PAKISTAN-IN SEARCH OF NARRATIVE

Narratives for a nation, country, community or a group not only serve as foundation but also as vision, defining the future aspirations. Thus, from academic viewpoint, it acts as a mix of Vision and Mission statements celebrated by modern day corporate sector. More so, ideally the narrative pertaining to an entity must be permanent, in light of the original incepting concepts.  However, practically it remains dynamic due to contemporary changes in the surroundings and of course, within. Likewise, Pakistan also supposedly follows certain narrative. Therefore it is important to dissect Pakistan’s history, in order to analyze exercised narratives and draw a realistic conclusion for a way forward.

Perhaps Pakistan came into being with simplest of narrative i.e. Islam. By virtue of being homeland for Muslims of subcontinent, Islam and Muslims inherently remained the focal points. Thus manifestation of the same was conceptually simple as in accordance with teachings of Islam. However passing years witnessed difficulties in implementing the concept at grass root level in accordance with Islam and core characteristics such as equality, justice, simplicity, protection of rights, balance in the society, tolerance, etc only remained bookish. Sadly Islam, in true spirit could not find its due course in the country; thereby developing situations which impaired, blurred and to an extent failed the original narrative.

Early demise of Quaid left the foundation structure open ended, which paved way to debate between Islamic and Progressive Muslim State. Rather, it originated a clash between professionally/ politically motivated religious leaders and self acclaimed intelligentsia. Its manifestation, in masses, translated as Secular vs Islam. Since Islam had always been a powerful instrument to influence masses, therefore Seculars could not effectively propagate and remained ineffective politically, despite showing noticeable presence at all societal domains.

Subsequently Islam, as a token and an instrument of control remained the overriding Narrative for Pakistan for many years. Military interventions, in between feeble political governments, also furthered the acquired narrative to prolong control. Meanwhile, anti India and Israel Narrative, coupled with pan Islamism also surfaced, declaring Pakistan as ISLAM’S FORT. This furthered the cause, taking it beyond borders, while overwhelmingly dictating foreign relations on the basis of religion. The concept was indeed noble; however the drawn resultant ended up damaging the cohesive fabric in the longer run. This also brought about a unique connection between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which remains the influential force behind the different mindset, adjusting the narrative for different goals, ultimately affecting future events of the country.

Afghan Jihad triggered a new dimension and furthered Saudi influenced mindset. Under patronage of Zia ul Haq, Jihad became the then narrative for Pakistan. For almost a decade, Pakistan remained in limelight as the torch bearer of Islam. Subsequent events, recorded in the history, clearly define and elaborate the grave damages to the foundations of Pakistan. By the time Afghan Jihad was concluding, Zia’s genius had already focused on East for the liberation of Kashmir through second phase of Jihad. Thus Mujhahideens were provided surety of employment at a different battlefield. Resultantly, jihad continued across Pakistan while providing further strength to the then narrative.

Zia’s exit from the scene brought respite to the secular faction, along with weakening of Jihadist. However by this time Pakistan, in totality, had been deeply embroiled in the Jihadi mindset. The freedom fighters, pseudo saviours of Islam, were abundantly available throughout Pakistan, under patronage of respective religious leaders. Thus it was never simple and easy to stop the phenomenon due massive momentum. However 9/11 forcefully dictated Pakistan to change stance by 180 degrees from Jihad to Anti- Jihad. It was major blow to the well established and active groups, who shunned this sudden change, while pledging to counter the change at all costs. Resultantly the country witnessed worst surge of terror for over a decade. This switch was a bold and obvious alteration to the persisting Narrative.

Following years witnessed development of understanding among the masses for the misuse of sacred word Jihad. People across the country redefined an anti Jihad narrative for a terror free progressive Pakistan. It partially supported the arguments of Secular mindset, who shun overwhelming influence of religion in the affairs of state. Meanwhile separatist groups/ factions also availed the opportunities coming out of weakening structure and struck. They challenged the federation of Pakistan, while directly attacking the cohesion. Thus it furthered the complications within, in addition to a well orchestrated external design.         

While the country was passing through imponderable challenges and troubles, plague of corruption continued to grow manifolds. Today perhaps, corruption is not only inter-linked with terrorism but also stands as a stark threat to the existence of Pakistan. Further analysis of the cause of corruption leads to more painful causes. It seems Pakistanis have lost faith in the country and already consider it FAILED STATE, moving towards disintegration. Thus there is evident lack of OWNERSHIP and HOPE with sharp decline in patriotism. Migrating away seems to be the only narrative serving Pakistan without any dispute. Thus people of Pakistan have apparently lost FAITH in the country, which was earned through imponderable hard work and sacrifices. What could be more damaging than having an insecure, indifferent and gloomy nation?   

