This refers to the opinion piece “Facing the reality of Pakistan” (May 26). The article discusses the perils of partition of the Asian subcontinent in the light of the recent revelations from the interview of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. It was truly a very beautiful piece. As always, the analysis put forth by the writer was brilliant and sharp in all respects. It was like placing the missing links in the big jigsaw puzzle.
I believe, even if the conspiracy of partition were to have hatched in London, it would not have been executed if the leaders from the Muslim League had shown maturity and used their foresight. Yes, Nehru did not want to have his claim or rather the dream of becoming the first prime minister of free India slip off his hand under any circumstances and used the communal card well, yet, Jinnah was absolute in his determination to lead the nation even if that meant creating an undesirable separation on religious grounds. As we all know, the colossal loss of human lives and the widespread destruction that followed the ill-timed partition was much greater than the total collective loss suffered during the three centuries of the British rule.
Barring a few major communal riots, civil disorders, corruption in public life, incidences of social inequality and injustice, India has managed to initiate and sustain its social and economic development to a large extent under the unfailing umbrella of democracy, which was well-supported by a more or less impartial judiciary and an independent media. In return, democracy has enabled modern India to continuously evolve with the changes in the international economic order and social systems.
Unfortunately, for the new nation formed for one dominant religious community, the military and the aristocracy continuously changed hands on the reins of power and never allowed democracy to nurture for long. The mass movements were curtailed and curbed with iron hands. Though, it is not possible to write off this most modern Muslim nation nor is it in the interest of the West or for that matter India to let it fall in total anarchy, yet, the challenge to remove the title of “failed state” is both daunting and difficult. (Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam)
Power crisis in Pakistan
Due to constant power failures and long hours of load-shedding, Pakistan is witnessing a large number of public protests these days. Expressing their anger against the government, the protesters have torched several offices of two major politcal parties.
During the peak summer, 18 to 20 hours of load-shedding is making things bad to worse. Power providers claim that due to lack of money and fuel, the power generation is very low. The federal government plans to print extra money and provide it to the providers were highly criticized by economic analysts in the country. Unfortunately, the government-appointed ministers of water and power do not have the ability to prepare any positive strategy. Despite four years of rule, the present government does not have a long term plan to cope up with the worst energy crisis in the country. Due to constant power cuts, small businesses and traders are undergoing huge losses and many have shut their shops, resulting in an increase in unemployment levels.
Pakistan’s exports and textile sector are the worse-affected and businessmen are transferring their businesses to other countries, such as, Bangladesh. The true reality is that an early construction of a dam is necessary for the survival of Pakistan However, due to political uncertainties and a lack of government interest, no new dam has been constructed in the country. (Khawaja Umer Farooq, Jeddah)
Letters to the Editor: Post-partition pangs
