The path to progress and stability is clear

It is apparent that there does not seem to be enough realisation among the leadership that the country's politics, its economy and security are adrift on a steep slope. What else could otherwise explain the government's present policies and its priorities that hardly reflect a sense of urgency in mobilising national effort in addressing these issues! The opposition PTI, with Imran Khan and several of its leaders and party members languishing in jail, is adrift primarily focused in resuming agitational politics to maintain pressure on the government to get the party leadership released. There is so much anguish and the country is politically polarised that has adverse consequences on every aspect of national power.

The PPP is primarily focused on Sindh but Bilawal Bhutto's statements and frequent remarks in the parliament and in media reflect that it is rightly staying away from the inter-party confrontation. By adopting this policy, it has leveraged his own and the party's position.

However, what is critical for the uplift of the masses is the provincial government's focus on the real issues of poverty, high illiteracy rate and falling economy. A distressed economy with low prospects of any improvement in the near future has resulted in significant increase in exodus of people abroad in search of jobs. But Pakistani immigrants are facing considerable hardships while trying to seek employment in the Middle Eastern and other foreign countries. A relatively better educated work force and ability to speak English or the language of the host country play a critical role in the work force being readily acceptable.

In Pakistan, there is no sufficient realisation that political independence remains largely compromised without economic sufficiency. We have long been dependent on foreign assistance, and prospects of acquiring a certain level of financial autonomy seem remote at least in the near future. This is also a major reason why people feel they are being left behind.

The unsatisfactory state of governance at the national and the provincial level has been another major source of disillusionment especially among the young generation. The high level of unemployment has forced people to look for jobs in the Middle East and other destinations for years. But as demand for better skilled and educated workers is increasing, the government needs to create facilities for their education and improvement of skills.

Failure to finance and promote education in rural and urban areas can have serious consequences. Literacy rates are as low as 57% - unacceptable levels. The government estimates the rate at around 69% for males and 45% for females. If such a large percentage of the population is not at school, it should have stirred the conscience of our leaders. What is of serious concern is that there does not seem to be an urgency on the part of the government to address it seriously. In this age to have such a large number of people who cannot read or write should be a matter of serious introspection for our leadership, as it affects their job prospects adversely and compromises their upward mobility. But there is hardly any focus and deliberation on these issues. With these shortcomings the disenchantment of the youth will continue to increase with its attendant consequences. The impact of this is clearly discernable on how it is affecting immigration. Countries in the Middle East and Europe understandably prefer an educated work force. The question is whether our leadership is focused on these main issues. Any neglect on its part could compromise the country's future.

Another area that needs the government's focus is how to deal with the Afghan immigrants that still reside in Pakistan. Any forcible return apart from being a human rights violation will strain relations with Afghanistan and negate whatever goodwill was created by hosting the refugees for years in Pakistan. By closely coordinating with the Taliban leadership, these refugees can be sent back in groups.

All these national weaknesses - be it in education or health sector - need to be addressed seriously. An educated and healthy population would be Pakistan's greatest asset. This is in the realm of possibility provided the leadership accords them the right priorities. Improvement in the education sector demands a high standard of political leadership that values education and understands its impact on the well-being of the population. It also requires a broad consensus of political parties and state institutions on according it a high priority. Without this broad understanding, allocation of sufficient resources to education would remain a problem. Pakistan also needs to focus on the reforms of madrasas where a significant percentage of children is not only studying but living also. Is the curriculum and quality of education in madrasas compatible with the demands of modern times. What is required is to raise the standards of madrasas, with the foremost being that the religious leadership is amenable and willing to change. These are issues that have to be dealt with seriously but there seems to be little attention given to them by the present or previous governments.

Pakistan's growing population poses another serious challenge even with significant improvement in the energy sector and infrastructure. Here too the government's focus is lacking and statistics indicate that there is a continuous rise in the population of Pakistan which has become the fourth largest country in South Asia, with highest birth and fertility rates. Here too, there is hardly any realisation of the gravity of the challenge posed by a burgeoning population.

Lately, restrictions are being imposed on press and their freedom is being curtailed. This, combined with throttling the freedom of speech or movement of leaders, has both long-term and short-term adverse effects that need to be avoided. Pakistan came into existence through an unflinching democratic movement and this spirit has to be maintained. What is essential is that political parties should lay stress and compete with each other on the quality of their performance both in the government and in the opposition and not seek power or retain power by suppressing the opposition or by looking for support elsewhere. This will undeniably lead to a better future.