Adil Najam
Pakistan Day is a day of celebration. But it is also a day of reflection on what we have been through and what lies ahead of us.
In this, the second in our series of special posts to mark Pakistan Day 2009, we want to focus on what lies ahead in terms of the biggest threats to Pakistan’s future. In the next post in this series we intend to focus more on the opportunities.
It is an understatement to say that Pakistan is floating through an especially precarious time in its precarious history. Indeed, Pakistan is passing through a defining time.
There is no dearth of threats facing Pakistan. But in this special ATP Poll for Pakistan Day we would like you to think ahead and respond to the question: “What, in your opinion, is the single biggest and most important threat facing Pakistan?” THIS POLL IS NOW CLOSED.
Our ATP Poll gives you eight major options to choose from. If you think there are others that are even bigger, do let us know. Also, please comment on which of these is the most important one for you, and why? If, by any chance, you have suggestions on what to do about these threats do please share your views. That, after all, is the most important question of them all. THIS POLL IS NOW CLOSED.
biggest threat faced by Pakistan is from people like Nawaz Sharif and Qazi Hussain Ahmed who for their own benefit can go to extreme lengths..All they want is KURSI..i wish they were more support towards our government while the country is going thru difficulties like Taliban invasion and constant threats from India..kash Allah hamaray politicians ko aqal ata farmaye Ameen
Follow-up: And having read your views on feudalism (http://pakistaniat.com/2007/02/05/pakistan-land-r eform-feudalism-feaudal/), I really have to admit that lost in the myriad problems that seem to define us, you somehow managed to miss the forest.
Cheers!
Dear Editors,
I’m a little surprised and disappointed that there is no direct mention of structured inequality nor feudalism.
To some extent, these matters are covered by a combination of some of the options in the poll. But not entirely. And to me, they seem to be the biggest hurdles to achieving liberte, egalite, fraternite / akhuwwat, musaawaat, adl / unity, faith, discipline / peace and all the rest.
The material imperatives of our existence are undeniable. And to my mind, they greatly influence all other conflicts and debates in society.
Yes, we’re running out of resources – but in the presence of a societal structure that rewards the rich because they are rich, it becomes exceedingly difficult to promote or sustain the kind of initiatives that may lead us out of this morass. My point being: it’s not just scarcity that is the problem, it’s how we decide to share the fruits of our collective labour in transforming those scarce resources that is at least as important.
Aman