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.

Essay - WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN PAKISTAN

West always raise fingers on suppressed women rights in Pakistan but before discussing whether women have the rights or not in Pakistan we should first understand that what actually the rights of women are.

DEFINITION.

The term women right refers to freedoms and entitlements of women and girls of all ages. These rights may or may not be institutionalized…

Pakistan is an Islamic society in which most of the practices are according to Islamic teaching and Islam has given equal rights to both men and women, whether it’s property or society in the eyes of Islam all humans are equal.

Islam has given equal right to women in getting education and the most important right that Islam has given to women is that the women can not get married without asking her will and consent.

Unfortunately in Pakistani society where we call ourselves Muslims but we are the one who are far away from Islamic teaching. Orally we all can say that we are Muslim but practically we are living our lives with out practicing Islamic teaching. If we want to discusses the rights of women in Pakistani society than it is divided into two categories.

URBAN WOMEN

RURAL WOMEN

WOMEN IN URBAN SOCIETY OF PAKISTAN

In 21st century women in urban society of Pakistan carries all rights, majority of women are getting education, working in different field of there interest side by side with men. Women in Pakistan are now working on the post of CEO’S, GT pilot, high post in Banks, doctors, engineer and what not women are free to go in any field now and complete her dream without any fear.

Urban side of Pakistani is not anymore backward, urban areas women are said to be called the super women they are not behind men in performing their responsibilities. Urbanization contribute much in adopting change in Pakistani society and with change the most important thing that happened is change in mind set of parents who previously considered their daughters as burdens but now its not like that anymore and due to parents encouragement and support women are working side by side with men and sharing the burden of society as equal partner.

Trend of early marriages is changing due to alteration in parents’ mindset. Now parents give their daughters the chance to live their life with freedom but in limits and in my point of view limit are very important for protecting the values and norms of our society.

Young girls in urban areas of Pakistan have passion to do something in their lives, to make their own identity stand on their own feet’s and do not become burden on parents after completing education. Most of the girls are working in different fields and trend is changing that girl can only adopt the profession of medicine is not any more.

Urban women are enjoying their rights although they have to face difficulties in work places, buses and from some conservative mindset people but all women are ready to cross all obstacles coming in there way of success and they all count these difficulties as minor problems. Women of urban areas do not think that what others are saying for them and they are on their way to success.

The rising inflation contributes much in women empowerment and now women are working to support their families in this time of inflation. It is not the time that one person can earn the bread for the whole family and remain dependent but now women are sharing the burden equally with men. In urban areas women are performing all duties with full responsibility and now society starts giving credit for all the achievement today women are doing. Pakistani working women try to balance between work and her family.

Because family is Allah blessing and to unite the family and look after for its need is the responsibility of women and because of them only family system in Pakistan is much stronger. In my point of view Pakistani women should be the best example for others that how to maintain balance between work and family which is necessary for making healthier and organized society.

WOMEN IN RURAL SOCIETY OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan rural areas are in hold of so called Zamindar, Jagirdars, Feudal lords who suppressed the rights of women and considered them as their property. Rural women are working in fields along with men and doing all household work but despite of all the sacrifices and contribution she carries no right and has no share in anything and her life remain property of men who are dominant member of society.

Women in rural areas of Pakistan are in worst condition may be there are 10 percent of women enjoying their rights but I am talking about remaining 80 percent of women those rights have been suppressed sometime on name of prestige, her life have been sacrificed on the name of honor killing and other illegal customs which have no place in Islamic teaching and are man made rules for women and make their life like hell. These women have no education nothing they are fully dependents on their men and this is the reason that they can not raise their voice against any injustice done with them and if they will be educated than they can say no to the violence and cruelty done with them on the name of so called manhood.

