By Muhammad Aamir Siddiqui
Pakistan is nearing 80 years of its existence. During this long journey, the nation has witnessed many phases of power and politics: the era of the governor-general, presidential dictatorship, democratic rule, the doctrine of necessity, the One Unit experiment and the painful tragedy of the fall of Dhaka. It has struggled for democracy, experienced partial democracy, suffered political tug of war, endured the shadows of dictatorship and heard claims ranging from becoming an “Asian Tiger” to building a “Naya Pakistan”.
Despite these ups and downs, the unanimous Constitution of 1973 provided the country with a support system and made the protection of public rights possible. There is no doubt that the people are the real source of power and democracy remains the best system of government. Yet the debate today is no longer confined to the federal government; it has moved towards the provinces. For the people, the real issue is not merely the structure of the system, but the style of governance.
The country is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. On the one hand, the burden of loans continues to rise; on the other, the ruling class is not prepared to give up even a small portion of its privileges. Instead, more sacrifices are demanded from a public that is already under immense pressure. Petrol, gas, electricity and other basic facilities have become a burden for the common man. Those enjoying free facilities in air-conditioned rooms have imposed such harsh taxes on electricity consumption above 200 units that a poor person is now afraid even to run a fan.
Inflation and poverty have made life miserable for the people. Education and healthcare have become increasingly difficult for the white-collar class, while the unchecked rise in food prices continues to intensify. Is the failure to control this unbridled inflation not an injustice? By refusing to abandon a royal and luxurious style of governance, rulers have pushed the nation deeper into the quagmire of debt, and it is the public alone that is paying the price.
Pakistan is an agricultural country, yet it is compelled to import wheat instead of exporting it. This is not a failure of the system alone, but a question of competence and intent. If capable people are in power and they provide farmers with cheap electricity, modern technology, timely water and all necessary facilities, there is no reason why agricultural production, including wheat and other crops, cannot increase significantly. This would not only ensure fair returns for farmers but also help earn valuable foreign exchange through the export of surplus produce.
This is an age of modern technology, and the best example is the Pakistan Armed Forces. They have proved their competence and capability in the defence of the country and inflicted a decisive defeat on the enemy in the battle for national defence. Their professionalism and achievements on the defence front are recognised across the world. The same spirit, competence and capability are required in education, interior, defence, finance and all other national institutions. A country blessed with nuclear capability, missile technology and natural and mineral resources needs only a better and transparent style of governance.
The slow pace of building large water reservoirs and dams for the production of cheap electricity is deeply unfortunate and a major obstacle to national progress. Because of this negligence, the nation is forced to buy extremely expensive electricity from Independent Power Producers, which is open injustice. If, even in this modern era, Pakistan continues to purchase electricity from costly sources, how can the country progress? The country has excellent sources of hydel, coal, wind and nuclear energy, but these are not being used properly. Due to the burden of loans, even the national budget is prepared in line with the wishes of the IMF.
The problem in the system of government is not as great as the damage caused by the lack of competence and ability. If Pakistan ends its dependence on loans, lives within its means and learns to manage its own resources, only then can the nation truly benefit from the system.
Educated youth are the real asset of the country and the nation. Even in difficult circumstances, they continue to prove their abilities. However, it is unfortunate that degree-holding young people are unable to find suitable employment and are forced to struggle from place to place. Many are compelled to run Bykea services to support their households. This process must change. There should be strict restrictions on holding second or third jobs, and after timely retirement, new and educated youth should be given opportunities to move forward.
The debate has now moved beyond government to the creation of new provinces. But is the formation of more provinces an easy solution to all these problems? Certainly not. The nation is already burdened by heavy cabinets, advisers and the machinery of government. How can adding further weight through new provinces solve the problem? Will the same political parties — PML-N, PPP, PTI or others — not form governments in these new provinces? If the faces and the mindset remain the same, the problems will also remain unchanged.
Therefore, the solution does not lie in creating new provinces, but in removing the flaws of the existing system and changing the style of governance. Pakistan must solve its problems while staying within its limited resources. Every government and political office-holder who receives a salary in return for public service must give up unnecessary privileges. If the lowest-income citizen bears all expenses from limited earnings, why can those receiving heavy salaries and perks not bear their own expenses?
This is the path to real change and improvement in the system. The nation must be saved from further division and kept united under one flag. Only then can the country move forward on the journey of construction and development.
Pakistan first — Pakistan Zindabad, always.
