National Integration Remains A Crucial Issue In Pakistan Politics Essay

case Integration Remains A Crucial Issue In Pakistan Politics EssayThe bear theater aims to nonice the important problems, which move all over been responsible for subject bea dis uniformity and the controvert impacts. The study is a stepping-st angiotensin-converting enzyme, suggesting some concrete proposals, in order to carry egress the objective of theme desegregation.INTRODUCTIONNational Integration remains a crucial issue in Pakistan. in that respect argon mixed lodges, which strain divisive factors like geography and culture of our country. Religious fundamentalism is one such force while linguistic diversities constitute another. Despite a overlap culture for a long period, theatrical rolealism has remained a major force, which generates tension be obtain of unjust development amongst different provinces/regions of the Country. The FATA/FANA and Baluchistan ar the best examples in this case, where people stand been deprived of economic, governmental and social justice. All the above forces and factors pose a well(p) challenge for Pakistans integrity and unity. It is, therefore, obligatory to make concerted efforts to alter the field of study integration.Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned that Pakistan would be a landed estate, where all citizens would enjoy friction match skillfuls irrespective of caste, creed, sect, or place of take in1, but it could never extend a reality. In a polarized and fragmented society like Pakistan, it is necessary to have the consent of all groups with regards to re issue of their genuine problems. This important medical prognosis was never nursen a serious thought by political and military rulers. Despite all domestic odds, Pakistan has demonstrated genuine strength to survive as a viable Nation State. Considering the prevailing circumstances, the impact of guinea pig integration has gained more signifi gougece and importance than ever. There is a need of following a correct and pragmatical a pproach with tranquil analysis of all the issues jeopardizing the process of raceal integration.The task of groundal integration in a plural society like Pakistan is although arduous, yet it can be achieved by bringing in diverging forces together through a political system based on justice, equality and middling play. In order to find out a viable solution for achieving this objective, the following important questions need to be addressed-Question 1. What atomic number 18 the disintegrating forces in Pakistan and how they can be brought together?Question 2. What are the pillars of internal integration and how they can be streng soed?Question 3. What mechanism is requisite to be devised to bring all the segments at par economically and politically?Question 4. Where lays our survival as a estate?AimThe identify the important problems being faced by Pakistan, which have been responsible for national disharmony, suggesting concrete proposals, in order to achieve the objecti ve of national integration. realm 1CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK issue INTEGRATIONNation and National IntegrationNation. A nation is generally defined as a community knit together by harsh experience over reasonably long past, shaping a usual religion, culture and custom2. However, different societies have defined it differently according to their own environment. The devise Nation comes form a Latin expression Natio, meaning birth or race3.Integration. The word in its literal find kernel fitting together separate to make one full-page or incorporation of disparate ethnic or unearthly elements of the state into a unified society, providing equality of opportunity for all members of that society4. Keeping in picture the definition, Integration can be categorized in operational and Psychological domains5.Determinants of National IntegrationNational Objective. National goals are firm from time to time depending upon the national needs. National objectives are the specific Ends tha t a nation seeks in order to advance, support or defend its national interests.6Ideology. Ideology means the science or study of ideas. In general sense it refers to the specific manner in which a group of persons thinks7. nationalism can develop into a uniting and sufficiently aggressive force, plainly if the requisite emotional and ideological base exists but ordinarily, this sentiment takes centuries to mature.8 morality. Religion is one of the strongest bonds in an ideological state and an immanent element of national integration being a sanction of unity. It provides an additional source of gazump to the nation and affects national character and habits. In Islam, the loyalty o the Muslims to one another has been institutionalized by the concept of Ummah.9Language. Language is one of the more or less enduring artefacts of a peoples culture, and unless people are forced by whatever system of dominance or conquest, their language can always realize the peoples social physic s and history.10Culture. National integration in multi-cultural states is untenable without an entrench public culture because this comprises the values shared by all groups and constitutes the universal grounds on which the diverse groups conceptualize and appreciate the state.11Leadership. An effective leader is naturally integrative, who brings together people of different