Addressing present challenges

Pakistan’s permanent representative Ambassador Munir Akram’s brilliant exposition of the Palestinian cause at the United Nations was commendable. It’s tone and substance reemphasised the righteousness of the Palestinian position and the suffering of their people. It was highly appreciated by the diplomats of the Muslim nations and even others who stand for justice and fair play. In contrast, however, the subdued remarks by the Prime Minister reflect the intrinsic weakness of the government and Pakistan’s heavy dependence on foreign economic assistance.

The difference was even sharper when compared to the bold and hard-hitting speech of President Tayyab Erdogan who in unequivocal terms called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a terrorist, a war criminal of the world and someone who should be ashamed of himself”. Sensing the anger and humiliation to which the Palestinian people are being subjected, the response of President Erdogan was appropriate and would be welcomed by the Muslims globally.

Taking the lead in the Muslim world of expressing solidarity with Palestinians, not merely watching their humiliation and extermination was a move that resonated with the Muslim Ummah. Such a forthright and bold position can only be taken by a leader who has the support of majority of its people and is also in tune with their mood and expectations. There are also valid fears that the Israel-Palestinian dispute could trigger a much wider conflict in the Middle East with Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon getting involved. What is so apparent is that the masses in most of the Muslim states are showing their anger and frustration due to the weak response of their governments. It would not be an exaggeration to assume that the political authority and order in the Middle East has been shaken to the core and people may direct their frustrations and anguish through uprisings and mass protests.

The solid support and backing of Israel’s atrocious policies by the US has deeply alienated and disappointed the Muslims and placed their governments in a vulnerable position. Although for regimes relying heavily on the US for economic assistance and even for their survival it will be difficult to take any independent position. Not surprising that some regimes apart from tightening control on public meetings are trying to heavily censor and suppress dissent expressed in media and other channels. Despite these tough measures it is possible that we witness in some Muslim countries a new order emerging. Whether this occurs through a democratic, orderly process or mass upheaval will depend on how monarchies and autocratic governments deal with the challenge.

In any case, it is an opportune moment for self-reflection. How long will the Muslim countries remain dependent and at the tail-end in attributes that have kept other nations in the forefront? The strength of West lies in a sound educational system that promotes original thinking with emphasis on science and technology. This has in the long term contributed to developing a solid industrial infrastructure, increased agricultural productivity and facilitated advancement in defense and space.

China too has made huge strides in a span of few decades by prioritising human development, promoting industrialisation and introducing innovative agricultural practices.

One of the great benefits of living in the present age is that the pace of change can be accelerated provided the government and institutions have plans and are sincere in bringing it about. They need to focus on education, and more so that is science and technology based. It is unacceptable to have large percentage of the youth being denied opportunities of receiving even basic education as in case of Pakistan. We are lagging behind in turning out sufficient scientists and engineers of caliber to engage in any serious R&D activity. Similar is the situation in most of the Muslim countries. According to available data, OIC countries have 8.5 scientists, engineers and technicians per 1,000 population as compared to 40.7 of world average and 139.3 for OECD countries. The contribution of Muslim countries to world science literature is also meagre.

One seldom hears any political leader in Pakistan speaking on focusing on building a sound base of science and technology and related R&D activities.

Even certain basic responsibilities of the state toward its people are neglected. A glaring weakness is the large percentage of population in Pakistan that is illiterate, yet it fails to stir the conscience of the leaders. This should not be surprising as their priorities are very different to what the nation needs and are mostly self-centred. But this negligence cannot continue and will be at the peril of the nation. In the coming months as election date draws closer in Pakistan, it is important that there is an exposure to general public how the country is suffering due to these serious shortcomings and which political party and leaders have relatively better ability to address these. As the past reminds us that public opinion keeps changing as it responds to arguments and discussions on media and contexts never remain the same. For example, to what extent the voter will lean toward PML-N with the arrival of Nawaz Sharif? Or have opinions changed about Imran Khan due to his fall from grace with the establishment and his present confinement? We will only know after the elections and that too if not manipulated.

Important recent developments such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact should be seriously addressed so that the nation benefits from it and is guided about its misuse. It is quite possible that AI may be used by hostile parties to mislead and distort the political outcome of the national and provincial elections. We have to guard against these machinations. It is not clear if these are the government’s priorities but certainly a new beginning can be made with which ever political party comes into power.

To reform the country the politicians will have to take the army leadership in confidence, and the opposition, private sector and bureaucracy on board. The political leadership presently is weak and not in a position on their own to make any significant headway. Our leadership should have learnt by now that to bring changes and turn things around they need to take a conciliatory and cooperative approach. There were indications of that shift in Nawaz Sharif’s recent public address.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2023.

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