Rural men think that if they do not suppressed the rights of women and hold their lives in their hands than how they can say themselves that we are MEN and he has all the right to crushed the rights of women under her feet because women has given the right to them to do injustice with them because they feed them and give shelter for living. May be some of my readers will be against me that it is not true and if it is wrong than what about the case of Mukhtara Mai she was gang raped, Tasleem Sulangi and all such thousands of women killed on the name of honor are buried in Kari Graveyard built to give lesson to other women that not to think about living life according to your own will, and never raise voice in front of men for your rights and if some one did so than this Kari Graveyard will be your final destination.

Whatever Taliban government was doing with women of Rural areas were totally against Islamic teaching because Islam have given all rights to women and such illiterate people who want to dominate are using the name of Islam for fulfilling their evil designs.

Islam is such a religion in which women respect is so important that it can be proved from the saying of Prophet Muhammad that “PARADISE LIES UNDER MOTHER FEET” Lastly I can only say that women respect is necessary from every aspect and they should be given equal rights whether it’s Pakistani society or western. West instead of raising finger on violated rights of women in Pakistan should contribute its share in raising the standard of living of rural women built schools for them so that they all get education, vocational training should be established which can groom the inner abilities and provide the opportunities of earning to women of rural areas. In my point of view lack of earning opportunities and education is the main cause of violation of women rights. If women will be empowered then next coming generation will be educated and women can feel secure and can raise their voice against their rights without hesitation and fear.

So this proves that women empowerment is very important for the progress of a country and nation.

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.

Essay - WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN PAKISTAN

West always raise fingers on suppressed women rights in Pakistan but before discussing whether women have the rights or not in Pakistan we should first understand that what actually the rights of women are.

DEFINITION.

The term women right refers to freedoms and entitlements of women and girls of all ages. These rights may or may not be institutionalized…

Pakistan is an Islamic society in which most of the practices are according to Islamic teaching and Islam has given equal rights to both men and women, whether it’s property or society in the eyes of Islam all humans are equal.

Islam has given equal right to women in getting education and the most important right that Islam has given to women is that the women can not get married without asking her will and consent.

Unfortunately in Pakistani society where we call ourselves Muslims but we are the one who are far away from Islamic teaching. Orally we all can say that we are Muslim but practically we are living our lives with out practicing Islamic teaching. If we want to discusses the rights of women in Pakistani society than it is divided into two categories.

URBAN WOMEN

RURAL WOMEN

WOMEN IN URBAN SOCIETY OF PAKISTAN

In 21st century women in urban society of Pakistan carries all rights, majority of women are getting education, working in different field of there interest side by side with men. Women in Pakistan are now working on the post of CEO’S, GT pilot, high post in Banks, doctors, engineer and what not women are free to go in any field now and complete her dream without any fear.

Urban side of Pakistani is not anymore backward, urban areas women are said to be called the super women they are not behind men in performing their responsibilities. Urbanization contribute much in adopting change in Pakistani society and with change the most important thing that happened is change in mind set of parents who previously considered their daughters as burdens but now its not like that anymore and due to parents encouragement and support women are working side by side with men and sharing the burden of society as equal partner.

Trend of early marriages is changing due to alteration in parents’ mindset. Now parents give their daughters the chance to live their life with freedom but in limits and in my point of view limit are very important for protecting the values and norms of our society.

Young girls in urban areas of Pakistan have passion to do something in their lives, to make their own identity stand on their own feet’s and do not become burden on parents after completing education. Most of the girls are working in different fields and trend is changing that girl can only adopt the profession of medicine is not any more.

Urban women are enjoying their rights although they have to face difficulties in work places, buses and from some conservative mindset people but all women are ready to cross all obstacles coming in there way of success and they all count these difficulties as minor problems. Women of urban areas do not think that what others are saying for them and they are on their way to success.

The rising inflation contributes much in women empowerment and now women are working to support their families in this time of inflation. It is not the time that one person can earn the bread for the whole family and remain dependent but now women are sharing the burden equally with men. In urban areas women are performing all duties with full responsibility and now society starts giving credit for all the achievement today women are doing. Pakistani working women try to balance between work and her family.

