THE INDIAN MEDIA DEFAMATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST PAKISTAN

Media, over a period of time, has emerged as an important tool of the statecraft in the modern era. It helps the states to further their interests, objectives and goals.²⁴ Indian media includes television, radio, cinema, newspapers, magazines, and internet-based web sites. Over the last three decades, India has made significant strides in the development and utilization of media. Since early 80s, India has been effectively using electronic media as an instrument of its state policy for the achievement of strategic objectives. Moving from a cultural invasion to the carefully orchestrated maligning campaign against Pakistan, Indian media has become a force to reckon with.

Indian Aims and Objectives.   A significant of Indian diplomatic, military and media efforts are directed towards isolating Pakistan in international community, forcing Pakistan to accept Indian dominance in the region and pressurizing Pakistan to forgo it territorial claims with India.

India  uses  its  media  very intelligently for slandering and defaming Pakistan. The aim is to create negative perceptions in the minds of foreign analysts and intellectuals about the country. This is done by blaming the Pakistan for every evil that takes place in India and assertively projecting it through the Indian media. The propaganda campaign includes coining appealing themes against Pakistan and running them effectively using renowned analysts. They hold seminars and write books on selective themes such as “Pakistan is supporting cross border terrorism in India.” India also offers huge amounts as honorarium to foreign authors for writing anti-Pakistan articles, reports and books. The Indian electronic media, in collaboration with the RAW, runs live television programmes arranging group discussions and talk shows projecting Pakistan in bad light.

The  recurring  psychological assaults of India against Pakistan are aimed at achieving following objectives through a number of methods:-

• The issue of nuclear proliferation is always in media headlines in India. Indian media propagates role of Pakistani scientists in nuclear proliferation. It attempts to make influential nations confirm Pakistan as the “cradle of world terrorism”.
•  Even at times, any attempts of peace process by the government are criticized in media suggesting that the government either does not believe in facts on the ground or is being driven by a different agenda.
• Weakening Pakistan‟s will to resist Indian hegemony through cultural invasion.
• Isolating Pakistan from the international community by portraying   it  as  an intolerant  Islamic  extremist  state;  supporting  terrorism  and  interfering  in internal affairs of other states.
• Weakening Pakistan‟s political base by projecting conflict between ethnic and religious groups and the state‟s inability to enforce law and order.
• Portray Pakistan’s nuclear programme as a grave threat to regional peace in particular and world in general.
• Pakistan‟s economy is on the verge of decline; therefore, it is a dangerous place to invest.

Pakistan’s media is falling short of countering Indian media‟s on onslaught due to its inherent weaknesses. The inadequacies of our media assist Indian defamation campaign directly or indirectly. These are:-

• Trust Deficit. Media’s patronage by different political parties and divergent religious groups; because of financial constraints or prevailing insecurity, has bred state of mistrust. This notion has deviated media from objectiveness and dispassionate reporting. The true potentials of media could never be exploited for achievement of national objectives/ wholesome response to enemy propaganda. Furthermore,at individual level too, the journalists have the tendency to align with the political figures; there by serving thier personal interests.
• Absence of Multi – Partner Approach. Pakistan media lacks multi-partner approach. Segments of electronic and print media are working in isolation without any synergy. A free-lance and an individual approach are rather in practice at national level.
• Pessimistic Attitude. Media has been unable to draw distinction between national interests and norms of journalism. Instead of showing a ray of hope; despair and despondency are the main themes being highlighted. With  such  an  attitude  it  is  difficult  for  our  media  to  counter  Indian propaganda.
• Reactive Nature. Our media remains reactive to India propaganda. It lacks well – coordinated and planned themes to shield against Indian propaganda in a proactive manner.
• Media Training. There are only few journalists who are well qualified in their field. There is neither any institution in the country to train the journalists, nor any criterion to join media.
• Insufficient Global Reach. Our media does not possess sufficient global reach,  which reduces its credibility.
• Vacuum of First Hand Information. Delay in providing timely information to media on sensitive issues/ happenings. On such issues, once the media is not taken into confidence it leads to speculations on part of media, resulting into unnecessary embarrassment.

