He had no Choice!

My father is a self-made man and I wish to state this up front that he has made a conscious effort to never abuse his influence for personal gain. I say this unabashedly and as a matter of knowing that he has a reputation of being thoroughly professional. My immediate family has made do with the income of a military officer and there have been no complaints. There is only relief that he has made it this far without compromising his ethics. Both my sister and I are married and settled in our own lives. Today, he is the Chief Executive of Pakistan.

Allama Iqbal, what happened to his vision? Why don't most Pakistanis understand his philosophy any longer? Jinnah Sahib, why did he burn himself out and leave such a bunch of self serving individuals to govern behind him? How could we continue a state of misgovernance for FIFTY-TWO years? Why hasn't there been a single person who has been able to introduce fundamental reforms? How long can the teeming majority of unemployed and impoverished be ignored? How can we even begin talking about the 'quality' of life, when we fail to address the fundamental 'sanctity' of life. 'Sanctity' of life to me being physical well being (law and order) and healthcare (infant mortality, birth control, disease control, longevity). 'Quality' of life being education and higher ideals and philosophies for society to live and govern by.

The developing world better prepare itself for what is about to hit it within the next decade. They say that 97 percent of the world economy will be controlled by the economies geared up for electronic commerce. The difference between the richest and poorest nations of the world is said to have been 1:5 two centuries ago but unbridled commercialism has given rise to a disparity of 1:500. Pretty soon we'll be dealing with inequities in wealth and resource distribution of a ratio in the order of one to thousands times more between the least developed and most developed economies. Until the day comes when every Pakistani, regardless of ethnicity, sex or religion has an equal opportunity to prosper through hard work, Pakistan cannot be a dynamic and progressive country that can stand its ground in the global competitive markets.

This day was not envisioned. I never thought there would be such unanimous consensus within the military, amongst the people of Pakistan, and amongst the Pakistanis abroad, behind one cause. The cause being pure and unadulterated REFORMS! I honestly feel that what we are witnessing is the culmination of a collective yearning of the overwhelming majority of a hundred and fifty million people. Democracy is an essential ideal, but let's look into our souls and understand why it has not taken root. The time has come for introspection for a fundamental change in state and society so democracy can actually blossom.

What are the options? Back to a façade of democracy in the existing political structure? Satisfying the immediate expectation of announcing a hand picked portfolio of technocrats that would form an interim reform government? Devoting all attention to an across the board accountability?

Accountability must take place, and bringing in competent individuals to key positions is a decision that should not be taken in haste. Time WILL reveal the sincerity of purpose of individuals in question and actions will speak louder than words to give each of us confidence. I have one request though, and I would not say this if it was not absolutely crucial at this time. Pakistanis, wherever they are abroad, need to understand that this is a very unique point in Pakistan's history. We need to make the world appreciate the context in which the much needed reforms will be undertaken.