(After reading the first part, a highly respected elder encouraged me to write the second part, focusing on the actions needed to erase the 'Writing on the Wall.' I must admit, I am no expert; my insights are drawn from what I observe, hear, read, experience, reflect upon, and infer. This is my humble attempt).

To offset the dire consequences of the "Writing on the Wall", Pakistan's leadership and Society must adopt a multifaceted approach rooted in structural reforms, accountability, and inclusivity. Here are some suggested steps :

1. Economy

• Revisit Fiscal Policies. Implement austerity measures targeting non-development expenditures and introduce progressive taxation to reduce income inequality.

• Promote Exports. Diversify the export base by providing incentives to sectors like IT, Agriculture, and small-scale Industries.

• Control Inflation. Strengthen price regulation mechanisms and reduce reliance on imports for essential commodities.

• Encourage Investment: Simplify procedures for foreign investment and improve ease of doing business.

• Industrial Policy. Focus on value-added industries to boost productivity and job creation.

2. Judiciary

• Reform Judicial Appointments. Establish an independent commission to ensure merit-based appointments in the judiciary.

• Adopt Judicial Transparency.  Digitize court proceedings and rulings to enhance public access and reduce corruption.

• Ensure Speedy Justice. Introduce fast-track courts for cases involving constitutional violations and human rights.

3. Politics/Elections

• Dialogue for National Unity. Convene an All-Parties Conference to agree on a Charter of Democracy focusing on collective national interests over partisan gains.

• Electoral Transparency. Introduce Electronic Voting and stricter monitoring of election financing to restore public confidence.

• End Political Vendettas. Implement strict penalties for misuse of State Institutions for political retribution.

4. Institutions

• Depoliticize Bureaucracy. Enforce merit-based appointments and promotions within the civil service.

• Strengthen the Parliament. Establish and Empower legislative committees to oversee executive decisions and policies.

• Decentralize Governance. Transfer more power and resources to local governments to address regional disparities.

5. Civil Society and Freedoms

• Protect Whistleblowers and Journalists. Enact laws safeguarding those who expose corruption and malpractice.

• Foster Public Debate. Encourage public forums and independent media to discuss national challenges without fear of repression.

• Promote Civic Education. Introduce programs emphasizing constitutional rights, responsibilities, and democratic values.

6. Social Inclusion and Poverty Alleviation

• Universal Social Safety Net. Expand programs like Health Card and BISP to cover the most vulnerable segments, ensuring food security and healthcare.

• Skill Development. Reinvigorate vocational training programmes (establish more) linked to industry needs, particularly for youth and women.

• Facilitate Public. Introduce instalment based affordable housing and public transport projects .

7. Corruption and Accountability

• NAB. Reform the National Accountability Bureau to function independently, with no political influence.

• Introduce Asset Declarations. Mandate public officials to disclose assets annually, with strict penalties for false reporting.

• Transparent Governance. Adopt e-governance platforms to reduce opportunities for corruption and increase transparency.

8. Education and Innovation

• Revamp the Curriculum. Focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic responsibilities.

• Increase R&D Funding. Allocate resources to promote research in Science, Technology, and Agriculture.

• Eradicate Illiteracy. Implement community-based programs to provide basic literacy skills to illiterates.

9. Sectarianism and Social Harmony

• Enforce Hate Speech Laws. Penalize individuals or groups spreading sectarian hatred.

• Interfaith Dialogue. Support initiatives promoting harmony between different religious and ethnic communities.

• Education for Tolerance. Introduce school programs emphasizing the shared cultural and historical heritage of Pakistan's diverse communities.

10. Environmental Sustainability

• Adopt Green Policies. Incentivize renewable energy projects and sustainable agricultural practices.

• Climate Change. Develop flood-resilient infrastructure and afforestation campaigns to counter climate threats.

• Waste Management. Launch initiatives to improve urban waste disposal and recycling.

    These reforms demand collective action. Pakistan’s leaders must abandon shortsighted ambitions and embrace inclusive, evidence-based governance. Civil society, too, must play its role in holding power structures accountable and fostering unity. The people, for their part, must demand reform and reject divisive narratives.

