Stumble or Fall

The rate of growth is on a declining trend. Hence, declining GDP growth means increasing poverty and unemployment, and widening gap in average incomes of the relatively better performing areas in the country and those that are more backward. This is clearly not a good picture.

Recent public rallies and gathering have demonstrated that people are becoming increasingly impatient. As economists & analysts have stated for years, the feeling of deprivation not only deepens anger among those who are concerned that they have been left behind, but their dissatisfaction also evident in the form of a challenge to the authority of the state.

That is what the world has seen in the political explosion on the Arab streets. It is this discontent that has increased, to a considerable degree domestic terrorism in Pakistan. Ongoing problems with domestic security have taken a serious economic toll, which by no means is looking to end in near future.

There is a common perception that the fiscal situation is unlikely to improve due to the delay of structural reforms on the taxation and expenditure fronts, as the political process is moving towards elections, with focus shifting towards policies meant to earn popularity rather than achieving long term goals.

As opposed to these concerns, there is a degree of complacency arising from the present record level of foreign exchange reserves of over $16.802 billion and resilience in exports and remittances, which have led to a reduction in the balance of payments to $-2.41 billion. There is need, therefore, for undertaking the economic scenario analysis linked to the type of political developments that are likely to take place and which will largely determine the extent to which major structural reforms are undertaken.

Given the on hand problems of supremacy, including misconduct and fraud, government organizations have suffered heavily and require bail out. As for now, no actions have been taken to curtail current expenditure or event to increase the base of revenue generation, while the gap between both continues to be adjusted by curtailing development expenditure. The circular debt problem is growing like a sleeping monster. The PSDP is increasingly own the behest of government spending for purposes other than development specifically before the elections. This would eventually lead towards increasing gap between non developmental and developmental expenditure which would have a direct impact on economy of Pakistan

So, the administration would have to take on measures for the introduction of the reformed general sales tax, withdrawal of exemption on goods, broad basing of sales tax on services, introduction of wealth tax and development of provincial taxes. The federal tax administration needs to be renovated. Under invoicing has to be checked and massive evasion of taxes in the shape of Afghan Transit Trade and subsidies to public enterprises must be eliminated.

If surgery is required to eliminate dishonest and unproductive, then no matter how influential the connections, the task must be performed. The size of the Cabinet must be reduced. A reduction in the non-salary cost must occur and be sustained. A reform in the monetary policy would require granting full autonomy to the State Bank; limits must be placed by Parliament on the borrowings from it. Overdraft limits must be enforced on commodity financing and borrowings by the provincial governments.

A policy rate should be established to counter inflation. The balance of payments policy, too, needs to be brought into the reforms net. To begin with, there should be no interference in the foreign exchange market; export controls should be taken back and burden of selective tariffs should be placed. If the proposed reforms are undertaken, a gradual recovery in the GDP growth rate from 4 percent in 2011-12 to almost 5 percent by 2014-15 can be expected due to some revival in the level of investment in the economy.

Devil of Sectarian Violence

The deadly process continues. Three Shia lawyers were gunned down in Karachi on January 26. On the same day, three other professionals — including an FIA official, an accountant and a poet — all from the Shia community, were killed in Quetta.

Extremist groups are believed to be responsible and may well be deliberately targeting professionals as means to spread terror amongst the community. The tactic has worked, with hundreds of professionals — notably doctors — who have fled the country after being targeted in this manner. This is a loss that is hard to sustain in a nation where professionals are badly needed.

It’s just a reminder that sectarian violence poses one of the greatest threats to Pakistani society. Well over 4,000 people have been killed in the past two decades in sectarian-involving violence. Such violence can no longer be denounced as the work of external agents, a mishap of history or politics. Instead, it must be recognized as an indication of an increasingly intolerant and divisive society.

We all know who is behind the attacks; the rise of sectarian organisations in the Punjab in the late 1980s and 1990s is well-documented. The question is: why isn’t our government doing enough to go after these organizations, their nurturing grounds and their financial supply line?

We need to tackle the issue head on. The fact that we have waited so long thinking that by not facing the mere fact of religious extremism is only making the whole situation worse.

Steps needed to be taken

On a short-term basis, our intelligence networks need to determine how these groups operate, where they are based and devise a strategy to round them up.

