Pakistan at a Crossroads
October 5, 2009 at 2:45 am 5 comments
Pakistan is at a Crossroads. What happens in Pakistan affects the entire South Asia region and the world at large.
Considering that 60 percent of the population in Pakistan is under 24 what do you think is the most effective way to lead the youth in the right and positive direction. And in your opinion what would be the most effective way to address the issue of extremism?
Let us not be silent, Let us make the world a better place! Please comment. Your opinion matters. Make your voice heard.
-Myra Chaudhary
Entry filed under: Comment & Idea Section. Tags: .
1. Shad | October 5, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Dear Myra
it is great that in spite of your busy schedule, you take out time for PAKPAC & bring out topics of great importance.
Youth of Pakistan are quite disappointed , they lack opportunities to go forward & they lack justice, so what is very urgently needed is the provision of justice in all segments of life– ie–there should be equal opportunities of education for all, there should be no discrimination in choice of a career, there should be an equal opportunity to get a good job to the talented students without any discrimination of rich or poor family back ground. In fact all these things depend on justice, when there is justice, there is peace; this is also the answer of your second question about the elimination of extremism.
A very devoted, determined, & patriot Government is needed to eliminate extremism, a government which is above its` personal interests, which provides justice to people in all spheres of life, which wins the hearts of the people by it`s sincerity & true service to the masses, which believes in diminishing the miseries of crippled nation with true faith , love & sincerity. What can you expect from a Government which is obsessed with increasing their own wealth by crushing the fortitude & forbearance of the nation by hoarding & bribery? May God they start thinking & acting as true Pakistanis.
Shad
2. Rehan | October 6, 2009 at 3:34 am
Pakistan is full of smart and driven people, and I firmly believe they are hungry for opportunities. We need to spend on education like we do on defense. We should start at grass roots level to channel their energy and educate Pakistani youth. We need to educate the younger generation with the emphasis that they should not only view their education as a means to find employment opportunities but also use their knowledge to become better human beings and citizens. With better education and the ability to judge right from wrong they will be better equipped to stay away from extremism, any form of extremism. We need to setup training programs for school teachers and professors so they can provide better guidance to students and promote patience. Of course, we need to improve the curriculum, invest in education and infrastructure, and provide incentives so people are motivated to be in education profession. Media plays a huge part in everyone’s life and, with internet, it is extremely easy to reach millions of people with a message. We should use all forms form of media and communication to encourage people to educate themselves so they better prepared and can make better judged decisions. Lastly we need to promote nationalism as much as we can. We should use every avenue at our disposal to ensure that every child feels proud of being a Pakistani and understand that they are every bit responsible for Pakistan’s progress and image. I strongly believe that if we start thinking about Pakistanis as Pakistanis before any religious and/or ethnic designation, we will be a much stronger nation. We need to instill that into our young and the old.
This is a tall order but we have to start somewhere and make the change. In short, Pakistan’s wealth is its people and we need to capitalize on it by developing an educated, rational and patient lot who are passionate about their country, their progress yet humble and practical so they respect other people’s views and beliefs.
3. Irum | October 6, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Pakistani youth is enterprising and enthusiastic.All they need is inspiration and guidance.Education being the backbone of a country has been considerably ignored in the past.The primary and secondary school curriculum must be reformed and aim at teaching skills for life,invoking critical thinking,developing analytical mind for successful decision making,taking responsibility and doing your bit.Demanding your rights means doing your duties as well.Pakistani Youngsters have immense potential and energy;all they need is the channelization and constructive engagement of their talents.21st Century is all about learning to live together sustainably and nations can no more survive in isolation.So the first step is to let go of the false perceptions,open minds and sow the seeds of tolerance.
4. Arsalan Khalid | October 26, 2009 at 1:22 am
Well, it is quite interesting that how people emphasis on education. But is that truly the answer? There were far less people educated about lets 30 years ago yet people were more tolerant back then, than now. I do not believe education is enough. We have to give people hope that there could be a better tomorrow. That is the most important message that needs to be disseminated. I believe people in Pakistan have lost hope in their leadership, future, and existence.
5. Mrs. Masood | November 13, 2009 at 11:04 am
The people who perform such brutal acts, like killing innocent people ,mostly women & children, are not humenbeings , rather they are wild animals, even worse than that, because wild animals hunt for their food –not more than that; or they torture one who scares them in any way, but these brutals – these so called humen beings, are so callous that they have no pity for anyone, they have killed their concious, they are blindly following the pursuations of their religious leaders– who , sorry to say , are in no way religious– rather they are butchers & are brainwashing innocent or weak youngsters at the name of religion. No religion in the world recommends brutalism. Religion teaches mannerism, it helps in character building, it helps in purifying the soul, it makes one compassionate, kind hearted & caring.
In Pakistan the army is busy in eradicating such groups. our prayers are for the success of army. I appeal the government to open such schools in those areas in which children are taught love, affection & modration. I also request all the teachers to focus on character building of their students.