    As the Persian proverb goes, “The caravan must pass, let the dogs bark.” Pakistan’s caravan must persist toward progress, undeterred by resistance, lest ‘The Writing on The Wall’ becomes the epitaph of a nation … that ignored its own salvation.

A N J 

Last evening, we had a delightful outing, topped off with a sumptuous dinner. The evening wasn’t just about good food and laughter; it was also filled with a thought-provoking and engaging discussion. Our conversation delved deep into several crucial topics, yielding some significant insights.

The Rule of Law: The Pillar of State Stability

We unanimously agreed that the 'Rule of Law' is the cornerstone of any stable state. Its violation invariably leads to anarchy, chaos, and ultimately, the failure of the state. When laws are not upheld, society unravels, trust in Institutions erodes, and the fabric holding the community together disintegrates. This is not just a theoretical observation but a historical reality witnessed across civilizations.

Capability vs. Intent: The Real Measure of Threat

Our next topic of discussion was the concept of 'enemy'. Even a seemingly benevolent entity with no apparent aggressive intentions should be assessed more by their 'Capability' than their 'Intent'. Capability is a constant, ready to be activated at a moment’s notice, whereas intent can shift rapidly with changing circumstances. History teaches us that the most dangerous threats often emerge unexpectedly from those whose capabilities were underestimated. Hence, moral preparation and constant vigilance are paramount. One must never lower their guard.

Decision Making: The Core Responsibility of Leaders

For leaders, decision-making is the ultimate task. Decisions must be grounded in solid facts, thorough analysis, and rational assumptions that consider implications, ramifications, sustainability, and the voice of the people. We cited historical examples where decision-makers were warned about the catastrophic consequences of certain actions yet proceeded, leading to their downfall. While mistakes can be corrected, these corrections are dictated by time, space, the severity of the errors, and the sincerity of the purpose to rectify and align with the right side of history.

Fundamentalism, Extremism, and Terrorism: A Spectrum

Our discussion also touched on Fundamentalism, Extremism, and Terrorism. Fundamentalism, when rigidly enforced, can spiral into extremism, which, if coupled with depravity, intolerance, and murderous enforcement, can lead to terrorism. It is crucial to differentiate between these concepts and understand how fundamentalism can be positive if it remains flexible and tolerant.

Leadership Focus: Upholding the Rule of Law

Leaders must prioritize their primary responsibilities, with the rule of law being an existential prerequisite. What I gathered from our discourse is that theoretical knowledge must be implemented and honed through constant practice. Mere theoretical acquaintance without practical application can lead to dangerous assumptions and overestimation of one’s capabilities.

Conclusion: The Balance of Knowledge and Practice

In essence, our discussion reaffirmed that knowledge, when paired with practical application, is powerful and effective. However, theoretical knowledge alone can be misleading and potentially fatal if not thoroughly tested and applied. Leaders and decision-makers must constantly evaluate all aspects upon which success depends, ensuring their actions are informed, rational, and in the best interest of the state and its people.

Our evening concluded on a reflective note, reminding us all of the immense responsibility borne by those in positions of power and the critical importance of continuous learning and vigilance in leadership.

Carl Sagan, the renowned American astronomer, once remarked:

"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It’s simply too painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we’ve been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back."

This profound observation finds a stark reflection in the current socio-political climate of Pakistan. For decades, the people of Pakistan have been entangled in a web of deceit spun by various rulers who have exploited their trust. The recurring cycles of promises and betrayals have left the populace disillusioned, yet unable to break free from the charlatans' grip.

In the midst of this deception, a significant cognitive disorder comes into play. Known as confirmation bias, this psychological phenomenon occurs when people believe something and then take it as the absolute truth, disregarding any contradictory evidence. This disorder is particularly prevalent among many Pakistani leaders, who, convinced of their own narratives, reject any information that challenges their tunnel vision and view thereof.

Influenced by the confirmation bias the authority figures, begin to accept these notions as undeniable truths. This leads to a dangerous cycle where misinformation and manipulation are perpetuated, making it exceedingly difficult to uncover and accept the real truth.

The impact of this disorder is evident in various aspects of Pakistan's socio-political landscape. Take, for instance, the economic policies that have often been touted as solutions to the nation's financial woes. Despite repeated failures, these policies continue to be promoted and accepted, with leaders and citizens alike clinging to the hope that they will eventually yield positive results. The reluctance to acknowledge past mistakes and learn from them perpetuates the cycle of deception and stagnation.

