Changing the world

For too long, we have been content to accept foreign analyses of our problems, instead of doing our own thinking. The Eurocentric worldview defines deviation from European norms as a problem, and advances towards European ideals as progress. On this view, we must liberalise, modernise, industrialise, and acquire good governance and democracy. To accomplish this, we need to promote the English language as a medium for instruction in science and technology, as well as modern culture. We need to educate our superstitious and ignorant people, and make Pakistan safe, attractive and profitable for western investors, etc. In short, we must do everything that competent administrators working on behalf of the British Raj would do.

Thinking of problems of Pakistan in our own terms, instead of thinking about how to get Pakistan to resemble England or US, leads to dramatically different views about development. How can we improve the quality of lives of the people of Pakistan, the majority of whom are poor, illiterate, and live in rural areas or urban slums? This question is not even on the agenda of planners. Widespread globally observed failures of the World Bank and the IMF prescribed structural adjustment programmes has led popular protests as well as changes in theorising by professional economists. However, close analysis of newly developed and recommended policies reveals that the mention of poverty, job and environment only provides a cover for public consumption. Solutions to our problems lie in re-acquiring self-esteem and dignity shattered by colonisation. The vast majority of Pakistanis are warm, hospitable, generous and charitable people of integrity and honour, trusting and trustworthy. This is a treasure beyond price in today’s world. Our natural resources lie not in the coal mines of Thar, but in our Pakistani youth who are capable of doing whatever we ask them to do. The challenge facing us as a society is to inspire them (the youth) with worthwhile and ambitious goals and provide them the means to facilitate the achievement of these goals.

All lasting change requires building communities which work together for change. Building communities requires concern, compassion, cooperation, caring for others, self-sacrifice and service. While not highlighted by popular media, these ideals are very much part of our traditions. The inspirational poetry of Iqbal, Rumi, Saadi and others provide effective tools to combat the pursuit of individual pleasure.

Revolution begins at home. The key is to act as a model for others, and to become agents of change. Instead of waiting for the world to become a better place, act to make it a better place. Instead of talking about how bad things are, talk about how you and I can change things for the better. Instead of being spectators, become participants in the process of change. Given the abject poverty that exists in Pakistan, every reader of this column can easily change 10 lives dramatically. Do it.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2010.