On this 14th August Pakistan Independence day, we as a nation have entered the 62nd year of independence which includes a history of ups and downs; achievements and turmoil; good and bad memories, which leave a lot to be hoped for; a lot to be seen yet; and of course a lot to be strived for. On such an occasion, Education-Zine, as per its domain, seeks to evaluate or rather share some thoughts and opinions about the status of the general and educational aspects of Pakistan in the light of the present day scenario.
As of today, we stand on yet another bend of time, looking for new beginnings and hoping for betterment in the scope of our country's upcoming generation. The promises of a better tomorrow and a democratically progressive country which would extend opportunities to all on a simple scale of merit, have once again been renewed; but ironically, not by any new administration, rather by the same old people who are trying to convince and assure us of their changed and transformed commitment to the people of this country.
As always, the supposedly naive people are left hoping for some grain of truth in the words of their politicians-but this time not with untiring patience. Today, the people of this country seem to have realised the need to exercise their right to be heard and catered. They are willing to leave a mark even if it means having to burn robbers alive themselves, if the law will not heed.
When asked about the prevalent condition of the country, Neha Ansari, a final year student of International Relations (IR) said, "Our country has once again started a democratic process from the scratch, but apparently they have started on the wrong foot. I do believe, however, that the process should be allowed to take its own course without any further military disruptions. Meanwhile, even though the people seem to be becoming aware of the faults of their system, but in order for them to be able to rectify things they need to be empowered through education and awareness."
In order to make a decisive impact on the fate of this country the people have to have something more profound and credible than sheer aggression- what is required for the country to be plunged out of turmoil, once and for all, is ‘action with direction'. What's been unfortunate in the case of our country is the fact that the very section of community who perform the task of guiding people's opinions and actions that is the intelligentsia, are either corrupt or inefficient.
Nausheen Wasi an International Relations scholar says, "Thanks to the advent of media, no matter how immature, the voices of scholars like me and even the general public can at least be heard; and even though the administration chooses to ignore them, it cannot continue to be like this for long."
However, what's highly probable and unfortunate is the fact that, whenever and if ever the administration does feel encumbered enough to have to listen to what the people have to say, the nation of Pakistan will fail to have one voice and one opinion (or any opinion for that matter). With different groups having different agenda, it is the poor majority of our country who get to take the brunt of things which increases the chances of their aggression and helplessness getting exploited for the wrong reasons and by the wrong people. Today, when the whole country is facing the threat of extremism through elements like Taliban and Al Qaeda, it is this very section of society that gets played to their advantage.
Dr Asrar Ahmad Siddiqui, a Professor of History, believes that no such reality as Al Qaeda or Taliban as portrayed by the western media even exists. He further stated that the people of this nation are neither violent nor extreme in their views and natures. Therefore, our society has only the West to be afraid of but nothing at the local level.
While it is true that extremism is not something that our society may have opted for by wish and will but to think that there is no truth to the matter at all may be a bit too optimistic after all. One has to be realistic and accept the realities and dynamics of the different sections of our society, and seek solutions keeping them in mind.
The solution to this particular problem does not even lie at a very high level, but rather at a very basic one-and that is provision of education and awareness to the masses. The majority of this country will willingly follow anyone and anything that promises them livelihood with security. Where such basic rights of people are not ensured, to hope for enlightenment, unity and maturity is unrealistic. It is high time that our respected leaders realise that they are heading a nation which is like a double ended sword since not having an opinion of their own cannot always be of advantage to the administration.
If the people can be manipulated by its politicians so can be the case with other elements as well. While the regional and the international forces may act as our security under the present crisis of ‘war on terror', for ultimate success the government will have to rely on its public which can only play its part effectively if it is empowered rightly through a proper quality and effective education system.
In President John F Kennedy's inaugural address, he provided what is quite possibly one of his most famous quotes, "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
As of this moment right now, keeping all negativity, scepticism and blame-game aside, at least those with resources and education opportunities should realise the power that lies within them. The power that can only be explored and utilised to the best of its capacities if they seek to equip themselves through education and keep themselves informed enough in order to differ between right and wrong and have their own objective opinions and conclusions. Thus, when the time comes, this nation will at least have an educated class of people who can take the initiative and will have an opinion to voice; and that voice shall carry enough weight to make a difference.
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