In Pursuit Of Peace

By

Lt Col (Retired) Tariq Mahmood Butt TI(M)

Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violence, conflict behaviors and the freedom from fear of violence. Universally tacit as the absence of hostility, a state of peace suggests the existence of healthy, interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all.

The victory speech of Mian Nawaz Sharif and follow up actions envisage a clear message of forgiveness, reconciliation and joining hands to bail out the land of pure from the looming, magnanimously critical and tumultuous crisis situation in priority of terrorism, energy crisis, heavy debt burden coupled with foreign influences, inflation, corruption and last but not the least Nation building. The incumbent Prime Minister has earnestly desired, is willing out rightly prepared to negotiate with TTP.  The fragility of Indo- Pak relations have always remained a basic concern for all foreign investors vis-à-vis the security of their investment. Mr Nawaz Sharif included in his win speech a declaration of making open the findings of Kargil War to appease Pakistan’s arch rival India, the message was well received and reciprocated by none less than the Indian foreign secretary foreseeing a cordial relation between the two nuclear states, however, it did sent ripples across many nationalist hearts of what Mian Sahib intends in reality.  It is opined that the projected demonstration of the PML(N) manifesto should include the following features:-

Ø  A collage of scholars and technocrats to lead negotiations with TTP. Followed by a pragmatic approach including legislation in the light of Quran and Sunnah to put an end to the menace of terrorism accepted across the board by all concerned.

Ø  Balochistan issue to be addressed on priority.

Ø  Clearly defined foreign policy objectives, with special reference to having cordial relations with neighbours based on principles of mutual co-existence and equality.

Ø  Legislation based on and within the boundaries and fundamentals of Islam-conveying an outright message to the entire world on the figurine position of Islamic republic of Pakistan.

Ø  Defining liberalism to impede undue and misled obscenity on the pretext of enlightened moderation.

Ø  Code of conduct with a clearly defined media policy. Responses sought from a dedicated government spokesperson.

Ø  Dedicated video coverage of the parliament sessions for public awareness.

Ø  Dedicated government website and postal address for feedback.

Imran’s slogan ‘Vote for Change’ was well received by majority of masses and owing to poor performance of PPPP government PTI was able to clench a majority of PPPP vote bank. The perception as I conceived was if elected the projected government of Imran would be that of ‘The Revolutionary Islamic Democratic Republic of Pakistan’ with a total outright offensive against the US in particular and the rest of the world in general. One thing is for sure, load shedding would have ceased to exist --- because there would have been NO LOAD at all. The prevailing situation of Pakistan is that of a Critical mass ready to be detonated.

Presently, it is unimaginable to survive in the comity of Nations without acceptable arrangements of mutual coexistence, of course without compromising the sovereignty of the country envisaging the fundamental religious and constitutional obligation of surrendering the National will to the Supreme Sovereignty of Allah.

As an immediate response after the electoral process Khan Sahib reiterated to his supporters that the change has taken place and that PTI will sit in opposition (a clear dichotomy in words and action). Like sitting in the opposition means for the next five years PTI will sit in the Parliament with the sole objective of bringing down the government, to create another crisis for the already downtrodden and worsening situation. Needless to be reminded that this is not a cricket match, it is but a sombre affair for running an entire country. It is not a gamble where you win with a smile on your face holding the cup or cut a sorry figure if you lose, blaming the players, management and the organisers.

There is no more time for sit INS and curb the government and later writing memoirs of Victory defeat and denial. It is the time now to put forth solutions to the problems--- like what were the salients of your manifesto

·         Clearly defined foreign policy objectives --- offer your services as the foreign minister

·         End of terrorism --- negotiate with Talibans – render your services a front runner to lead the team of negotiators.

·         No More Drone Strikes(there is a unanimous consensus of the entire nation to put a hold on this menace) – give a stipulated response to ending drone strikes in the Parliament --- put it to debate

·         Provision of timely justice --- The CJ is doing a pretty good job add to his knowledge and advise him.

During your campaign you always spoke of ending everything in 90 days – like I always wondered how would have you surpassed the senate without a single seat in the upper house.

You sir, are yourself forming part of status quo thus violating the very slogan ‘vote for change’--- A strong opposition, sitting in the parliament banging desks, mudslinging leader of the house, gaining media attention. So business as usual (status quo maintained), just beating about the bush.

The brilliant performance put up by Mr Shabaz Sharif as CM has led the masses to give their verdict. The people have spoken. It is time now to put an end to falsehood, it is time now to embrace the truth, it is time now to bequeath happiness to a grieving nation, it is time now for all stake holders to rise to the occasion and put in every bit of whatever professional potential they have to steer our beloved country out of the horrific hallucination of uncertainty and disbelief.