culture, races, genders, personalities and stages of development and integrates them into a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.12PART 2NATIONAL INTEGRATION arial mosaic OF PAKISTANReligious Facade of PakistanIt was clear as early as pre-independence quantify that, given the immense ethnic diversity of Pakistan and the strong centrifugal forces, the impertinent state would urgently need a public denominator and that was Islam. Apparently, the religious political theory as the basis of the state was viewed as a tool for nation-building and baffle possible Indian designs to reject the creatio n of Pakistan.13After independence, the religious differences were exasperate by the Ulemas on the basis of sectarianism. The saboteurs launched by anti-state elements fully work oned these differences and religious strength started routine into national weakness14.In retrospect, what we have nowadays is a divided society on the lines of sectarianism, propagating extreme forms of de-faced shape of the Islam. Religion, sort of of serving a unifying force, is now acting as a component of disunity and disharmony.Misconceived Perceptions. The rationale for Pakistans independence notwithstanding, we failed to identify and consolidate other factors that could have contributed towards national integration and societal cohesion in the newly autarkical state. We remained confused, and still are, as to be a Nation State or Religion State? The results are there in front of us i.e. FATA, FANA, hit and Baluchistan. Large sections of the population, especially those in the minority provinc es, have choke increasely disillusioned15.Weak Democratic Roots. Democracy could not induce its roots at the time of our independence ascribable to short seeing of our politicians. The leadership vacuum created in the early years of our history denied us the opportunity of developing a stable political system of cheek during various periods ranging from parliamentary and presidential forms, authoritarian system and so on16. It was the incompetence of Pakistans post-Jinnah political leadership that drew the armed forces firmly into regime and disposition-making17. Political instability, the rampant corruption of the political and bureaucratic lite, and suffering governance have given birth to public scepticism of the dominant system18.Political/Constitutional Issues. Our political institutions have yet not grown strong enough on world-beater sharing and to beseech against the divisive force, which have been working to disintegrate Pakistan. The politicians of Pakistan ha ve been engrossed with sexual feuds group, religious sects, economic classes, and leading personalities19.Regional Diversity. For Pakistan, regionalism had emerged with different complexion. Even the roughhewn religion, flag and national political orientation could not fully blend Pakistanis together as one entity until today.Ethnic Diversity. Pakistani nation is fairly diverse. Ethnically, Punjabis are dominating followed by Pathans and Sindhis. Punjab-based establishment is looked upon by the rest of the population as well as the dominance of the so-called migratory lite, originating from regions in todays India. There are numerous macro level ethnic identitiesLingual Diversity. The linguistic diversity became apparent after independence. In case of East Pakistan, we failed to clear that nations are composed of human being, whose deep feelings about such questions as their mother tongue, should not be ignored easily20. The linguistic differences step up the problem of nationa l integration and result was riots in most parts of the Country,21that ultimately cost us separation of our Eastern wing. economical Irritants. be the economic aims and selecting realistic objectives based on economic potential and modeling is a pre-requisite for giving out attainable policies. Frequent policy changes due to vested interests of groups, have created instability and impaired credibility of macro economic measures. accessible Justice. Inefficient state agencies, selective application of law, and ever-increasing corruption are pedagogy a culture of negativism in Pakistan. Disparity between the thick and the poor is leading to frustration, misuse of power, and lawlessness.Military Involvement in civilian Affairs. Army influence in political decision making started with origination of uniformed Ayub Khan in the cabinet as Defence Minister, an since then it has had very negative effect on the society. This has been one of the major cause for the many ills in the socie ty.Role of Bureaucracy. Bureaucratic traditions that came to influence after independence, were fundamentally a legacy from the British. It has now become a two charge Street where bureaucracy discourteously seeks political patronage for personal gains and in turn provides personalized service to the politicians.PART 3PRESENT IRRITANTS TO NATIONAL INTEGRATION OF PAKISTANFATA and Swat Situation. The Taliban movement in Fata and the NWFP wants to replace the FCR with a mediaeval legal framework, that is reminiscent of the Arab tribal era. Inability of successive governments to integrate the region into national mainstream brings to fore certain key issues, which have directly or indirectly contributed to its prolonged isolation. Negligence on the part of state institutions, insular political interests and the naivet of the rural folk have given birth to a militant culture