The current division was never seen in the history of Pakistan. Although, Pakistan is a diversified nation – based on provinces, regions, ethnicity, religion, faction, sects, languages, etc. But, the political division was never so severe in the whole history of the nation. Families are divided, almost every family, siding with PTI or another side, is quarreling, debating, and sometimes terminating normal relations. It was observed that father and son, mother and daughter, sisters and brothers are arguing against each other. It has promoted hate and division within the family. Which is extremely harmful to the nation.
Media is divided, pro-PTI and anti-PTI, and TV channels, News Papers, and media outlets are visibly divided. Some of them are crossing normal limits of professionalism and cross civic limits.
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Media is the most effective tool, and its division may impact the whole society
Bureaucracy is also divided, which is dangerous and may disturb the normal impartial function of the state institutions. Government servants were always supposed to be loyal to the sitting government, and obedient and loyal to the sitting government. But, currently, it was observed that a visible divide exists in the bureaucracy.
State institutions are also polarized and reflect their loyalties while performing their official duties.
Where we are leading? What will happen to this nation, if the current practice is continued? Is there anyone who can bring the nation out of this crisis?
There is a dire need to think wisely, and smartly, and bring the nation out of its dilemma. I believe, still, the nation is full of visionary people and they must act now. 220 million people cannot be left on mercy only as unguided missiles.
I believe, scholars, intellectuals, and visionary, people should take a leading step. Teachers, Ulema, and media, must play a positive role in diffusing tension. Writers must highlight the importance of unity, harmony, and tolerance. Teachers at all levels bring the nation on the same page and teach tolerance, coexistence, and patience. Ulema in their Friday sermons may preach the true spirit of Islam, where the Muslim is described as the brother of other Muslims. Islam is a religion of “Peace”, it should be preached in its true spirit. This country was created in the name of Islam and is inhabitant by 97% Muslim population. Islam is the religion of the masses. If Ulema, take lead, can make a huge difference.
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Media, whether formal or social, has an instant impact. It is requested, that media must be used for positivism, and the promotion of unity, tolerance, and development. Hate, divide, and extremism, must be opposed at all levels.
Political differences are a beauty of democracy, but, if crossed such a limit, where nations become hostile and polarized to this extent, is really dangerous. Masses are charged and prompt clashes, which is not acceptable.
Immediate actions are required, at the state level, as well as individual level
Division with in-state machinery and institution can be extremely harmful to the country. It must be brought under control. Use of force, may not be the right option. It requires preaching, teaching, and brainstorming. Use of force, imposing, and harassing, may be counterproductive. All negative means must be suspended and through educating the masses, the desired results may be achieved.
It is true, that there exists a huge number of dual, or foreign nations in this country, and many more are at the various stage of planning to shift to developed countries or safer places. But, they are a fraction of 220 million Pakistanis. If few leave the country, leaving behind their brothers, sisters, and other relatives in Pakistan, still, they need to worry about them. Escape of a small class of people is not an ideal solution, they must, think to make this country, a better place to live for all of us. They should think to make this country so safe and developed that, they need not escape from it.
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All this is possible, if, we are sincere and loyal to the nation. We must think above our individual interests and struggle for the collective betterment of the whole nation. The time has reached, where actions are required, immediate actions are required, do not delay, till the stage reaches, where we can nor repent even.
Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). He can be reached at awanzamir@yahoo.com. The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.