Essay On Importance Of Reading.

Outlines:

Introduction

It widens the horizon of thinking

It plays a key role in academic success

it’s an unending company

it brings the best out of someone

conclusion

  Reading has at all times and in all ages been a great source of knowledge. Today the ability to read is highly valued and very important for social and economic advancement. In today’s world with so much more to know and to learn and also the need for a conscious effort to conquer the divisive forces, the importance of reading has increased. In the olden days if reading was not cultivated or encouraged, there was a substitute for it in the religious sermon and in the oral tradition. In the nineteenth century, Victorian households used to get together for an hour or so in the evenings and listen to books being read aloud, But ,today we not only read, we also want to read more and more and catch up with the events taking place around us.

Reading skills are essential to succeed in society. Those who are good readers tend to exhibit progressive social skills. A person who is widely read is able to mix with others. He is a better conversationalist then those who do not read. He can stand his ground. Reading broadens the vision. It is in a way a substitute for travel. It is not possible to travel as much one would like to and reading can fill in the gap created by the lack of travel. Having confidence in reading only comes from the daily practice of reading. A good reader can interact with others in a far better way because reading has widened his vision and point of view. Thus a widely-read man is a better conversationalist and is able to see the other side point of view.

Educational researchers have found that there is a strong correlation between reading and academic success. A student who is a good reader is more likely to do well in school and pass exams than a student who is a weak reader. Good reader can understand the individual sentences and organizational structure of a piece of writing. They can comprehend ideas, follow arguments and detect implications. Good readers can extract from the writing what is important for the particular task they are employed in and they can do it quickly. Educational researchers have also found a strong correlation between reading and vocabulary knowledge. Students who have a large vocabulary are usually good readers. This is very surprising, since the best way to acquire large vocabulary is to read extensively and if you read extensively you’re likely to be or become a good reader.

Books are no doubt very faithful friend of a reader. They never betray but accompany the reader, either sitting alone or traveling. Those who are habitual of reading feel comforted with books. It soothes and relieves tension and loneliness. Medically it also plays a vital role to eradicate depression and unrest. Books are great assassins of boredom. It just kills the boring time.

We are the dwellers of this speedy advancing world. Everything is moving so fast just like a rocket. To keep the pace, we must also need to do things that benefit us. Reading is no doubt a stupendous habit. It can make a stagnant, barren mind rich and cultivatable. It pours rich thoughts in minds. It brings the best out of someone. Reading also helps one to see the present in relation to the past and the future and thus develops a historical perspective. But, care is needed to ensure that reading doesn’t become a substitute for the real life. The moment one ceases to enjoy the ordinary pleasures and happiness of life and is content to enjoy them vicariously through fictional and historical representation, one loses all the benefits of reading and loses contact with life.

As a result of reading books over a period of time, a learning process is formed. There are a great many benefits to be gained from reading books. It is proven that in this technological society the demands for higher levels of literacy are creating unfavorable consequences for those who fall short. This is even more of reason to get into the habit of reading books, but with the cinema and television taking up a great deal of attention of children, teenagers and even adults, the habit of serious reading is dying out. We must never let it die out.

Essay On Internet

(880 WORDS)

INTRODUCTION

HISTORY

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

CONCLUSION

According to the definition provided by oxford dictionary, the internet is an arrangement of connected computers, which lets the computer users all over the globe exchange data. At the present time approximately 2.1 billion (33%) of the total population has accessibility to the internet. The internet is an extraordinary entertainment and learning too that may be utilized in a number of modes to increase the ability of a user to collect information. With the passage of time, the internet has become the most effective business tool in the contemporary world. It is a global meeting place, where people from every corner of the world can come simultaneously. The internet carries a number of advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are so huge that they outperform the disadvantages quite easily.

In the course of human history, there have been many milestones. The wheel, controlling, flight, space travel, telephone, radio, television and the most recent the internet. The internet was the result of some visionary thinking by people in the early 1960s that saw great potential value in allowing computers to share information on research development in scientific and military fields. Instant communication all over the world, via satellite was dream come true for the armed forces. It was far cry from using light flashes or stringing wire across a battle field. J.C.R Licklider of MIT( Massachusetts Institute of Technology) first proposed a global network of computers in 1962 and moved over to the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in late 1962 to lead the work to develop it. Then was developed the theory of packet switching which was to form the basis of internet connections. Lawrence Robert of MIT first connected a Massachusetts computer with a California computer in 1965 over a dial-up telephone lines. The early name of internet was ARPANET. The idea grew and progressed to the Internet we have today nobody knows where it might lead us tomorrow.

Similar to any other invention, the internet carries a number of advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, the advantages of the internet are more than its disadvantages. Talking about the advantages of internet, are as follows:

The biggest benefit offered by the internet is information. It functions as a valuable resource of information. You can find any type of information on any subject with the help of the search engines like yahoo and Google. The primary goal of the internet is communication. It has extremely done well in this field, however the development process is still going on to make it more dependable and quick. By sending an e-mail we can contact a person who is physically present thousands miles away within the fraction of a second’s time. Internet functions as a popular medium of entertainment. A wide variety of entertainment including video games, music, movies, chat room, news and others can be accessed through the internet. Sales have grown rapidly over the internet. E-commerce has become a fantastic option through which we can hop anything. Internet helps of community and forum formation. Here a number of people can participate in different types of debates and discussions express their views and gather valuable knowledge. A variety of services are offered via internet for example job searching, online banking, buying books, hotel reservations and consultation services etc.

Having so much good qualities internet also has many disadvantages. The electronic messages sent over the internet can be easily snooped and tracked, revealing who is talking with whom and what they are talking about. Personal information like name address, credit card, bank details can be accessed by culprits. It has negative effects on family communication. The time spent on net later associates in declining communication with house family and acquaintances. Some psychologists believe that internet is a true psychological disorder with definable symptoms. The symptoms are comparable to any addiction loss of relationships or job and significant time consumption. Children using the internet has become a big concern. Most parents do not realize the dangers involved when their children log onto the internet. When children talk to others online, they do not realize they could actually be talking to a harmful person. Pornography is also a major issue concerning the internet. There are thousands of pornographic sites on the internet that can be easily found and can be easily found and can be a detriment letting children use the internet. Computers are mainly getting viruses from the internet. Virus is software which disrupts the normal functioning of your computer systems.  Due to these viruses computer hard disks also get crashed.