Countering Indian Media

Our response to the threat emanating from Indian media can be formulated considering following factors:-

• Putting Own House in Order. After identifying our vulnerabilities as a nation being exploited by Indian media defaming us; we must address these issues at domestic front to deny their exploitation by hostile media.
• Improvement in Media Policy of the Government
•  Short Term Measures
•  Promote professionalism in media by recognizing their work, giving them awards and sponsoring professional journalism.
•  Promote use of internet, parallel to electronic media; by launching more web sites projecting Pakistan‟s point of view on various national issues.
•  Instead of neglecting international media, joint ventures should be initiated to project positive image of the country. At the same time, international media should also be hired to deliver our campaign when need arises.
•  Make the media affordable and increase its reach by curtailing undue taxes.
•  Rules of Print and Electronic Media Regulatory Authority should be made more flexible to accommodate variety in broadcasting / airing channels; while remaining under prescribed code of conduct.
• Long Term Measures
• Encouraging private sector to venture in this area to promote healthy competition and ensure unbiased reporting.
•  Print and Electronic Media Regulatory Authority‟s reforms / measures need to be implemented in an articulate manner so that credibility of media is not undermined.
•  Discourage yellow journalism.
• Attract International Media. International media must be provided requisite safety and facilities to attract it and sell own stance concerning national issues.
• Media as an Instrument of Strategy. To gain full benefit from media, good media strategies must be reflective of our national policies. Principally, a media strategy involves following steps:-
• Aim of a media campaign has to be accurately visualized including short and long-term objectives.
• The media content has to be professionally packaged.
• To portray Hindu-fanaticism as a threat to religious harmony in the region. To highlight the Indian demographic disadvantage / their vulnerabilities (soft under belly like the states of Assam, Misuram etcetera), diverse cultural and linguistic imbalances; as the reason for viability of the Indian state in the long run.
• To project Indian military build-up and her endeavours in the arms race as a threat to regional and world peace and also as an instrument of human right violations against minorities.
• To expose the reality behind the rhetoric of secularism.
• To unearth Indian atrocities in Indian Held Kashmir.
• To uncover the human rights violation in India.
• Efforts by Indian to surface the unprovoked firing along Line of Control by Indian Army as threat to peace process.
• Own entertainment programmes must project own culture and values. It has to be done before our youth is completely indoctrinated by Indian culture through its media.
• Public Awareness. It envisages filling the knowledge and entertainment void of our audience/viewers. Government should devise a methodology to use radio, TV and print media to educate the masses that they are likely target of enemy propaganda. Also update them about the form, source and content of propaganda.
• Relations between Media and Military. Military requires media on its side to influence the outcome of any conflict, while media requires the support of military to access information and for its sustenance during the war. This delicate balance can only be achieved by putting an elaborate media strategy in place.

Multi-Polarity, its Impact on Conflict Resolution and Recommendations for Pakistan

International political systems are normally characterized by the number of system poles (polar powers) present at any given Historically the world has witnessed multi-polar, bi-polar and uni-polar orders. At the turn of 21st century, we find many emerging powers who are trying to dominate the world economically if not militarily. However, presently a uni-polar system exists in the world which is likely to remain in place for some time in the near future. US Armed Forces are likely to continue to have supremacy as there seems to be no real competitor. However, there are other competitor like Russia, Brazil China, EU and India who have ambitions to dominate the world and exploit its economic opportunities to its favor, to become global players in any future multi-polar International system.

Although there are many emerging powers in the world but in the context of South Asia, India’s emergence as a global power will have great impact on the region. By virtue of India’s involvement in various regional/global alliances and its strategic partnership with Russia and United States other global powers also have interests in South Asia which have profound impact on the region. Due to its strategic location and regional security environment Pakistan is facing a number of challenges. In the emerging multi-polar world, Pakistan’s role in the regional and global arena would be to strengthen the country against foreign aggression and internal terrorist activities and forces working against its stability and existence. Under the circumstances Pakistan has to have an extremely cautious approach to formulate its foreign policy having its alliance with the existing uni-polar power and also with the, would be, multi-polar groups.

Today, the world is increasingly going multi-polar with the emergence of new actors to include major players and alliances. The increasing power of information and communication technologies, the policies to increase economic openness and the geographic reach will be the key drivers of a multi-polar World. The states system is inherently competitive. States interact with each other in the contemporary system in numerous fields such as trade, international security, tourism, cultural exchange, control of nuclear weapons etc. When governments of nation states collaborate with each other, some areas of disagreement will arise. As far as states seek to preserve and increase their power and stature relative to each other, rather than to cooperate and coexist, they get involved into conflict. The existence of conflict in the global system has obliged states to develop techniques for the resolution of their disputes. Global forecasts indicate that turmoil and instability will mostly occur in the developing world, with conflict likely to be ‘intra’ as opposed to inter-state in character. The South Asian security environment is likely to mirror this condition, powerfully affected by demographic flux and external influences from an increasingly globalized world, Pakistan will therefore be influenced by a number of military and non-military threats in the multi-polar age.