Because family is Allah blessing and to unite the family and look after for its need is the responsibility of women and because of them only family system in Pakistan is much stronger. In my point of view Pakistani women should be the best example for others that how to maintain balance between work and family which is necessary for making healthier and organized society.

WOMEN IN RURAL SOCIETY OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan rural areas are in hold of so called Zamindar, Jagirdars, Feudal lords who suppressed the rights of women and considered them as their property. Rural women are working in fields along with men and doing all household work but despite of all the sacrifices and contribution she carries no right and has no share in anything and her life remain property of men who are dominant member of society.

Women in rural areas of Pakistan are in worst condition may be there are 10 percent of women enjoying their rights but I am talking about remaining 80 percent of women those rights have been suppressed sometime on name of prestige, her life have been sacrificed on the name of honor killing and other illegal customs which have no place in Islamic teaching and are man made rules for women and make their life like hell. These women have no education nothing they are fully dependents on their men and this is the reason that they can not raise their voice against any injustice done with them and if they will be educated than they can say no to the violence and cruelty done with them on the name of so called manhood.

Rural men think that if they do not suppressed the rights of women and hold their lives in their hands than how they can say themselves that we are MEN and he has all the right to crushed the rights of women under her feet because women has given the right to them to do injustice with them because they feed them and give shelter for living. May be some of my readers will be against me that it is not true and if it is wrong than what about the case of Mukhtara Mai she was gang raped, Tasleem Sulangi and all such thousands of women killed on the name of honor are buried in Kari Graveyard built to give lesson to other women that not to think about living life according to your own will, and never raise voice in front of men for your rights and if some one did so than this Kari Graveyard will be your final destination.

Whatever Taliban government was doing with women of Rural areas were totally against Islamic teaching because Islam have given all rights to women and such illiterate people who want to dominate are using the name of Islam for fulfilling their evil designs.

Islam is such a religion in which women respect is so important that it can be proved from the saying of Prophet Muhammad that “PARADISE LIES UNDER MOTHER FEET” Lastly I can only say that women respect is necessary from every aspect and they should be given equal rights whether it’s Pakistani society or western. West instead of raising finger on violated rights of women in Pakistan should contribute its share in raising the standard of living of rural women built schools for them so that they all get education, vocational training should be established which can groom the inner abilities and provide the opportunities of earning to women of rural areas. In my point of view lack of earning opportunities and education is the main cause of violation of women rights. If women will be empowered then next coming generation will be educated and women can feel secure and can raise their voice against their rights without hesitation and fear.

So this proves that women empowerment is very important for the progress of a country and nation.

Essay on CO-EDUCATION

When members of both sexes receive their education jointly, the need for separate institutions disappears. This seems an advantage from the economic point of view since separate buildings and separate teaching and clerical staffs for those institutions would mean twice the expenditure that would be required for running co-education institutions would have to be double the number of separate institutions for boys and girls, and the total expenditure in the reckoning would be the same in both cases.But co-education has other and more important advantages. It enables the two sexes to come into contact with, and learn to understand, one another. They receive their lessons jointly; they plan on the fields together; they participate in the extra-moral and extra-curriculum activities together; they hold joint concerts; they go out for excursions and educational tours together, in short, they get real opportunities to get to know one another. When free contact between the sexes is allowed and encouraged, there will be little sex suppression on either side. It is a psychological fact that the segregation of the sexes leads to many complexes.The age of puberty is crucial both for boys and girls, and if they get no chance to meet one another they are tormented by healthy and morbid thoughts.

Co-education also enables the two sexes to study each other’s habits, inclinations, hobbies and ways of thinking. A mutual knowledge of each other’s psychology and temperament leads to a better understanding. This understanding contributes, at a later stage, to married happiness, as it enables men and women to adjust themselves to their partners in the light of the experience they have acquired. The mutual under-standing brought about by co-education also compels the men folk to give to women a high status in social life.

