Two-way interaction imperative to move nation forward

PIPS' Dialogue Pakistan notes that most debates are still stuck in the past

ISLAMABAD: In order to move forward as a nation, there is a need to hold dialogues on pressing national issues, such as centre-province relations, the role of religion, the country's foreign policy – among the most relevant stakeholders, who otherwise do not interact with each other. And without such dialogue, all other debates have little worth more than clichés, leaving us stuck in the past.

These were some of the major findings of the report in the first-ever "Dialogue Pakistan" by the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), comprising five different thematic sessions on the critical, intellectual, and policy issues of the country held early this year.

Two internal policy questions the country keeps running into frequently are about the exact parameters in which the State should embrace religion and about the relation between the centre and the provinces.

Any discussion on these questions ends up inviting polarising debates on the primacy of security considerations in the state affairs, which, in turn, elicits heated discussions on civil and military relations, the report states.

The report notes that Pakistan has made great strides in several spheres. The passage of the 18th amendment aims to correct centre-province relations.

Similarly, the dialogues endorsed that the Parliament is the platform for ironing out differences among different segments of the society.

The dialogues, on which the report is based, noted that while Pakistan is a diverse country, there is a lot of inequality, with some areas and professions faring much better than others.

These variations can be ironed out through parliamentary channels, where all sorts of opinions are offered, reflective of the rich diversity of thoughts in the country.

What emerges from this process is a strong sense of association among the people.

For all short-term inefficiencies in this model, it is a more natural process when compared to artificially imposed unitary models that may backfire

The report further notes that the primacy of security organizations in the country's decision making owes itself to the varied security challenges, real or perceived, that the country faces.

What is positive is the realization among all players that holding a dialogue is necessary for it affords an opportunity to present their point of view to each other and then identify a way forward.

Unfortunately, very little attempt has been made up till now to devise a way forward

The report also notes that while it has been more than 70 years since Pakistan's creation, many of the debates surrounding its genesis continue to rage.

Questions are asked about the role of religion in the run-up to independence so that its future is shaped accordingly.

Others fret over an existential crisis and it colours our foreign policy, especially when related to regional relations – right or wrong — with the eastern neighbour.

This continues despite the fact that international and internal political realities have changed considerably.

The dialogue was attended by leading parliamentarians, former civil and military officials, scholars, academics, among others.  

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2019.