The emergence  of  China  and  India will transform the global landscape. It is close to certain that India and Japan will be partnered with the United States against China, forcing China to seek greater Russian cooperation in the multi-polar world. In South  Asia,  India  will  be  an  aspiring  regional power.  India  will  remain internally divided and will not manage to become a global economic power. Hostility between India and Pakistan will continue over Kashmir, Afghanistan and water disputes.

Pakistan will remain vulnerable to foreign influences and pressures, economic fluctuations and restrictions, and trade embargoes. Increasing focus on the CAR’s energy reserves may create regional conflict, and motivate India to further encircle Pakistan in its quest for resources. As a frontline state in the war on terror Pakistan is also vulnerable to aggressive diplomacy and well-orchestrated international information campaigns and will continue to be challenged by international perceptions that it is a hub of terrorism, and contributor to nuclear proliferation.

Population increases and urban migration will create conditions for urban crises – particularly in Karachi (which is forecast to become a megacity). Additionally, youth bulges, a lack of education, and high unemployment rate will put additional pressure on currently failing social systems in Pakistan. Pakistan’s internal security will also therefore be conditioned by the success or otherwise of ongoing military operations in Afghanistan, particularly in its frontier. The threat of religious militancy being exploited by anti-Pakistan elements will continue in the multi-polar world.

Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives should be “To seek peaceful and cordial relations with all countries especially neighboring ones based on equality and justice while protecting own national interests at all cost”. With focus on following :-

• Self-Reliance. Pakistan must attain self reliance in all economic and defense Bulk of small weaponry and other related defense equipment should be produced locally.
• National Cohesion. Political leaders of Pakistan must work for the nation and not for the party Keeping the slogan of Pakistan first all the time.
• Long Term Foreign Policy with Flexibility. For formulating foreign and internal policy leaders of all political parties must be taken into
• Offensive and   Persuasive   Diplomacy.               Pakistan should hire recognized lobbies in countries which matter including India at all political
• Stance Against Terrorism. Pakistan should continue its present policy of condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestation to nullify the Indian efforts to link it with ‘Islamic Fundamentalism’. Pakistan should aggressively portray to the world its support to coalition in war against
• Kashmir. Pakistan should take following steps:-
  • Kashmir issue  to  be  solved  at  priority  according  to  the  UN resolutions
  • Select clear objective for Kashmir issue after national consensus.
  • Time bound action plan for Kashmir policy.

World history is full of tales of rising and falling Power centers or poles emerge on the world and diminish with the time. The only permanent attribute of the world order is change. Twentieth century has seen the transformation from multi-polar world prior to WWI, bipolar world after WWII and finally the uni-polar world after the demise of Soviet Union. The 21st century is believed to have multi-polar world order where US will no doubt have the dominant role but along with China, India and Russia are likely to appear as major economic poles. The signs and symptoms of changing scenario are appearing in international political and economic forums. Pakistan is located at strategic location and termed as ‘Pivotal State’. So far, our foreign policy has remained aligned to west primarily. It is the need of the hour to adjust our course according to changing winds. The  engagement with rising powers is required in diplomatic, economic and defence forums in order to meet challenges and exploit opportunities provided by emerging scenario.

Revisiting The Links Between Education Equality And Inclusive Citizenship In Pakistan

Citizenship is a uniting concept that lets individuals within a political unit to enjoy a common public identity, some shared values and affiliation status. Adopting such a universal perspective on citizenship, however, runs the risk of conveniently ignoring the particularistic aspect of it i.e. citizenship resides in the legal, social and political standing of individuals and unless addressing power relations and the needs of diverse social groups, it remains ineffective in empowering individuals and encouraging active citizenship. Citizenship and consequently citizenship education, therefore, are not all about an ‘integration agenda’ but about overcoming structural barriers to equality and justice. The challenge, however, remains “to find or restore a common sense of citizenship secure enough to find a place for plurality of nations, cultures, ethnic identities, religions”, races, ages, genders, classes and the disabled.

Issues of cultural diversity and, power relations must be resolved in dynamic, complex, multiethnic and multicultural communities to plan, progressive social change. Employing a simple definition to begin with, citizenship in a democracy:-

• Gives membership status to individuals, within a political unit.
• Confers an identity on individuals.
• Constitutes a set of values, usually interpreted as a commitment to the common good of a particular political unit.
• Involves practicing a degree of participation, in the process of political life.
• Implies gaining and using knowledge, and understanding of laws,documents, structures and processes of governance.