Again, the presence of girls in educational institutions has a refining effect on boys. Generally, boys, if left to them, will show a tendency to indulge in vulgar talk and indecent jokes. If however a group of students standing the chatting together includes a few girls, the boys will take care not to use any vulgar expressions.

Another good effect of co-educational that it produces a healthy spirit of academic competition between boys and girls. Each sex makes effort to excel the others. Both are, therefore, urged to a more fruitful intellectual exertion that in the case separate institutions for boys and girls.

Co-education has, however, its faults and drawbacks that should be clearly recognized. In the first place, men find it difficult to concentrate upon studies in the presence of women. The temptation to look and gaze at a pretty face is always very stronger. Boys cannot attend whole-heartedly to their lessons when a number of attractive girls are sitting by their side in the class-room. In his easy “on the Need for Quiet College,’ Stephen Leacock rightly observes that “men can’t study when women are around,’ and that if women are into a college, they are likely to get round some of the professors and marry them and then good-bye to research and higher thought! In the next place, there is a real ganger that the free intermixture of the sexes at the age of puberty may lead to sexual misconduct. Boys will try to become intimate with girls and girls may become the willing victims of certain wicked boys. This sort of things is very undesirable and improper.The needs of women, too, are different from those of men. The same curriculum cannot, therefore, suit both the sexes. Boys and girls should not be given exactly the same sort of education. If the lists of subjects suitable for study by the two sexes are compared, the number of subjects common to the lists may appear few. There is a wide difference between the mental constitutions of the two sexes. Boys are to be prepared for careers, girls mainly for a home life. No doubt, girls are increasingly entering careers and professions, but the fact remains that the essential requirements of the two sexes are different. It is desirable; therefore, that boys and girls should be educated separately.It will sound a reactionary step to say that the experiment of co-education should be given up. But co-education is not really yielding very good results. Co-education may be continued at the post-graduate level, but in the lower classes it is not desirable. When girls become mature, they can look after themselves, but at the under-graduate stage they are likely to go astray if they are allowed to move freely to move freely with boys.

Essay - CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY AND PAKISTAN

Dancing around the fire is not the solution to any problem. One should try to see beneath the surface in order to grasp an idea about the basic issue. Despite a stream of stung words and announcements made by the previous governments of Pakistan, there is a woeful neglect in accepting the challenges of the present millennium rather the situation has taken a quantum leap for the worse.On the other hand there are the most exciting times in the perspective of progress ever observed in the recorded history of mankind. All countries of the world are making the progress in almost all aspects of life. These countries are working hard to face the challenges of 21st century. The world in which we are living has become the world of information and technology. The old concept of ruling the world with power has completely changed by the disintegration of soviet union in the last decade of the previous century. The progress speeds of many countries are remarkable.China got independence two years after Pakistan but it has increased its speed of development up to a great extent. Today china is enjoying the status of world’s second fastest growing economy post Mayo, china has established an all time global record in doubling its per capita income between 1977 and 1987. According to a world Bank purchasing power parity (ppp) china has a GDP of just under $3.0 trillions which is second largest after united states of America. If one accepts the projections of a Rand study  of 1995 china will become world’s largest economy by 2010 with GDP of $11.3 trillions. China has managed to get a complete control over the markets of many countries. Its trade abilities have captured a great foreign exchange reserve. Now china has entered in the making of such a car which may be considered very well prepared country to face the challenging environment of new millennium. It can also be said that today no effort to regulate global trade can be succeeded if china is not part of decreased exchange risk premium in interest rates and has increased investment demands. The echo of single currency swept across the world with free trade zones. Due to this wonderful success of Euro, many countries have inspired and they also started their ball rolling in the same direction.

