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.
One option should be “Lack of Education in the country”
free and fair judiciary which means a guaranteed tenure of service for the judges at all levels no matter who is governing the country. Army enjoys this already, the army chief is the chief for 3 years and no matter who is in rule the army chief stays army chief until he completes his tenure. if we can get the same thing for judges with their salary and benefits being higher than any other government servants,, only then we can hope to get a strong and impartial judiciary which no body will be able to influence and bend the laws in their favor. This is the only guarantee that can save the country and ensure a bright future. This is the thing that makes Canada different from Pakistan. both countries have too many identical laws but in Canada courts force the law on everyone equally and the result is so good. constitution and laws in Pakistan are not too bad, in fact they are taken word by word from the constitutions of countries like UK, Canada etc (anglo-saxon world). The fault lies in their implementation and interpretation which changes person to person.
inequality and injustice are the biggest threat to Pakistan today and all the forces that support these evils must be routed out (be it Taliban or the Army) . This can only be done by making sure our justice system is free of all flaws and passes judgements against the president or the layman with equal force.
I think we need to get rid of 1973 constitution and replace it with an American style of government. We are personality worshipers and we need to directly elect a President. That man or woman will then be all powerful and responsible for 4 years for the country.
Dear Adil:
I feel Incompetent political leaders and bad governance goes together. You cannot separate them as bad governance is always due to result of Incompetent leaders. Even if you have excellent governance but it cannot survive under leaders like Musharaf and Zardari.
Khurram Nazeer
Louisville. KY
I think as we look forward on this Pakistan Day it is clear that the one threat more important than all else is the Taliban and their religous extremism. This is not just about Swat, the whole of society is under threat.