Pakistan is passing through a period of economic crisis. There was a time when it had a good level of GDP and per capita income. It has a good number of its citizens in the Gulf and the western countries. They provide a good share of foreign exchange to its exchequer. But this also has failed to stabilise its economy. One US Dollar is equal to 83 Indian Rupees. But about 280 Pakistani Rupees can fetch one US Dollar. Pakistan was found knocking at the doors of IMF, World Bank and some rich countries. Floods and other natural calamities have further complicated the crisis.
It was expected that China-aided Belt and Road project could open the gates of prosperity for Pak economy. But its completion is getting delayed and the burden of Chinese debt and interest is very badly damaging the Pak economy.
The world is surprised to see that a country rich in human and natural resources is facing crisis after crisis in its once brilliant economy. One big factor responsible for this is that military devours a large part of finances (about 40% of federal budget), which heavily imbalances its economy. Pak rulers must sincerely rethink about its relations with its powerful neighbour, India. Now Pak intellectuals are openly speaking about the aforesaid factor and suggesting mending fences with its formidable neighbour.
Pakistan was created in the name of Islam. But one sees 23 crore Muslims there but no Islam. It presents a dismal picture of Islam. Narrow religiosity is prevailing in that country. Some constantly indulge in duels, wrangles and disputes on very insignificant issues in the name of Islam. This presents a very sad picture of their concept of Islam and what they think Islam stands for. Murders and bomb blasts have continuously occurred in the name of Islam. Think about some very condemnable recent happenings. In 2016, 120 innocent young school students along with several teachers were massacred in a Peshawar school. Some three months back a suicide bomber caused the death of more than 100 worshippers in a mosque in Peshawar. More recently about 60 persons died in a religious organisation’s procession. Hundreds of such examples can be cited of such massacres which have tarnished the image of Islam.
As for their treatment of non-Muslim brethren, they seem to have forgotten that the Prophet ﷺ has said, “If you mistreat your non-Muslim citizens, I would be the first person to launch a prosecution in the court of Almighty Allah on the Day of Judgement.” In the last month there were widespread arsons and atrocities against the Christian community in Jaranwala over an alleged desecration of the Qur’ān. Such things have happened against the Hindu minority there as well.
Our neighbours! It is time for you to think about the tarnished image of Islam in your country. If you are unable to follow Islam in letter and spirit, at least do not defend these condemnable acts of violence. You should be the doors and windows of Islam.