In Holland the Dutch people have innovated such a food for the cattle which helps the cattle to grow at a very fast rate. The cattle is very important for Holland as it enjoys a great position in the export of best quality milk, butter and meat. This earns a great amount of foreign exchange for Holland. The Dutch people have also worked successfully on a particular television which also provides all the facilities of a computer as well. These examples show that the Dutch people are very well prepared to face the challenges of the present millennium.The world has become a global village. The distances have been reduced up to an appreciable extent. In America the people have started a new practice. The high officials do not go to the offices.They control majority of their official matters through computers. This helps them a lot in saving their precious times which they would have wasted in travelling.The countries like Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are working very hard. This hard work has enabled them to face the challenges of current millennium in a very dignified way. These countries have made development up to this extent that it has become a far cry for Pakistan to assimilate whit their stands. Korea has also attained a significant position in the exporters of cars and other vehicles. In 1960’s Malaysian economy was very poor but through hard work they have strengthened their economy up to a great extent. The Malayan television and other electronic instruments have really captured the markets of many countries. These countries have achieved this position of stabilization through their appropriate economic strategies, good educational policies, sprit of patriotism and excellent foreign policies.The rate of progress in order to face the challenges of new century is also very high in India as compared to Pakistan. The Indian people have really done wonders in the field of information  technology. The Indian software engineers have achieved remarkable successes. They have made exceptional innovations in this field. Indian government has provided all the possible support to their people. They have established a silicon Valley in Madras for this purpose. Through the export of software programs India is earning a great deal of foreign exchange which has played a vital role in reducing the economic distress in India. The Indian economy has become very strong. India has also been benefited from the female employment ratio in the country. The women are also working with the men in almost all the professions.

The world has made progress in many fields at a massive rate. In the above mentioned facts and development made by the various countries, it can he easily analyzed that where do Pakistan stand? How Pakistan has prepared itself to face the challenges of the newly started millennium? Some efforts were also made in Pakistan to made some progress in the last decade of the previous century but those could not become result oriented due to self-centered access and sift handed complements from the advisors of the rules.

The continuous change in the leadership of the country proved very harmful for the growth in all the fields. In  the beginning of 1990’s the government of Nawaz Sharif took some steps in order to improve the infra structure of the country. He established the Motorway project in collaboration with the Daewoo company in order to improve the means of communication. He also facilitated the people of Narwhal with a new telephone exchange He also tried to introduce a self employment scheme in the form of “Yellow cab” in which the taxi cars were provided to the educated youngsters on very easy and affordable installments. The purpose was to enhance the employment ratio in the country but this scheme also met the failure because many of his party members utilized this scheme for their own benefit.In 1930 when Mrs. Benazir Bhutto got the rule, she started a welfare program me for general masses under the name of peoples programmed which act rally proved worthless for the people as many politicians started personal aggrandizement through this programmed. They got heavy funds which were never used for the welfare of the people.They got heavy funds which were never used for the welfare of the people. Similar nothing valuable could be done in the next turn of Nawaz Sharif. The rolling substitution of governments in the last decade proved as main obstacle in the way of progress of our country. In 1999 during the argil episode Pakistan clearly witnessed that no country was ready to support it Even our closest friend china refused to helps . This shows the failure of foreign policy. So Pakistan needs to reform its foreign policy on the following three grounds i.e. power, wealth and status. Power means the capacity of Islamabad to influence the policies of super powers towards  Pakistan. Wealth means to increase the foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan . For this purpose the exports should be increased by raising the standards of our products. Status means to get a prestigious position for people of Pakistan in the world.One more important sector which needs a great attention is the infra structure. The unemployment has increased by leaps and bounds. It should be considered very seriously .The deserving and educated candidates don’t get the proper jobs. Instead of deserving candidate don’t get the proper jobs. Instead of deserving candidates there is often a square peg in the round hole which frustrates the deserving youngsters. This frustration gives rise to the crime rate in the country. So the merit system should be improved. So far all the efforts to stabilize the economy and infrastructure have proved to flog a dead horse. Pakistan also needs to improve the health facilities. The efforts made in this regard are not more than a drop in the ocean.So conclude in this way that in spite of all those obstacles and slow growth rate of progress. One may hope that the time will be changed. According to the policies made by the Musharraf government it can be considered that now the time is not far when Pakistan will bear the palm. Now the time has come that if we want Pakistan to rise up to that extent which was dreamt by Quaid-e AZ am, then every Pakistani will have to work up to his entire ability and diligence.

