HURDLES ON OUR WAY TO BECOMING TRULY
INDEPENDENT COUNTRY
Or
UNVEILING TRUE INDEPENDENCE:
PAKISTAN'S STRUGGLE AGAINST MULTIPLE THREATS
Or
PATH TO SOVEREIGNTY: PAKISTAN'S
JOURNEY TOWARD GENUINE INDEPENDENCE
Or
THE QUEST FOR TRUE INDEPENDENCE: OVERCOMING
CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN
Or
REDEFINING SOVEREIGNTY: PAKISTAN'S
PURSUIT OF GENUINE AUTONOMY
I.
Introduction:
" None are
more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free"
Thesis Statement:
Although Pakistan is facing an
existential threat from India, the economic threat from predatory capitalism,
and the cultural and technological threat from the West due to Western
orientalism, the dysfunctionality of domestic institutions, and non-vibrant
foreign policy, all is not lost yet as Pakistan policy, all is not lost yet as
Pakistan emerges as a truly independent country by revisiting its economic,
political educational, strategic and administrative policies.
II.
What are the defining
features of a truly independent country?
Strong defense for securing
national interests.
Political, social, and cultural
sovereignty.
Economics self-sufficiency.
III.
Pakistan is already a truly independent
country: country narrative.
IV.
Pakistan is not a truly
independent state:
1.
Perpetual existential
threat posed by quasi-anarchic Indian foreign policy.
2.
Multi-national corporations
and international economic institutions are dictating our economic policies.
3.
Flames of egocentrism are
being fanned by NGOs and INGOs leading to a conical mentality.
4.
Our, foreign policy is not
independent.
5.
As a nation, we are dependent on technologically advanced countries for research and development.
6.
On an individual level,
people are not independent due to a lack of respect for human rights and women's
rights in society.
V.
Stumbling blocks In
our way to becoming a truly independent country.
1.
As a nation, we are
reactive rather than proactive because we live in the nostalgia part.
2.
Economic exploitation by
predatory capitalism of core countries. Experts from Confession of an Economic
Hitman by John Perkins.
3.
Myopic foreign policy
4.
Political instability:
Excerpt from the state of Martial rule by Ayesha
Jalal.
5.
Dys-functionality of
institution delayed justice and spineless bureaucracy.
Thesis from Why Nations Fail by Robinson.
6.
Lack of scientific and.
religious progress due to the absence of ijtihad and research.
7.
Marginalization of half
population women.
VI.
How can Pakistan
emerge as a truly sovereign state?
1.
Economic stability by widening
the tax net, progressive taxation, and improving exports.
2.
Aptly doing strategic calculations
for geo-economic strategic and political gains
3.
Focusing on human
development and managing youth bulge.
4.
Strengthening of democratic
culture and supporting progressive writers.
5.
Overhauling of
administrative institutions.
6.
Utilizing media for
mobilizing means in favor of national unity, ijtihad, and patriotism.
7.
Improving education,
research culture, and information technology fields
VII.
Conclusion:
Not gold but only men can make a people great and strong
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)
After the 9/11 terror episode,
America launched. Operation Enduring Freedom warned Pakistan that the USA would
dash Pakistan to the Stone Age in case of non-compliance with American foreign
policy in South Asia George W. Bush. Historically remarked either you are with
us or against us this flashback vividly explains the importance of the foreign
policy of Pakistan. This episode also leads to certain questions is Pakistan a
truly sovereign country and what are the defining features of a truly
independent country? Answers to all these questions are clear. Although
Pakistan is an independent country it is not truly an independent one in the
true sense of independence due to perpetual existential threat from India, more
or less dictated foreign policy, and oiling domestic economy. It is also facing
economic threats from predatory capitalism and cultural threats from the West
foreign policy is non-vibrant and domestic politico-economic institutions are dysfunctional.
However, all is not lost yet as
Pakistan can emerge as a truly independent country by revisiting its economic,
political, educational, strategic, and administrative policies.
There are certain distinct
standards that a country must fulfill to be counted as a truly independent
country. A country must have territorial, political, economic, and
institutional sovereignty and self-government. Along with these features, the country
must have a strong defense for securing national defense and interests even
bayonet its territorial boundaries. Economic, self-sufficiency is one of the
most important features of a truly independent country standard of living,
human development, ethnocentrism, and mass education are also important for
true independence.
There are some quarters of ultra-patriotic
Pakistan who believe Pakistan is truly an independent country. They are of the
view that Pakistan has a specific territory, population, self-government, and
sovereignty. According to them, only these four criteria are enough for a truly
independent state All other criteria are non-exhaustive and cannot be filled
even by the strongest of the nations in this globalized world. Each state has a
certain degree of dependency on others. Hence, according to them, Pakistan is
truly an independent country.
Historical lessons, contemporary
facts, and practical manifestations paint a contrasting picture to this
hyper-optimistic view. In practical manifestations, Pakistan is not an
independent country in its true sense.
