projects which do not make any sense in reference 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: Elections Heat

Elections heat 

The Frontier Post 

30-04-2013

As the day of general elections is about to come, heat of elections engulfs us with every passing moment. Few political parties have started engaging in their political activities while a few have called for shutting down their camps owing to security reasons. Breathing fire against rival politician is also seen on daily basis.
The ongoing political situation clearly implies that 11 May would be the historic day of Pakistan. The heat of elections has gone to such extent that political leaders of different parties, have started breathing fire against each other. Imran says that on 11th May 2013 Pakistan will be independent from looters while Nawaz says after 11 May winds of prosperity will blow in the country. On the contrary, There is a hue and cry on electronic media that how elections will successfully hold if the ongoing security situation persistently prevails. This style of propagating news will not only cause fears in the masses but also demoralize our law and order enforcers.
It is time to spread political and voting awareness rather than creating havoc across the country. It is therefore. We need to tell our people that no matter heaven may fall, elections will be on time and every Pakistani stands shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement agencies. Someone has rightly said every dark night is followed by a colorful morning. It must be in our chamber of thoughts that whosoever gets hurt while political canvassing is not a worker of certain political party but our Pakistani fellow.

Waqar Abro
Karachi 

Letter To The Editor: Sunshine after the darkest half-century

 Sunshine after the darkest half-century
The Frontier Post
08-04-2013
 

Mismanagement, corruption, pathetic political system, education and dearth of political awareness were the main reasons that always prevented Pakistan to emerge as a democratic and well governed country.
Pakistan has been facing these challenges since its teething years. But, since media is free, judiciary is independent, people are intellectually liberated and army is sidelined from politics, Pakistan marks a remarkable success on political, social and educational fronts.
Today, more then 216 political parties are registered in election commission and all of them are willing to contest the upcoming general elections with sheer enthusiastic spirit.
This pluralistic political system and judicial populism, coupled with free media and educated civil society, can make a new Pakistan. It appears from the current situation that status quo mindset is being changed apart from existing style of governance.
To welfare people, a well organized administrative system is need of the hour. And, this can only be achieved by strengthening meritocracy and delivering governance system. Unless merit is not promoted and practiced, the dream of welfare people can never be transformed into reality.
Political parties after coming into power should seriously ponder over the point that they will welfare a common and educated person or their so called Jiyala, Bhai, Choudhry or Tabdeeli Razakaar.

Waqar Abro
Karachi