Whenever the country’s governments had contemplated the idea of a ‘unified’ education system in the past, they had more than often pitched it against fear of parochial prejudices. In other words, ‘unified’ did not connote equality for individuals belonging to diverse social groups but instead, represented forced homogenization, guising diverse ethnic, regional, linguistic, religious etc identities into a single monolithic entity under state, sanctioned nationalism, often guided by powerful elements like religion (Islam) or the national language (Urdu). The proposed unified system differs in character as it challenges under- lying structures of inequality in education provision based on socioeconomic class and other social relations like religion, ethnicity, culture etc. In other words, differences in origin under the proposed system flourish because of it, not in spite of it.

Education as a basic capability is a gateway to various social, political and economic prospects and that who, is, taught what, how and for, what purpose automatically becomes a critical determinant in shaping the rights and tasks accruing to any individual citizen.

Sustaining and intensifying both redistributive injustice i.e. inequalities in socioeconomic class, resources and opportunities, and recognition-al injustice i.e. inequalities embedded in origins, identities and cultural capital, the current three tier education structure in Pakistan pushes individuals towards a “false, distorted, reduced mode of being and a bottomless pit of self-alienation.  Who is taught what, how and for what purpose are all qualitative questions framing judgments about what is reproduced and transformed in society.

But what are the crucial linkages between education equality and inclusive citizenship? What kind of society must an ideal education system foster to make citizenship more relational? What kind of educational, social and political arrangements best facilitate individual development and collective citizenry? The answer lies in emphasizing the intrinsic worth of all human beings by fostering human capabilities and substantive freedoms in providing each individual equal and ample opportunities for individuation, socialization and qualification.

Individuation is mirroring one’s self- if an education system expands the set of real freedoms individuals possess and their capacity to exercise agency, it reinforces their self-belief and confidence in achieving current and future choices and aspirations that they intrinsically value and wish to pursue. Socialization embodies a wider sense of personal and social responsibility so that a good education system not only socializes individuals in existing morals and social values but also provides a transformative space for critical/ reflective practices, where knowledge sharing, deliberation and democratic dialogue enable critical reflection on one’s own positions, prejudices and ignorance with respect to the other.

RISE OF NATIONAL MEDIA AND NEED FOR NATIONAL MEDIA POLICY

The need to communicate needs no rationalization.  People need to communicate because the self becomes meaningless if not communicated to others. The means of communications have evolved over the period of time to complex levels. When this complexity stabilized with discernible patterns, media came to life. Media today is an all persuasive phenomenon. It has advanced so much and its applications are so many that almost all categories of human life needs some or other aspects of media in their daily life. Media is now known as the fourth pillar of  state.  Outwardly it appears that many countries, organisations, people and commercial enterprises not only know how to use media to present their viewpoint effectively but can also exploit it to further their aims.

Mass media and information resources are now considered part and parcel of a nation’s power. A nation must have the means to convey its message and policies over media for achievement of its aims and objectives. It impacts on nation’s political structure, cultural cohesion, social and psychological conditions. Media acts like a tonic. It enhances the effects of nearly all elements of power and facilitates application of national power as a whole.

Media in Pakistan has seen a vast expansion in the recent past. Our failure to identify its true potential has hindered its correct utilization. Lack of an effective and well defined media management policy has further complicated this issue. There is dire need to understand of the dynamics and potential of our national  media, in order to suitably exploit its potential in political, cultural, social and psychological dimensions. This would also help us in reshaping our media management policy in line with the existing and perceived challenges.

Some of the important points :-

Apparently we do not have any effective media policy. The present legislation is sufficiently covering the requirements of our country but the implementation is the weakest link in this chain.

There is no agency at national level to assess the propaganda threat and workout an effective threat.

Media does not reflect manifestation of our national objectives and policies. The projection of ruling party’s personalities and achievements remain the focus on the PTV.  Other channels also seem to be moving in wilderness.

Unstable political system and corrupt institutions have always impeded the progress and development of the media.

News coverage by own electronic and print media lacks credibility at domestic and international levels. People still listen to CNN, BBC and other foreign sources to get the other side of the story.

For a weaker power, media’s role assumes criticality.  It may only be possible through a media strategy to achieve a favorable outcome.

Our media suffers from indifferent professionalism. Many newspapers lack good journalistic standards and electronic media need objectivity.

The media message and content is heavily biased towards urban dwellers. So nearly 60% of Pakistan’s people have to struggle to understand the media content.

Archaic controls over newsprint and advertising still On the other hand, good libel laws and court procedures are lacking for protection of the public from excesses of media.

Institutional framework does not exist for providing government information to the public.

Professional and free media of democratic states are likely to prevail in the international arena due to innovativeness, initiative and imagination that springs from an open society.

Media can deliver strategic results with relatively low costs.

The international media demands and can get access to examine the actions of even the most powerful players. The restrictive relationship between military and media during wars is becoming more open.

