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Solution Graph
We don't claim to have figured it out. Its solution model beta v 0.01. We hope after
100 iterations / revisions, we will come up with a viable solution. That will be
our version 1.0 (Click the respective area in the model to see its detail)
Quality Leadership
The coming together of an idea marks the beginning of a great leadership, keeping
together marks its progress and working together marks its success. Leadership is
a critical management skill, the ability to motivate and drive the masses toward
a common goal. Though political leadership is an art and skill in its own right
there are no easy answers to quality leadership except that a leader is an advocate
of the masses and not his own personal agenda.
A quality political leadership evinces in the structural parameters and manifestations
of an all-inclusive and a well functioning government. It plays safe, takes advantage
of opportunities and avoids hazards. The primary focal points are;
• Creating vision & strategy
• Communicating & Setting direction
• Motivating action
• Aligning people
• Creating systems that people can manage and transforming them when needed to boost
growth, evolution and opportunities.
If a leader deigns himself above the law or is an aspiring candidate with big money,
trying to gain the upper hand, then democracy cannot survive for long. It is pertinent
that he applies the same code of conduct for himself as he does for his people.
Moral values make a great leader and a conscientious leader can strengthen the democratic
institutions by instilling the same values in them.
A critical look at Pakistan’s volatile world of diplomacy and statecraft reveals
a total collapse of leadership. The absence of morality has shown disastrous outcomes
for otherwise powerful leaders. With the inflation rate well above 26% and rising,
and a frustrated work force of over 50 million, the sole hope for Pakistan lies
in transformational leadership. Reduced productivity and lower morale are only two
of the many detriments of morally corrupt leadership.
Quality leadership is directly related to morality; superior morals connote authentic
and genuine leadership and a sustainable future, whereas warped moral values only
create an attractive façade for an otherwise dilapidated state of affairs.
Proper allocation of funds is a key factor that ensures steady progress in any country.
A prudent channeling of resources towards development schemes, infrastructure etc
is contingent to quality leadership. A conscientious and a responsible leader understands
that economy, infrastructure and strong democratic institutions are all dependent
upon excellent management of state affair. Equal opportunity for all also hinges
on quality leadership. The elements that lay grounds for quality leadership are
moral values, education and the quality of justice. Democratic institutions functioning
on these principles keep a stern check on leaders and their affairs, and vice versa.
Proper Budget Allocation
A budget is an action plan, a synopsis of an organization’s financial and operational
goals. It aims at
• Allocating resources
• Evaluating performances
• Formulating plans
The two basic components of any budget are revenues and expenses. The government
procures revenues primarily from taxes and utilizes them for consumption, investment
and transfer payments. The budget charts the government's expenditures and allocates
its resources for a period of one fiscal year. Since government budgets have an
economic, political and technical basis, there is a frequent tussle over funds and
resources. The allocation of state resources reflects the economic, social and political
priorities of the government in charge.
Budgets are pacts between the elected leaders and the nation. They delineate the
past record conjoined with the present needs, aspirations and goals. A balanced
and a fair budget ensures transparent and judicious allocation of funds and focuses
on improving the living standard of the common man. Only quality leadership can
deliver the promise of a successful budget.
Pakistan’s leadership suffers from top-down corruption and an epidemic of immorality.
There is no amount of money that can haul Pakistan out of its present crisis. The
fight against terrorism has all but destroyed the tourism industry. Economy and
business have taken a nosedive. Educational institutes have sprouted in every nook
and cranny of Pakistan but sadly enough the 2008-2009 budget imposed almost a 50%
cut on the educational sector, reducing it to 1.25% of the total GDP.
Education, justice and infrastructure of a country heavily depend upon proper budget
allocation. Provisions made for these sectors, without evaluation, strategic planning
and proper checks are usually wasted. Only a true leader would understand that education
and justice are the underlying foundations of any country, and the contribution
that a well-developed infrastructure can make to growth and poverty reduction.
Proper knowledge of where a country’s budget should go always proves fruitful. Budget
allocation is means of running a system where different elements and tasks are allotted
expenses, in order to reach one single goal. The tasks or elements dependent upon
the provisions made by the state are education, justice and infrastructure. The
one, single goal post these elements are all bound towards is quality leadership,
which again in turn is a prerequisite for proper allocation of funds. Therefore,
fair and transparent allocation of a budget entirely depends upon the quality of
leadership.