The discovery of the internet is no doubt a blessing. It has brought much development and betterment for the people throughout the world. Due to internet the world has made progress that is beyond imagination. As every invention has advantages and disadvantages so do the internet. Different people with different mind sets live on this world. Some think for the betterment of this world and some create troubles, but internet is just a medium which has quick access to. Now it’s the responsibility of the parents, teacher and well-wishers of this world to educate their children to differentiate between the good and the bad. We must all work for the betterment of this world and make it a better place for ourselves and for our coming generations.

Essay on Mother

Outlines:

INTRODUCTION

MOTHER- A GIFT FROM ALLAH

MOTHER- THE FIRST AND BEST SCHOOL OF A CHILD

MOTHER IN ISLAM

MOTHER IN TODAY’S SOCIETY

MOTHER- OUR BEST COMPANY

RESPECT OF A MOTHER

CONCLUSION

Agatha Christie says, “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. “.

Mother being the supreme lover, loves her child like nothing. A mother dissipates the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts when we are helpless in the wilderness life with her kind precepts and counsels. From the moment we are born till we are cradled in the chariot of death, we come across many relations. Some are just for time being, some are to betray you, some are to leave you alone when you need their presence the most, some are with you just because of your attributes and some are compelled to stick with you due to blood relation compulsion and restrictions. But, there is one being who surpasses the love, care and affection of anyone related to you and she is ‘The Mother’. The love of a mother has no match nor can one replace her love. A mother’s ageless love and care cannot be exemplified. When you were in her womb; she took every step so gently and carefully not to bother you from your deep sleep. This abysmal depth of a mother’s love is immeasurable. Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said that kindness to one’s parents was of the best deeds and disobedience to them was amongst the major sins. Allah has exemplified His love for the humanity by descending mother as an example.

There are many precious things that Allah has bestowed on us however a mother is one of the unique gifts of Allah. She is the embodiment of sacrifice and love. Life without mother is so dull and colorless. The beauty of life is in the lap and under the shade of mother’s love and care. Those who are bestowed with this gift don’t quit feel it but those who are deprived of this gift feel it from the core of their hearts. Says Abraham Lincoln “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.”

A mother turns a house into a home and home is the initial school of a child. Mother is our best teacher and trainer. She never gives up training us to speak “Am’ma (Mamma)”. She walks by knees to help us in our first steps. She teaches us the behaviors lessons. She never gives up on us. Mother teaches us the philosophies of life. Mother is the instinctive philosopher whose philosophies help us in every walk of our life. She teaches us how to love, cherish, and respect who we are, and what it takes for us to become the adults we will one day be.

When a female becomes a mother, her heart gets filled with immense amount of love for her child. She carries her child for 9 months in her womb, bears all the pain and trouble in that process and when her child comes into her arms, she forgets all the pain and loves her child unconditionally. Before Islam, mother was not given any rights and respect but was only treated as a female who could be loved but not at the expense of self. But Islam gave the mother all the respect, love and status in the society she ever deserved. Kind treatment of one’s mother is the best deed for strengthening or rectifying one’s relation with Allah. Holy Prophet P.B.U.H says, ” Jannat lies under the feet of the mothers.” By this hadith we come to know the greatness and status of a mother in Islam.

A mother holds a great respect in Islam. But in our today’s society few mothers are dealt with those of the housemaids. Order her, make her do work and in return give her nothing not even respect which is of no cost. As she bears too much pain and faces several troubles to fulfill our needs but when she grows old and weak and needs a shoulder, we just throw her away like she meant nothing to us. We tell her that she is now old and has now gone crazy. Not we think of our past? Not we take notice of the sleepless nights she had spent for us? Not we remember her support in every moment while we were young? Not we remember, while we were afraid of our own shadows and she was our only lifeguard? Not we even remember the way she wiped our tears when we used to cry over our broken toys? —-Respecting our mother must be our top priority as we were her top priority while we were young.–Quran Says 17:23 “Say not a word of disrespect (to your mothers).” Allah Almighty strictly orders us not to say harsh and disrespectful words to your mother, for she is your best lover among your relations.

After Allah and His prophets a mother is the most respectful person. It’s a reality that a mother loves her child even more than a father does. Says Aristotle—“Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own.”  Mother had cared and will always care for us as ever more than anyone related to us. We must never let her down. When we are born we are so helpless and dependent, and she is our only help in that stage. She shrills her voice and talks in a funny loving manner just to bring a smile on our face. While we are asleep in our comfortable warm cradle she sits aside, looks at us and curses herself a thousand times for us. She is ready to bear any pain but never wants a scratch onto us. She never feels boredom in our company. She is the supreme lover on this earth no one can surpasses her boundaries of love. How deep is her love!

We must never let her down. We must always try our utmost to be the reason for her smile, not the reason for her sorrows and sadness. Muhammad P.B.U.H has ordered us to be good to our mothers. He has told us about the great rewards for that person who is good to his mother and punishments for those who are disobedient to their mothers. We must look after our parents even more when they are weak and old. We must be gentle to our parents and speak to them in a nice and polite manner.

To me, my mother is my security blanket. No matter how bad of a day she had, she will always be there with a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear for me. Even if she’s been screamed at all day, she will still be eager to hear my drama-filled gossips. My mom is my personal miracle. Whenever something becomes too much for me, she is there calming me down with just a hug and a kiss on my forehead. She is always there to company me.

Essay on Cowards Die Several Times Before Death

Man is mortal. Death touches all, the rich and the poor, the young and the old and the ruler and the ruled. Nobody knows what happens after death. One dies leaving behind everything one has. Death has been the subject of study of many researchers, scientist, philosophers and thinkers.

