Pakistan is going through a crisis with many sides, including extreme political division, unstable economic conditions, and a struggling development sector. Concerns about internal security are growing with each passing day and non-traditional security risks are making things even worse for the country.
This terrible mix of problems has thrown Pakistan into a state of confusion that has never been seen before, leaving this generation to deal with an overwhelming situation.
At the same time, society is suffering from a widespread loss of morals, and there is chaos fueled by certain perspectives. This decline in society has been sped up by the loss of shared purpose, common goals, and a shared sense of grief.
A major concern regarding Pakistan is losing confidence in national institutions, leading to a decline in mutual trust. This widespread fear keeps people pointing the finger at others, which makes it harder for everyone to take responsibility for the country’s problems. This loss of trust among people weakens Pakistan’s roots and makes it less likely that the country will be able to rise above these problems which are playing the role of parasite within the state.
At this crucial juncture, it is necessary to return to the basic values of unity, faith, and discipline advised by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, father of the nation. To make Pakistan great again, there is a need to behave like a responsible citizen. These principles show what a strong national character looks like and give everyone in the country a sense of belonging. It is crucial that we instill these values in all citizens without exception because they provide Pakistan with the potential to prosper and regain its position in the international community.
The principle of unity expects that the people of Pakistan must come together with a common goal for national growth, even though they are from diverse backgrounds, cultures, or ethnicities. At the same time, faith, which isn’t just religious belief, means being sure of your abilities and the country’s growth prospects. One should also believe in democratic structures and processes. Moreover, discipline makes it clear how important it is to have moral leadership, follow the law, and make careful decisions, all of which are necessary to ensure national integrity.
Undoubtedly, every nation encounters various difficulties; but the key to resilience resides in the capacity to derive lessons from these problems, adjust accordingly, and actively pursue transformation. Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture in its trajectory, where it becomes imperative for everyone to respond to the imperative of fostering cohesion, unwavering belief, and diligent conduct. By adopting these concepts, Pakistan can position itself as a significant player in the international sphere once again.
Throughout history, it has been observed that nations that emerge from challenging circumstances by collective cohesion and unwavering resolve construct narratives that highlight their achievements and advancements. Pakistan possesses the capacity to align itself with those nations, however, it is imperative to take prompt action. The imperative for the nation lies in the recognition and adherence to its fundamental principles, the revitalization of its collective cohesion, the restoration of its belief system, and the maintenance of discipline, all of which are essential for propelling the nation toward a more promising and prosperous trajectory.
For Pakistan, a country confronting its own set of issues, the concept of faith is extremely important. It is critical to acknowledge that the country has frequently found itself stuck in a cycle of blame-shifting, with diverse segments of society pointing fingers at one another in an attempt to assign blame for the country’s problems.
It is critical to recognize that responsibility for Pakistan’s current situation does not rest solely with any one group or individual; rather, it is a shared duty that cuts across political, ethnic, and religious lines.
There is a dire need to focus on Pakistan’s critical challenges especially related to economic issues. Pakistan had a higher per capita income (PPP basis) of $4,000 in 2003, surpassing India, which had a $2,800 per capita income, and Bangladesh, which had a $2,300 per capita income on a PPP basis. However, after a span of twenty years, it is very concerning that India, reaching $7,500 per capita income, and Bangladesh reaching $7,100, have surpassed Pakistan which now has $5,500 per capita income in terms of economic progress.
Similarly, Pakistan is classified in the least developed category according to the Human Development Index (HDI), placing 161 out of 191 countries. This ranking places Pakistan in a similar position to countries such as Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast. India stands at 132 and Bangladesh stands at 129, which shows that these countries have achieved improved rankings in terms of HDI and have successfully transitioned out of the least developed countries list.
Many states have encountered tremendous complications throughout history, typically as a precursor to great transition. However, the collective activities of a nation’s population are the most important predictor of its ability to overcome these challenges. China is a good example of a country that has gone on a journey of unification and hard work. China has risen as an economic giant on the global scene during the last few decades. The Chinese experience demonstrates how unity, along with hard work and a unified goal, can propel a country to prosperity and global influence. It emphasizes the transformative potential of a people unified in the quest for national progress.
Every Pakistani citizen holds some responsibility for the country’s trajectory. Only through taking ownership of this shared destiny, cultivating faith in one’s own potential, and working together toward a common vision will Pakistan be able to overcome its obstacles and realize its full potential. The way forward is to recognize that Quaid’s teachings on Unity, Faith, and Discipline are more than an intellectual concept; it is a concrete energy that, when harnessed collectively, can move Pakistan forward.
Tayyaba Razzaq is a writer and educator with academic background in International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies. Currently, she serves as a Research Associate at the NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS), where is involved in conducting policy research and analysis on a range of issues related to peace and conflict in South Asia. She also holds a visiting faculty position at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (S3H) at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). She can be reached at researchassociate.nips@nust.edu.pk