Strengthening Democratic Institutions
Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible but it man’s inclination to
injustice that necessitates democracy. Democracy today, is more then just a catalyst
for making governments respond to the needs of the people. Schematically designed
and functional democratic institutions propagate freedom, tolerance, education,
health, economic development, social and cultural innovation and better moral values.
They also keep strong checks on violation of human rights.
Though manifestations of social violence are on the rise everywhere, there is no
problem that ranks higher then ‘citizen security’ in the state of Pakistan. People
of Pakistan continue to endure and experience atrocities at the hands of unnamed
enemies of the state. No school, no mosque, no mall or hotel is safe from the well-orchestrated
acts of violence and bloodshed that have become the norm in Pakistan.
What needs to be done;
• Training and educating democratic bodies to deal with internal and external crisis
• Ensuring that the police and intelligence operate within a democratic framework.
• Establishing accountability for human rights abuses.
• Establishing and supporting judicial organs and truth commissions.
With the ever-increasing acts of brutality on the rise, there is a dire need for
effective implantation of political and constitutional solutions. Good governance
leads to stronger democratic institutions that are critical in the war against terrorism
and organized crime.
Urgent and collective action, on both a short- and long-term basis, is needed to
strengthen cooperation between government and civil society groups. Moreover, stronger
democratic institutions are mandatory for successfully tackling the individual development
clusters, namely health, education, justice and moral values.
Aspirations for quality leadership are often thwarted by externally and internally,
manipulated sectarian divisions, terrorism, political and religious violence. It
is possible to banish these demons of turmoil through strengthening democratic bodies.
A strict system of accountability and powerful institutions safeguarding the rights
of citizens, works as a stimulant for quality leadership.
Strong democratic bodies are a prerequisite for a strong leadership, but the power
hailed by these bodies is conditional, to the standard of moral values, education
and justice prevalent in a society. An effective educational system based on progressive
moral values, and an improved legal system with easy access to justice, go a long
way in strengthening democratic institutions.
Education
Education is the key to a productive lifestyle. It is knowledge in basic skills,
academics, technical disciplines and citizenship, a way of leading better lives.
It is the act of collecting, understanding and processing knowledge. Quality education
motivates, inspires and encourages progress in all walks of life. It is not just
a social process, it is growth.
Formal education, which is mainstream or traditional education, is the only kind
found in Pakistan, the three remaining kinds are virtually non-existent. However,
the travesty that passes for education is categorized into four kinds;
• Elite private institutions that cater to the upper class
• Government-run schools that serve the lower middle class
• Madrasahs imparting religious education free of cost
• Retail education which is imparted from single rooms, verandahs, garages, apartments,
etc
The government of Pakistan has made a total mockery of the system of education,
over the decade, substantial cuts in the allocated budget has reduced the literacy
rate in Pakistan to less then 20% . Ghost schools, ghost teachers and dearth of
educational reforms have impeded our progress as a nation. There is an abysmal breach
in not the just living conditions of the poor and the rich but even in the quality
of education imparted. Lack of education has made people difficult to lead and impossible
to govern.
The malignant degeneration of personal virtue among the Pakistani society is another
pressing issue. Educating a person in mind and not in morals is letting loose a
menace in society. Government schools have long since shelved their original roles
in character building and morality. The leadership needs to restore ethics, moral
values and the virtues of truth, justice, patriotism, self-esteem, integrity and
empathy to the central focus in public schooling. Agendas should be formulated for
reintroducing morality in public school curriculum, so the future citizens may comprehend
the rights, duties and dignity of man at an early stage. The morality of a society
can never be improved if it is not inculcated in the systems of their youth.
There is a desperate need for educational reforms and a successful education policy,
which would ultimately lead to;
• A skilled work force
• Minimal dependence on foreign workers
• Higher employment rate
• Better standard of living
• Society based on moral values
With the lowest literacy rate in South Asia, only proper and substantial funding
can salvage the educational sector of Pakistan. An impartial educational system
working towards developing educated consciences and imparting skills, operating
on the fundamentals of justice and equal opportunity for all, forms the premise
of progress in every society. On it rests the cornerstones of democracy, freedom
and a sustainable future.
