Morality Defines A Nation

There are many great examples but Aussies always stand tall. Once it comes to moral issues, they hold lofty standards. Almost a decade ago, Smith their cricket skipper was caught cheating on the field. He was seen shedding tears on TV and begging for people’s forgiveness. Simply amazing and mind boggling for the people in Pakistan. Conversely, like many other nations, Pakistan stands on the other extreme. We follow corruption, we condone corruption, we appreciate corruption. Unchecked for long, corruption has seeped deep into our bones.

Undoubtedly the biggest challenge that Pakistan faces today is moral degradation and decay. We do corruption with our heads high, hearts at peace, zero shame and taking it as our right. In our system the one who doesn’t do corruption is taken as insane and misfit.

Diagnosing this ailment, one can think of two glaring aspects. Corrupt, indifferent, un visionary, self serving and inapt leadership. Leaders are supposed to set standards and serve as a role model. They serve as role model for bad practices. Secondly, prolonged conflict (most of which of paid mercenaries) has damaged us in many ways. The most serious damage has been to our national character causing a societal decay and moral degradation. Our systems and institutions have badly deteriorated. All dimensions of the state were far better 50 years ago. Our journey has been in reverse gear. Ill begotten money, easy money, negative knowledge (meant to do bad things), breed of parvenue, sycophants and opportunists have played havoc with this nation.

The overall standards of morality are abysmally low. There is zero shame, guilt or fear of law; attributes needed to check human actions. Corruption and bad practices give greater dividends than honesty and good practices. It is appalling that not a single contestant of 2024 elections gracefully accepted his defeat whether big or small wigs. Heard about elections in Malaysia, the largest winning party was unable to form government. The opposition jointly could, but displaying higher morality, opposition declared that largest winning party had the moral authority to form the government. A Muslim country we could emulate. Can we think of such like morality in Pakistan. Conversely, the losers are ruling.

Damages caused over half a century will not be easy to eradicate. It will need realisation of top level and sterling commitment. Treatment of societal issues warrants employment of social scientists like a doctor treats a human. Some actions need of the hour are:

a. Leaving country on auto mode, let the people decide who deserves to rule

b. Eradication of strategic blunders

c. Respect to constitution and rule of law through head and heart

d. Social reforms on war footing

e. Teaching character and good practices at mosque and schools

f. Ruthless punishments to offenders

g. Higher punishments for higher position holders than a common man

h. Instilling pride and honour in doing good things

i. Greater emphasis on women education for them being future mothers

j. Emergency to put house in order based on established standards of ethics and norms as enshrined by the religion

k. Teaching injunctions of Islam, Prophet PBUH, and founding fathers

l. Greater focus on third generation

m. Revival of shame, guilt and fear of law

n. Create harmony in society

It will seem a tall order, a wishful thinking, a day dreaming; but we have take a start. If leaders decide to correct themselves and become people centric, each day will be a new day.