“None are more
hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free”
(Goethe, German Writer)
Hence, there is, no need to be hyper-optimistic.
A factual examination is required. Numerous manifestations prove that Pakistan
is not an independent state. The most glaring one is the perpetual threat from the
Indian side. This existential threat has increased manifold in recent times
owing to the rise of the far-right. Hindutva in India. The revocation of articles
370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution is ringing bells. Four wars and arrant
cross-border firing are the manifestations that Pakistan is not truly
independent as its territorial sovereignty is breached time and again.
On economic grounds, Pakistan is
dependent on multinational corporations and international economic institutions
IMF, World Band, and World Trade Organizations. These corporations and
institutions dictate their policies which Pakistan has to comply with owing to
dwindling economy. The terms of these institutions are often harsh. Arundhati,
Roy, an Indian activist, and writer, says that the representatives of these
institutions are chosen behind closed doors and are manipulated by the first
world to exploit the third world. This makes the situation worse and makes
Pakistan more dependent on this mysterious institution.
In modern times, Pakistani youth do
not like indigenous culture, and NGOs and INGOs portray the local culture as
barbaric. Western pursuit of civilizing, the East through cultural
indoctrination is coordinated by NGOs and INGOs. This leads to the colonial
mentality of the people of Pakistan. McDonalization and Coca-Cola culture are
in the true sense, dependent on exotic trends at the expense of local cultural
patterns. This is, actually, cultural dependence and xenocentrism.
Pakistan's foreign policy is also
contingent upon the whims of big international political actors. It is not
independent. After the 1998 nuclear test, America put sanctions on Pakistan.
There is also immense pressure to join the non-proliferation treaty. America,
now the Chinese factor, dictates our foreign office. Pakistan’s foreign policy
is reactive, rather than proactive due to this reason. This dependence on
foreign policy points to the fact that Pakistan is not a truly independent
state.
No country can be truly sovereign
if it is dependent on other countries for advanced technology, in this
post-industrial society Pakistan is dependent on technology. It has no social
media, website, laptop or mobile manufacturing units, or IT industrial base of
its own. Even, defense equipment is also imported. This proves that Pakistan is
locked in research and development and hence is not a truly independent state.
On an individual level, the people
of Pakistan are not independent also. The fundamental right, as enshrined in the
constitution (article 8-28) is not enjoyed by all. The condition of the rule of
law and human rights is sad. Moreover, half of the population is marginalized
and is not participating in national life. This half represents and is constituted
by the non-male sex. Rampant rape cases sexual assaults and workplace harassment
are common nowadays. Hence, due to a lack of respect for human rights and women's
rights in society, people are still not independent at the individual level.
What are the stumbling blocks in
Pakistan's way to becoming a truly independent country? These hurdles are
numerous. The most important one is Pakistanis live in a nostalgic past. The
stories of past glories satisfy them, they become reactive rather than
proactive. Their desire to improve diminishes with the preoccupation with
stories of the glorious past. No nation can progress which is preoccupied with
its poet.
Economic exploitation by core
capitalist countries through the practices of predatory capitalism is a big
hurdle in the progress and true independence of Pakistan. John Perkins, in his
magnum opus Confessions of an Economic Hitman, explicitly writes about the exploitative
nature of Bretton Woods economic institutions. Loans are given, voluntarily or
involuntarily. Loans are given, voluntarily or involuntarily by showoff force,
intimidating methods, and private deals with the ruling elite of third-world
countries. This creates a debt trap and hence, the core countries exploit
peripheral countries, Pakistan is being exploited by these countries in the
same manner.
The foreign policy of a country
must be vibrant for it to be independent in its true sense. However, Pakistan's
foreign policy is not truly independent, it is a great hurdle in exercising
true independence. History tells us that Pakistan's foreign policy has always
been dictated by Western countries, especially America. It is not calculated cautiously
strongmen in the domestic and mostly in international political and power
corridors dictate it according to their whims Hence, it has become a stumbling
block to the true independence of the country.
If a country is to enjoy and
exercise its full independence, it must be politically stable. Sadly, the political
history of Pakistan is replete with unstable governments. Never in 73 years of
its existence has Pakistan experienced a true democratic culture. Dr. Ayesha
Jalal, in the state of Martial Rule, propounds that democratic culture has
never been established in Pakistan. Every institution of state must perform its
function. Due to a weak democratic culture, Pakistan never emerged as a truly
independent country.
The state institution also does
not perform its functions well. There is a huge dysfunctionality of state
institutions in the form of delayed justice red-tapism, yellow journalism, and
spineless bureaucracy. Robinson, in Why Nations Fail, writes that if the state
institutions are extractive in political and economic terms, nations fail and
hence their independence is compromised. The nature of Pakistani institutions
is not inclusive and hence it is a hurdle in progress and independence.