Democratic bodies of a country, moral values, exposition of equal opportunities
and ultimately the economy all depend upon education. Higher rate of literacy creates
jobs and opens doors. A person rewarded justly for his hard work is encouraged to
reach for the stars. Individuals working diligently to reach higher goals in a society,
spell progress for a nation. High and quality education calls, not just for a vision
but also for proper and timely funding. Knowledge, austerity and willingness is
required to bring about this revolutionary change and see it through.
Justice
Justice is the ligament that holds civilized nations together. It is understood
to be sentiments and actions that are fair, appropriate and well deserved. Justice
holds the offender accountable for his behavior and redresses misdeeds.
Governments make justice possible when they hear and acknowledge the truth, and
provide restitution to the abused.
Pakistan has marked 2009 as the year for justice at grass root level. Sundry speeches
have been delivered by politicians but little has been done so far. The common man
would rather cover up a crime then seek justice. It is not just a waste of time
and money but tantamount to self-immolation. Unless the leaders of the state accept
responsibility for their people’s welfare, social justice cannot be attained.
Pakistani leadership should work to ensure that the law protects the fundamental
rights of everyone affected by it. Their political agendas should encapsulate;
• Promoting human rights
• Improving the legal system and access to justice
• Improving criminal justice
• Raising the standard of Pakistani justice and home affairs
• Creating legal systems to empower and support private business activity.
• Safeguarding privacy and socio economic rights
• Establishing legal systems that facilitate foreign investment
• Promoting and monitoring compliance with the international rule of law.
• Scrutinizing legislation and policies.
On grass root level the focal areas comprise organized crime, domestic violence,
sexual offences and criminal justice. The citizens of Pakistan mourn countless,
innocent and inexpiable deaths every day. Necessary steps must be taken for retribution,
justice must be served. Funds need to be allocated by the government for the required
infrastructure, work force and training, needed to enforce law and order in the
country.
Education and moral values play a pivotal role in commanding respect for the law.
Stronger judiciary means peace and security, a stabilized government and a productive
work environment. Peace and security in a region attract foreign and domestic investors,
creating new job opportunities and effecting a positive change in the level of economic
growth.
Moral values
Society is governed by the implication of rules and restrictions, all created to
uphold ethical and moral values. Moral values are the standards of good and evil
that govern our daily choices and individual behavior. They sprout from either religion
or government, from self or society. They hold the power to influence, restrain
and regulate. Moral values that stem from society and government change with the
ever-changing laws and morals of the same.
Pakistan currently faces uncertain and tumultuous conditions. The citizenry is baffled,
insecure and desperate for a revolutionary change. In such times, only strong moral
values inculcate a sense of goodwill, of unity and rectitude, but even these attributes
are slowly fading from our society, being replaced by the many facets of a corrupt
mind.
Poor leadership, degenerate democratic bodies, absence of justice and education
are the demons that pave the way for incessant corruption in Pakistan.
There is a growing need for recognizing and imparting moral education in the present
scenario. Moral education implies;
• Respect for life (“Nor take life, which Allah has made sacred” Quran 17:33 )
• Respect for freedom (treat every human being as a person, never as a mere thing)
• Respect for character (‘all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient’)
• Respect for property ( ‘And eat not up one another’s property unjustly’ Quran
188)
• Respect for social order (‘social order relies on mutual negotiations between
individuals’)
• Respect for truth (“And do not say that of which you have no knowledge” Quran
17:36)
• Respect for progress ( ‘all that is human must retrograde if it does not advance’)
Pakistan was to be a condensation of Islam, which is actually a moral code and more
specifically a way of life. What we need to do today is return to the basics, discover
Islam again and we might see the difference between right and wrong. Islam carries
a wealth of moral values, which can be taught and inculcated through education,
at home and at school.
Moral values and education at every level would have a catalytic effect, not just
on the democratic bodies and jurisdiction but also on the general feeling of well
being among the citizens. Respect for fellow compatriots and an inclination towards
hard work fosters in a just society where fair rewards and equal opportunities are
preeminent.