A brave man puts up a brave front when he faces any danger. He is always prepared for the unexpected. he can overcome any situation. Cowards, one the other hand, are unable to face dangerous situations. They runaway from all dangers. They fear death. Hence, it has been said that cowards die several times before death. Death is an inevitable part of life. A brave man lives life to the full, while a coward kills his conscience several times before the actual death. This is because a coward runs away from all dangers.

Human existence is full of risks and dangers. One may be exposed to danger anywhere. It may be at the workplace, home, road etc. The traffic on the road has become unruly which poses a threat to life. Bomb blasts have become a common affair at certain places. A brave man ignores such unexpected dangers. He is adventurous enough to risk his life to achieve his goals. A coward, on the other hand, sits and broods. He depresses himself and also those who are associated with him.

The brave are always willing to take risks. Mangal Pandey was brave enough to challenge the British rule. He was aware of the consequence, but sacrificed his life for the freedom of the country. The freedom fighters were punished harshly by the British, they didn't give up their goal. They felt proud to be a part of the freedom struggle. It is this spirit which forced the British to leave India. Cowards lack such initiatives. They fear punishment. They can't contribute to the society.

A brave man strives for success single-handedly. No defeat can make him lose hope. One such incident is the meeting between Alexander and Porus. Porus was defeated by Alexander and brought before the later in chains. Alexander asked him as to what treatment should await him as a prisoner. Porus promptly replied that he expected Alexander to treat him in the manner a king would treat another king. In such cases, a coward would lose all hope. He would not have the courage to give such answers.

A cowards can't face a crisis. He runs away from it. A brave man confronts danger boldly . In doing so, he gains self confidence and earns respect. One can do an act of bravery at the age of eight or eighty. Bravery knows no age. Every year, the nation gives bravery awards to children who display great courage and save the lives of those in danger. They risk their own lives for others. They, thereby, earn fame, glory and national acclaim.

The brave don't waste their time to brood over matters. They believe in action. They live in the present and have no fear of the future. Their courageous attitude enables them to love life to the full. They don't worry about the future. They don't get disheartened by adverse circumstances. They enjoy life because they accept each day as it approaches.

The cowards are often unable to live in the present. They brood over the past. They remain pessimistic about the future. Fear of the unexpected and fear of the future make them depressed. They lose their self-confidence. They can't face adverse circumstances boldly. They often blame others for their inaction. They hardly enjoy life. They always see the negative side of life. Because of this attitude they can never do anything in life. They are afraid of coming danger and never take risk. That is why they hardly succeed in anything they do.

Life is full of uncertainties. Dangers and difficulties are a par of life. One should be bold and courageous enough to face all the problems and difficulties of life. We should never be afraid of facing the challenges because challenges are often the best tools for empowerment. If we dream, we must have courage to turn dreams into reality. We should be consistent in our efforts and endeavors. Our courage shouldn't be shaken by failures. On the contrary failures should form a foundation for us to dream again. One who doesn't accept this reality is a coward. One should not act as a coward. One should act as a coward, otherwise, he would not die once but several times before death.

Essay - Terrorism In Pakistan: Its Causes, Impacts And Remedies

At present the gravest problem that Pakistan is faces is terrorism. It has become a headache for federation and a nightmare for public. Though, it is a global issue but Pakistan has to bear the brunt of it. Pakistan’s involvement in the War on Terror has further fuelled the fire. We are facing war like situation against the terrorists. This daunting situation is caused due to several factors. These factors include social injustice, economic disparity, political instability, religious intolerance and also external hands or international conspiracies. A handful of people who have their vicious interests to fulfil have not only taken countless innocent lives but also distorted the real image of Islam before the world through their heinous acts. Terrorist acts like suicide bombings have become a norm of the day. On account of these attacks Pakistan is suffering from ineffaceable loss ranging from civilian to economic. People have become numerical figures, blown up in numbers every now and then. Terrorists have not spared any place. Bazars, mosques, educational institutes, offices, hotels, no place is safe anymore.

Though terrorism has no accepted definition, yet it can be defined as the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aim or the calculated use of violence or threat of violence against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature, this is done through intimidation or coercion or inciting fear. According to FBI’s definition, Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objective.

The religion of Islam (Submission), advocates freedom, peace and mutual agreement and admonishes aggression. The following verses make it very clear.

“And do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors”. (Quran 5:87)

“You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant”. (Quran: 7:199)

The relations of Muslims (Submitters) with others are based primarily on peace, mutual respect and trust. The theme in the Quran is peace, unless there is oppression or injustice that cannot be resolved by all the peaceful means available. The true religion of Islam forbids the killing of innocent people, irrespective of the cause, religious, political or social beliefs.

“...You shall not kill * GOD has made life sacred * except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you that you may understand.” (Quran 6:151)

“You shall not kill any person * for GOD has made life sacred — except in the course of justice.” (Quran17:33)

In Islam, an amazingly powerful emphasis is laid on developing love for mankind and on the vital importance of showing mercy and sympathy towards every creature of Allah Almighty, including human beings and animals. For indeed, love and true sympathy is the very antidote of terrorism.

Injustice is one of the foremost factors that breed terrorism. When the grievances of the people are not redressed they resort to violent actions. So this is the case with Pakistan where timely justice has always been a far cry. Hence, the delayed justice is working as incentive for victims and dragging them to the swamp of terrorist organisations.

Illiteracy is the root causes of extremism and terrorism. More than one in five men aged 15 to 24 unable to read or write, and only one in 20 is in tertiary education. such a high illiteracy rate has made Pakistan vulnerable to terrorism. furthermore, technical and vocational education, and adult literacy, are especially important but unfortunately have been neglected the most in Baluchistan, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa and the Tribal Areas. Illiteracy and lack of skills provide fertile ground for those who wish to recruit young men and women to their cause, especially when significant monetary payments are attached.

Regarding poverty, it is also an incubating cause of terrorism. And it is said that “a hungry man is an angry man.” Notably, majority of people in Pakistan are living below poverty line. While especially for the youngsters, unemployment has made the matter worse. In these adverse circumstances, some people go to the level of extremism and even commit suicide. These are the people whose services are hired by the terrorist groups and they become easy prey to terrorism.