Global media resources shape the image of every nation. International opinion leaders influence and get influenced by the media, especially the print journalism. Their pressure can even alter strategies of countries and other international bodies.

The Third World countries are deficient in media access and must have media strategies so that they can propagate their messages in support of their

Public opinion must be supportive as whole nations go to war not just the armed forces. Public opinion can be built by the media.

There is a need for reporters to be educated about the military and the military about the media.

Media coverage is a force multiplier.  People get their perception of the military as a dedicated and professional organization from media reports so closer trust and confidence must be created.

There is no denying of the fact that Media is the an pillar of state . Its reach, scope and ever-present nature makes it an important factor for any nation  and it plays an important role in conveying information, forming opinions, and starting trends. It even affects social  behavior.  The  vast  potential  of  Pakistani media when suitably backed with efficient management would surly become a true force multiplier for our nation building.

PAKISTAN IN FUTURE MULTIPOLAR WORLD

In the beginning of 20th century, the world was full of empires competing with each other for colonization of the globe. These empires entangled into two world wars resulting in weakening of overall world order and decolonization of the globe. The end of WW II marked the beginning of a Bipolar World with USSR and USA leading the world politics on the ideology of Communism and Capitalism. However, with the demise of USSR, began an era of new world order, Unipolar World with USA being the sole super power. The last two decades witnessed the expression of Unipolarity in terms of unilateralism with invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan and endemic Global War on Terror (GWOT). A new global order is rapidly emerging where United States will no doubt remain a very important player. Yet alongside the U.S, will be several others like EU, Turkey, Japan, South Korea and BRICS, China being preeminent amongst them, are also demanding to be reckoned with in the field of economy, military might and role in the international politics.

BRICS that refers to the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which are seen as major developing economies in the world. By 2050 these four economies would be wealthier than most of the current major economic powers.

For now, the US dollar remains the most important international currency. World Bank believes in a new international currency in 2025, a multicurrency arrangement centered on the dollar, euro, and renminbi. This scenario is buttressed by the likelihood that the US, the euro zone, and China will constitute the three major growth poles. It is believed that the world economy is on the verge of a transformative change-the transition to a multipolar world economic order.

Rising powers have their own foreign-policy preferences, which collectively constrain America’s ability to shape the world. How India and Brazil sided with China at the global climate-change talks or the votes by Turkey and Brazil against America at the United Nations on sanctions against Iran and veto by Russia and China on US resolution regarding regime change in Syria, all are signs and symptoms of changing unipolar world into multipolar and interdependent world.

The signs and symptoms of changing scenario are appearing in international political and economic forums. Pakistan is located at strategic location and termed as ‘Pivotal State’ and N-11. The Next Eleven (known as N-11) are the eleven countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran,Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Turkey, South Korea, and Vietnam) identified by economist Jim O’Neill having a high potential of becoming, along with the BRICS, the world’s largest economies in the 21st century.

Although, Pakistan pursued independent and nonaligned policy after independence, its foreign policy has remained aligned to West most of the times. It is the need of the hour to adjust our course according to changing winds. The engagement with rising powers is required in diplomatic, economic and defence forums in order to meet challenges and exploit opportunities provided by emerging scenario.

To sum up Pakistan started its foreign policy as an independent, sovereign and non-aligned state. However, repeatedly it had aligned to West in order to protect its security concerns and socio-economic uplift of the country. These alignments have resulted into a donor-based economy, tarnished the social fiber of the society and stopped the economic uplift of the country due to deteriorating law and order conditions.

Pakistan already enjoys very cordial relations with China and Turkey. Pakistan has started pursuing its relations with other emerging powers, Brazil, Russia and India. There is a need to formulate an independent and sovereign foreign and economic policy

World history is full of tales of rising and falling empires. Power centers or poles emerge on the world and diminish with the time. The only permanent attribute of the world order is change. Twentieth century has seen the transformation from multipolar world prior WWI to bipolar world after WWII and finally the unipolar world after the demise of Soviet Union. This century is believed to have multipolar world order where US will no doubt have the dominant role but along with US, China, India and Russia are likely to appear as major economic poles. The signs and symptoms of changing scenario are appearing in international political and economic forums. Pakistan is located at strategic location and termed as ‘Pivotal State’ and N-11. It is the need of the hour to adjust our course according to changing winds. The engagement with rising powers is required in diplomatic, economic and defence forums in order to meet challenges and exploit opportunities provided by emerging scenario.

