AGILITY is the ability to change the direction of the body in an efficient and effective manner and to achieve balance, speed, strength and coordination. In the present age of rapid technological changes and rapid innovations, there is no other way but to re-invent and re-innovate continuously, individually and collectively.

There has been a meagre, scanty and pitiable performance in every walk of life in the 70 years of Pakistan’s history. The nation had to face problems of political uncertainty, constitution-making, deviations from democracy, corruption and interruption by military coups in the initial years.

In the wake of intensifying political instability, the civilian bureaucracy and the military assumed governing power in 1958. Adopting a presidential system in 1962, the country experienced exceptional growth until a second war with India in 1965, which led to economic downturn.

East Pakistan separated in 1971 as Bangladesh. Democratic rule resumed from 1972 to 1977 -- an era of self-consciousness, constitution-making, nationalism, and nationwide reconstruction. However, experiments of Islamisation, democracy and enlightened moderation continued from 1977 to 1999 by the military rulers.

The country still continues to face challenges like terrorism, corruption, nepotism, illiteracy, healthcare and employment. All these problems can be resolved by following the path of agility and speed because nothing else is sustainable.

Engr. Mansoor Ahmed

Faisalabad

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2017