Essay - Is Democracy is the Best Form of Government System?

For the past 2500 years this question has been tossed up. Some said rule of one, others preferred rule of few, while a third party was of the view that neither rule of one nor of few but rule of majority is good. In this discussion, it would appear later that democracy is either the most hated or the most admired form of government. Rationally speaking, democracy, like every other system of governance, has its seamy side. That it has becoming more an end in itself than a means to attaining such ends as: freedom equality, rule of law and justice which are its underlying values without which democracy loses its meaning. Unless accompanied by its underlying values democracy is indistinguishable from any other system of governance and is as bad as any other form of government could be. A dictator may rule democratically, and a democratic government could be tyrannical and oppressive. It is therefore the content, which makes democracy the most admirable form of government, rather than the form by which Voltaire meant when he said that: it makes no difference to a poor man whether he is devoured by a lion or hundred rats.

It is perhaps better to begin with definitions. Abraham Lincoln rendered a definition of democracy in these words: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. By democracy it is meant that people should rule themselves; or rule of people. Moreover democracy is a form of government in which members are elected to rule by the consent of people and are accountable to people. Their rule is not arbitrary but they have to conduct their business in accordance with the rules enacted in constitution. This document which is called constitution defines fundamental rights of people besides provides the framework through which government is to run the affairs of state. However if government acts in contravention with the rules people have inherent right to topple such a government and institute a new one in its place.

The origin of democracy lies in the Athenian democracy of which Pericles, the leader of democracy in Athens, boasted that; here, there is the government in which every citizen renders his contribution however little it may be. But happy days of Athenian democracy did not last long in the face of militaristic Spartans who defeated Athens in Peloponnesian war. Socrates who witnessed all these developments was quick to attribute failure to democracy which according to him was riddled with factionalism, corruption and nepotism. This ultimately brought doom to Athens. Henceforth the aging philosopher developed a particular contempt for democracy and declared it the worst form of government. In a democracy, he says, pity party interests precede those of the national interests. It seems that he did not see security in numbers and declared that only knowledge has claim to power. When the War was finally over the democracy which he condemned voted him to death.

Plato the faithful student of Socrates inherited his master’s contempt for democracy and wrote the Republic to prove that tyranny of Philosopher King is better than democracy, by declaring that he went to other extreme: totalitarianism. However Socrates’ and Plato’s hatred of democracy had some measures of truth in it. The Athenian democracy was pervaded by corruption, factionalism and pity party interests claimed precedence over the national interests. These were the reasons which caused Plato and Socrates to despise democracy. Nevertheless, their contempt for democracy reflected their hatred of national and regional politics of that time. To a large extent their criticism is not based on rational grounds, although the democracy was not without its faults but yet it was the best form of government for which Greeks developed great love and respect. Because it guaranteed freedom of thought and expression which Greeks boasted of, and therefore regarded all other civilizations as barbaric. Even the giant Persians were looked down as uncivilized nation. The proof of this is the fact that Plato’s theory of Philosopher king was received rather with contempt by the freedom loving Greeks who regarded it as alien and barbaric. This was precisely the reason which forced Plato to write Laws and Statesman in which Law would be supreme and it was the second best ideal state of Plato.