Moreover, the polarization within the society, fueled by biased rhetoric, further entrenches this cognitive bias. Supporters of different factions are often so deeply entrenched in their beliefs that they refuse to consider alternative perspectives. This divisiveness hinders constructive dialogue and the pursuit of genuine solutions to the nation's problems.

Breaking free from this cycle requires a collective effort to embrace critical thinking and open-mindedness. The first step is to acknowledge that we have been bamboozled and that it is not too late to seek the truth. It necessitates a willingness to question those who err, scrutinize their actions, and hold them accountable. Only by doing so can we reclaim our power and pave the way for a more transparent and just society.

In the words of the mystic poet Rumi:

"The Soul has been given its own ears to hear things mind does not understand."

Let us strive to listen with our souls, to seek the truths that lie beyond the veil of deception, and to work towards a future where honesty and integrity prevail. By recognizing and overcoming the cognitive biases that have held us captive, we can begin to unravel the bamboozle and forge a path towards genuine progress and enlightenment for Pakistan.

Akhtar N Janjua

 Why and in what context, someone had said, "Don't trust their words, TRUST THEIR ACTIONS, because actions will prove WHY WORDS WERE MEANINGLESS," but it is more relevant than ever in the context of Pakistan's current political, social, judicial, and economic crises. Words have often been wielded as tools of manipulation, promising hope, justice, and prosperity. Yet, the reality that unfolds through actions paints a starkly different picture, revealing the true intentions behind the blatency.

Pakistan's political landscape since 50s has been marred by instability, with grandiose but false claims about safeguarding democracy, upholding the rule of law, and delivering economic prosperity;  actions always contradicting the robotic rhetoric. Actually the political arena has been a battleground for power, where personal ambitions and partisan interests have overshadowed the collective good of the Nation.

The persistent struggle for power has led to a breakdown in governance, where state institutions are weakened, and public trust in the  system(s) is eroded. The actions of those in power—ranging from political maneuvering to suppress opposition to using state resources for personal gain—have highlighted the stark contrast between the words and deeds. The result is a governance vacuum, where citizens are left to bear the brunt of incompetence and corruption.

The judiciary, often hailed as the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of citizens' rights, has not been immune to the coercive machinations at play. While judicial independence is frequently espoused in public statements, actions within the judiciary tell a different story. The selective application of justice, influenced by pressures and personal biases, has led to a crisis of confidence in the judicial system. Cases that should have been resolved impartially have instead become tools of vendettas. The law, meant to be blind, is wielded perceptively to ‘target the indicated targets’ while shielding the plunderers and usurpers. This erosion of judicial independence has undermined the rule of law deepening the sense of injustice among the populace.

Economically, Pakistan finds itself in dire straits, with inflation soaring, unemployment rising, and poverty levels reaching alarming heights. The promises of economic revival and prosperity have remained unfulfilled. Instead, actions have demonstrated a pattern of deliberate loot, gross mismanagement, policy inconsistency, and a failure to address structural issues within the economy.

The social fabric of the Nation is fraying as a result. With increasing inequality, a lack of access to basic services, and a growing sense of disenfranchisement, social discontent is on the rise. The actions—or inactions—of those in power have exacerbated the socio-economic divide, leaving the most vulnerable segments of society to fend for themselves.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the current crisis is the willful defiance of the Constitution and the law by those entrusted with upholding them. The Constitution, which should serve as the supreme law of the land, has been repeatedly undermined through unconstitutional actions, including the manipulation of electoral processes, and the bypassing of legal procedures.

This blatant disregard for the rule of law has set a dangerous precedent, where the very foundation of the state is being eroded. When the law is no longer respected by those in power, it creates a culture of impunity, where anything goes as long as it serves the interests of the ruling elite.

The unending crises in Pakistan serves as a stark reminder that words are uttered to hide behind but actions reveal the truth instantly. The actions of those in power have irreparably betrayed the trust of the people.  