Ban all those religious and political parties which have elements who had or still have links or views in line with religious extremism.

Operations like Operation Sunrise against seminaries which preach hatred and religious extremism.

Making quality education accessible to all.

Conclusion

The horrors Karachi saw on  bombing of ashura procession, and chain of events that had another blood bath story which we saw two days back in Karachi again shows that the country is now stuck in jaws of religious extremism.

If our politicians, public figures and media personalities do not make a concerted effort to advocate and practice tolerance in our society, Pakistan will continue to head down an unstable path.

Materialism & Happiness

In our society when we talk about a “rich man”; the first thing in our society which comes to mind is a rich person well advanced in his respective career owing a large size bungalow and luxurious car; in other words having money that could buy anything. Real surprise with the association to religious values in our society, still majority of us associate success with material gains an individual makes.

Man’s primary from birth till death is pursuit of happiness. His profession, his gathering of wealth, his bungalows, and his private luxurious goods all indicate his hunt of that intangible animal called happiness. Catch hold of one of the cool dudes and ask him “‘are you happy?” habitually he will answer that if he had one extra thing he would be happy. He does not realize that when that thing is in his grab he will crave for something else to experience happiness; it is a race which never ends.

So how to be happy? Will giving up of all comforts makes one happy? Give-up worldly desires? It is not that one should live a life without comforts. What we as individuals could do is stop running after those comforts. No matter how many plots one owns, at a time you can live only in one house (a small room will do); you can use only one car and sleep only on one bed. With all your wealth you may not even be able to get pleasure from your meal and the pressures and tensions of multiplying your wealth, may be eating away your insides leading to uncountable sickness.

Then why this rage for gathering? Isn’t it just to show-off to the world? If I was the only person in the world, all these gains would be worthless as there would be nobody to amaze, nobody who would be jealous of me, nobody to compete with.

Studies conducted have shown that once the basic necessities of life are fulfilled, more money doesn’t necessarily mean more happiness. Talking about my own city Karachi, a poor old city area like Kharadar or even Lyari measures its progress not by the luxurious life style but by gross happiness. Not against anyone but DHA or KDA or Clifton may go in front in terms of material wealth, but can they be called areas where people are happy?

In my modest opinion, at the individual level, this is what needs to be done. Take up a career, even a small job will do, in a field that you are interested in. work diligently, but go about your work in a peaceful and self-possessed manner. As somebody said “a career is not an end in itself but a means to creative, intellectual, monetary and physical satisfaction”. Be sure to take time off to be with your family, to observe the sunset, to help a person in need, to pursue other hobbies. Giving up these simple pleasures may mean more money but no happiness.

Don’t complain just because somebody has got hold of luxurious goods. Desire to have loads of money, driving luxurious cars, having a bigger house than others in family will not help it out. Happiness exists inside you. Just take time to dig really deep inside you to find and realize it.

Hazrat Ali (a.s) letter to Malik Ashtar: Lessons for Pakistan & for Oppressed Muslim World

Brief Introduction

The famous Arab Christian, jurist, poet and philosopher Abdul Masih Antaaki who died sometime in the beginning of the 20th Century while discussing this letter writes that it is a far superior and better code than the one handed down by Moses and Hammurabi, it explains what a human administration should be like, how it is to be carried out and it justifies the claims of Muslims that Islam wants to introduce a Divine administration of the people for the people and by the people and it wants a ruler to rule not to please himself but to bring happiness to the ruled and no religion before Islam tried to achieve this end, Ali (a.s) should be congratulated for having introduced these principles during his rule and for have written them down for the posterity.  

The letter was used in the report published by UNDP, The UNDP 2002 Arab Human Development Report, and used as suggestions for Good governance in the Arab world. Meaning it was used as recommendations given to the Arab States for improving the Governance System.

As a Pakistani, I guess after losing East Pakistan, wide spread corruption & not to forget people raising tall claims towards revolution; I guess all of them should openly refer to this letter of Hazrat Ali (a.s).

Brief introduction to Great Maalik al- Ashtar

Maalik al-Ashtar was a famous companion of Imam Ali (a.s). He was the head of the Bani Nakha'i clan. He was a faithful disciple of Imam Ali (a.s). He was a brave warrior and had acted as a Commander-in-Chief of the armies of Imam Ali (a.s). His valor had earned him the title of "Fearless Tiger". Imam Ali (a.s) had specially taught him the principles of administration and jurisprudence. Mu'awiya had conspired against him and got him killed by his gang of hirelings. His untimely death deeply grieved Imam Ali (a.s) who, expressing his grief said:

"He was to me what I was to the Holy Prophet (saww)".

