Opening opportunities for development

The significant progress made in recent years in science and technological developments has led to a comprehensive understanding of the universe and that of the tinniest of living organisms.

In 1966, Luna 9 achieved the first soft landing initiating the exploration of space and the development of long-range rockets for civilian purposes. In 1969, another milestone was achieved with the US’s Apollo 11 first human landing. These developments triggered considerable interest in space and in the decades since many nations have been actively involved in making their contribution to the development of lunar orbiters and landers. And recently, in January 2024, four nations — Russia, the US, India and China — have successfully landed on the moon.

These are no ordinary achievements and have opened new vistas of knowledge and created infinite opportunities for mankind to benefit itself. Countries with adequate scientists and engineers and a strong industrial and technological infrastructure will be better placed to participate and benefit from these developments. Greater level of interest in space is likely to lead to new discoveries which will translate into expanding the frontiers of knowledge and more comprehensive understanding of our universe.

These advances and rapid developments in other sectors further reinforce the necessity of according high priority to science and engineering studies and buildup of a viable technological and industrial base in country.

These progresses do not seem to have aroused the excitement in our country compared to what was witnessed across the globe. This is not surprising as the country’s leadership orientation and focus is inwards with scant interest in technological developments and expanding frontiers of science-based knowledge. On the contrary, in India and South East Asian countries, the event of the landing of the robot on the moon was keenly followed. There was an additional reason for the excitement among India’s scientific community as they have a fairly comprehensive space programme. These developments indicate that the countries that are focusing on exploring and exploiting the potential in space will remain in the lead. Not only would it expand the frontiers of knowledge about the universe but open up new opportunities in the economic field.

Space is opening up new opportunities and areas of interest for countries to cooperate. Whereas the flip side is that these developments are generating competition and rivalry for capture and monopoly of resources.

Pakistan’s civil and military leadership is not oblivious of these transformational developments. It has been conscious of the significance that exploration of space offers. But it would depend how much of progress we make in this field. One aspect that is central to these developments is that it requires a strong base of competent engineers and scientist and adequate allocation of resources. Pakistan however despite its weak economy and limited resources has made progress in this field. But far more could be achieved if sufficient resources and wider range of expertise in critical fields were available. Progress in space and in other scientific and technological endeavours largely depends on the availability of qualified and experienced scientist and engineers and their better utilisation.

It will also depend on the transitions taking place within the country. Major achievements and progress in technology and scientific development is related to the standard of education, allocation of resources and the priority accorded to these critical issues. In all these areas we are lagging behind. Our standard of education is far from satisfactory. The very fact that a very large percentage of the population (over 20%) of ours cannot read or write should have raised alarm bells but fails to stir the national conscience.

No country can aspire for the well-being of its people and an appropriate position in the comity of nations without a self-sustaining and a growing economy. But this is greatly facilitated if there is political stability and a peaceful environment. Pakistan continues to suffer from weak democratic ethos that gives rise to political instability and adversely affects the economy. We would be closing our eyes to the hard reality that the country’s disturbed political situation, weak democratic ethos and fighting between political parties has been partly responsible for the weak state of the economy.

The recent statement by the finance minister that Pakistan would no more be looking up to the IMF or other international aid agencies for financial support is encouraging. And one hopes that with policy changes and practice of strict financial discipline this would be achievable. It is, however, to be seen if the top leadership would support the finance minister in this laudable endeavour. What is probably not realised is that Pakistan’s power potential and its standing abroad is adversely affected by its prolonged financial dependence. The highly detrimental fallout especially on the poor segment of the population is another factor of serious concern.

Similarly, addressing other weaknesses such as the emancipation of women, improving literacy rates among girls and allowing women greater opportunities in contributing to the economy can be transformational. But for addressing these weaknesses we need a leadership that is committed and conscious of its obligations to all of its population.

Another area that needs correction is that political power should strictly be subject to the will of the people. Distortion and interference in political issues by outside agencies hopefully would end so that strong democratic traditions could be set. Democratic voices should be heard and encouraged. Pakistan is still in that stage where there is a continuous struggle for winning the hearts and minds of people. For this we need a leadership that is people oriented. It may be wishful thinking but we certainly need leaders that genuinely believe in meritocracy and pursuing democratic practices. They must have due regard for the views of the opposition and tolerate theirs. This might sound simple but as our past and present will bear out, we have failed to embrace these virtues.

Unless there is a genuine realisation amongst our leadership to pursue these goals the country will continue to drift and remain bound by the dictates of IMF and other donors.