Food insecurity is also linked with militancy and violence. When people remain unable to afford food and cannot meet their basic needs civil strife grows. A report by the Islamabad-based Sustainable Development Policy Institute The highest levels of food insecurity, for instance, exist in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, according to the report, where 67.7 per cent of the people are insecure. The next highest level is in Baluchistan, with food insecurity at 61.2 per cent, and then in Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa, 56.2 per cent. In Pakistan some extremist forces are exploiting the feelings of lower and lower middle class food insecure people. They are motivating their unemployed youth to commit heinous crimes such as suicide attacks against innocent people.

Another reason of terrorism is dissatisfaction. When a person is dissatisfied with the rulers and thinks that his rights are being humiliated or exiled, his living of life has not been compensated, he is deprived of rightful inheritance to office, wrongly imprisoned and property confiscated then he joins some religious parties. It does not matter which organisation it would be. None of the organisations has any importance for him. Adopting an organisation would only save him from the critical situation he is in and leaves him to play in the hands of his so-called leaders who destroy his public sense of security.

Today’s Pakistan is facing democratic turmoil. A path chartered by the military regime of Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan then of Zia-ul-Haq was altered by yet another military regime that of Musharraf. All these regimes produced political instability, poor governance, institutional paralysis, by passing the rule of law, socio-economic downfall and so on. These fragile conditions along with deteriorating law and order situation have provided a fertile ground for terrorism to grow.

Furthermore, lack of proper government set-up and lack of coordination and information sharing between various institutions of government is also a cause of behind the escalating terrorist activities. Not to talk of providing security to common people, our law enforcing agencies (LEAs) have completely failed to protect high officials of the country. In the absence of law and proper trial the terrorists are entrenching their roots firmly. Failure of the (LAEs) to bring the terrorist to book has emboldened terror mongers to strike at a target of their choice at will. Schools, hospitals, markets and places of worship have become their favourite targets.

Religion became the dominant force during the Zia regime when the Islamization of laws and education became a state policy. And the Islamic legislation was promulgated and a number of Islamic enactments were made, including the Hudood and blasphemy laws. One may also mention the vital role of the jihadis in their fight against the Soviet military occupation with the American support, as well as the generous patronage extended by the government to the religious parties and groups. It may be added that various religious groups benefited from the support they received from abroad, in particular from Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Religious Madrassah is not something new for the Islam or our country. But after Russian attack on Afghanistan it took a new dimension. They were being used as recruitment centres for jihadis. Thousands of Mujahedeen were trained and sent to Afghanistan for so-called jihad. After the fall of Russia, a sizeable number of the jihadis who returned to Pakistan got involved in terrorist activities.

Religious intolerance is another factor which is adding fuel to the fire of terrorism. youth, educated through religious Madrassahs, are indoctrinated with extreme ideas. They become intolerant towards other religions and even other sects of their own religion. They impose their own extreme ideas and vent their fanaticism thorough violent actions. Intolerance makes society jungle. It is proving destructive phenomenon for social harmony, political stability, and economic growth.

The soviet Afghanistan war was the most critical event responsible for spreading militancy and intolerance in Pakistan. A fundamental change that altered the very character of Pakistani society occurred after establishment of the soviet backed communist regime in Afghanistan. The aftermath of the soviet withdrawal exposed the damage, transformation of violence and Weaponisation into Pakistani society. It ultimately plagued Pakistan with a new trend commonly referred as “Kalashnikov Culture” and “Talbanisation”. This was perhaps an end to our long established pluralistic culture and values. Result was a wave of vicious cycle of Sectarian and Inter-sect and Interfaith violence/terrorism.

Religious extremism that took its roots in Pakistan after the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 has proved venomous for Pakistan. The increased danger of sectarian motivated acts of violence, have gained in power and influence over the recent past. External as well as internal influences have impacted the sectarian issues and have served to further intensify the magnitude and seriousness of the problem. Sectarian violence, therefore, was an extremely rare and unheard of phenomenon in Pakistan with sectarian disputes being very localized and confined rather than being frequent and widespread.

This religious extremism took a new shape of terrorism after 9/11. After the incident of 9/11 suicide bombing in Pakistan has become a norm of the day. The American invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, as well as the military operation in Pakistan, along with the American drone attacks, have served to fuel religious radicalism leading to violent reaction. The breakdown of state structures in Afghanistan created a void which was quickly filled by groups and individuals who took it upon themselves to continue the lost battle. Some of them also intruded into Pakistani tribal areas, thus inviting the US displeasure. Flushing out these foreign fighters by Pakistani security forces made Pakistan a battle ground, as foreign militants and some of their local hosts, joined hands to counter the security forces.

The drone strikes have increased anti-Americanism in Pakistan society and the region. The terrorists have used the collateral damage to maximize the environment and society to their benefit. Families of people killed in collateral damage become ideal nursery for suicide bombers In Pakistan society drone attacks are popularly believed to have caused even more civilian casualties than is actually the case. The persistence of these attacks on Pakistani territory is continuously creating public outrages and alienating people from government and Army. The drone is a tactical weapon and has certainly given good results tactically to support coalition forces operation on their sides of the border but strategically history has many unanswered questions.

On account of anti-campaign and drone attacks scores of people have become homeless and even some have lost all their possessions Coupled with this, governments indifference towards these internally displaced people has further deteriorating the situation and encouraging people to join anti-state actors. Negligence on the part of government has alienated the people and has placed Pakistan in an undesirable situation domestically.

Furthermore, indiscriminate and brutal persecution of innocent citizen of Kashmir and Palestine by Indian and Israeli forces respectively is further boosting the monster of terrorism. the people of Kashmir and Palestine have been denied their basic rights for decades. Hence their feelings of antagonism springing out in the form violent acts and also their supporters are conducting these types of acts here in Pakistan in order the draw the attention of the world towards the injustices being done to them.

Pakistan has done its level best to rid terrorism and terrorists from its soil. In first step, many terrorist organisations were banned by the Musharraf government. After those successful military operations namely Rah-e-Nijat and Rah-e-Rast have been conducted. Pakistan army has fought bravely against terrorist and has destroyed their safe dens. It has broken the backbone of the terrorists and has forced them to flee. These operations still keep ongoing in some tribal areas. In this context, it is worth-mentioning that public support to military operations is very essential, and without people’s backing no army can win this ‘different war’ against terrorism.