 The following instructions in the form of a letter were written to him by Imam Ali (a.s) who appointed him as the Governor of Egypt in place of Muhammad bin Abi Bakr:

Selected passages from the text are reproduced below:
Religious tolerance: Amongst your subjects there are two kinds of people: those who have the same religion as you [and] are brothers to you, and those who have religions other than yours, [who] are human beings like you. Men of either category suffer from the same weaknesses and disabilities that human beings are inclined to; they commit sins, indulge in vices either intentionally or foolishly and unintentionally without realizing the enormity of their deeds. Let your mercy and compassion come to their rescue and help in the same way and to the same extent that you expect Allah to show mercy and forgiveness to you.

Equity is best: A policy which is based on equity will be largely appreciated. Remember that the displeasure of common men, the have-nots and the depressed persons, over-balances the approval of important persons, while the displeasure of a few big people will be excused… if the general public and the masses of your subjects are happy with you.

The rich: are the people who will be the worst drag upon you during your moments of peace and happiness, and the least useful to you during your hours of need and adversity. They hate justice the most. They will keep demanding more and more out of State resources and will seldom be satisfied with what they receive and will never be obliged for the favor shown to them if their demands are justifiably refused.

On judiciary: You must select people of excellent character and high caliber with meritorious records . . . When they realize that they have committed a mistake in judgment, they should not insist on it by trying to justify it . . . They should not be corrupt, covetous or greedy . . . . These appointments must be made . . . without any kind of favoritism being shown or influence being accepted; otherwise tyranny, corruption and misrule will reign . . . Let the judiciary be above every kind of executive pressure or influence, above fear or favor, intrigue or corruption.

Poverty: If a country is prosperous and if its people are well-to-do, then it will happily and willingly bear any burden. The poverty of the people is the actual cause of the devastation and ruination of a country, and the main cause of the poverty of the people is the desire of its ruler and officers to amass wealth and possessions, whether by fair or foul means.

Corruption undermines national well-being: I want to advise you about your businessmen and industrialists. Treat them well . . . They are the sources of wealth to the country . . . One more thing . . . you must keep an eye over their activities as well. You know that they are usually stingy misers, intensely self-centered and selfish, suffering from the obsession of grasping and accumulating wealth. They often hoard their goods to get more profit out of them by creating scarcity and by indulging in black-marketing.

On communicating with people: You must take care not to cut yourself off from the public. Do not place a curtain of false prestige between you and those over whom you rule. Such pretension and shows of pomp and pride are in reality manifestations of an inferiority complex and of vanity. The result of such an attitude is that you remain ignorant of the conditions of your subjects and of the actual cases of the events occurring in the State.

Peace leads to prosperity: If your enemy invites you to a peace treaty . . . never refuse to accept such an offer, because peace will bring rest and comfort to your armies, will relieve you of anxieties and worries, and will bring prosperity and affluence to your people . . . Be very careful never to break your promise with your enemy; never forsake the protection or support that you have offered to him; never go back upon your word, and never violate the terms of the treaty.

Conclusion

Concluding I would state that the summary of Imam Ali’s famous letter of advice while Caliph, to the Governor of Egypt, Malik Ashtar, could be regarded as an essential guide in Islamic administration. One can only pray that the new leaders of Egypt, Tunisia, South Sudan, Libya and Yemen, Pakistan heed its example.

Jinnah's Pakistan

Events leading to Partition

The separation of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 into two states of India and Pakistan was an event, accompanied by genocidal violence and one of the largest displacements of people in the twentieth century. The Partition was a peak within a chain of recurring violence in the name of Hindus and Muslims for several generations before 1947.

Jinnah’s Vision

While addressing people of United States in 1948; Quaid-e-Azam clearly stated what type of state he had dreamed of.

"In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims-Hindus, Christians and Parsis -- but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan."