For Aristotle the chief problem lies in the irreconcilable conflict between freedom and authority. He was much closer to liberal democracy but stood diametrically opposed to his master’s theory of Philosopher King and regarded it as opposed to the frailties of human nature. The conflict between freedom and authority was the actual task which possessed him the most, and which culminated in the form of constitutional government; be it democracy provided majority presents tasks and only the experts render execution and implementation of those tasks. Implicitly this was democracy at its best. Expounder of constitutionalism Aristotle did not contend his master’s words that only knowledge has claim to power.

From Greeks down to Dark and Middle ages democracy remained a ray of hope for the distressed. It was regarded as an antidote to oppressive and despotic rule. It is an effective weapon of all freedom loving nations to fight tyranny. In Europe, the Age of Reason renewed the faith of people in democratic rule; therefore masses challenged the traditional and ancient institutions which stifled freedom of people. It was this  renewed conviction that helped abolishing feudalism thereby paving the way for a just system of governance. The Glorious Revolution in England marked the beginning of the democratic age. It established representative government through sovereignty of parliament. The other Europeans would follow the suit later.

Nonetheless the followers of Plato still haunted the democratic forces. They opposed and mocked the people who were fighting for democracy and rule of law. Thomas Hobbes was the first among them to oppose any changes in the existing governmental system which kept people under perpetual slavery. However it would be clear by the fact that Hobbes criticism of peoples rule stemmed from his emotional attachment to the unity of England. Since the civil war plagued England before the revolution. Hobbes believed that a strong hand is needed to subdue the uprising and therefore preached the divine right of kings to rule. On the other hand stood John Locke whose ideals were embedded in democratic values ; he supported the revolution which culminated in the sovereignty of parliament.

The propounder of modern absolutism Machiavelli confronted similar issues in his home land Italy where Papacy rule crippled the growth of society and kept people under perpetual subordination. Besides It was in able to defend Italy against foreign aggression. His opposition to democracy found expression in his book the Prince. Prince according to him would be instrumental in restoring peace and glory to Italy and defend it against any foreign intrusions. The integrity of Italy, It seems, was sacred to him and thus he equipped his prince with unbridled powers to safeguard that. However close observation would reveal that his philosophy of absolutism is a product of particular circumstances which confronted Italy during that time and to overcome them seems his immediate concern. He might have renounced it had he lived to see Hitler.

It is an interesting question that what possessed people of Europe to stand against well equipped oppressive regimes and what attracted them to seek salvation in democracy. Masses suffered at the hands of religious and temporal rulers; the latter were in alliance. Besides, economic exploitation and infliction of tyrannical rule left people to virtual slavery. Submission to such rule anymore was death on the other hand democracy offered freedom and equality for which the people of Europe yearned. Who would ignore such presents. It was this reason that democracy found ready appeal among the masses who rose and fought for it. The American and French Revolution were the culmination of people’s quest for a free world where law, not the discretion of kings, would rule. The independence of America and the subsequent enactment of its constitution which ensured freedom, equality and rule of law, marked the beginning of a new age in the history of democracy.

However it is an other question that the minority Negroes were suppressed in a country whose constitution defined: “all people created as equal”. It is this question the possibility of which confirmed that a democratic regime could also be oppressive and tyrannical. Nonetheless the white majority was never short of arguments and was quick to justify it; that when constitution speaks of equality it meant equality of all whites. It was paradoxical. Here Rousseau’s theory of General Will was in work practically simultaneously confirming the doubts of Voltaire that General will or Majority rule would tend to be more oppressive to dissenting minority. The issue which questioned the primacy of democracy as being an ideal form of government.