For Pakistan the consequences of being the epicentre of the war on terror have been disastrous physically, psychologically and economically. Nobody understands terrorism better than us (Pakistanis). We have been victims of various manifestations of it since the Soviet Afghan war. Since 9/11, the wave of suicide bombing has so far killed scores of innocent Pakistani civilians and muffled the already slow pace of our economic growth. The financial cost of the ongoing global war on terror in the last two years alone has been $35 billion. This has badly affected in particular, the socio-economic development of Pakistan. Lest we forget, we even lost our prominent political leader Benazir Bhuttoto an act of terror.

Since September 11, 2001, 21,672 Pakistani civilians have lost their lives or have been seriously injured in an ongoing fight against terrorism. The Pakistan Army has lost 2,795 soldiers in the war and 8,671 have been injured. There have been 3,486 bomb blasts in the country, including 283 major suicide attacks. More than 3.5 million have been displaced. The damage to the Pakistani economy is estimated at $68 billion over the last ten years. Over 200,000 Pakistani troops were deployed at the frontline and 90,000 soldiers are fighting against militants on the Afghan border.

The ongoing insurgency has accelerated the already dismal economic situation and has affected almost each and every economic aspects of the country, particularly in FATA and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. All the main resources of revenue in affected areas have been hurt, including agriculture, the tourism industry, manufacturing and small-scale industry.

Due to insurgency, the loss to agriculture alone amounts to Rs.35 billion. The breakdown in law and order situation has damaged the fruit based economy of the northern areas. It has rendered billions of rupes losses to the landowners, labourers, dealers and farmers who earn their livelihood from these orchards. Also, the Economic survey of Pakistan report shows that the share of agriculture in the gross domestic product (GDP) has been constantly falling. It accounted for 25.99 per cent of GDP in 1999-2000; however, gradually its share shrank to 21.3 per cent in 2007-2008. The figures show that terrorism has not only decreased the productive capacity of agricultural activity in these regions but also in the entire country.

The manufacturing sector has been hard hit by frequent incidents of terrorism and has created an uncertain environment resulting into low level of economic growth. The manufacturing sector is witnessing the lowest-ever share of 18.2 per cent in the GDP over the last five years. In addition, the small and medium-size enterprises which are key area of manufacturing in Pakistan have been affected across the country because of power shortages and recurrent terrorist attacks.

According to a Harvard study (December 2000), higher levels of terrorism risk are associated with lower levels of net FDI. In case of Pakistan, terrorism has affected the allocation of firms investing money in the country. As a result, FDI, which had witnessed a steep rise over the previous several years, was adversely affected by the terrorist acts in the country, especially in FATA and other areas of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa.

According to the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranked 113 out of 130 countries in 2009 as a tourist destination. The low ranking is attributed to incidents of terrorism and the lack of a tourism regulatory framework in Pakistan. On account of persistent terrorist attacks many hotels in the northwest areas have been closed. According to government’s own estimates, the hotel industry in Swat valley has suffered a loss of Rs. 60 billion. Many workers have lost their jobs and transport has also face a severe blow.

Due to war on terror, local people of war-ridden areas are migrating to other areas of Pakistan. Country has seen the largest migration since independence in 1947. These people have left their homes, businesses, possessions and property back home. This large influx of people and their rehabilitation is an economic burden for Pakistan. Unemployment is still prevalent and now the question of providing employment to these migrants has also become a serious concern. This portion of population is contributing nothing worthwhile to the national income yet they have to be benefitted from it. This unproductive lot of people is a growing economic problem of Pakistan

Social impacts have also been caused by this war. In a society where terror exists cannot be healthy. Social disorganization has occurred due to terrorism. Social relations, economic transactions, free moments, getting education, offering prayers etc. have suffered. Pakistan’s participation in the anti-terrorism campaign has led to massive unemployment, homelessness, poverty and other social problems and ills. In addition, frequent incidents of terrorism and displacement of the local \population have severely affected the social fabric.

On the political front Pakistan is badly impacted in fighting the war against terrorism. It has taken many valuable steps to defeat terrorists. In spite of all the sacrifices the country is making it is branded to be a country insincere or half-hearted in fighting the menace. Every time the country is told to “do more”. It is further alleged for infiltration of the militants inside US-NATO dominated Afghanistan. The failure of the Western troops in the neighbourhood is blamed on Pakistan. This situation has eroded the trust between the governments and caused international image problem for the country.

Similarly the terror has brought in its wake psychological problems. Fear in the hearts of the people is created. Trauma, depressions and confusion have been increased. The people feel insecure and unsafe whenever in their daily life activities, as time and again they watch the terror events taking place in different cities. Those have especially been suffered who have closely witnessed the suicidal bombings.

The religion is also impacted by the war against terrorism. The religion of Islam is perceived to be the one tolerating extremism and terrorism abroad. In the western world people equate violence, abuse against women and minority rights, and several acts of terrorism like suicidal bombing and coercion with Islam and Muslims. Whenever any such inhuman act takes place they tie it with Islam and its followers. When in the UK terror acts were committed the authority blamed it on Pakistani citizens for instance. And why these days Pakistanis are discriminately interrogated and have to be screened before they inter the US is due to the fact that they are Pakistanis and Muslims.

Thorough analysis of the causes of terrorism and its ineffaceable impacts indicate that in Pakistan this phenomenon has not come to fore overnight. It has taken decades to flourish and involves many factors. Since terrorism is a multifaceted, the solution has to be multi-pronged. In view of the root causes described in above paragraphs, the possible remediescould include:

• To begin with, a national commission needs to be set up, which identifies the fault lines and the root causes of the rise of extremism in Pakistan taking into consideration the post-Nine-Eleven developments.

• It should also take up the question of reforming the madrassas. The heads of all the major religious groups should be contacted and engaged to explore short-term and long-term solutions.

• Our universities and research institutes should take up the intellectual task of re-interpreting the Islamic injunctions in the light of modern knowledge and 21st century challenges (with emphasis on social justice).

