ANOTHER March 23 has come round. We should use this opportunity to explain this day’s significance to our youth lest they forgot its importance. Nations that forget or ignore the vision and guidelines of founding fathers end up as failed states.

Seventy years after independence, we continue to be plagued with crises. Political parties indulge in allegations and mudslinging against each other. The National Accountability Bureau is filing references based on alleged corruption on a continuous basis.

The Supreme Court is dealing with matters which are the duties of the government. The executive is reaching the end of its tenure and there is no control and direction over foreign and economic policies. Democracy has been reduced to an unacceptable level.

All eyes are on the Supreme Court for guidance and direction and on the prime minister and the leader of the opposition who will choose a caretaker prime minister. We are definitely not in an enviable position particularly with estranged relations with the US, India and Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have moved away and China is our only friend and supporter.

Political leaders and pundits expect a hung parliament. There seems to be no sense of direction but the people seem more conscious of the power of vote and will hopefully bring to power good and honest persons. On the other hand, political parties need to present constructive manifestos which they will implement if elected.

Let us strive for political and economic independence as our primary object and stop political bickering. Let us indulge in nation-building and promoting Jinnah’s vision and principles.

Private honour and public integrity at all levels is the need of the day. This nation which was created with the power of the pen and the power of the vote can achieve this. All we need is unity in our ranks, faith in God and ourselves, and discipline in all walks of life. Pakistan Zindabad.

Liaquat H. Merchant

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2018