A deadly wave of inflation marks the current dangerous state of struggling Pakistan, mounting foreign debt burden, poor economic management, a massive surge in non-productive expenditure, the corrosive influence of corruption, declining production in both the agricultural and industrial sectors, a drop in exports, and a problematic reliance on the IMF and World Bank. Collectively, these factors cast severe doubt on the prospects of the country.
Now is the time for a critical awakening as Pakistan needs dire help from its people as their glorious leaders, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, painstakingly toiled and bled for the establishment of this nation.
As a proud Pakistani, I must declare that we have rendered this glorious land unrecognisable through our actions. The heavenly bestowal of Pakistan, bestowed upon us by the Almighty with the relentless endeavours of our esteemed leaders, demands our utmost and undivided attention.
Pakistan's birth was established upon a sublime objective - to establish a society that would thrive under the righteous mantle of "Kalima Tayyaba" and offer its inhabitants a life filled with purpose, tranquillity, prosperity, and goodness. This transcendent mission envisioned a nation that would stand tall and proud while also serving as a compassionate ally and supporter to its global counterparts in their time of need.
However, the untimely demise of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the nation's founder, plunged into problems and difficulties.
Adding fuel to the fire was the collusions of the landed elite, who wielded formidable political power and influence and cynically exploited the unrestrained situation to stalemate the much-needed land reforms that could have catalysed a transformative economic turnaround.
Instead, those crooks opted to perpetuate the same deceptive economic hitman system engineered by the British colonial authorities, further exacerbating the plight of the unfortunate masses.
If these land reforms had been made at the time of the establishment of Pakistan, entitled farmers and cultivators would have received their fair share of agricultural lands and areas.
Such reforms would increase agricultural produce and enable poor farmers to become self-sufficient and potentially aid the country in exporting excess produce like wheat, rice, sugar, fruits, etc., to become a source of foreign exchange.
Unfortunately, once an agricultural might, Pakistan now suffers from a shortage of grains and cannot feed its population, relying instead on income from foreign countries.
Further, Pakistan's industrial development has yet to progress as intended, with many industrialists burdening national banks by taking loans instead of supporting the country.
While we cannot explain every sector in this brief article, it is clear that abandoning self-reliance and self-dependency has made Pakistan appear as a disgusted beggar in the world.
To achieve economic stability and prosperity without relying on foreign aid, optimal use of resources and sacrifices from the entire nation, including regular tax payments, frugality, avoidance of illicit profits, an effective system of accountability, and selection of the best parliamentary representatives to eliminate corruption and promote self-sufficiency, will be necessary.
Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 5, Verse 66, "And if only they had acted according to the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), and what has (now) been sent down to them from their Lord (the Qur'an), they would surely have gotten provision from above them and from underneath their feet. There are from among them people who are on the right course (i.e. they act on the revelation and believe in Prophet Muhammad), but many of them do evil deeds."
This verse suggests that adhering to religious doctrines and following Allah's orders leads to material prosperity, regardless of the time.
Hence, Pakistan must use its resources wisely, bring tax reforms, and implement an effective accountability system.
This article is originally written by Muhammad Aslam Ch. in Urdu and translated by Usama Zulfiqar.
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Thinkers Page was founded in 2022 by two professionals, Usama Zulfiqar and Muhammad Aslam Ch, to offer their opinions and thoughts on numerous subjects that affect human lives and society at large.