Scientific progress, research and
development, and evolution in religious courses being taught in seminaries are
compulsory elements for the progress and prosperity of the country. Sadly,
there is a lack of infrastructure for research and development. Moreover, there
is no culture of Ijtihad prevalent in Pakistan. This leads to the formation of
two extremes one being religious fanatics and the other being the elite class
graduating from elite universities. All this leads to sectarian violence,
eventually compromising the progress of the country and hence the independence
of Pakistan at large.
Equally important stumbling block
in the independent country is the lack of women empowerment legislation and land
programs in the country. Half of the population is systematically marginalized
and is out of the workforce Half of the talent is wasted only due to cultural
restraints. The state, according to the constitution, provides women their
rights but only theoretically. This is one of the major hurdles to the true
independence of Pakistan.
Given this plethora of problems,
can Pakistan even emerge as a truly sovereign country? Is there any way out?
The answer can be yes! “Pakistan can emerge as a truly independent country.
After all, Pakistan has huge material resources, skilled youth, 5th largest
textile industry, 3rd largest exporter of citrus fruits, and one of the best
armies in the world. Pakistan can do wonders. It would require economic
improvement. Pakistan had to increase government spending on progressive
measures, widen the tax net, regulate progressive taxation, and increase net
trade volume. A few decades ago, South Korea adopted Pakistan's 5-year plan and
now it has a GDP of a trillion Pakistan only needs to resolve structural
adjustment measures.
Pakistan enjoys a very favorable strategic
location. All it needs is well well-planned
strategic part in a greater regional political game. This is an Asian Century.
Pakistan enjoys the friendship of
China a superpower to all future foreign policy endeavors must be well
calculated to extract maximum bounties from Sino-Pak friendship Maritime
politics and Sino-Pak alliance against QUAD countries can be beneficial for the
future of Pakistan. Through well-balanced strategic moves can Pakistan achieve
its geo-economic political and strategic goals and hence secure for itself more
independence in this anarchic world order.
By focusing on human development
can Pakistan impart more valuable skills to its youth. More than half the population
is young and energetic. It can prove a divide for the future of Pakistan. If
managed well and given opportunities for establishing careers, youth in Pakistan
can do wonders.
A nation’s
strength
Not gold but men
can make
A people great and
strong
Men who for truth
and honor’s sake
Stand fast and
suffer long
(Ralph Waldo
Emerson)
Hence, as the world is aging, the
youth of Pakistan can be utilized for the development of the country in various
arenas.
All countries need domestic
political stability to exercise their independence abroad. Pakistan can achieve
political stability by strengthening its democratic culture. All state
institutions must perform their duties within the limits, of the Constitution.
This will eventually strengthen democratic culture. By supporting the
progressive writers, democratic culture can be cemented too. Their writings
would be a critique of the status quo and they would serve as a check on the
despotic tendencies of democratically elected autocrats. Hence; by empowering
democratic culture and progressive writers can Pakistan emerge as a truly
independent state.
Every country needs vibrant state
institutions. Pakistan also needs them to deliver justice and civic rights to
people current institutions in Pakistan are not vibrant and are unable to
perform their duties smoothly. They are in essence, extractive instructions.
They need complete overhauling and structural reforms. If institutions become
inclusive, common citizens will be empowered. These common people can do
wonders. America progressed when it provided security to the intellectual
property of common people. The same should be done in Pakistan for real
independence.
In modern times', media be it
social, electronic, or print has become a very powerful tool for manufacturing
thoughts of subjects of a state Noam Chomsky, in his book Manufacturing Consents,
has remarked on the fact that media is now a propaganda machine. It can be
utilized positively or negatively state of Pakistan can utilize media power to
educate the masses in favor of Ijtihad and national unity Patriotic sentiments
can also be aroused through media.
Education can change the destiny
of nations. The Constitution of Pakistan makes it compulsory for states to
provide free and compulsory education to 5-16-year-old citizens. Article 25-A
was added in 2010 after the 18th Amendment. This is a landmark achievement, at
least in theory state should practice it to the state should practice it too.
This would create an environment of research and development in the long run.
This would eventually lead Pakistan to the ranks of developed nations that have
a greater literacy rate, at least greater than the 58% literacy rate of
Pakistan.
The sum and substance are that
Pakistan is currently not a truly independent country. The fate of Pakistan has
always been contingent upon the whims of superpowers. Not only is Pakistan
facing challenges to its territorial sovereignty, but all other indicators of
sovereignty are also painting a sorry tale of multinational corporations
dictating economic policies. India is continuously posing an existential threat
NGOs are controlling public opinion in their agenda's favor, Nation is
technologically dependent on another state. All this is happening due to less
potent foreign policy, the exploitative nature of international predatory
capitalism, political instability, and the dysfunctionality of state
institutions. Pakistan can emerge as a truly independent country through economic
stability, human development, strengthening democratic culture, and haling
dysfunctional institutions Pakistan can emerge as the strongest nation and a
truly independent state as Pakistan has great human potential, and as the
saying goes, only harshest of the winds dare to touch the skies.
Like a sword in the hands of destiny are people Who take stoke of their situation at every age.
