How many of us, including politicians, are sincere to the cause of Pakistan which came into being after a long, arduous struggle against an imperialist power? And do we remember how much that struggle costs us? Frankly speaking, we’re emotional and that’s why power-hungry leaders succeed in buying our loyalty to their own advantage. In short, we take long time to realise we have been betrayed in the name of democracy. By the way, what is hypocrisy? Our march towards democracy has not stopped, nor will it end, it’s like a ‘dhakka start’ bus. We have to borrow money again and again to buy oil to run it. Long live IMF (International Monetary Fund)! The objective is to turn the country into a true Islamic welfare state where the masses do not suffer because of ignorance, exploitation, unemployment, poverty, hunger etc. The first thing, in that regard, is justice to all--social and economic -- according to the teachings of Islam. Was that the only basis on which the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah demanded Pakistan? Have we become really a Pakistani nation? We need to recall some of the points Mr. Jinnah emphasised. There are at least three pillars which go to make a nation worthy of possessing a territory and running the government. One is education, without which we are in darkness. Next, no people can ever do anything very much without making themselves economically powerful in agriculture, industry, trade and commerce. Lastly, when we’ve got light of knowledge by means of education and when we’re strong economically and industrially, then we’ve got to prepare ourselves for our defence against external aggression and internal security. The founder of Pakistan had appealed to the people to work for the ideals they cherished because there was a great deal more to be done. How much we’ve done so far, and how much we have yet to work? Ask the educated unemployed youth. In fact, we all have to work together in the national interest with the motto of unity, faith and discipline. That’s the call of Islam and democracy. The appeal lives on. The message is not time-barred. True lovers of Pakistan should realise that time has again come for them to shelve politics and lust for power. If there’s anything good in the world, that’s just progressive approach of Islam to solve the common man’s economic problem. The spirit of democracy and socio-economic justice is enshrined in Islam. All lands belong to Almighty God who has delegated the proprietary rights to those who cultivate the land themselves. There’s no room for absentee landlords, feudalism and capitalism in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) established the welfare state of Madina as a role model later followed by the caliphs. The Qura’n is a book of wisdom and guidance to mankind in all spheres of life. Who will hold aloft the banner of Islam with masses united behind him in the face of odds and difficulties? Anti-Islam forces are again active. — zasarwar@hotmail.com