that thrives on vandalism, brutality and anarchy22.Baluchistan Issue. The situation in Baluchistan is a cause of major concern for national integrity. Baloch nationalists are mooting the insurgence as a struggle for greater political autonomy, more look over and royalties from the regions abundant mineral resources, chiefly the gas-fields and against the new cantonments in the Province. The fortification and communication means being employed by the insurgents thumbprint the foreign power.Economic Turmoil. The watercourse chaotic state of global finance has invalidated the subsisting orthodoxy in macroeconomic management.23We are once again on the compassion of IMF after conceding to a $7.6 billons Standby Arrangement signed in November 2008. Global recession has also added to the miseries of people who are vulnerable to be exploited by interest groups, for their vested interests.Worsening Law and Order Situation. perilous citizens are vulnerable to anti-state and anti-social elements, thereby becoming a liability to national integration. Improving law and order is a major challenge f or the nations socio-political integration. If the piece of music and the rule of law are not adhered to, such a fusion essentially turns into an empire that is controlled by powerful ethnic and social groups24. legal System. Post March 2007 Judicial Crisis, has added tremendously to the miseries of aggrieved people. In this vacuum, Islamic clerics, present their version of judicial system, which by no way, present the true watch of Islam. Recent Governments conceding to Tehrik-e-Shariat-Muhammds brokered deal with local militant leaders on the plea of shariat enforcement, should be an eye opener for rest of the society.Religious Militancy. The phenomenal increase in number of deeni madaris has not only increased sectarianism but also introduced militancy in the Country25. There are more than 50,000 madrasas operating in Pakistan26. Lal Masjid incident has been a turning point to the phenomena.Decayed Education System. The literacy rate of the Country is alarming at 49.9%27, espe cially in female population, which forms more than 50% of total population. trench ingress of political parties into the educational institutions is causing divisions. Parallel education systems are segregating the society into classes.Federal idyl Matters. Concurrent list, quota system, NFC awards, share of divisible pussy etcetera and many other legislative provisions, work against the aspirations of the people of littler provinces for socio-economic and political development.PART 4THE WAY FORWARD ideological IssuesIdeological Orientation. Fresh ideas aimed at finding new common grounds should be explored and additional cohesive factors identified in order to hold the nation together. National integration in the case of Pakistan should mean establishing a common citizenry, common political and social structures, a common State, and an additional sense of identicalness, of belonging together. It means building commonality on top of the animated linguistic, ethnic, religious a nd geographical diversity, and not substituting an artificial new identity for the old ones. image of Unity in Diversity. We should subscribe to Weiners public policy strategy for achieving national integration through Unity-in-diversity28. With inter-provincial economic relations card-playing developing, unity in diversity appears a realistic national aspirations.29 kinda than suppressing or subjugating the diverse elements, we must chisel these diversities into a fine mosaic.Inculcating Concept of Nationalism. There is a need to develop Pakistani nationalism which should give people the feeling that despite differences, they are people destined for common statehood. This can be done through-Parity is an inalienable right of all the regions and provinces of Pakistan.The rights of the provinces and autonomy consonant with national interests and agreed in 1973 constitution have to be assured.Pay heed to Quaids motto Unity, Discipline and credit (in the same order).Political IssuesP olitical Structure. After practicing all forms of governance, the draw is in favour of a parliamentary form of government, as envisioned in the 1973 constitution (in original shape). Following need consideration-Pakistans leadership may need to update and even revise its strong centre ideology in favour of more pronounced regional autonomy.Re-demarcation and increase in number of constituencies.Establish autonomous and independent Election guardianship.Establish powerful, real and neutral accountability body.Bar on minimum education qualification for candidates to contest the elections be lifted.Political PartiesPolitical parties must be do to organize themselves on democratic lines with transparency in their party elections, hold back as well as accounts.If political party obtains less than atomic number 23 percent votes in general election its registration with Election Commission be terminated by law.Political parties must not be allowed by law to influence the working of p olitical activities of student unions in college/universities.Politician elected to hold a government office to lay off party portfolio.Governance IssuesChanging the Administrative Model. We need to change British colonialism administrative model ruthlessly and invent our own. A step towards this counselor has already been taken with adoption of Local Government