THERE are several factors which are responsible for the lack of desired progress as anticipated at the time of Pakistan’s formation. These factors involved our own shortcomings and follies. Besides, they were the result of the circumstances surrounding us.
Let us first examine the circumstances which drastically retarded our progress in spite of the capabilities we had.

Every newborn country requires honest, sincere and bold leaders to guide the nation through the numerous problems that need to be tackled. It was unfortunate that Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah died in 1948, just one year after partition.

One year later, his right-hand man, Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, leaving us in a demoralised state. As a result, the Pakistani nation was neither properly groomed nor prepared to run the country.

Some of the other reasons also need to be mentioned here because of which our progress was hindered.

Some of the countries, which were liberated at the same time, made comparatively much more progress. In the first instance, Pakistan got relatively more underdeveloped areas (of British India) in comparison to India. Moreover, there was a distance of about 1,000 miles through Indian territory between the East wing of the country and the West.

This situation created a lot of hurdles not only during wars, but also during times of peace. India facilitated the dismantling of Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh.

Three wars were imposed on Pakistan with heavy losses. The issue of Indian-occupied Kashmir still hangs in the balance and threats continue! Zeeshan Khan in his letter, ‘Media and Social Change’ (Sept 24), has rightly emphasised the importance of media. He has expressed at one place: “The media has historically proved to be a multiplier for social changes if we study global examples”.

The press and electronic media are important for public grooming and guidance as well as the progress of the country through inno vative and modern ideas. When there is a dearth of good and honest leaders and the press is also not as active as it should be, the result is evident.

At present, the media must emphasise the role of education and science and technology and the unjust cuts in the budget of 2010–2011. The history of developed countries like the USA, UK and France show that they have developed as a result of heavy investments made on education and science and technology, and they still keep on investing in these fields.

Keeping our history in view, we are supposed to get wiser. But, unfortunately, it is not so. Instead of political parties and politicians being united, they seem to be divided further to the advantage of our enemies. Presently, our political condition has become absolutely unpredictable.

The responsibility lies on politicians and the press to improve the situation for the better.

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