The Muslim Times Editor for Pakistan
Credit: Pak Tea House
March 18th, 2012 | 9 Comments
By Amaar Ahmad
Jinnah: The Founder of Pakistan
Imran Khan: Pakistani Cricketer and Politician
Imran Khan’s stock has arisen in the past few months with his surging tsunami. But before this tsunami translates into any electoral success, it is imperative to try to put sense into Khan’s political philosophy. His philanthropy – establishing a cancer hospital and a university – is a great contribution on its own. However, his charitable effort may eventually be of no avail to Pakistan if Khan’s appeasement of fanatics remains unchecked.
Khan sahib could recall that in 1921, Muslims of India were in the grip of frenzy under the Khilafat Movement to restore the Turkish Caliph. Under the leadership of Gandhi and Ali brothers, thousands of Muslims abandoned their properties and vocations for Afghanistan because of the senseless mixing of politics and religion. The few Muslim leaders who opposed this madness included Jinnah who derided this as a “false religious frenzy”.
Today, another false religious frenzy is being sponsored across Pakistan. At Defa-i-Pakistan rallies, led by politico-religious groups and including Imran Khan’s PTI party, thousands are demanding jingoism, boycott and reactionary steps in the name of what is mistakenly called honour. The nature of the proclamations at the rallies is similar; retreat into isolationism and perpetuate hostility against India.
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A SERIOUS POINT OF VIEW
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(Once) again Pakistan is facing a dilemma; this time amidst the hot waters of its polluted politics.
Right after the partition of Indian sub-continent, the “PAKISTANI PUBLIC OPINION” was thrown a prey to the Mullahs who were struggling to make their place in the newly founded State of Pakistan, whose creation they had rigorously opposed.
Unfortunately, AS they were unable to win any place in Pakistan with any Social Welfare Agenda (BECAUSE THEY HAD – NONE), THEY resorted to exert (ENCASH) their SOCIAL NUISANCE VALUE; which to the weaknesses and interests of some Hyper-Ambitious Politicians became a “hot favourite”.
Imran Khan inherits both a progeny of Waziristani Tribes and of Mianwali Pathans; a family which is well know known for its education, modesty, integrity, liberal outlook and social services.
His uncle Dr. Jahangir Khan was always respected in all walks of Lahori Culture from Aitcheson College to Faqir Khana (Tuxali), Gwalmandi and Bhati Gate. A renowned example of his family’s “integrity” became “Talk of the World” and I am happy it is cited on the www:-
“When Majid Khan (son of Dr. Jahangir Khan) was close to National Selection {selection for the National Cricket Team}; Dr. Jahangir Khan resigned from his post to maintain impartiality of the Cricket Board during selection of the national team”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majid_Khan_(cricketer)
Dr. Jahangir Khan (a refined cricketer), once killed a flying sparrow with his ball and it still sits (mummified) at the Oval Museum of Cricket.
A descendant of a noble progeny {Imran Khan} is now stepping forward (at least trying) to take the reins of his country which is already in shackles; politically, socially, morally and economically. The days are already gone by when Pakistan was said to be in “TROUBLE” – it has already travelled long ways beyond that.
There are THREE Peculiar Aspects – rocking the country:-
1. Confounded Concept of Religions and Beliefs
Overwhelming Majority of the people (including the educated class) has “No Knowledge” whatsoever as what other religions preach and practice. So much so there exists a great VOID between their Knowledge of Islamic Teachings and the Islamic Practices.
Mullah (for no reason but as a “Gross Public Irresponsibility”) has been accepted as the “master of the ceremonies” – [MC] from Matrimony to Funeral and everything else in between.
The “PUBLIC EXPRESSION IN VOGUE” is that Mullah said the Jews are bad – so Jews are (most blindly) believed to be bad; FORGETTING that they INVOKE DAROOD FOR PROGENY OF ABRAHAM, a.s. IN EVERY PRAYER (salat) EVERY DAY.
DO THEY EVER BOTHER FOR A MOMENT TO PONDER; WHO ELSE IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGENY OF ABRAHAM, a.s. AND WHAT INTERACTION TRUE ISLAM HAS WITH THEM????
Similar are the Public Conceptions about Hindus, Sikhs, Budhas, Christians and everybody else.
More than that WITHIN THE FOLD OF ISLAM; the people (most often) believe WEIRDLY about different sections – those kind of things; which those sections may not have ever thought of to believe in their wildest.
The ONLY (friendly) ANSWER, if one may ever happen to receive is : OH, THIS IS WHAT MAULVI SAHIB (Mullah) TOLD IN HIS SERMON.
This is the Grass-Root-Level of the Problem.
2. Collapse of Educational System
Pakistan inherited some of the Best Educational Institutions in the World.
(believe me please, it is not an exaggerated statement).
Please recall the History and Stature of The Oriental College, Mayo School of Arts (NCA – today), The Punjab University, Government College (GC University – today), Aitcheson College, Government Public Schools – just to name !!!
And think of the “Curriculum Setters” like; Syed Waqar Azim, Soofi Tabassum, Maulana Ghulam Rasool Mehr, Dr. Syed Abdullah, Syed Abid Ali Abid – again just to name a few.
And think of Dr. Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi (VC Karachi University and the younger brother of Dr. Zakir Hussain, The President of India), Hamid Ahmed Khan (VC Punjab University and son of Maulana Salahudin Ahmed), Dr. AbduSalam Khurshid (pioneer of Journalism Studies and son of Maulana Abdul Majid Salik).
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PLEASE DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME FOR MENTIONING THEIR SIBLINGS – WHAT ONLY RELATES HERE IS THAT THESE PEOPLE WERE “AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND BECAME “CARRIERS OF THEIR INHERITED TREASURES” OF KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE OF KNOWLEDGE – AND THEY DISSAMINATED KNOWLEDGE AS LONG AS THEY LIVED”.
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DID PAKISTAN EVER CARED TO CONTINUE ON THEIR “LEGACIES” ????
3. Corrupted Understanding of Nationalism
“My Nation Pakistan” has SHRUNK to “My Constituency”.
Of course, it did not happen overnight, serious efforts were needed and WERE exerted. What it boils down to (until now) is Division of Punjab WHILE more is yet to come.
CAN SOMEONE PICK UP THE BROKEN PIECES OF THE GLASS AND JOIN THEM MOST CRAFTLY TO BECOME A MIRROR, AGAIN ?????
IT IS NOT A MATTER OF BEING SKEPTIC OR PASSIMISTIC; IT IS ONLY TO POINT OUT THE “LEVEL OF DETERIORATION” – OR – THE “INTESTITY OF THE EXISTING PROBLEMS”.
The Diagnostics Bring Better Chances to Cure.
Pakistan still stands Every Chance to Cure (and with GLORY) if the needful is done about these issues (aspects)like these.