United we stand, divided we fall.
Muslim polity is its direct result of the grand process of integration of the diverse elements into great Umma’ by the Holy Prophet PBOH). Can we find any greater example of Piety? Brotherhood, Tolerance, Cooperation, mutual goodwill and respect, altruism and unity in world history than the integrated Muslim society?
The birth of Pakistan is itself a vital proof of integration of the diverse Indian Muslim populations into the united front, under the flag of the Muslim League and on one platform, under the dynamic leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam. Both the Britishers and the Indian Congress had to bow before the congregated Muslim might.
No nation can survive without internal integrity. National unity is a must for every country and for all times. Constant vigilance is the price of liberty. A divided nation can neither have internal stability so essential for peace and progress; nor can it fight foreign aggression. It is all the more essential for Pakistan threatened by both internal factions and external foes.
Inevitable are the ways of God! The great catastrophe disintegration of the country, breaking of Pakistan is before us. The sudden and smiting shock must have opened our eyes. The curse fell the punishment was executed. Let us wake! [the_ad id=”17141″]
How can the curse be broken now? The answer is a national unity-the panacea for all our social, political and economic ailments and problems. The strongest bedrock of integration and unity is religion. The unity forged by Islam dawned into national freedom. Religion guides man to realize oneself, to subordinate the ego to the greater good. There is an intrinsic quest for self-determination. Islam teaches us that individuals are like the limbs of one body. The wholehearted revival of Islamic values can repair the cracks appearing in the national set-up. Restoration is need of the time.
Religion also teaches to do our duty to work honestly. Duty gives dignity to life. Man shuns narrow – mindedness and selfishness. It teaches us to live and let live. It kills regionalism, the greatest disintegrant in Pakistan. Work prompts us to work for the nation and not for the self-interests, the worst prevailing tendency.
The second remedy for integration is education. Let our colleges and universities be training grounds for selfless service, mutual respect, and true knowledge instead of being hotbeds of factions and political rivalry. They are to play a creative role in the evolution of the common pool, the national heritage. [the_ad id=”17142″]
No less important is the role of the national language, Urdu. It is not only a requisite for national unity but it is also a battering ram for stirring national feeling, love, and devotion. Sindhu-Desh, and Pakhtoohistan like Bangladesh, derive their life force from too much glorification of regional languages at the cast National Language.
Then comes the rule of law, the force of law that has been missing or misapplied so far. All anti-state and anti-social activities must be crushed with the iron hand of law, particularly in the educational institutions, the breeding grounds for hatred, regionalism, and sectarianism.
The barrier of social clog can be toppled through free and large scale marriages among the various ethnic groups. Blood relations and ties make the chain of national integration strong and lasting.
Lastly comes the role of mass media in national integration. The Press can bridge the gulf between various sections and sects in society. In Pakistan, some Press Lords think themselves as king-makers. Some sensitive areas like discrimination in services, quota system, neglect in area uplift, create greater frustration and bitterness.
The press can exert its weight in the right direction and kill seeds of dissension. The ever pointing code of national integration given by the Quaid is faith, unity, and discipline. Patriotism and not chauvinism is the best remedy.