These were the inherent weaknesses in democratic system which gave rise to Communist manifesto: classless society. And it was the age of Hegel, the spiritual father of Karl Marx, who was pleading his case of Dialectical Theory; thesis, antithesis, synthesis, in Europe. The theory, through which Karl Marx was to prove later the doom of democracy. Hegel suggested that every tendency breeds its antithesis at the very moment it is born. The idea he applied to feudalism as thesis, democracy as its antithesis and communism which Karl Marx was to declare later as synthesis; the final destiny of humanity, and the best system of governance. Communists were quick to attack capitalist democracy which according to them encourages economic exploitation of working class by industrialists; hence effecting concentration of wealth in to few hands. Which causes socio economic imbalance in society . However communists fail to prove that under communism there will be no such exploitation and masses would suffer less. It is at least implicit in the communist manifesto. Their aim it seems was to bring one party, which they called Proletariat, into power It will decide the destiny of ruled. None the less a dictatorship.

At least democracy offers safer options. However bad, democracy is better than dictatorship, said someone .But the vexing issue was one that of sub-ordination of minority at the hands of majority in democratic system . To reconcile these two opposing tendencies was the task that occupied the attention of John Stuart Mill, the father of Neo-liberalism. Who said that it is not necessary that a popular government should also be a liberal government. Contradicting his own statement our philosopher says that threat to democracy is not from government but from a majority that is intolerant of diversity and uses its numbers to repress the minority. Therefore behind every liberal government there should be a liberal society. Repression of black population in America and South Africa may be viewed in this paradigm. Not to democracy but tyranny may be attributed to an intolerant society.

One of the peculiarities of democratic system is that it affords an opportunity for resolving issues through negotiations. It was through this means that Martin Luther King was successful in his struggle against segregation against the blacks in America. The firm belief in the democracy offered blacks an equal status in the society that crippled their freedom formerly. However struggle is sine qua non for achieving ideals ingrained in democratic values. “ Privileged class never gives up its privileges, you have to fight for them,” says Martin Luther King.

Similarly, the case of repression by the minority Whites against the majority blacks in South Africa reflected the same dilemma of an intolerant society. Nelson Mandela the leader of Blacks understood the perils if the majority Blacks came into power; the danger was that of suppression of the minority Whites. Therefore the struggle he launched against Apartheid ( a system of laws which stifled the freedom of the Blacks) was directed against the system and institutions which chained the Blacks. It was never against the Whites. Mandela acknowledged that, that he was laying grounds for mutual co-existence between whites and Blacks after the freedom was won. Moreover democracy helped South Africa achieving social, political and economic cohesion. On the Contrary, Communist Revolution hardly achieved desired results. The imposition of dictatorship soon after the fall of Czar regime resulted only in the national disintegration ones the cold war was over.

In the same way the argument that democracy is a success in one society and its failure in other is not enough to prove that democracy is not the ideal form of government. To substantiate it the critics offer examples of third world democratic countries such as Pakistan. The logical answer to the criticism is that for a liberal democracy to succeed there should be a liberal society. The more a society is liberal the greater are the chances of democracy to succeed. The words of Plato may be relevant when he said: unless we have better men we could not have better society or state. For a better democracy there must be a better society. Unless it is done society can not avail itself the benefits a democratic system has to offer.

As it has frequently appeared in the course of discussion that democracy is not an end itself rather is a means to achieve ends which are ingrained in the democratic values such as; freedom equality and rule of law. However the Politics of Modern Times have observed a paradigm shift from ends to means, the latter have become more important to popular governments. Democracy is promoted but liberty is not Says Fareed Zakria in his book the Future of Freedom. Similarly election is the first step forward to achieving the ends in constitutional liberalism, and is an integral part therefore of any democratic system. Viewed in any other perspective it has no meaning of its own. Unfortunately, political parties lay greater emphasis on the election campaigns and spend heavily to secure victory but pay little attention to the goals set for a democratic government to achieve. Secondly the growth of illiberal tendencies in democratic world should be a greater cause of concern for the modern societies. The greater threat today to democracy is from illiberal democracy. Its success depends largely upon the elimination of illiberal practices which stifle freedom of society. To put it in a nutshell, if society is to avail what democracy has to offer, it must direct its energies to fight illiberal democracy. And in doing that lays the salvation of humanity. Otherwise ruin is at hand amidst Nuclear world