To overcome the current political mess, perhaps, the only option available is to call a conference of political parties, institutions, media, and other state elements, where they must pledge to move forward on the basis of the constitution of Pakistan.
A good option would be to build a strong federation, with the federating units granted due rights and resources, and equal representation in lower and upper houses, as prescribed by the 18th amendment of the constitution. The federating units should be given their share in the NFC award. Balochistan recently passed a bill in the Balochistan Assembly that demands maximum share should be given to Balochistan.
The separation of power should be complete. Judiciary should be independent and parliament supreme. All laws should be made in the parliament. Every other institution should function within the limits of the constitution of Pakistan.
Foreign policy should be independent and made in the parliament. Decisions should be taken with will of the parliament, keeping in view national and vital interests of people of Pakistan. No other war should be fought in the region. Pakistan should not accept dictation from other powerful states. Friendly relations should be maintained with regional and global powers. Pakistan should not serve the interest of other powers. Trade and diplomatic channels should be kept open for India and every other state.
Women should be given equal rights. They should have easy access to education, employment, and other aspects of life. They should be encouraged to represent the country in the international arena, like Benazir Bhutto, Maleeha Lodhi, and Hina Rabbani Khar.
Women should be given equal rights. They should have easy access to education, employment, and other aspects of life. They should be encouraged to represent the country in the international arena, like Benazir Bhutto, Maleeha Lodhi, and Hina Rabbani Khar. Women from all strata of the society should be provided equal opportunities in politics. Prevailing gender imbalance should be reduced.
Pakistan is a youth-dominated country with a population of 65 percent under 30 years of age. Pakistan should follow the examples set by China, that claims to have the world’s largest skilled labour market. A new dynamic youth policy should be put in place. Young people should be encouraged to participate in political activities, and resist dynastic politics of the country.
It’s a good sign that the National Security Policy of Pakistan has adopted a human-centric approach. Likewise, other development policies of the country should be for the betterment of people, like end of poverty, unemployment and food security. The focus should be on people – to eliminate child labour, discrimination against women, and persecution of transgender people.
It was a welcome step initiated by the previous government of the PTI to create awareness about climate change. Pakistanis should be encouraged to lead a green life, and reduce the chances of flood, abnormal rains and glacial melting.
To achieve these goals, a dialogue with experts should be initiated to suggest possible solutions.
The writer is a student of International Relations. He can be reached on Twitter @Hamzalatifsays
