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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan at crossroads
Since its birth in 1947, Pakistan has journeyed through triumphs, turbulence, and tenacity. Forged in the crucible of Partition, it inherited fractured infrastructure, a fragile economy, and a volatile neighbourhood. Yet within decades, Pakistan defied odds—building institutions, nurturing civil society, and asserting strategic relevance. Today, the question is no longer what went wrong. It is: how do we finally get it right? Pakistan's early years were defined by institutional consolidation and diplomatic agility. The establishment of a robust military, a functioning bureaucracy, and a legal framework laid the foundation for statecraft. The Green Revolution in agriculture, the Indus Basin irrigation system, and major dams like Tarbela and Mangla transformed food security and energy access. In science and technology, Pakistan made bold strides. The nuclear program -culminating in the 1998 tests - was a testament to strategic resolve. SUPARCO, though underfunded, laid early groundwork for satellite development. In medicine and philanthropy, figures like Abdul Sattar Edhi and Dr. Adeeb Rizvi built institutions that rival global benchmarks. Pakistan also produced two Nobel laureates whose achievements continue to inspire. Dr. Abdus Salam, a theoretical physicist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work in electroweak theory. Malala Yousafzai - the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate - became a beacon for youth empowerment and gender equity. Karachi, once the beating heart of Pakistan's commercial enterprise; Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was not only a symbol of national pride - it was a global leader; helping launch Emirates, Air Malta, and other carriers. Culturally, Pakistan's literary, musical, and artistic heritage flourished. From Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's qawwali, Pakistan projected soft power that transcended borders. In sports, Pakistan once dominated the global stage - world champions in hockey, squash, and cricket. The 1992 World Cup win united a divided nation, while legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan inspired generations. Yet these achievements coexist with chronic underperformance. Political instability -punctuated by military coups, judicial overreach, and dynastic politics - has eroded democratic continuity. Civil-military imbalance remains a structural fault line, often stalling reform and undermining civilian authority. Economic mismanagement has been another Achilles' heel. Despite abundant natural resources - coal, copper, gas, and fertile land - Pakistan has struggled with fiscal discipline, tax reform, and industrial diversification. Reliance on foreign aid and IMF bailouts has created a cycle of dependency, stifling innovation and self-reliance. Education and health sectors remain underfunded and unevenly distributed. Literacy rates hover below regional averages; public health infrastructure is overstretched; brain drains continues to sap talent, while youth unemployment fuels disillusionment. Security challenges - ranging from terrorism to sectarian violence - have diverted resources and attention from development. The war on terror cost: thousands of lives lost, billions spent, and a tarnished global image. Why Pakistan has not realized its potential The answer lies in a convergence of internal contradictions and external pressures. Internally, Pakistan has struggled to build consensus on national priorities. Ethnic divisions, provincial disparities, and ideological polarization have fragmented policymaking. The absence of long-term planning - replaced by reactive governance - has led to policy reversals and institutional fatigue. Externally, Pakistan's geopolitical location - while strategic - has often been a double-edged sword. Entanglements in Cold War alliances, the Afghan conflict, and regional rivalries have shaped foreign policy more than domestic imperatives. Strategic depth often came at the expense of economic breadth. Moreover, Pakistan's elite capture - where a narrow segment controls wealth, influence, and policy - has perpetuated inequality and stifled meritocracy. Land reforms were never fully implemented. Industrial cartels and monopolies have resisted competition. The disconnect between governance and grassroots needs remains stark. The tragedy of East Pakistan's secession in 1971 was a watershed moment - born of political neglect, economic disparity, and cultural alienation. Yet, half a century later, the lessons remain unlearned. In Balochistan, similar patterns of marginalization persist. Pakistan must treat every province not as a periphery, but as a partner. The path forward: Six pillars of renewal: Institutional reform and rule of law: Strengthen democratic institutions, ensure judicial independence, and depoliticize civil services. Accountability must be institutional - not episodic. Economic diversification and innovation: Move beyond textiles and agriculture. Invest in IT, renewable energy, and value-added manufacturing. Reform taxation and document the informal economy. Education and human capital: Declare a national education emergency. Reform curricula, train teachers, and expand vocational and digital learning. Scale public-private partnerships in health and education; Regional connectivity and peace diplomacy: Pivot from confrontation to cooperation. Trade with neighbours, cultural exchanges and regional infrastructure can build trust and strategic depth. Climate resilience and sustainability: Prioritize water management, reforestation, and disaster preparedness. Integrate green infrastructure into urban planning. Civic engagement and narrative sovereignty: Reclaim Pakistan's story. Empower youth, promote pluralism, and foster inclusive discourse through media, academia, and civil society. A nation waiting to rise Pakistan's journey has been neither linear nor easy - but its resilience is undeniable. It has weathered wars, disasters, and internal strife. What it now demands is not just reform, but renewal. A new social contract - rooted in equity, accountability, and aspiration - can unlock the promise long deferred. Pakistan's potential is not theoretical - it is tangible. It lives in its classrooms and clinics, its startups and studios, its villages and cities. It pulses through the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, the deserts of Thar, the shores of Gwadar, and the streets of Karachi - once a global aviation hub and cradle of commercial dynamism. It echoes in the hopes of Balochistan's youth - long marginalized, now central to the nation's future. The time for hesitation is over. The time for transformation is now. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shabana Azmi reveals the real-life inspiration behind her role in short film 'Auntyji'
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has a rare glimpse into the roots of one of her most talked-about performances. She revealed that her character in the short film "Auntyji", directed by Adeeb Rizvi, was inspired by a real-life woman. Taking to Instagram, Azmi shared a photo of the woman and credited her as the muse behind the role. Alongside the image, she wrote, "The lady whom I took inspiration from for my role in #Adeeb Rizvi's short film #Auntyji." In the image, Shabana Azmi is seen warmly posing with her hand placed on the woman's shoulder-a gesture that reflects both admiration and affection. Released in 2018, "AuntyJi" was a touching short film that beautifully captured the power of unexpected connections. The 20-minute narrative followed the story of Parveen, a lonely Parsi widow played by Shabana Azmi, and Geetika, an acid attack survivor portrayed by Anmol Rodriguez. Despite coming from entirely different worlds, their chance encounter led to an emotional exchange of dreams, pain, and personal beliefs. What began as a brief meeting soon blossomed into an unlikely but deeply meaningful friendship. The film served as a gentle yet powerful reminder to live life on one's own terms, chase dreams unapologetically, and look beyond appearances to find common ground. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The short film also starred Akanksha Thakur , Mohit Hiranandani, Dhananjay Kapoor, and Gaurav Kamble , among others. Speaking of Shabana Azmi, the National Award-winning actress stepped into the world of cinema in 1974 with her debut film, "Ankur." Over the past five decades, she has carved an extraordinary path in the industry, building a prolific filmography of over 160 titles-largely within the realms of independent and neorealist parallel cinema. Reflecting on her journey in cinema, veteran actress Shabana Azmi described it in one word while speaking to IANS-"Arth". The acclaimed performer considers the film a turning point, marking the start of her deep connection with the women's movement and shaping her perspective both on and off screen. "I think 'Arth,' because I think that's the one that started my involvement with the women's movement," said Shabana Azmi. Shabana Azmi unfurls Indian flag in Australia's Melbourne ahead of Independence Day: '...An honour I never believed I could have'