PROMOTION OF NATIONALISM IN PAKISTAN

Nationalism is loyalty and devotion to one’s nation or country, especially beyond loyalty to any groups or individual interests. In Indo-Pak Sub-Continent,the sense of community was initially manifested through the idea of ‘Two Nation Theory’ wherein religion became a platform that resulted in creation of our motherland. However, unfortunately, we lost half of our territory in 1971 which resulted in creation of Bangladesh. The underlying philosophy of Pakistan has espoused a separation between ethnic communities on the basis of religious identity.

The state, the politician and the ruling class owned the religious identity based politics to a degree that national identity becomes synonymous with religious identity. Practically our religious narrative has started breeding radicalism, intolerance, sectarian divide and violation of basic human rights resulting in defamation of Pakistan at international level. Consequently,federation is threatened by varied internal and external threats.

Nation integration means combing of the all people of nation into a single whole.It is a particular sentiment that binds together all people in one common bond no matter what their religion, language or history is. It is strong cementing force whereby all kinds of people live together peacefully and can identity themselves as a part of single whole. Pakistan is a dynamic country with huge population. If we get united, this great human force with great resources; country can carry the whole world with it. The worst tragedy that has devoured up Pakistan is complete national disintegration.

It appears that Pakistan is not a nation, but simply a crowd of separate individuals each differing from the other, yet living together. It is beyond doubt that the threats of disintegration are staring us in the face. If we Pakistanis keep on remaining disunited in the name of religion, community or language, the country will suffer badly. Division on the basis of language or community will have serious repercussions. We must realize that we have the strong bond of same cultural heritage and must not let ourselves fall apart and disintegrate. We must show to the world that a country with a tradition as ours can hold back personal differences for the sake of high interest of Pakistan.

FAULT LINES OF PAKISTANI SOCIETY

 

“The story of Pakistan, its struggle and its achievement, is the very story of great human ideals, struggling to survive in the face of odds and difficulties…..”

(Quaid – e -Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah), Chittagong, March 1948

 

Pakistanis a country with unique power potential. Its security paradigm transcends its borders and its ideological boundaries exceed its geographical confines.Its power potential springs out of multifarious factors outlined with demographic and geo-strategic elements bearing far-reaching effects for regional and international paradigms. Thus,Pakistan has been occupying a central stage in regional and international politics ever since its inception. The internal mosaic of Pakistan is equally complex. With all its diversity, it carries the wherewithal of being a ‘Nation’ as per any existing definition. The nation was born having been through a protracted period of degeneration through the late era of Mughal Empire and the conditions were worsened under foreign rulers. The newly born state also confronted multiple crises and a belligerent neighbor. Through its 66 years of life span the country has seen many ups and down, plenty of turmoil and political and military governments changing hands quite often. This all has left the Nation with a number of social fault lines, which are to be bridged in order to attain the desired social cohesion.

Presently, Pakistan is going through a very delicate and decisive phase.While being the leading Islamic state, the country also has to play the key role in Global War on Terror. This all is happening in an unstable political milieu and precarious economic conditions. The fault lines of the society, thus, are required to be identified with their relative potential in order to shape up the society to achieve its destination as envisioned by its founders and desired by its inhibitors.

Analytical glance over the existing situation brings out sub-nationalism, mismanaged economy, political instability,poor governance,deep-rooted corruption, sectarianism and religious extremism / terrorism to be the aspects of more concern in our societal makeup. The negative influence of these factors has debilitated the moral and psychological health of Pakistani people.The fields in which these fault lines have assumed grave proportions in Pakistan pose a threat to internal peace, cohesion and harmony in the society. The emergence of Pakistan as the front line state in war against the terrorism has further aggravated the fall outs of these fault lines.At present, the dawn of democracy has been accompanied by its customary ills. At such a critical and decisive juncture of our history, the requirement of harmony amongst all segments of society is much more than ever before.

The existing fault lines have varying magnitude, comparable to seismic and geological fault lines, which vary from being a few centimeters to those of hundreds of kilometer in length. The right perspective of these fault lines and correct identification of their causative factors will help us to determine the magnitude and effects of such fault lines. Besides facing multitude of failures in our short history, our very survival with position as vital as the leading Muslim country and that of a nuclear power speak for great achievements we have met. The need of the hour is to remain cognizant of likely erosion in our societal structure and to work hard to attain our destined place in the comity of the world.

Therefore, there is a dire need to critically analyze problem areas, and forthrightly implement suitable measures before the situation blows out of proportion.We must address these fault lines before they erupt into a big monster for the overall development and prosperity of the Pakistani society.

