Pakistan is experiencing a major existential crisis. But crises are mixed blessings which can lead to regression or progression. They can cause a breakdown or become a fertile ground for a breakthrough.
Even after decades of existence, there is no equal distribution of wealth and resources. Pakistan remains a feudal society where 90% of its wealth is owned by 10% of the people. Industrialisation has suffered because of the unpredictable economy and politics. Rather than increasing, the literacy rate has decreased as the schools have not kept up with the population explosion. Sadly, most people in the villages cannot read or write.
While many Pakistanis suffer from physical and emotional problems, there is no adequate health care system in place. Children still suffer from malnutrition because of pervasive poverty. For Pakistanis to make sure that Pakistan not only survives but also grows and thrives and joins the modern world by becoming a progressive and democratic state, they need to take following steps: The gap between the rich and the poor has to decrease.
The curriculum of schools needs to be reviewed so that children can receive scientific and secular education in their mother tongue. In addition, they need to develop critical and creative thinking. Health care education and free health care needs to be provided to all citizens.
All political parties need to present their 5 to 10 year plan to deal with serious economic, religious and social problems so that people know which party will serve them the best. For some people it might seem like a dream but all nations have to dream before the dream comes true. If Pakistanis did not fulfill that dream, I am afraid their dream might turn into a violent nightmare in the not-so-distant future.
IQRA ZAHID DOGAR
Lahore
