The Core issue of Pakistan

Uncertainty is the core issue of Pakistan. Uncertainty coupled with confusion is mother of almost all the illnesses and problems of Pakistan. If we look at different eras of governments of Pakistan, we find that Pakistan has been governed directly for about half of its life by the military governments alone whereas the other half is governed by the so-called civilian rulers all combined. We see that whether it was a military Government or civilian government, the state of uncertainty and confusion prevailed un-interrupted throughout the short history of Pakistan. Between 1947 and 1958 heads of the state and chief executives of the country kept on changing very frequently. More over the country was functioning without its own constitution.

Between 1958 and 1971 there was Martial Law in the country. Dictators were running the county at their own sweet will and one-man policies were imposed in the country. Although there was industrial growth and stable economy during this period but there was complete political unrest which resulted in separation of east Pakistan from west Pakistan. Civilian era between 1971 and 1977 was not ideal either. There was political victimization and suppression of political opponents. Even the opponents were targeted to weaken them in the name of nationalization of their Industries. This resulted in a nation-wide protest movement perhaps with support of the establishment, against the government. The movement ended up with imposition of another martial law in the country, and the “most popular” leader was hanged to death. The martial law which started with pledge of holding general elections within ninety days was prolonged for ten long years. These ten years once again proved to be an era of chaos, confusion and uncertainty. At last this era ended, with tragic death of the dictator in 1988, which provided a chance to revive the civilian government. But unfortunately, the civilian rulers for next ten years between 1988 and 1999 remained at daggers drawn situation against their opponent political parties, and the country once again fell into the hands of military dictatorship. Side by side international and national events also kept the nation on its toes all the time. Nation-wide lawyers’ movement against the dictator and assassination of chairperson of a big political party resulted in fall of dictatorship and revival of civilian government again in 2008. But this government too proved to be another failure due to turning its back towards the affairs of the country. Side by side, erstwhile allegedly a “tanga party” type of political party was being converted into a big party as a third option for the upcoming elections but this party could not perform well in the elections 2013 and a traditional political party made its government third time. Replacement of one civilian Government by another civilian government took place peacefully first time in the country in 2013.This new government in its very first year of the tenure annoyed the establishment on some internal and international issues including the issues of foreign policy especially on the relations with India, “the arch enemy”.  Resultantly the third political force was launched with full force in early months of 2014. Since then the country is in a persistent state of turbulence and uncertainty which is increasing day by day. In the given circumstances, economy has been crumbled and ‘begging-and-borrowing’ remained the policy of the country which came at the verge of default. To avoid default we are compelled to seek the support of IMF to run the country. Government is not in a position to make or implement its own policies independently.

On the basis of above narrated facts it can be seen clearly that Pakistan remained continuously in the state of uncertainly since its birth. No civilian government could complete its prescribed tenure and hence neither any government nor the people of Pakistan could work with peace of mind. No government could make and implement its short- and long-term policies with free will which resulted in wastage of resources. Conditions for internal and external investors were never conducive for their businesses to grow, and the economy kept on going down and down day by day. As a way forward, if we are concerned about our country and about ourselves we have to get out of the state of chaos and uncertainty. If we are really patriots and sincere to make our country stable and progressive we would have to develop a consensus that the incumbent governments must complete their terms undisturbed. Opposition should contribute positively by criticizing and suggesting the government for better governance. All the stakeholders, institutions and Pillars of the State will have to work together with complete coordination and harmony in the light of principles and guidelines of Constitution and laws of the land. Rule of law must be respected in its true letter and spirit if we want to see our beloved county stable and progressive where people can live happy and prosperous life.