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Mind control Science

·      Mind control also known as brainwashing, coercive persuasion, thought control, or thought reform, refers to an indoctrination process which results in “impairment of autonomy, an inability to think independently, and a disruption of beliefs and affiliations. In this context, brainwashing refers to the involuntary reeducation of basic beliefs and values

• Theories of brainwashing and of mind control were originally developed to explain how totalitarian regimes appeared to succeed systematically in indoctrinating prisoners of war through propaganda and torture techniques.
• These theories were later expanded and modified by psychologists to explain a wider range of phenomena, especially conversions to new religious movements (NRMs).
• A third-generation theory focused on the use of mind control to retain members of NRMs and cults. The suggestion that NRMs use mind control techniques has resulted in scientific and legal controversy.

Origin of the Term

• The Oxford English Dictionary records its earliest known English-language usage of brainwashing in an article by newspaperman Edward Hunter in Miami News published on 7 October 1950. Hunter, said to be a CIA propagandist, wrote a series of books and articles on the theme of Chinese brainwashing, and the word brainwashing quickly became a stock phrase in Cold War headlines.
• The Chinese termnăo, literally “wash brain”was originally used to describe methodologies of coercive persuasion used under the Maoist government in China, which aimed to transform individuals with a reactionary imperialist mindset into “right-thinking” members of the new Chinese social system.

New religious movements and the shift of focus

• In the 1970s the anti-cult movement applied mind control theories to explain these sudden and seemingly dramatic religious conversions.The media was quick to follow suit, and social scientists sympathetic to the anti-cult movement, who were usually psychologists, developed more sophisticated models of brainwashing. While some psychologists were receptive to these theories, sociologists were for the most part skeptical of their ability to explain conversion to NRMs.

Theories of mind control and religious conversion

• Over the years various theories of conversion and member retention have been proposed that link mind control to some NRMs, particularly those religious movements referred to as “cults” by their critics. These theories resemble the original political brainwashing theories with some minor changes.
• Philip Zimbardo discusses mind control as “the process by which individual or collective freedom of choice and action is compromised by agents or agencies that modify or distort perception, motivation, affect, cognition and/or behavioral outcomes”,and he suggests that any human being is susceptible to such manipulation.

 Other areas

• Mind control is a general term for a number of controversial theories proposing that an individual’s thinking, behavior, emotions or decisions can, to a greater or lesser extent, be manipulated at will by outside sources.
• According to sociologist James T. Richardson, some of the concepts of brainwashing have spread to other fields and are applied “with some success” in contexts unrelated to the earlier cult controversies, such as custody battles and child sexual abuse cases, “where one parent is accused of brainwashing the child to reject the other parent.
• Stephen A. Kent analyzes and summarizes the use of the brainwashing meme by non-sociologists in the period 2000-2007, finding the term useful not only in the context of “New Religions/Cults”, but equally under the headings of “Teen Behavior Modification Programs;Terrorist Groups; Dysfunctional Corporate Culture; Interpersonal Violence; and Alleged Chinese Governmental Human Rights Violations Against Falun Gong”.

Future Methods of Mind Control

• Surveillance and Gadgets

o      Surveillance alone can change the way we think and act. These two facets together are more powerful still. They have now been successfully intertwined into a de factobrain-computer interface.

o      If we look at just two inventions — the television and video game consoles — we see a massive impact upon the way people of all ages view the world through their gadgets. In order to take people to the next level of mind control, there has to be a consumer relation to it, as well as creating something that appears intrinsically necessary to relate to the outside world. Enter the Internet and the “smart” devices wired into it. The Internet is every form of surveillance and gadget wrapped up into one. Now, even that is heading to the next level. It has been shown that this type of tech can rewire the brain.

• Mind-controlled Robots and Drones

o      The Royal Society, an elite UK think-tank, has published a report that indicates an interest in using brain mapping technology to keep soldiers alert, as well as “operate weaponry remotely through mind-machine interfaces.”

o      With an increasing amount of robots and drones already on the battlefield and in civilian space, this opens up the possibility of “thought-controlled” drones. After this, the question becomes whether or not autonomous drones will be able to link in reverse to anyone they wish.

• Magnetic Manipulation

o      Transcranial pulsed ultrasound is being tested in the military and begins to form the crucial bridge between “buying into it” and being subjected to it. Weapons are already being developed (and possibly used) that use transcranial pulse ultra sound to soldiers to increase alertness and minimize pesky emotions like fear or compassion.

o      It turns human beings into thoughtless drones to be controlled from a distance.

o      Every single aspect of human sensation, perception, emotion, and behavior is regulated by brain activity. Thus, having the ability to stimulate brain function is a powerful technology

• Neuroscience Advancements in neuroscience are coming at an exponential rate, as each day seems to headline a new breakthrough. For example:

o      The ‘Google Earth’ of 3D Brain Maps

o      “Neural Dust” is being researched, which could enable remote spying on the human brain.

o      A new microchip can mimic the brain and imitate the brain’s information processing in real time.

