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• Narine Singh

  It seems clear that Pakistan is a fractured society, not certain where it wants to go, and not certain of how it wants to constitute itself to go in this direction. It badly needs a referendum to once and for all put this issue to rest.

  It is entirely painful to watch it thrashing about searching for an identity in the midst of all the different national definitions that has been associated with this country. It is only on defining this vision of itself, can it marshal the minds and resources to achieve this end, but for as long as it has not decided on this, every constituency will be vying to control Pakistan for its own parochial end. Is it to be a democratic, secular, market driven society, or is it a country that has at its centre Sharia law, and is a Muslim country first and foremost in which the religio-facists control all with their AK-46s, or is it to be a military dictatorship that for its own perpetuity in power, it must wage war with neighbors and fight against all and sundry, regardless of the cost? Which vision is the one that would bring success?

  My personal preference is defined by the freedoms and privileges desired by and provided to its people so that all hindrances and obstacles to progress are removed so that Pakistanis would not only achieve great things, but would become a beacon of civilized living so much so that Pakistan will be invited by many to assist them in their own development. This system I believe is a democracy with a market driven economy, an educated people producing goods and services for the region and for the world. At the same time, a strong country such that it can defend itself if and when it is challenged.

  The alternatives are frightening. I will continue to support a free Pakistan, free of the fanatics, free of the bloodthirsty, and the terrorists. But, this goal will cost a lot of blood, and if partition is seen as a terrible nightmare, the coming struggle will make this look like a picnic. I will pray for you for the images that impress me and that I care about are those of the little boys and girls, innocent, sweet, optimistic, vulnerable, yet the very gem and beauty of this country, but the murderers have no qualms in scattering into small bits and pieces their tender bodies with their terrible bombs.

  24 September 2008, 22:59 pm

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