However, in societies where there is a dearth of moral values, the citizens suffer
at the hands of state and democratic bodies. The weak is exploited by the strong,
and the poor by the rich. Jobs are requited and not awarded. Lack of justice and
unemployment breeds criminals who go unpunished. Inflation rises and economy suffers,
having a direct bearing on society and leadership. The common man bears the losses.
Foreign investment
‘FDI or foreign direct investment is a measure of foreign ownership of productive
assets.’ It plays an instrumental role in promoting economic globalization. Although,
foreign investment trends are the strongest among the developed nations of the world,
bilateral, multilateral and regional relationships, are being forged frequently
among the developing countries. Methods of foreign direct investment (FDI)
• By incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary or company
• By acquiring shares in an associated enterprise
• Through a merger or an acquisition of an unrelated enterprise
• Participating in an equity joint venture with another investor or enterprise.
Although Pakistan offers some unmatchable economic fundamentals, the attitude of
the government and the constant threat of terror attacks have caused serious damage
to the inflow of FDI. Consequently, though FDI inflow to the East and South Asia
is ground breaking, Pakistan unfortunately does not share the glory, bagging less
then 1% of the total FDI flow of the world.
A substantial raise in FDI inflow is a necessary catalyst for Pakistan’s economy.
Higher additional growth in financially underdeveloped countries is only possible
through a pro business and pro investment environment. During the sixties, Pakistan
flaunted an enviable track record owing to some great policies and a conductive
milieu. It is time again for redefining objectives and implementing investor friendly
policies in letter and spirit to stabilize the economy of Pakistan.
Economy
For a voter or a conscientious citizen, the basic understanding of a country’s economic
system is vital, for the sole reason that economics and all investments are interlaced.
Labor, capital, land resources and economic agents that actively participate in
the production, exchange, distribution and consumption of goods and services make
up an economic system. Economic activity of a nation is measured through an analysis
of the following;
• Consumer spending
• Exchange rate
• Gross domestic product
• Gross National product
• Stock market
• Interest rate
• National debt
• Rate of inflation
• Unemployment
• Balance of trade
Pakistan is a market of the world’s sixth largest population but the economic trends
forecasted for the year 2010 present a bleak picture. Political turmoil has derailed
the country’s economic development. Domestic economy bears the brunt of a stressful
fiscal year, plagued with current account deficits, rising inflation, liquidity
constrains and power shortages. Though the government meets the daily challenges
with the aid flowing in through IMF, the leaders of the state must chart a course
for a quick and effective economic recovery. This recovery can be made possible
by building an economic system on the pillars of education, justice and moral values.
An economy in the throes of development also requires a modern and efficient infrastructure
that supplements trade and commerce.
Economic progress in a country connotes a lower rate of inflation, more jobs, a
better infrastructure and a higher FDI inflow. All these factors are intermittently
connected with the economy of a country. Economic development can only eventuate
if the citizenry and the leadership promote education, justice and moral values.
These factors alongside equality and a stalwart infrastructure are essential for
developing nations.
Equal opportunity for all
Equal opportunity for all denotes a certain social milieu, in which people are not
excluded from any activities of a society, such as education, employment, progress
or health care on the basis of immutable traits. It is also the right to equal treatment
and respect with no discriminations being made on the premise of wealth, prestige,
colour, creed, nationality or origin.
Although Pakistan was the Promised Land, where equality should have reigned from
the start, it turned into a dream which died with the father of the nation. Today,
doors open only for those who can buy their way in, opportunities are provided to
incompetent fools because they are backed by powerful dignitaries. Instead of empowering
young people into leadership, the state has divided it into two distinct kinds;
the english medium and the urdu medium, the latter deprived of quality education,
charged with poverty. The rights of the common man are compromised every day by
discrimination and harassment at work and at the hands of state officers.
The government of Pakistan has a responsibility to its people to build an open,
supportive and equitable environment by remaining committed to the policy of equal
opportunities for all. Individuals must be encouraged to increase their personal
merit regardless of their personal circumstances. Creating possibilities for citizens
means creating boundless possibilities for the state. Pakistanis are a patriotic
lot, given the right opportunities they hold the potential to pave headways for
Pakistan.
Dignity of work and man
Dignity; “A property that belongs to all people, in every condition, just by virtue
of their humanity.” