We have been reading articles and letters in Arab News expressing hope for the creation of a “new Pakistan” after the May 2013 elections. The elections brought the Pakistan Muslim League (N) back to power and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerged as a potent political force in the country. However, we don’t wish for a new Pakistan. We long for a Pakistan that came into being 66 years ago on this very day. We want Pakistan to follow the same ideals that formed the basis of its creation. We want a country as envisaged by our leader Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who wanted to transform Pakistan into a role model for the entire Muslim Ummah. Unfortunately, he did not remain with the nation to realize his dream. However, he left the nation necessary guidelines that are still very much relevant and if followed sincerely could put the country on the path of progress and prosperity.
Now it is the responsibility of the new government to guide this nation by taking following actions on an urgent basis:
• Get rid of terrorism in the country without dictation by any foreign power.
• Start negotiations with those Pakistani groups who respect the constitution of the country and are willing to resolve the current crisis through talks.
• Build public opinion to eliminate terror groups who are in fact mercenaries playing in the hands of anti-Pakistan elements.
• Resolve power crisis by eliminating corruption in the power supply and distribution network and by constructing small dams to store water and produce electricity.
• Root out corruption from the PIA, railways and steel mills etc, and streamline the operations of such organizations by appointing professionals strictly on merit and by eliminating surplus political appointees.
• Give priority to education, health and research facilities to change the image of Pakistan.
• Accountability of all political and military leadership through an effective judicial system.
Pakistan came into being on the 27th night of the holy month of Ramadan, so the best way to celebrate the independence day is to seek Allah’s forgiveness for our sins and to make a resolve to help make this country a true Islamic state where Muslims can live in accordance to the teachings of Islam and where non-Muslims are treated with love and kindness. — Tariq Salman Alvi, Riyadh
Putting Pakistan back on track