• The government must improve its performance. Bad governance and corruption have lowered its credibility and clout,

• Parliament must debate Pakistan’s present relationship with the US, with particular reference to the American war in Afghanistan and operations in Pakistan.

• Our government should make efforts to develop sector. Without any doubt, these efforts will play a crucial role not only in providing employment to the millions of people but will also eliminate poverty in the country.

• Pakistan’s government should particularly emphasise the need of technical education by promoting it. In this respect, more institutes should be opened in order to promote technical education.

• It is mentionable that there are two types of terrorists, extremists and moderates. In order to cope with terrorism, our government should neutralise the moderate terrorists through reconciliation by offering them general pardon and asking them to renounce terrorism. Even extremist insurgents can be offered mediation. Nevertheless, those militants who reject the offer could be fought through military operations.

• Nonetheless, for their on global and regional interests, US-led western allies must not only increase the military and economic aid of Pakistan but also provide direct market access to Pak products on zero rate duty to help stabilise the country’s bleak economy in the wake of the war against terror.

Essay - Independence of Judiciary

Outline: 

o Introduction and short comparative review of world judicial setups

o An analysis of independence of Judiciary in Pakistan

o Its impact on state and society.

o Current bright scenario of judicial independence and constitutionalism.

o Factors enslaving judiciary

o Factors paramount essential for independence of judiciary

o Conclusion

Man is social animal who wants and needs societal life which is interdependent. This view is expounded by both Socrates and Imam Al-Ghazali in their respective theories regarding nature of man. He interacts with his society members that give rise to mutual disputes, different crimes and general violation of rights besides good deeds. In order to purge the society of these criminal acts and maintain its just, healthy and balanced fabric an institution of independent judiciary ought to be there. By having an independent judiciary it will serve as a custodian of human rights, provide means for rule of law not man, enable man to feel protected and served. Countries of the world, therefore, Endeavour to have in practice an independent institution of judiciary. After analyzing different judicial systems of the globe it can be revealed that there are both cases of success and failure. United States of America and United Kingdom, for instance, are the well known countries that have in comparison, far succeeded to maintain independence of judiciary. People can get justice whenever their rights are violated. On the contrary, the Muslim world has failed to come to the expectation and needs of the people in imparting justice to the citizens. In fact mostly the judicial structure is influenced. Like other countries Pakistan too did little to have an independent judiciary in order to give independent and impartial justice to the people.

An institution of judiciary plays a great role in a government. It protects the civic rights of citizens of a state; it protects and interprets the constitution; it investigates corruption cases; it ventilates the grievances of; last but not the least it provides dispassionate justice to all and sundry. All these functions the pillar of judiciary plays if it is independent. Given this, are these functions emanated from judiciary in Pakistan are an important question.

Since coming into being restrained judiciary used to prevail over the country and an independent one. As a result, it remained an incomplete task that brought ill consequences for the state and society. The nation has witnessed this regrettable situation right from top to bottom during the course of history. Numerous instances can be cited to substantiate this fact. Supreme Court of Pakistan could not declare null and void the first illegal dissolution of the National Assembly by the then Governor General. Onwards Judiciary lacked independence, and perhaps the will, to bring to justice the makers of coup de’ Tates and perpetrators of constitution. Takeovers were declared legal under the garb of ‘doctrine of Necessity’. It in certain cases gave legal cover to the prime acts of take over. As when General (R) Pervaiz Musharraf by dint of his unlimited powers took over on October 1999, later on SC bench not only announced its verdict in his favour but also mandated him to alter the constitution at his will. It was the irony of time that a person became both chief executive and chief legislature. In fact, Pakistan’s 62 years short constitutional history is full of more or less like these acts of judicial containment and uncontitutionalism.

When at the top level judiciary is non-independent to such an extent how can it is independent at subordinate level. At the bottom people have generally suffered injustice. Seeking justice from court of law has become an expensive affair. When the people to whom injustice is done are in quest of seeking justice face hard ship in the process. Given the general trends in the entire process of trail, courts of justice at different level appear to have badly influenced. Politicians, officers, businessmen, influential people such as land lords, khans, waderas, nawabs and sardars prove a stumbling block in way to impartial and due justice. In the process naturally the aggrieved party suffers injustice. In light of such bleak scenario at both upper and lower levels ultimate decisions are affected, indicating lack of independence of judiciary in Pakistan.

These sorry affairs have left a deplorable impact both at state and society levels. At state level rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy have been largely received setbacks. Dictatorship raised its ugly head, disparity and a general sense of lack of legal protection. Pessimism has prevailed culminating in suppression of independent voices, opinions and thoughts that are the vertebral column of basic rights, rule of law and democracy. Freedom of press and media is influenced and country’s picture is drawn in bad color abroad. Moreover, society is also influenced: common man is suffered which has generated in him disparity, hopelessness n the society and crime ratio increased. Because, when people are menaced by the judicial system in a country they fuel enmity and take the laws of the land in their own hands. This results in general aggravation of the social order which is then ripe to unhealthy environment. Because, law and order situation of the country gets disturbed and socio-economic progress starts declining.

Now after having such an impact asking a logical question is: what are those factors which stop judiciary from playing such independent role? They are, firstly, absence of democracy in a country. Pakistan is unfortunately ruled by the army most of the time. Four military generals came and put judiciary to task. It’s independent character was damaged. Secondly, lack of a sacred constitution which was adopted and altered  by the generals to secure their interests. Thirdly, lack of merit-based, independent and upright judges. Fourthly, lack of separation of powers as well as checks and balances. Fifthly, Western influence for serving  their vested interests in Pakistan. The concept of rights awareness and prevalence of local traditions and customs.Though during past judiciary played a subservient role and succeeded little to render independent justice to the people which in return badly influenced the things due to certain factors it is very delightful to see that presently judiciary has gained considerable independence. For the present independent character of judiciary October 2, 2007 proved a defining day. Before this when the presidency put charges against the Chief Justice the case was sent to Supreme Judicial Council for decision under Article 209. The decision favored the CJ. As the time rolled by, General (R) Musharraf sacked 61 judges by promulgating emergency who replaced them by PCO judges. However, over the times legal fraternity sacrificed a lot by taking pains of in launching successful rallies and protests amid resistance. It gathered more force when political parties and civil society also joined the cause for securing independent character for judiciary. The moment brought fruit when from the floor of assembly Prime Minister announced the restoration of the judges. Though later on some judges showed reluctance to be reinstated through the criteria set out by the incumbent government but all the judges ultimately got restored.