As Pakistan grapples with its political, social, judicial, and economic challenges, it is imperative to accept the gigantic failure by all concerned, rerouting the path to Constitution and Rule of Law for steering the nation back on course. It will require a collective demand for accountability, justice, and adherence———where actions align with the words of mouth, and the well-being of the people is placed above personal vendettas, gains and desire to perpetuate.

SELFLESSNESS, SELFLESSNESS and SELFLESSNESS …. is the message of Quaid-e-Azam from Barzakh … 

Shall we heed?

Akhtar Janjua

 مر حبا ۔۔۔

اُتر کر حرا سے سوے قوم آیا

اور اک نسخہِ کیمیا ساتھ لایا

اور اس کیمیائ نسخے میں اللہ کریم نے فرمایا :-

وَ مَاۤ اَرْسَلْنٰكَ اِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعٰلَمِیْنَ

رحمت اس جہان ہی نہیں، تمام جہانوں کے لئے ۔۔۔

اور یہ بھی اعلان خداوندِ سب جہاں نے کروایا :-

قُلۡ اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ تُحِبُّوۡنَ اللّٰہَ فَاتَّبِعُوۡنِیۡ یُحۡبِبۡکُمُ اللّٰہُ وَ یَغۡفِرۡ لَکُمۡ ذُنُوۡبَکُمۡ ؕ وَ اللّٰہُ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ

واہ سبحان اللہ، نبی (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) کی اتباع، مکافاتِ گناہ سے چھٹکارا دلاے اور اللہ کریم کا محبوب بناے۔

آج جہانِ فانی بالعموم، دنیاے اسلام بالخصوص اور عالمِ پاکستان بالنصوص جس نحوست و خبائث کا شکار ہیں اسکی وجوہ، “اتباعِ محبوبِ خدا” سے لا پرواہی، روحانیت سے بیگانگی، بے مذہبی سے یگانگی ہیں۔ جو کچھ ہو رہا ہے،اسے روحانیت و مذہب تو درکنار، انسانیت سے کوی سروکار نہیں۔ 

رجوع اور کھوی میراث پانے کے لئے دو جہتی علم بہت ضروری ۔۔۔ دینی اور دنیاوی۔ کائنات بذاتِ خود ایک روحانیحقیقت ہے۔ اور موجودہ سائنسی تحقیقات اس نظریے کی تائید کرتی ہیں۔ آئن سٹائن ویسے ہی تو نہیں پکار اُٹھا تھا،کہ مذہبی اور عصری تعلیم کا “کمپاونڈ” بہت ضروری ہے، “سائنس، روحانیت کے بغیر لولا لنگڑا، اور روحانیتسائنس کے بغیر اندھی”، ایک اورمغربی مفکر ہی نے آواز لگای تھی کہ @دنیا میں ایک نئی روح پھونکنے کے لئے، رسومو رواجِ بد بدلنے کے لئے، اندازِ حیات کو سیدھی ڈگر پر ڈالنے کے لئے، کوہِ طُور یا صحراے عرب سے روحانیت کی ایکطاقتور لہر لانا ضروری ہے@۔ 

اللہ کریم نے انسانی روح میں ایک ایسی طاقت دی ہوی ہے کہ جس کا اظہار صراطِ مستقیم پر چلنے سے ہو سکتا ہے،انسان، انسان بن سکتا ہے اور کائنات کا ذرہ ذرہ اس کے لئے نُور ۔۔۔

جلوس بہت اچھے، درودوں کی محافل اور ہدیہِ نعت سبحان اللہ ۔۔۔ لیکن اتباع ضروری، جس کے لئے اول جاننا اورجاننے کے بعد ماننا لازم ۔۔۔

نہیں تو گھپ اندھیروں میں ٹامک ٹوئیاں، یاوہ گوئیاں اور رسوائیاں یہاں پر بھی اور وہاں پر بھی مقدر۔ 

اللہ کریم ہمیں جاننے، ماننے اور عمل کی توفیق عطا فرماے۔ 

بجاہِ رحمت العالمین صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم۔ 

مولود مبارک ۔۔۔

کھائی قرآں نے خاکِ گزر کی قسم

اُس کفِ پا کی حُرمت پہ لاکھوں سلام

جس سہانی گھڑی چمکا طیبہ کا چاند

اُس دل افروز ساعت پہ لاکھوں سلام

اختر جنجوعہ