  

However, despite all odds, challenges and enemies, Pakistan has shown resolve to rise again. The National Action Plan, coupled with Operation Zarb-e-Azb, under the dynamic leadership has opened new vistas of hope for the nation. Today Pakistan is not fighting to liberate Afghanistan. Neither Pakistan is fighting for Kashmir, Palestine, Kosovo, etc. Today Pakistan is fighting hard for Pakistan alone. Pakistan is fighting for own survival and to secure populace from menace of terrorism, corruption and extremism. Sadly, despite evident brutality of our enemies, still a large faction within Pakistan tend to side with blatant enemies. This indeed is thought provoking.  But simultaneously it exposes the grown difference of opinion and mindset with respect to the vision for the country and thus calls for unified actions in the same direction. At this critical juncture, Pakistan cannot afford to make mistakes. Thus redefining of a consensus based narrative is the prime requirement to inculcate unity within and faith in the federation of Pakistan.

An overview of the various narratives during last many years of Pakistan brings forth following;

Ø    Strict Islamic State Narrative ( A particular brand of Islam ).

Ø    Pan Islamic Narrative.

Ø    Secular State Narrative.

Ø    Jihadi Narrative.

Ø    Progressive Islamic State Narrative.

Ø    Counter Terrorism Narrative.

Ø    Peaceful Neighbourhood Narrative.

Ø    Nationalistic Narrative.

Pakistan has come a long way over the years. This latest hope inculcated by the current leadership, whether military or political, has rejuvenated the impoverished, suppressed and depressed masses. At this critical point in time, the disintegrated factions of the society direly need yet another consensus based, practical and catalytic narrative to shape course towards the redefined destiny of Pakistan. However, the narrative has to be orchestrated with utmost caution and integrity while keeping Pakistan and only Pakistan on priority. But is the answer that simple? Perhaps it certainly is.  

After trying and failing various concepts, indeed it is high time to bring forth NATIONALISM as the sole narrative for Pakistan-The narrative which manifests the colour scheme of our flag, allowing both Muslims and non-Muslims to live with equal honour and security, in peace under one Flag. The nationalistic narrative must shun superimposition of specific religious, regional or political factions to dominate affairs of the state for vested interests. It should lay foundation for re-inculcating faith, ownership and pride in Pakistanis, which is essential for the long awaited transformation. For our success as a country, Pakistan has to be first and foremost in every decision. Pakistan needs to redefine friends and enemies through the lens of Pakistan first. Country, irrespective of religious inclination, complementing the cause of a successful Pakistan is a friend, while others need to be dealt accordingly.

However its manifestation may not be that simple. The nationalistic approach has to be the unified slogan at all forums across the country. The most focused audience has to be the youth which should be positively fed with National cohesion at an early age. Thus schools and educational institutions must follow a syllabus which tunes immature minds towards unification rather than regional or linguistic differences. Moreover, society has to be accordingly groomed through designed programmes to develop zero tolerance for ideas, speeches, writings or acts impairing national cohesion. Thus regional, linguistic and religious differences are to be quashed strongly at all societal tiers. While differences of opinions have to be respected, no one should be allowed to challenge Nationalistic feelings or supremacy. An example in this regard is quashing formation of provinces on the basis of language, culture, etc as it would cause further divide rather than strengthening federation.  If deemed important, different formulae such as population, area, etc may be taken as criteria for further provinces. 

For effective manifestation of Nationalistic Narrative and shaping mindsets, media has to be mobilized. Today, media is undoubtedly the most catalytic tool to shape opinions across the society. Therefore strong media control is to be exercised and media cannot be left without strong regulation. This may appear harsh or undemocratic but an impartial overview of contents of local and international media, along with past affects may support the idea. Conclusively all elements of national power have to be collectively mobilised, complementing the cause of superimposing Nationalism across the country.      

   

We must not forget that this country is indeed resilient and strong. Perhaps Allah has yet again provided a chance to redefine our own destiny. Pakistan was incepted on the name of Islam, with majority Muslims. Unfortunately our actions as a nation largely stand in contradiction to Islam, which negate the original concept. There is a possibility that Allah has disapproved of our acts and we need to re-evaluate our direction. Thus Nationalism does not mean turning secular and forgetting Allah and his instructions. Being majority Muslims, blessed with teachings of Allah and his messenger (PBUH), we are under obligation to be exemplary practising Muslims. A Muslim is an ideal personality, in all the conditions. Thus if we become good Muslims, surely we will become good Pakistanis. We must understand that a true Muslim, give rights to others, is disciplined, avoids sins, gives respect to others, is helpful, tolerant, balanced, law abiding and above all patriotic. Thus a good Muslim is indeed a good Pakistani. So we need to become good Pakistanis by becoming good Muslims. Meanwhile, we need to give due respect and space to non-Muslim Pakistanis and prove to them, through tolerance, that they have equal right over Pakistan. 

We need to realize that we have gone through enough and cannot risk more. It is high time to rejuvenate national pride and become simply PAKISTANIS. Indeed Allah has yet again given us a chance and ray of hope which we need to translate into our favour. Unity, Faith and Discipline undoubtedly remain the vehicles for reaching utopia, which is not that far away, if travelled honestly, religiously and selflessly. Pakistan Zindabad.