The retreat of the state is providing a vacuum that is being filled by outlaws in all parts of the country.
MELBOURNE: Pakistan is passing through probably the most critical phase of its history. Despite a second successive civilian government taking charge, it seems as if nothing has changed in the country. Confusion is very much there between the major political parties on some of the most challenging issues. The worst is on matters related to national security. It is the basic duty of the state to protect the life and property of its citizens; any failure in doing so creates a disconnect between citizens and the state. Pakistan, from Gilgit to Karachi, is facing serious security issues, and politicians and state institutions appear crippled in the face of these challenges. Politics of the so-called right and left have divided public opinion. The law and order situation is the worse in decades, yet there is no consensus on the line of action to be taken to cope with it.
The resultant mess can be seen everywhere, be it Fata, Balochistan, Karachi, rural Sindh or Punjab. One hardly hears anything soothing from the dear homeland. In one of his recent statements, the law minister of Punjab clearly stated that his party’s government and the security establishment were not on the same page in terms of the security policy that the country should follow. It is surprising and somewhat heartbreaking that the PML-N, despite its tall claims during the election campaign, has so far failed to provide any direction to deal with the state-threatening security challenges. Safety and security are basic needs, whereas the PML-N government appears to be focusing on building roads and undertaking electricity projects. Economic progress is a progeny of peace. We are dealing with decaying state institutions that not only lack in capacity but are also badly suffering at the hands of political interference, the example of which can be seen in the recent Sikandar incident in the heart of Islamabad.
The retreat of the state is providing a vacuum that is being filled by outlaws in all parts of the country. The deteriorating security situation is also taking a heavy toll on the image that Pakistan has internationally, the price of which every Pakistani pays when travelling or living abroad. Our country was once a favourite destination for tourists but has been turned into a burning kiln for its own people. Nations rise from ashes to reach the heavens. There is always an opportunity to be exploited even in the worst of times. The Pakistani state and government must act in unison and take the country out of this quagmire.
Malik Atif Mahmood Majoka
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2013.
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