On another occasion Jinnah Stated:

"The great majority of us are Muslims. We follow the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). We are members of the brotherhood of Islam in which all are equal in right, dignity and self-respect. Consequently, we have a special and a very deep sense of unity. But make no mistake: Pakistan is not a theocracy or anything like it."

The background of people who fought for independence of Pakistan were not mullah fanatics or any other religious party, but educated liberals. Jinnah and people such as Liaqat Ali Khan, Allama Iqbal won independence of Pakistan despite stiff opposition by the so-called Ulema.

Jinnah's dialogues contain references to the Islamic principles of social justice and fair play, but he made it clear in his speeches, that he was against religious extremism.

"Make no mistake: Pakistan is not a theocracy or anything like it. Islam demands from us the tolerance of other creeds and we welcome in closest association with us all those who of whatever creed are themselves willing to play their part as true and loyal citizen of Pakistan"

Mullahs & Pakistan

If we conduct a survey today as to who was in favor and aganist creation of Pakistan among several Muslim groups; you would be shocked to hear that right wing religious parties who are so called defenders of religion and nation today were against creation of Pakistan. It was really unfortunate that the Ulemas were the ones who stood against the leadership of Muslim League. Their medieval conception of the Shariah remained unmovable and traditional. They were rationally ill-equipped to understand the crisis Islam was facing during that era.

It is to be noted that creation of Pakistan was made possible by graduates of Cambridge and other professionals who understood the need of time.  I am not speaking of Molvis as a whole group. There were some of them who were loyal and honest.

Ataullah Shah Bukhari, Habibur Rahman Ludhianawi and Mazhar Ali Azhar often referred to Quaid-e-Azam as Kafir-i-Azam.

Jamat-i-Islami who today call themselves as champions of democracy and guardians of Islam also opposed to the idea of Pakistan. The pre-independence views of Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, the founder of the Jamat-i-Islami were quite definite:

"Among Indian Muslims today we find two kinds of nationalists: the Nationalists Muslims, namely those who in spite of their being Muslims believe in Indian Nationalism and worship it; and the Muslims Nationalist: namely those who are little concerned with Islam and its principles and aims, but are concerned with the individuality and the political and economic interests of that nation which has come to exist by the name of Muslim, and they are so concerned only because of their accidence of birth in that nation. From the Islamic viewpoint both these types of nationalists were equally misled, for Islam enjoins faith in truth only; it does not permit any kind of nation-worshipping at all”

The Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Hind, the most important group of the Ulema, saw nothing Islamic in the idea of creation of Pakistan. Its president, Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, who was also head of Darul Ulum Deoband rubbished the idea of two-nation theory, insisting that all Indians, Muslims or Hindus were one nation.

The disagreement between the educated Muslims and the Ulema was not new. It started in the early on during British rule and reached its peak during the resistance for Pakistan. The movement for Pakistan was guided by the progressive classes under the leadership of a man who was brought up with western education

Current Scenario

Pakistan’s political climate has always been polarized between the civil and the military leaders, with balance of political fortunes tilting in favor of one or the other, from time to time.

Today the shoots of these fanatic mullahs have again jumped in political arena. Some have formed alliances like Difa-e-Pakistan while others have joined parties like PTI. PML-N which is made of Zia’s remains also supports such fanatics in Punjab.

Just to mention a few

A distinguished former Jamaati in the top leadership is PTI Vice President Ejaz Chaudhry who was ejected from the JI after facing accusations of corruption. He is now the PTI’s advisor on religious affairs and Imran Khan’s point person in the Punjab. 

On December 18, more than 40 religious organizations gathered at Minto Park in Lahore for a jalsa organized by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (Defence of Pakistan Council). Prominent amongst those present were Maulvi Sami-ul Haq (the head of Jamiat Ulema-I Islam – Sami and a prominent Deobandi scholar with close links to the Taliban), Liaqat Baloch of the Jamat-i-Islami, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed the Ameer of the JuD (Jamaat ud Dawa), Mohammed Ahmed Ludhianvi (Sipah-e Sahaba Pakistan, now renamed as Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamaat), Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer (leader of Jamiat Ahl-e Hadith) and Hamid Gul, former DG ISI.

The flags of the Sipah-e-SahabaPakistan (SSP) have also become a common view seen at almost all PTI and PML-N rallies.

Another Difa-e-Pakistan rally is schedules to be held in Karachi on 12^th February 2011.

