Pakistan’s 72nd Independence Day-Hope for Golden Era Ahead

Mr Jinnah envisioned Pakistan to be a democracy, not a theocracy. He said, “In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests [mullahs] with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims including Hindus, Christians, and Parsees, but they are all Pakistanis.” Imran Khan (prime minister in waiting) vowed to realize Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal’s vision for Pakistan. In his message to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day, he tweeted, “14 Aug 2018: On this Independence Day, I am filled with the greatest optimism. Despite our grave economic crises, due to corruption and cronyism, I know if we are united in our resolve, we will rise to the challenge and Pakistan will become the great nation envisaged by our Quaid and Iqbal.” Imran urged the nation to celebrate August 14 with full fervour, “especially as we are now moving towards Naya Pakistan & reclaiming Jinnah’s vision InshaAllah,” he had tweeted. During the recent general elections, the Pakistanis had the golden opportunity to get rid of the ongoing status quo or else stay stuck in ‘quagmire of muddy political past.’ The said election has strengthened the democratic norms in Pakistan. On the Election Day, the turnout was impressive: Approximately, 30 million new voters had exercised their right to vote for the first time. The educated voters pre

ferred going forward together to a peaceful political stability; they rejected the corrupt elite and elected the right candidates. They are well aware that a positive change would fetch new opportunities leading to economic well being of all on equality basis regardless of creed, culture or colour. Interestingly, the elected Parliamentarians have just finished with the ceremony of having taken the required oaths of office. August 15 is set for election of Speaker and deputy speaker followed by election of prime minister on 18th August. The PTI chairman Imran khan is most likely to be sworn in as prime minister. The federal and provincial cabinets’ formation as per rules will be taking place soon after. But there will be 45 days probationary period for all to prove their efficiency. In the past, the two political parties have been taking turns, but Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf (PTI) finally appears to be ending the political empire of the two parties. A corruption-free Pakistan is a dream yet to come true. If the PTI is successful in delivering what it has promised, then we can say the status quo of traditional politics marred by mega corruption is almost over. Despite the ongoing odds, there is a pretty good reason to celebrate 14th August: 1-Pakistan became a reality on this day (71 years ago) enabling its citizens to breathe as a free society. 2-Pakistan had the opportunity to redesign its governance system according to the ground realities-but the inefficient corrupt elite had messed it up beyond repair. Consequently, the feel of freedom began to fade away sooner than expected as the disease of corruption seeped into the inherited flawed governing system making it the worst case scenario. In fact, this has been a major obstacle in the smoother governance and administration. Now, there is a great opportunity for the PTI to prove its worth: If the PTI succeeds in ruling the country fairly and lawfully, there will be no one above the law; wrong doers have to face the music; there will be accountability at all levels with certainty. Imran Khan’s international recognition as an icon: Foreign heads of States have congratulated him upon his victory. Good gesture: Absolutely, there is no room for grudges, so no politics of vengeance during PTI era. This has been declared by Chairman Imran Khan. Challenge: If the PTI’s government fails to deliver on their promises, there will be a comeback of the status quo forces (rogue regimes) one after the other depending on their turns of course. Priority Issues to be addressed: The past governments have been criminally negligent in providing the people with basic amenities including clean drinking water, adulterated food, fake medicines artificial milk endangering one’s daily life. National education system needs be looked after closely. More hospitals should be providing quality care to all on equality basis. Rivers water originating from Kashmir is being robbed off by the upper riparian India just ahead of

its flowing through the low ripar

ian Pakistan posing a big threat to Pakistani agriculture. The illegal activity is responsible for the energy crises leading to load shedding. Also, the energy crisis has been responsible for choking Pakistani manufacturing at a large scale. Major blame goes to the past ineffi

cient regimes/criminal politicians/ rogue anti Pakistan elements; they have been involved in actively opposing the KB dam project just to please the enemy country. Chief Justice took a suo motto notice and did take a commendable action by introducing a fund to build Bhasha / Mohmand Dams. This indicates that the inefficient governments in the past have been wasting precious time in the hot pursuit of political advantages through abetting and helping the looters of national exchequer. The PTI government is bound to take care of nationally important issues of crucial nature: The Prime Minister(in waiting) Imran Khan plans to visit China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Afghanistan and a few other countries to improve international relations. Other recommendations include: • Since Pakistani fertile land is fit enough for producing food grain and cotton crops, the farmers must be facilitated with funds and resources for enhancing the agricultural produce. •Working on increasing exports and decreasing imports will generate the needed revenue in the foreign currency. •Properly guarding our national exchequer with zero tolerance policy applicable to all thieves and those responsible for misappropriation. Almost all Pakistanis are hoping for a positive change ahead as promised by the PTI. However, the parliamentarians and the general public should be on the same page to achieve the desired change. Please remember a positive media role in educating the masses is of prime importance. Beyond doubt, this Independence Day is the best opportunity for all Pakistanis to come onboard with the new government offering a helping hand to promote a corruption free Pakistan.