Welcoming 2007: New Year Resolutions

Adil Najam

Best wishes to all our readers for the new year.

May your dreams for this year come true. May your fears prove unfounded.

One is reminded today of a verse from Saba Akbarabadi:

Har saal yeh samajh keh guzara hai aye _Saba_

Yeh ishq ki saddi meiN adaawat ka saal hai

We have two current posts that look at the year that was (The Most Important News Stories of 2006) and at the years to come (Pervaiz Hoodbhoy) and we do not wish to divert the discussions already in progress there. But at this time of the year it is customary to make New Year Resolutions. So let me share some with you.

Most of one’s goals and resolutions tend to be personal and this is not the place to talk about them. However, in terms of ATP we resolve to remain intellectually honest; to say things as we see them; to be fair and firm in implementing ATP policies and pursuing ATP goals; to remain focused on Pakistan in all its dimensions, trying never to ignore the things that need to become better but also not failing to celebrate that which is worthy of celebration.

Our goals are modest. We have no illusions that this, or any, blog can change the realities that are. But we do believe that in talking about this thing we call Pakistaniat, we begin contributing to its creation. Ideas are important in the lives of nations. Action, of course, is more important; but action without ideas is dangerous and actions based on the wrong ideas can be disastrous.

Ours is the dukandaari of ideas. But we cherish our wares because we believe that good ideas can – and will – spur good actions. We resolve today to be diyanatdaar dukaandaars. We ask of you to keep us honest in this endeavor.

Maybe you have some New Year Resolutions of your own that pertain to Pakistaniat. Do please share.