The Candid Overview of National Challenges

It’s said that those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat the expensive blunders over and over. Those having no integrity and proper education are always a “bad news” for the country and its people indeed.  Unfortunately, Pakistan still is struggling to stay afloat against all odds but it can’t go on forever with the status quo.

On top of that, the pessimistic approach of the leadership has converted the nation into a “scared pigeon,” who upon confronting a hungry cat closes his eyes out of fear and quietly surrenders only to end up as a “perfect meal” to the greedy cat’s stomach. So is the case with the vulnerable nation of Pakistan which remains in surrendering/submissive mode.

Attempting from different angles, the stake holders have been responsible for the mushrooming growth of (negative) scenarios pushing Pakistan towards its gradual demise. Obviously, they are taking advantage of the naive nation that has already been manipulated to get drowned in social vices including the rampant corruption and the ongoing dislike of the rule of law.

If democracy in Pakistan has finally been able to survive against the odds, the fact is choosing the electable means the feudal influence plays a major role; the business tycoons too get elected based on their influence. This indicates the presence of reduced chances for an  intellectual who run the risk of being left out and is never able to become a parliamentarian, whereas, the electable does stand a solid chance to reach his seat in the legislature with the potential of becoming the Head of any Ministry regardless of his/her credentials/education or ethical background. If that’s the case, there is going to be the case of administrative failure already. Furthermore, the resulted “sub-standard governance” triggers the birth of rampant dishonesty at every level.

Consequently, a large scale injustice prevails everywhere making it much easier for the enemy to wage a successful proxy war against Pakistan at will.

Despite the conflicting theories, almost every corner of the country has been infected with terrorists and the anti social rascals. Sadly, there is no proper apparatus in place to handle “the armed to the teeth groups,” therefore, the resultant crises of all types keep mounting.

Question naturally strikes one’s mind as to where the UNO is, and what has hypnotized the ruling elite?

Why the main stream global media is reluctant when it comes to pinpoint the real reasons as well as the mastermind behind the cultivated genocide in the Muslim lands?  This unfair practice is highly unethical; hence, remains a strong item for an open debate on various forums anyway.

The fear however is, if the anti-Pakistan momentum is allowed to be maintained at the current pace, and the naive Pakistanis fail to end their divide based on their difference of opinion, then it’s a “win win” thing for those who happen to be other than patriotic Pakistanis.

But, the painful reality suits the most only to those who have anti-national selfish ends built in the foul play.

Certainly, no economic recovery or normalcy can ever occur unless the obstacles are removed forthwith.

Although, the third timer prime minister of Pakistan Mr. Nawaz Sharif claimed during his 19th August 20, 2013 maiden address to the nation that he had been thoughtful every single minute to find ways to deal with challenges, yet he would need to understand more about how his governance business could revive the lost writ without any further delay.

Certainly, calling a spade a spade and distinguishing between the black and white is a step closer to the correct direction without which, one cannot reach the intended goal.

Mr. Sharif agrees that Pakistan has been shaken due to the administrative inefficiency and the overflowing corruption. He accepts that this negative reality has brought the national institutions like PIA, Pakistan Steel, Railway and WAPDA to the verge of virtual collapse.

Admittedly, a massive electricity and gas theft ranging from 150 to 250 billion rupees annually has made the government to launch an aggressive campaign against line losses.

Having diagnosed the problem fully well, Mr. Sharif should be able to remedy much of it, but he has to leave the pessimism behind. During the address, his facial expression and body language showed his disappointing hopelessness.

Surprisingly, the prime minister courageously showed his rage over the drone strikes and termed them as an infringement of country’s sovereignty, yet he didn’t have solution.

He admitted the issue of terrorism was due to the type of foreign policy but he showed his commitment to peace and friendly relations with the neighbours. Again, he failed to show any mechanism to tackle the issue.

As usual, he reiterated that Balochistan would no longer be ignored. His invitation to all political parties to resolve the crisis of terrorism collectively through dialogue or use of force is not a bad idea, yet again; it depends on how skillfully his regime disconnects any links between the militants and their pay masters from foreign or from within.

Mr. Sharif also claimed his regime has been working on overcoming the electricity crisis through the arranged retirement of circular debt worth 480 billion rupees. He claims electricity generation has been increased by 1700 MW.

Disappointingly, the prime minister had little to suggest about the “law & order” situation in Karachi, yet he touched upon his pet projects of motorways and railways.

In his maiden speech, the PM presented himself as sober and thoughtful but not very optimistic. However, he tried to show his sincerity and a new sense of commitment.

His speech will be used on different channels again and again in future to remind him of his commitments. So, he better be careful, as he will remain under microscope when it comes to his delivery as pledged.

Besides his dreaming of making Pakistan an Asian tiger, the chief executive with heavy mandate has been seriously talking about eliminating terrorism to end the vicious cycle of bloodbath, improving economy, addressing power crisis and pursuing good relations with all countries of the region including India for the sake of regional peace and prosperity. He spoke about the Kashmir issue, a good strategy towards Afghanistan and his intended bold review of foreign policy.

When will his dreams come true?  Only, time will tell.

