Daily Times

Structural – functional analysis and in-depth study of institutions suggests Pakistan to opt for strategic management that set of managerial decisions and actions that determines the long-run performance of institutions. It entails all of the basic management functions; that is, the organization’s strategies must be planned, organized, put into effect, and controlled. An analysis is required of institutional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) with focus on environment; resources; Mission, objectives and strategies; and plan to evaluate results etc. Leadership styles and situational factors are essential to consider – rule of the situation determines appropriate approaches and course of action. Role of impression management is important as we know from recent events and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s impressive speech at the UN General Assembly. He did a good job in presenting Pakistan’s point of view on Pakistan-US relations, Kashmir, growing Hindu bigotry in India under the Modi-Led government, India’s negative response to Pakistan’s repeated initiatives for the resumption of dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes and to promote peace and stability in South Asia and also to discuss other important regional and global issues. What has been achieved is commendable. However, we need to look beyond that.

For Pakistan’s voice to be heard everywhere, it must emerge as a country enjoying political, economic and social stability, a high level of economic, technological and scientific advancement, and a credible security deterrent, over and above national unity which is the real indicator of strength. Political party in power has to understand the need for measures to create that understanding of unity. The opposition politicians also need to demonstrate spirit of cooperation and reconciliation for a way forward.

New reports of torture are emerging from Kashmir every day. Kashmiris are tortured in your name, India. Your silence is stunning, unforgettable. Activists please realise that your role is not of the one who finds faults. Activist is one who solves problems and helps clear the mess. Responsible citizens have a role to guide people to distinguish between right and wrong. Media has the responsibility to black out false news that creates confusion and divides the people. We all have the responsibility to correct wrongs and to promote positivity. We should raise meaningful questions only. Opposition should not be for the sake of opposition. It is a noble objective in national interest. We need to play down with hidden agendas and hate politics. Let us eradicate all sorts of evil, for establishing a healthy society.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has called for settling the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan through “Peaceful means”. In his address to the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, he regretted that despite the UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, it has been invaded and occupied by Indian military forces. “Ignoring the UN would lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the rule of law”, said Mahathir Mohammad. He also said Jewish settlements in Palestine were unacceptable. Mahathir Lamented world helplessness over atrocities on Rohingya. 14 US lawmakers urged Modi to end Indian occupied Kashmir blackout and address concerns over the human rights situation there.

Meanwhile Pakistan congratulated the people and the government of Afghanistan on successful holding of the 4th Presidential election. On a short notice, Pakistan opened border crossing on Kabul’s request.

Hitler’s rise exposes fragility of democracy (Hindustan Times). At every turn, the systems gave Hitler the benefit of the doubt or looked the other way. The international community’s indifference and insensitivity to the issue of Human Rights persists. Karan Thapar’s timely review of BBC’s three – part serial “Rise of the Nazis”. He does not explicitly refer to RSS / BJP but one needs to read between the lines.

Democracy is fragile. In order to be open and inclusive, it leaves itself vulnerable to being taken over by anti-democratic forces. This is why democracy should never be taken for granted

“BBC’s intention is to show how easily the rise of the Nazis happened and, perhaps, prevent it from occurring again. It was not inevitable and it could have been checked. There were several warning signs. They just were not heeded. This is therefore, a story worth retelling. Democracy is fragile. In order to be open and inclusive, it leaves itself vulnerable to being taken over by anti-democratic forces. This is why democracy should never be taken for granted. It needs vigorous defence. “At the end of the third episode when the screen turns to black and the credits role, there was only one thought in my mind. If it could happen so easily to Germany…”.

They were anti-semitic, anti-left, anti-democratic. They invented the concept of “protective police custody” to arrest opponents of the Nazis. Hundreds of thousands were locked up without access to courts and the first concentration camp to “re-educate prisoners” set up in Dachau. Himmler brought every state in Germany under SS Control, making it one of the most powerful institutions of the NAZI State. He also knew how to read Hitler’s personality, and played on Hitler’s dislike of judicial and bureaucratic constraints.

“The German System had many opportunities to reverse what was happening. But the establishment failed to respond. Hans Litten, a lawyer, petitioned the courts against the “thuggish storm troopers” but hey would not support him. At every turn, the system gave Hitler the benefit of the doubt or looked the other way”.

Existential question is how to reverse the current scenario, arrest the SS agents’ unlawful activity, brutality and all they could do to Trump and Trample Human Rights. Sadly, those who had suffered under Hitler’s regime are now with the racists’ NAZIISM and extreme form of dictatorship. They don’t speak of the sufferings of Kashmiris under Modi’s government.

The question against comes up, are there any institutions in the world, capable and willing to protect hapless and helpless Kashmiris, struggling to get their right to self-determination acknowledged. The United Nations Security Council has reaffirmed all those commitments made 72 years ago. But who will take action to lead Kashmiris to freedom from the state terrorists, the Hitler’s of today hand-in-hand with NAZIS of yesterday. Hatemongers must be taught a lesson. International community has to rethink of alternatives. Struggle for right to self-determination is not terrorism. Danger of war must be averted. Our region and the world need political stability, peace and prosperity. Opinion leaders could contribute to support Kashmir cause for sake of peace and stability.

The writer is former Director National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Government of Pakistan, a political analyst, a public policy expert, and a published author. His book Post 9/11 Pakistan was published in the United States. His book Existential Question for Pakistan was recently launched and highly recommended as a must read for everyone