There is a risk that Pakistan would indulge in civil disobedience which in some aspects of life has begun and will join the many countries in Africa and soon become one of the failed states. This risk draws closer every day.

Hence to conclude my blog I would just state that in these tough times we as a nation are not left with many options. Judiciary with all respect is just busy in solving high profile cases leaving not even giving slightest head towards sectarian and political violence spreading and so called revolutionaries have populated their sections with same old dry cleaned politicians and extremists and so I fear that one day we are on dangerous path of losing Jinnah's legacy.

My plea to all don’t let these fanatic mullahs take over your cities as they took Islamabad hostage during Lal Masjid brigade show.

·         References for all facts stated can be provided on request

An Untold Story

This short piece of my experience which I am putting together after 3 years; is In Memory of Victims of Sectarian Violence; irrespective of which ever sect they belong too.

Terror made its way back to Karachi, when at approximately 4:15 p.m. a powerful bomb ripped through the main procession of ashura. The blast left 54 people dead and scores injured.

Not many people survive a bomb blast without serious injuries and live to tell the story. I am extremely fortunate to be one of them to survive one by mere 10 to 12 steps. Everybody views it on their TV sets, but hardly ever do you actually realize what goes on inside.

28^th December 2009 a day which has changed my views towards life and which also left a deep mark on my mind, as always I with a group of my friends left for the yearly procession of ashura which is taken out each year on 10^th Muharram from Nishter Park to Hussainia Irania. We reached the procession at around 11 a.m. The procession crossed its traditional routes which has been set since independence of Pakistan; it was when we reached near Light House at around 4:15 p.m. BOOOM!

I heard screams, gun shots, cries and not to forget flying bodies. It was when one of my friends held my hand that I realized what had happened. I with other two friends got up as we were thrown back by the intensity of the explosion & in that smoky atmosphere where body parts and lifeless bodies were lying around with smell of blood and smoke in the air we started to find other people who were with us.

Regrouping and deciding that we should walk back; blood soaked bodies, bodies ripped apart, cries of injured is what I found. I revisited the site after a few days. I have always known that the one who is the creator is superior to one who plans to kill, but this was the first time I had witnessed that. In coming days, I heard many heart breaking stories of people who laid their lives in the tragic incident such as father of newly born lost his life, father and young son losing their lives and the list goes on.

Though the sectarian violence has reached an alarming magnitude, still we can control this menace as a society by measures. First and foremost, effective governance is required. Second, increase in education. Third, funding to the Madressas should be checked. All in all the individual participation is also required. If our policy makers, politicians, public figures and media personalities do not make a concerted effort and practice tolerance, Pakistan will continue to head down an explosive path.

Worldly objects come and go, but existence cannot be replaced; life of a father, life of a son, life of sole bread earner and so many who are the heart beats of their homes. The lives in the name of sectarian hatred have been taken in a meaningless a religious war. A war fought on where guiltless people give the price with their lives. And this is what a so called “defenders of religion” or “Fanatic Mullahs” takes- lives of innocent people. What heaven does he think he’ll go to or his followers will go to by spilling blood of Muslims and above all people who are innocent and unarmed.

Life at SZABIST- 2007 to 2011

It may sound childish but what followed was not short of life changing experience.  I never dreamt that what four years at SZABIST could potentially offer. A little confused, I learnt slowly yet made some wonderful friends along the way.

Work was only part of what was being offered. Perhaps what stands out the most was my  changeover in terms of lazy worm to work alcoholic; walking to nearby restaurants in 1 hour breaks to have lunch and the filled journals with photo copies; student card not helping in busses, rainy days, overworked, the list goes on. A shift from the cozy lifestyle to reaching home at 11 p.m. or beyond, getting lost in report making, presentations and hourly’s, exposure to the real world, blending in with new friends and  finding my myself.

I still remember my first lecture at SZABIST which was of Business Communication and how I felt.  And realizing the need for change from that mere class.

Above all, it was an experience worth remembering, where I learnt to take negative & positive criticism, step out of the soothing zone and see things from different angle. Little did I know about the corporate world outside my limited comfort zone. But the class rooms, the people, the deadlines, the late nights, the moments of motivation changed all that for the better.

This and much more has definitely changed me and my perspective towards life for the better. And I would happily do it all over again not just once but as many times required.