KARACHI:
All problems and crises in Pakistan directly results from a leadership crisis. The main reason for this crisis is the stark contradiction between the words and deeds of the leaders. For example, our political leadership never tires of sermonising to the nation about hard work, honesty and putting national interest before personal interest. Yet, with noble exceptions, the majority of politicians are found lacking in hard work, indulging in corruption, and using all means to satisfy their personal interests.
Moral leaders, like religious scholars, passionately urge the faithful commoners to adopt simplicity, but many of them lead luxurious lives. Our academics and teachers, again with rare exceptions, lecture students on working hard, speaking the truth, respecting others, and showing tolerance and morality. However, the majority are involved in plagiarism and are often accused or found guilty of moral and financial corruption. Many literary giants are the worst when it comes to their message and personal conduct. I have personally observed poets and prose writers who, while delivering excellent messages of peace and tolerance, are found to be extremely quarrelsome, intolerant and extreme.
This hypocrisy and duality in leadership have trickled down to the masses. Parents often give long lectures to their children about respecting elders and working hard, yet their actions are glaringly opposite to their words. Unless there is a true realisation and a change of heart to bring some balance between words and deeds, we will continue to slide towards an abyss of moral decay.
Gulsher Panhwer
Johi
