The region that constitutes Pakistan today has for centuries been a melting pot of civilizations and center of interaction of different religions, cultures, languages, political systems and thought processes. Each enriching the other and eventually evolving into what we today relate to as Pakistani culture and identity. The importance of national ethos and national integration cannot be overemphasized in Pakistan which has a varied society and culture and a large population. Being different, yet feeling connected as one nation sharing same flag and national anthem requires a strong national ethos.
Ironically the conviction of being a single nation has never really taken roots in our society. Pakistan faced copious problems of language and ethnicity right from inception and struggled to curb ideological, parochial, linguistic and cultural differences and integrate as one nation. Ethnic nationalism came in direct conflict with religion and language in many parts of Pakistan. The clash of religion and ethnicity created political instability and adversely affected the process of national integration particularly in East Pakistan with disastrous consequences.
National integration is not made by bricks and mortar, mold and hammer, but it quietly grows in people’s hearts and minds through concerted efforts by society. It is a feeling of oneness that raises a nation above all narrow and divisive tendencies and makes for genuine patriotism and progress. It is a socio-psychological and educational process that inculcates this feeling of unity and harmony and develops a sense of common citizenship and loyalty to the nation.
Although we will be celebrating the 78th Independence Day of our existence this year, yet there is a pervading and ominous sense of something missing-something plaguing our identity, unity, progress, spirit of happiness and faith in the future direction of the country. Is it the absence of a recognizable national ethos that we can all own, appreciate and strive to nurture and protect? An ethos that describes who we are as a nation a collective identity that we are all proud of?For that is what the Quaid advocated, a nation united with common aspirations for the future, peace, development, respect for all faiths and all citizens to be equal and free, living in a progressive and democratic society with the rule of law and justice prevailing. So why has it been so difficult to define what our national ethos is?
National ethos is exemplary and promotes excellence and the pursuit of excellence by one and all for the good of the collective. Children should grow up witnessing hard work being rewarded; knowing playing by the rules signifies civilized behaviour; that crime does not pay; that justice rides the long road but she eventually arrives and so many other values. It needs to be identified, defined and nurtured in every individual, particularly the youth. It is important understand what our national ethos is in order to achieve national integration–an essential element of national security. Ethos is not innate but is taught, made widely known, practiced, praised, repeated and continually improved.
National ethos and integration has eluded us for the past 77 years. Today we see Pakistan grappling with, ethnic antagonism, lack of national ethos, lack of inclusivity, lack of true devolution, divisive elections, absence of security and safety, corruption, nonexistent shared prosperity and responsibility.
Indeed, the Motto and the National Anthem of Pakistan enshrine core values which should form our ethos and a foundation for integration: May we dwell in unity, faith and discipline in peace and liberty; justice; service; and, in common bond united to build our nation together. Why is it that we keep changing the order of the words in our Motto, keep assigning our own interpretations of what the flag represents and above all changing the very name of the country oscillating it between the original which was just “Pakistan” and “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan’. We have yet to determine what form of political governance is best for us despite clear guidance of the Quaid and the 1973 constitution which was unanimously approved.
If I may dare say, that it is collective and damning indictment of Pakistan’s leadership, Only a few years into independence Pakistan saw quick change of governments and assassination of the first Prime minister, Martial Law and military interventions became the norm rather than the exception derailing democracy witch was one of the core values stressed by the Quaid.
The separation of East Pakistan and continuous political disagreements and unrest in Baluchistan, KPK, Southern Punjab, Urban Sindh and Gilgit Baltistan are challenging the very basis on which Pakistan was created. It would therefore, not be an exaggeration to say that we lack national ethos and integration because of the failed politics and policies of the persons who have led the country almost since independence. All else should be analyzed through this prism of failed politics, policies, priorities, efforts at national integration and building a nation with a single and defined direction.
Our curse is our politics by politician, powerful pressure groups and other stakeholders who have corrupted and polluted what would have been our national ethos and policy priorities. The Constitution is no more sacrosanct and is used as a crucial tool for political re-engineering.
What needs fixing first in Pakistan is the politics. And it can only be fixed by collective participation of all and not by shutting out other players. The country needs inclusion and not exclusion, political exclusivists practicing divisive politics need to be marginalized if we are ever to develop an identifiable National Ethos leading us to national integration underpinned by Unity, Faith and Discipline, the golden principles and foundation of a strong
Stabilization and continuation of democracy, maintenance of sustainable economic growth, provision of justice and guarantee of equal rights to all depend on strong focus on steering the process of national integration on priority as lack of internal cohesion, peace and stability is the biggest threat to national security. National integration solidifies the foundation of nationhood, which is crucial for national security against internal and external challenges.
In order to survive and develop, government must ensuring social justice, tolerance, rule of law, good governance and democratic pluralism.
- A well-considered plan of action which takes all viewpoints giving a sense of ownership to federating units.
- Power must be delegated from provinces to local bodies for uninterrupted growth of the political process, ensuring integration and participation of the local people directly into the mainstream political process.
- Priority must be given to projects that generate economic mergers, inter-provincial Interdependency, and national integration.
- Inter-provincial internship and student exchange programmes be initiated immediately. Attractive incentives be offered to qualified young professionals so they work in provinces other than their home province.
- Interprovincial sports, debates, drama, literary and art societies be set up and encouraged. State owned organizations and Business community could be encouraged to sponsor inter-provincial students’ activities.
- Implement former FATA merger plan in letter and spirit in order to address issues of judicious development in the region.
- Internal tourism be prioritized that would help the people fully grasp the true essence of the concept of “Unity in Diversity”.
- Syllabus of history and social studies be strengthened. Starting history books from Muhammad Bin Qasim has deprived younger generation of rich and diverse cultural heritage that is a part of the ethos of the people of Pakistan.
- Emulating system in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, government should standardize Juma khutba by Maulvis. Islamic Ideology Council could ensure that sermons in mosques are on issues of religious and social importance with authentic interpretation and not leaning towards extremism and fundamentalism.
- Balochistan, largest and most resource rich province and yet least developed and most backward area of Pakistan, needs healing. Honest effort to resolve their genuine and urgent requirements is a priority. They are falling victim to malicious designs of our enemies because we are failing to respond to their cries for help. A serious political dialogue and effort is urgently required to bring peace and prosperity to Baluchistan, Let us not go down the disastrous path of further alienating them.
- Major political parties need to rise to the occasion and stop playing parochial politics. These parties must stop indulging in petty personal squabbles and animosities and pay attention to major problems facing our nation lest these become existential issues for us.
- Last but not the least, media has a huge responsibility for shaping public opinion and educating people. In era of media explosion it can be a real agent for peace and war. What Pakistan needs today is serious, unbiased and patriotic media promoting national integration and not further fanning the fires of division and hatred.
(The Author is a retired diplomat with over 37 years of distinguished service in the Foreign Service of Pakistan. )
