Corona challenge: It is time to stand united and speak the truth

There’s old saying that our sub-continent divided into a number of large and petty states in the long past used to fight with one and other for supremacy. But they would unite to meet the invader in the battle-field—purpose being to save their kingdoms. And that’ is fact.

Virus is a living thing too small to be seen without a microscope that causes infectious disease in people, animals and plants. So there is Corona virus causing deaths around the world, including Pakistan. China has again proved that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Both the countries are actively united against the fatal virus. Unfortunately, all political leaders have not united against Corona, especially those who have formed an opposition group to confront the current administration. It is not acceptable to the common people who believe in national unity to defeat enemy. One can recall the situation in the past in that context.

PML-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, interior minister in the Nawaz Sharif government established for the third time with the blessing of a foreign power, realised after a long time the need for unity—-though for a specific purpose.

By the way, one could ask him who split the Pakistan Muslim League into many groups, and why did he and his cohorts forget the advice of the founder of Pakistan that “united we stand, divided we fall.”

Some time back, people worriedly asked each other about the aftermath of the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla: “Where we stand in today’s chaotic scenario, there’s no guidance, no direction, how to deal with such a horrible situation? Who will come up to rescue us?”

Only one answer to such questions: the national unity the need for which has been as dire yesterday as it is today in the wake of challenges to Muslim world, in general, and Pakistan, in particular. Why one should ignore the designs of the forces hostile to Pakistan ‘s peaceful existence as nuclear state with dignity and honour? There’s an outside attempt to destabilise the country economically. The PML leaders have not been able to address successfully the problem of national cohesion over the years although they know the real strength of any nation lies in its unity. The question, therefore, is why they did not realise earlier the necessity of translating the oft repeated motto—-faith, unity and discipline—-more so when they claim to be Muslims.

The gulf between the belief and action has caused the country a colossal loss of time, energy and wealth. In a nutshell, the nation, as a whole, seems driven to socio-economic and political anarchy, financial indiscipline and religious disharmony. And that’s an invitation to disaster, God forbid! A soldier and a patriotic leader devoted to the economy and defence of the homeland will listen to reason, one understands. Hence, all parties will have to stand unitedly to meet successfully threat of the Corona virus. The Holy Quran provides guidance in this regard. (Al Anfal/Spoils of War , Al Tawbah/ The Rependence, Yunus/ Jonah, The Prophet Hud, Al Isra, The Bee).

— zasarwar@hotmail.com