Daily Times

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, our beloved homeland, is a gift from Providence. The way it continues to stand tall despite having been ruled by a self-serving political and bureaucratic elite reminds one of classic game of Jenga. For more than 70 years now building blocks have been removed from it. The entire edifice could collapse more quickly than many of us would like to think. One does not wish to make a false doomsday forecast but there is no point to burying one’s head in sand like an ostrich and ignoring the instability. That approach resulted in the loss of half the country in 1971. The history will repeat itself unless the senior generation takes it upon itself to educate the young.

Not much has changed in terms of quality of leadership available in the country since 1971. The crisis of leadership has resulted in countless, seemingly insurmountable, challenges, which include rampant corruption, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, uncontrolled population growth, extremism and decay of national institutions. Our policies have been hostage to moneylenders. This is on account of foreign loans that continue to pile up. The elite of the country have been stealing from it and stacking the stolen assets abroad. There is no hope of recovering the wealth.

The absence of research and development and poor standards of scientific and industrial learning have resulted in a limited capacity for exports

The greed has resulted in decay of moral and cultural values. Religion has been fragmented into cults and brands. The institutions of mother and teacher have been damaged. Misuse of new technological tools and a cultural invasion have left the youth disillusioned. The education system is busy dishing out degrees without imparting any skills. The absence of research and development and a poor scientific and industrial base make exports hard to come by. Elections are still won on promises of provision of basic human needs like food, shelter, clothing, housing, safe drinking water, health care, electricity, road infrastructure, schools and dispensaries. Masses remain deprived and dependent on assistance. There are several external threats. Are our problems of our own making?

However, the Jenga tower stands. Who should one thank for the fragile balance? Where does the nation’s centre of gravity lie?

In 1990, answering the question in a competitive examination, I held that the armed forces remained the centre of gravity. I also argued that forces hostile to Pakistan will consistently try to target and undermine these forces. My assessment has proved right.

Recently, Adam Garrie, the Australian director of Eurasia Future said in an interview to a TV channel, “Pakistan’s arrogant elite should stop questioning the army’s motives and ethics. If it were not for the heroic stand of the army against terrorist groups during the early decades of the 21st century, there would have been a real possibility of the country being destroyed by the terrorists. The army is a great dam holding back the floodwaters of terror, foreign aggression and 5th generation hybrid war. If Pakistani elites believe that the grave dangers facing Pakistan can be fought with slogans and speeches about abstract political theories, they are delusional and dangerous.” My message to the Pakistani elite is not to target the national centre of gravity. Nothing else will keep the Jenga tower intact.

The writer is a retired army officer with experience in military and intelligence diplomacy