What Does Eid ul Fitr Teach Us?

The end of Ramadan is followed by the month of Shawaal which gives the gift of Eid ul Fitr to the Muslims. Having attained the wealth of Taqwa and spiritual correctness during the daily dawn to dusk “Fasting Work Out” of Ramadan, many practising Muslims fortunately manage to be successful in becoming self disciplined. The positive change makes them feel at peace; immediately next thing for them happens to be the most exciting festivity of Eid-ul-Fitr.  In other words, upon successful completion of the month of Ramadan, the Eid day, in fact is a ‘Thanksgiving Day’ for having gone through a tough exercise towards “self-purification.” Allah o Akber.
The noble Qur’an has clearly expressed the act of Fasting as a blessing and not a calamity: “Allah desires ease for you, not your discomfort. He desires you to fast the entire month, and that you may magnify Him for giving you His guidance, and that you may give thanks.” (Al-Baqarah 2:185).
Among other essential elements is paying Zakat (wealth tax) and Fitra to minimize the harsh impact of any prevailing misfortune, hunger or widespread poverty. Therefore, when it comes to this religious obligation, the Muslims are duty bound to help out the needy people before the Eid Prayer.

Charity: The Muslims are required to pay Zakat based on their wealth and financial ability. It consists of spending 2.5% of one’s wealth for the benefit of the needy people. The good thing is paying Zakat is considered to be the personal responsibility of all Muslims to eliminate inequality and ease economic hardship of others for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa taalaa.

Charity in the form of fitra (fitrana) is obligatory at the end of the Fasting month before the Eid prayer. This again means the real happiness of “EID” lies in sharing our happiness with “the have nots.” 
Furthermore, while meditating and prostrating in congregation to God Almighty, the Muslim Ummah actually displays its real spirit of brotherhood and equality. So, on this happy occasion, we should always remember those who are afflicted with poverty, ignorance, disease, or are otherwise less fortunate.
The other beauty is Muslims on this very day are encouraged to erase their grudges or differences if any with others that might have occurred during the year.
Eid day schedule: After offering the regular Salat ul Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer), the Muslims head out shortly after the sun-rise to perform the obligatory prayer  in congregation (slaat ul Eid) in open areas, community centres, or at masajid in some cases.
However, the important thing is Eid prayer is followed by special Khutba (Sermon) and supplication asking for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The Imam delivers khutba explaining to the Muslims about performing rituals of Eid, such as the compulsory Zakat or Sadaqat ul Fitr. It’s extremely important to listen to the obligatory Eid Khutba as well.
The Muslims are encouraged to stay away from worldly desires; they are advised to focus entirely on pleasing and thanking Allah for His merciful blessings. Indeed, it is a rejuvenation of the Deen of Islam, which creates stronger bonds between the Muslim person and his/her Lord.
Right after the Khutba is over, Muslims hug each other wishing Eid Mubarak, and then they visit their relatives and friends.
Also, The Eid gifts, known as Eidie, are frequently given on this precious occasion to children and immediate relatives. Children receive gifts in cash or kind; sweets and tasty dishes are served throughout the day.

Altogether, the caring Muslims donate money generously; they contribute to their local food banks for the less fortunate.
Beyond doubt, Eid is an opportunity for Muslims of different ethnic or cultural background to share together for prayers and celebrations.

Usually, the Canadian Muslims take time off from work to join prayers held in big-city mosques or Islamic centres, convention centres or sport grounds. 
In the larger cities of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, congregational prayers may be offered at multiple times to accommodate the large number of worshipers.
In many Canadian communities, Muslim organizations and mosques also hold large Eid parties that are open to the entire Muslim community. Smaller Muslim communities, particularly in the rural areas, hold other communal gatherings in masajid or rented community halls.
Some groups reserve other activity centres for the full day of fun and celebration, while others may hold public Eid parties in mosques as a means of OUTREACH to the non-Muslim society.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually make long distance phone calls to greet dear ones.
The festival is aimed at promoting peace, strengthening the feeling of brotherhood and enabling the Muslims to move on with their lives normally as a refined Umma in the eyes of our Creator. Hence, the Eid and its celebration in Islam carry a distinctive meaning and spirit as they are totally different from the celebrations in non Muslim communities.

It’s commonly seen that holiday for non Muslims is a chance to indulge in worldly pleasures, or involve oneself sinfully or immorally and unlawfully. But for Muslims, there is zero tolerance in the eyes of Allah subhanahu wa talaa for committing forbidden acts.
 
In nutshell, the `EID’ is an occasion to increasingly go for good deeds only. The 'EID' doesn’t give an automatic ticket to take a vacation from Islamic responsibilities, and no wasting of time and money is permitted either, simply because our obedience and submission to the will of Allah cannot be compromised under any circumstance.

Furthermore, the ‘EID’ is a chance to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and pleasure to the hearts of other Muslims, by devoting for the sake of Allah SWT.
Most importantly, it’s the spirit of thanksgiving that make the Muslim Umma stronger all over the globe for the accomplishment of an act of dedication and submission to the total will of Allah, the Almighty.