Now people have placed high hope on the judiciary to deliver justice to the who have suffered injustice for long. The cases pending for long needs to be decided in an impartial manner with speed to enable people receve justice. Because delaying justice is injustice also as people pass through the travails of hardship in the process of investigation, trail and decision. The newly announced judicial policy seems a positive step in the right direction. It needs to shoulder its responsibilities besides an environment to have its verdicts announced  in an impartial manner. For creating the environment the following essentials needs to exist in the governing. Ain this regard it is mentionablr that the judiciary itself should take steps to preserve such environment sustain ably.

The first and far most essential ought to be democracy in the country. In democracy people voice does not go unheard. In a democracy the institution of judiciary is respected not underestimated. People can knock the door of justice with out any hindrance. In Western democracies such a setup exists. In this regard the precedents of Western judicial setup need to follow. For example in United Kingdom seeing justice is easy where courts of law discriminate no one on the basis of power, rank and status. It is said that in UK a clerk and Prime Minister are delivered justice on the same lines of procedure and consideration. Similarly, In the US judiciary is a very powerful institution. It can declare null and void any ordinance and congressional bill if wise judges find them to be in contrivance against law of the land through its power of judicial review. A citizen can access the court and seek justice. In America the Bill of Rights is held un-violated. People enjoy protection and liberty of life, property and honor. Similarly, there may be offered other such examples which  substantiate that judiciary plays a very independent, unbiased and impartial role in the countries where democracy rules. Pakistan needs to follow suit of such independent judiciaries of the world.

Besides democracy another essential should be a secured constitution. As a constitution is a written document dealing with the powers and jurisdiction of branches of the government. In it is registered how legislature, executive and judiciary will work in there specific areas. In such a way no confrontation environment is there as every institution tries to act according to laid down principles in the constitution. So there should be a sacred constitution. In countries where the citizens enjoy the fruit of independent judiciary is due to the fact that there law rules not man.

In addition to democracy, safeguarded constitution, there should also be separation of powers. The framers of the US constitution were prudent enough to introduce the principle of separation of powers, a well known theory expounded by French philosopher, Montesquieu. This principle along with checks and balances work satisfactorily in America. If such a system is workable in Pakistan it should be introduced- certain modifications may be incorporated in the principle before it is employed as political environment of the two countries differ. This separation of powers and checks and balance constitutional system should aim at avoiding confrontation among executive, legislature and judiciary, define constitutional area of jurisdiction in a balanced manner and make the institutions effective and responsible. This will serve the national cause of judicial independence. In short every possible result-bound step be taken to enable an environment wherein the shackles enslaving judiciary are broken and transform it into a people serving independent institution.

This world ought to free from injustices meted out to people by providing judicial means to give justice by all the countries. This will put down injustice, prosper nations and build their trust. Because many peoples suffer injustices particularly in poor and developing world. The majority of people in Pakistan like other countries has remained the sufferers of the dieses of injustice due to the lack of independent institution of judiciary. During the course of history judiciary received serious blows which made it unresponsive to protect constitution, bring the culprits to justice, take suo moto actions to immediately address anomalies, interpret the constitution , reign in the access of powers by other institutions, mitigate the people grievances and protect the basic rights of people. In the availability of these judicial responsibilities and functions lies a considerable success of Pakistan in different aspects. This is possible only when independence of judiciary is ensured constantly. For this heart applying efforts and unpopular decisions need to be taken. However, given the present picture of vital developments for judicial independence, it can with reason be hoped that judiciary is fast growing towards its meaningful independence but all possible means be harnessed to ensure judiciary stays its present course.

Essay - THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN PAKISTAN

INTRODUCTION:-

Of the several factors that justify the greatness of Pakistan’s culture and have survived the test of time is the pride of place ascribed to women in Pakistan society. Since the dawns of the civilization women have been respected and worshipped in our land as angles and goddesses. They have been adored from time to time as virtues incarnate. Testimonies to this effect can be gathered from various legends and traditions that centers around the race of women and that have been handed down from generation to generation in our country.

THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN THE PAST:-

In the ancient times, women occupied an exalted position in society and excelled in various spheres of life. They were compelled to put on veils and confine themselves within the four walls of their houses. Benefits of liberal education and social accomplishments were denied to them and not unoften they were looked upon as possessions rather them persons. They had to play the role of household drudges and live as beasts of burden as drawers of water and hew of wood. They lost all initiative and drive and became slaves to tradition. Till the beginning of the Nineteenth Century they were considered merely s food to man’s passions  and lust, and classed with fashionable things accumulated for the decoration of our drawing-rooms, clubs, theatres and coffee-houses. Their minds were dark, their souls were dead, and their life was but a purposeless existence.

THEIR POSITION IN PAKISTAN:-

But in the wake of the political emancipation of Pakistan has followed a great change in life and destiny of Pakistani women. The women of Pakistan are no longer frail passive and indolent. Under the firm and enlinghtened leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah they reasserted their superiority and proved their worth conclusively. In response to the call of the Muhammad Ali Jinnah the gave up their absured veil and came out of the four walls of their houses in millions to fight the battle of freedom, shoulder to shoulder with their fathers, husbands, and brothers. Never before in the history of our country had women participated in a nation movement with such a burning Zeal and in such a large number. The combined efforts of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other social reformers the impact of western ideas, the transformation of social outlook of people, in the interest of the government in the cause of women’s uplift and the general reawakening of social and political consciousness in the country, all these have gone a long way in liberation the women of Pakistan from the shackles of age-long slavery and in giving them an individual status of their own.