• These are mainstream announcements and can no longer be dismissed as conspiracy theory.

An attempt made to open up our minds as what future holds for us to understand; why there are sudden behavioral changes in our society and what methodology is being played.

EMERGING MULTI-POLAR WORLD AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN

  “World Order” refers to the rules that govern – albeit in an ambiguous way – the relationships of the interstate system in general and the world’s great powers in particular. Aspects include balance of power, spheres of influence, shared beliefs, key treaties and institutions, principles like sovereignty, practices like free trade, and so forth. Historically, transformations of the world order and the rise of new guiding principles have occurred after great power wars. History of world orders is as old as history of mankind. Rise and fall of great empires, making and breaking of alliances and world wars had distinct effects on global environment. Post Westphalian order in sixteenth century defined concept of state sovereignty in an international order. Ever since world order has seen rapid transition from post world war-1 order based on pluralism to world order shaped by bipolarity and cold war. End of cold war in 1989 came out as defining moment in history of world orders. Disintegration of USSR marked end of long rivalry between two super powers. The era of unipolarity, the new world order as it was called ushered with US assuming the role of sole super power. At this critical juncture of history, President George Bush (senior) talked about world order based on multilateralism. However increasing influence of neoconservists in coming US governments saw US adopting a more interventionist policy. Both the Gulf wars and Afghan war manifested US desire to impose unilateralist world order. This has become foundation stone of a change.

Today US continue to exert her as dominant power of the globe. However with European Union countries coming together as effective block, rise of China, Brazil, India and Russia spell rapid change in world order. Multi-Polarity as it is termed is emerging order of the future. With cultural affinity, energy and economy being driving forces, future geopolitical, socio cultural and economic environment would be reshaped by multi-polarity.

 Pakistan owing to its geographical location lies at confluence of three major power blocks. Its role in global war on terrorism has put her in area of interest of US and European blocks. In the emerging multi-polar world Pakistan role in the regional and global arena would be to strengthen the country against the internal and external i.e. against foreign aggression and internal terrorist activities and forces working against its stability and existence.

 Under the circumstances Pakistan has to have an extremely cautious approach to formulate its security, economic and foreign / defense policy having its alliance with the existing unipolar power and also with the, would be, multi-polar groups.

 Pakistan needs to adopt a sound National economic, security and defense policy, based on economically sound, internally cohesive, politically capable and militarily strong policy, to commensurate with the needs of time and meet the requirements of multi-polar system. In the foreseeable future, Pakistan will continue to face daunting economic and security threats and diplomatic challenges from regional and international powers as such our National policies should remain strong and effective. We must enhance our national interests and preserve our territorial integrity. Pakistan is gifted with rich minds and has all the potentials to generate actions to sustain a progressive path to political and economic amelioration, for which as a nation we all must contribute best of our efforts and abilities.

 

 

JIHAD – A MISUNDERSTOOD CONCEPT

Jihad is a broad based and lucid principle, like all other articles of faith, embodied in and necessitated by Islam. In its true letter and spirit Jihad means a concerted endeavor for combating and uprooting evil at all levels of human existence; be it ignorance, poverty, backwardness, cruelty, violence, immoderation, intolerance, usurpation, discrimination, false pride, intransigence, jealousy and greed. The Holy Quran and Sunnah have amply highlighted the concept of Jihad and its place in our lives. For a true believer, Jihad has been the driving force for seeking self-improvement in all spheres of life. However, exploitation of this essential facet of Islam, in Muslim as well as non-Muslim world, has created mis-perceptions and has completely shadowed the real essence of Jihad.

The word Jihad translated into English does not mean “Holy War” as many in the media ignorantly or deliberately claim. These are concocted words, invented by people who want to deliberately convey a wrong image of Islam. The spread of Islam during its early age has also been attributed to Jihad by many westerners Whereas, The Quran is explicit on the freedom of conscience, and it says “There is no compulsion in religion (chapter 2, verse 256)” Muslims, themselves, have also played a major role in defamation of the concept of Jihad and providing causes for many prevailing mis-perceptions. Use of word Jihad to legitimize wars and conquests by many Muslim rulers, when actually they did not merit it, served a serious blow to the correct understanding of Jihad during early era of Islam.

Ever since September 11, 2001 people have began to increasingly hear the word Jihad thrown around in the media. It is often used when discussing violence and terrorism. Based on these mis-perceptions the Jihad is either being practiced wrongly or not at all in present times. It is now responsibility of the Muslims to stand for their own survival and regain the international confidence by rectifying all the perceptions associated with Islam and its practices.