There is every reason for over a million strong Pakistanis in the United Kingdom (UK) and elsewhere to celebrate their country’s 64th Independence Day with great zeal and zest. It will be their fourth Independence Day anniversary under a democratic dispensation achieved after too much of blood, toil, tears and untold human sacrifices.
The occasion would be a matter of satisfaction for them to have steered back the country on the democratic track as envisioned by Jinnah.
The current democratic order is a result of unprecedented sacrifices by our leadership, masses and their unflinching commitment to Jinnah’s vision of an egalitarian Pakistan. A confident Pakistan under the elected leadership of President Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is taking shape despite contrary predictions by doomsayers. Notwithstanding the current difficulties, its clouded horizon is full of silver linings.
Pakistan is democratically addressing political issues, security and its socio-economic problems with substantive support from across the political spectrum. Its institutions are also working at their best, overcoming usual hiccups. They have achieved optimal levels and are delivering to the best of their capacities. It is being run through a democratic order which is based on reconciliation, a legacy of martyred Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto. For the first time in its history coalition partners have been given their due share in governance with the objective of consolidating democracy.
For the first time major political forces are contributing immensely to the sustenance of the democratic order without instigating extra-constitutional interventions. This is not to say that non-democratic forces have given up on dictating their agenda. Nevertheless, it is heartening to note that our society is gradually adopting a democratic culture with an independent judiciary and a vibrant media.
Corruption, growing radicalisation and serious law and order problems are undoubtedly major issues that require bold responses. During the 90s, the two governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif were dismissed on charges of corruption, but without any proof. Even now, no proof has been given in any case of corruption.
Since the 2008 elections, the country has come a long way in strengthening democracy. It has restored supremacy of the constitution, sovereignty of parliament, rule of law, independence of judiciary, unshackled the media, maximised provincial autonomy, introduced equitable distribution of resources through the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and has addressed provincial grievances, through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
Today, the country has the highest foreign exchange reserves ever in history. It has registered highest remittances from the overseas Pakistanis which have now reached $ 12 billion and its exports have registered an unprecedented rise of 42 percent, touching $27.8 billion.
During the past one year, the government has taken successful measures to address the problem of energy deficit and has also generated employment. While economic fundamentals remain strong, economic managers are aggressively engaged in bringing about an economic turnaround despite backlog of economic problems. The government is also braced to grapple with a horrendous international economic recession.
Over one million British Pakistanis have contributed tremendously to strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and UK. One is confident that British nationals of Pakistani heritage will continue to play their sterling role in the progress of Britain and Pakistan.
Pakistanis should feel proud today that there are no political prisoners or political victimisation. Therefore, any talk of instability or a threat to its integrity is not only an exaggeration but an exercise to malign Pakistan. The present day Pakistan is capable of tackling all sorts of challenges whether internal or external. We have confidence in our institutions, our leaders and the resilience of our people.
*The writer is Pakistan’s High Commissioner in London
Pakistan has gone through tremendous trials and tribulations. It is here and it is free. No country n the world can ever claim to be completely free of all of its troubles – yet they celebrate their Independence Day. Pakistanis have every reason and right to celebrate their Independence Day. Another year, means another year to resolve many of our problems.
Excellent piece. Pakistan at this juncture needs such articles. They give hope.
A very balanced view of Pakistan's current situation. Our media should learn lessons from such seasoned journalists-turned-dilomat. I have been an avid fan of his writings from my college days. His absence from the field of writing is a great loss to journalism.
Very good analysis. The writer has hit right on the head by emphasising that if we have to save Pakistan from extremists we shall have to revert back to Jinnah's original ideology that was non-discrimninatory. Love to see more of suc comments. They are inspiring when odds are heavy against the country both internally and eternally.
I wish more Pakistanis could be objective as Mr Hasan. Pakistan needs such comment when it is passing through a difficult time. Inspirational indeed!!
Although the writer is exponent of PPP and has been associated with Benazir Bhutto that is why you will not see any piece by him without reference to Bhuttos, I must say as Pakistan's ambassador to UK he is done tremendously well in defending the country against hostile British and Indian media. I have not seen as many ambassadors appearing on British or India TV as him. Well in this article he is right in asking people to revive jinnah.
now a days all leaders of pakistan are doing work for their self as i say now pakistan is not that pakistan what quaid-e-azam mohommad ali jinah made for us pakistan is not that pakistan what alama iqbal dreamed pakistan is not htah pakistan what sir sayed ahmad khan made for us now pakistan is asif ali zardari pakistan what he wants he is doing my messeage is that some peaople are trying to destroying pakistan ………
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