Futuristic Outlook of Pakistan

Pakistan Studies

Futuristic Outlook of Pakistan

Pakistan is the 26th largest in the world in terms of purchasing power

parity and 41st largest in terms of nominal Gross Domestic Product.

As Pakistan has a population of over 186 million (the world's 6th-largest).

Pakistan is a developing country and is one of have a potential to become one of

the world's large economies in the 21st century.

The prospect of a change in the country mainly rests with its youth who

form 65% of its population. Some 40 years back one could witness a lot of

youthful energy and hope across all segments of the population. Pakistan is

stuck up in a quagmire. In today Pakistan, we are facing many problems. Like

energy problems, terrorism, Health Problems, Education etc.

Following are the measures to Solve these Problems:

Honest and capable leadership

Social justice

Education

Health care

Economic growth

Energy sector

Terrorism

Foreign affairs

Austerity

Police

1. Honest and capable leadership

It is rather sad but the fact remains that our present leadership has not

succeeded to create an atmosphere in which both institutions and the

individuals could best realise their potential. We have a vibrant and dynamic

society. However, to exploit this God-gifted advantage, we need an exemplary

governance system pioneered and executed by a set of God-fearing, talented,

self-sacrificing, and highly dedicated leaders assisted by an equally efficient

bureaucracy.

2. Social justice

There should be an independent judiciary to dispense social and legal

justice so that people feel that their basic rights are safe and intact. They

should enjoy equal opportunities to work and build up their career. Their

fundamental rights of expression, movement and earning of respectable

livelihood should be preserved at all costs.

3. Education

There should be a unique system of education for all. Syllabi should be

devised in such a way that modern education in science and technology as also

in vocational subjects be imparted and the moral and ethical values of our

society be upheld. At least 5 per cent of GDP should be allocated to education

sector and education be made compulsory for all. Financial assistance be given

to the poor and incentives be introduced for the talented students. Government

should take steps to increase the literacy rate in the country and government

should provide facilities' in this regard. Government should also motivate the

private sector too.

4. Health care

We spend only 2.5 per cent of our GDP on health which is perhaps the

lowest in the world. Precisely, only five poverty stricken countries fall behind

us. Even India and Sri Lanka are ahead of us with 3.9 per cent and 3.4 per cent

respectively. It is also deplorable that our physicians’ density is 0.81 per 1,000

persons. According to the World Health Organization it should not be less than

2.3 per 1,000. Another amazing fact is that in our hospitals we have 1 bed for

1,667 persons while in Sri Lanka they have 1 bed for 323 persons. One can

imagine as to where do we stand in the domain of healthcare. The authorities

must rise to the occasion and give special attention to this prime sector.

5. Economic growth

Problems of Pakistan have become more complex and formidable.

Lawlessness, and ethnic conflicts have risen even more. Economic situation

has further aggravated. Inflation, price-hike, lack of public amenities have

taken their toll on the masses. Our country is a mineral treasure of sorts and we

need to exploit this treasure to protect our economic interest, to reduce our

dependence on the debt and finally to stand on our own feet. Agriculture sector

has been awfully ignored. Land tillers in the rural areas must needs be supplied

electricity, graded seeds, fertilisers, insecticides and weed-killers, all at low

rates. Measures should also be taken to provide them transportation facilities

from field to market. Industry has had a great set back in the past. It needs

round the clock power supply to survive. Good incentives be given to new

investors. It will multiply domestic production and provide opportunities of

employment to the needy and jobless. Radical measures are required to be

taken to beef up the steel mills, railways and PIA.

6. Energy sector

Load shedding has been and is still a major threat to industry and business and

an appalling hardship for domestic consumers. Exploration of hide power and

coal is inevitable. Power generation is the need of the hour and must be given

priority to help solve the current energy crisis.

7. Terrorism

The country has been in the grip of terrorism for the last about three decades.

The extremists have no regard for the life and property of innocent people.

Bomb blasts, target killings and suicidal attacks have become a normal routine

and have created an atmosphere of horror and terror. The business community

is constrained to shift its enterprise to the neighbouring countries. In these

uncongenial circumstances we cannot expect foreign investment in Pakistan.

We have been front line partners of America in her war in Afghanistan having

suffered heavy losses of life and property. We have spent more than $85

billion to combat terrorism on our streets and alleys. Can’t we ask America to

compensate us by paying off our external debt or else we shall be compelled to

review our strategic policy?

8. Foreign affairs

Our foreign policy urgently needs restructuring. We should scrutinize the

balance sheet of gains and losses in the recent past. We are now in a better

position to choose our friends carefully. We have to strengthen our relations

with the neighbouring Muslim countries. Policy decisions have to be taken in

the best interest of our own country. Bilateral relations be developed with each

country on the principle of an equal independent status.

9. Austerity

Austerity should begin at the highest level and filter down to the common

people. We should observe it particularly with respect to the standard of our

food, habitation, transport and life style. At government level non-

development expenditure should be minimised. The cabinet needs to be

suitably downsized. There should be 15-20 ministers in the federal cabinet and

10-12 at provincial level. Extravagant protocol be withdrawn altogether.

10. Police

The primary duty of maintenance of law and order in the country rests with the

police force. It arrests the law breakers, registers cases against them, conducts

intensive investigations and presents them before the courts of law for punitive

action. Unfortunately, almost 50 per cent of the police force is deployed to

give protocol and provide security to the government dignitaries. Moreover the

police has outdated arms as also it lacks proper training to tackle the situation.

The rate of crime is on the increase which breeds anarchy. The volume of

cases of theft, dacoit, kidnapping, burglary, gang rape, robbery etc has shot up

enormously. Police should be immunised against political affiliation and made

to discharge its duties freely without any external pressure. The force must be

fully equipped with modern weaponry, latest operational devices and high

speed powerful transport. A purposeful implementation of the above measures

is sure to accelerate the process of rebuilding of Pakistan, our beloved home.

We are committed to rekindle the hope of abolishing poverty, unemployment,

insecurity, extremism and terrorism in our homeland, in a foreseeable future.

Conclusion:

Pakistan is one of the developing countries which are encircled with

massive problems. Though persistently Pakistan is facing problems but

currently load shedding, terrorism and inflation are the key factors which are

crippling the country. Unless the people of Pakistan and the government work

together on these problems, Pakistan cannot become a developed country. To

conclude, the youth of today can do a marvellous job for the nation. With all

the modern means of this computer age, where everything seems to be

possible. We always consider the heroes of the past to be the evergreen

characters. But today the youth with the proper use of the modern facilities

should be evergreen characters for the times to come.

Reference:

ishrathusain.iba.edu.pk/speeches/future-outlook-and-challenges

www.slidesharecdn.com/future-of-pakistan-islam

www.pat.com.pk/tid/The-Vision-for-Green-Revolution-in-Pakistan

www.pakistan.today.com.pk/comment/a-futuristic-vision-of-pakistan

www.slidesharecdn.com/pakistan-state-of-the-economy

apyouthnet.ilo.org/news/a-futuristic-vision-of-Pakistan

www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Pakistan