THE poor performance of the politicians notwithstanding, we have a functioning parliament, an independent judiciary and a free media, yet somehow we have failed to project Pakistan as an effective and responsible democracy, where civilians call the shots. On the contrary, we continue to be labelled as an establishment-run country with low credibility in the eyes of the world.

One had hoped that for the first time after a government completed a full five-year term, some healthy traditions like the rest of the world,would become part of our practice. But it seems that it is not to be. As a result we continue to have an image of a fragile government incapable of taking independent decisions.

If only we follow our eastern values of paying unconditional respect to seniors and elders and stretch it to official levels, we can contribute a lot to the uplift and prestige of this nation.

Zia-ur-Rehman

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2015

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