Today, women are no longer regarded as slaves or drudges. Our Constitution grants them equality of status and of opportunity with men. As a result of their newly gained freedom, they have distinguished themselves in various spheres of life as politicians, judges, diplomats, administrators and ambassadors. There is today hardly any sphere of life in which our women have not taken part at shown their worth to the curious gaze of the orthodox. They exercise right to vote , fight for election, seek appointment to public office, and in verity of interests fight together with men for the right of both and for good government, but more often alone for the protection of their rights as women in shaping the social and political destiny of their nation. The acquisition by women of the right to vote, to be elected, to hold public office, as distinct from the personal rights or economic rights, is part of the trend towards more liberty and more equality. They are no longer an object of this fight but a subject. They now have a say in public affairs and they are called upon to express themselves on all the questions that arise. They have acquired more liberty to participate in the affairs of their country. They have been accorded equality with men in fulfilling the task of shaping the future. They have assumed more responsibilities for themselves, their family and their country than before. In many respects their position today bears comparison with the one they had in ancient times.

THEIR ROLE AS MOTHERS AND HOUSEWIVES:-

A woman is the mistress of her household and her domain over things that enter the threshold is absolute. As a mother, she is the first teacher of the child, as an old lady, hers is the last word on many a problem. Her main sphere of action is, therefore, essentially a happy home, which is her Kingdom, where by her sweet manners, constant ministering and advice as wife, mother, sister or daughter; she sweetens the ways of life. Where she works as a laborer, she does not claim exclusive right to use her wages. There, too, she brings in income to make the both ends meet. For some time past a very erroneous conception has developed that motherhood is a lowly and humiliating task imposed upon women by man. This conception is as baseless as unnatural. The progress of a nation depends upon the care and skill with which mothers rear up their children. “Give me good mothers,” said Napoleon, “and I will give you a good nation.” “Maids must be wives and mothers” writes F.A. Kemble, “to fulfill the entire and the holiest end of women’s being.” The first and noblest duty of mothers should, therefore, be to bring forth noble generations of patriots, warriors, scholars, politicians and statesmen. Since a child’s education starts even in the womb and the impressions formed in the mind of a child in the mother’s arms are indelible, our mothers in independence have to play a role of vital importance. They have to feel the realize at every step to their life that they are the builders of the fate of their nation for “the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”

THEIR ROLE AS TEACHERS AND PROFESSORS:-

The second task for which nature has best endowed women is that of teaching. In our illiterate country where masses are groping in the dark, the services of efficient teachers are urgently needed. Because of their natural gifts of intelligent, persuasion, sympathy and love, women can prove the best teachers, especially in the primary stages of education. They can understand better than men the psychology of a child and direct his energies to flow in their right direction. The highest virtue of a teacher is, as we know, to teach while he pleases. Who can be better fitted than women in this art of teaching and amusing simultaneously? It is but gratifying that in our country educated women have cast off their prudish and have proceeded abroad for higher studies in humanities and sciences.

THEIR ROLE AS DOCTORS AND NURSES:-

As doctors and nurses, again, women can serve the country very admirable. They can serve as nurses, midwives and surgeons especially in the maternity hospitals, “that a women’s voice is a cure and she touches a balm” has not been idly said. It has been found out that the women because of here naturally delicate and soft hands are very often the best surgeon. Florence Nightingale has shown the way to women kind how nobly they can serve humanity in moments of grave gangers and epidemics. Lady Doctors can render especially efficient services in the war hospitals because they have virtues of temperance and cool-headedness even in the face of grave dangers. “There is in every true woman’s heart of spark of heavenly fire which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity but which kindles up and beams, and beams, and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.”

THEIR ROLE AS SOCIAL WORKERS:-

There is yet one more sphere to which women are better fitted than men. It is the sphere of social service, canvassing and propaganda. Women can do multifarious activities especially in villages. Rapid growth of population in the rural areas specially is a great curse to our country. Women’s volunteers can more easily take the difficult task of canvassing the canons of family planning and child welfare among the rural womenfolk. They can easily carry out from kitchen to kitchen a propaganda against unhygienic conditions under which the villager dwell. In the urban areas they can efficiently take up the task of visiting and teaching orphans and helpless widow welfare centers. They can train them in serving, knitting, embroidery, drawing and painting in which women by nature excel. They can train them in the arts of music and dancing. In our country where floods, famines, earthquakes and epidemics have been appearing in quick succession, services of enthusiastic women’s volunteers have already proved a boon.

THEIR ROLE IN OTHER SPHERES:-

Women has to prove their worth not only in professions and occupations like nursing, teaching, kindergarten work, dress-making, social welfare work, house decoration and furnishing, painting, dancing singing, dairy-farming and others, but also distinguish themselves as legislators, parliamentarians, politicians and ambassadors. Their influence on politics is bound to produce healthy effects. They are gentle and generous, cool-headed and kind-hearted, temperate and political. Hence if they enter the field of politics, they are sure to humanize the violent and masculine charcter of modern Western civilization, establish a region of peace and happiness, and substitute hatreds with love, revenge with forgiveness, and death with life. The creator of the human race may also prove to be its savior. In Pakistan there are many social economic and political problems in which women may have better knowledge than men, and their intervention would lead to better in far-reaching results. Their views on child welfare, maternity, prudish system, widow remarriage, co-education, female education and the like, are likely to be more valuable than those of men.

CONCLUSION:-

In short, then, women have to play a vital role in Pakistan’s national reconstruction and rural uplift. They have shown there worth as leaders and administrators, and that time is not far off when Pakistan will have at the helm of affairs, women who will lead the country from strength to strength. At one time, they may not formally shape the destinies of the nation as men do but nowhere is the saying—the hands that rock the cradle rule the world—more applicable than in Pakistan because in Pakistan this hand is not off an aya but that of mothers. To prove themselves equal to the dignity of this status given to them and accomplish the great tasks that confront their country, women have to shake off the age-old shackles of slavery, fight unhealthy superstitions, broaden their outlook develop their mental caliber and come out into the open field to share the social, economic and political responsibilities with man’s shoulder to shoulder. At the same time, men on their side have to dispel the vain and futile arm our of superiority and think of women as persons and not as possessions.