Plan. However, some of the serious reservations of the provinces should be addressed in the new system, to make it more acceptable. complaisant Justice. Problem of rising unemployment needs to he tackled in a pragmatic manner. Social action programme for education, health, empowerment of women, and population control, is the need of the hour. To invalidate the social conflicts turning into communal conflicts, establishment of social equilibrium is an essential condition for national integration.Improvement of Judiciary SystemJudiciary be given constitutional guarantee of its independence to work free of pressure. adjudica te of superior courts be paid handsomely keeping in view the sensitive and critical nature of their duties.Appointment of superior court settle be on non party basis and free of political strings.rationalization of NFC Awards. The centre should divide the divisible resources as per agreed formulas strictly in accordance with the awards as per the constitution. We have to revise NFC formula, wherein overt weightage on population should be rationalized by giving more weightage to slow-wittedness, area and revenue generation. more(prenominal) Active Council of Common Interests (CCI). Constitutionally, CCI is just the right forum to discuss the various inter-provincial and federal-provincial irritants, like Net Proceeds Royalties, Concurrent Legislative List vis--vis Provincial Autonomy, Representation of Federating Units in the Top Bureaucracy and Quota System etc.adhesive Education PolicyCleavages between traditional Islamic educational institutions and advance(a) educational inst itutions (including elitist pattern), be removed.Maximum incentive to private sector to open schools in rural areas. Their fees and standard may, however, be monitored.Curriculum be do realistic and uniform for all provinces with better quality textbook at subsidised rates.Mismatch between educational preparation and job specification be reduced through vocational training.Urdu language should also be employed as a vehicle to develop cultural unity, common identity and a shared future.Provinces may be allowed to retain the regional languages as a subject after primary level.Bolstering Religious concordIslams message of universal tolerance, of peace and respect should be propagated to foster harmony among various religious schools of thought.All the religious militant groups be disarmed with a highhanded policy.Steps be taken for tracking down verified terrorist groups and the touch on countries be diplomatically perused to take necessary steps against these groups.Already chalke d out Madrasa Strategy be followed in true letter and spirit.FATA/FANA and Swat SituationWe have to bring FATA/FANA into mainstream by initiating process of Land occlusion and promote urbanization, increased focus on Human Resource study, exploit drivers of growth i.e. minerals and horticulture, development of industries on fringes of FATA and facilitate early creation of reconstructive memory Opportunity Zones.We should also initiate dialogue with all the factions fighting against the state machinery in Swat and FATA to address their sexual conquests through political means.Baluchistan Issue sooner of marginalizing the nationalist elements, we need to bring them on board.Two-pronged strategy of Dialogue and Development is the only way to address deprivation. Where applicable, selective use of limited force may also be undertaken as last resort.To address the grievance of the Province, there is a requirement for the Federal Government to invest heavily in raising more job opportu nities in the Province.Economic PoliciesAn increasing development budget is essential to overcoming the negative effects of social atomization and illiteracy-fed Islamic fundamentalism.Every effort must be made to do away with disparity and economic disequilibrium between the various classes, regions, areas and provinces.The economically backward areas should be brought into the mainstream through education, modernization, mass media of communication, general economic developments, well-being and increase and through an effective system of roads, transportation and communication.Eliminating UnemploymentEconomic Revival case for the revival of industries to stimulate production and investment.Government should announce a encase for the development of agriculture sector.More Technical and Vocational training facilities should be provided.With a view to reduce educated unemployment self-employment schemes should be encouraged in true manners.CONCLUSIONNational integration permits a heterogeneous nation like Pakistan to live in peace, harmony and unity. It is an important element of the nations power potential and binds its military, economical and political strengths. Pakistan has sub-nationalist undercurrents, which run along ethnic lines, seek their share of national pie and, at times, threatening secession from the federation. Whenever, Pakistans national integration suffered, the underlying causes were political expediencies and lust for power.This research will be a stepping-stone, suggesting some concrete proposals, in order to achieve the objective of national integration. In the wake of the current situation prevailing in the country, where the nation is in despair and gradually losing hope and optimism, the research is very meaning(a) to find out the way forward for coming out of the current crisis.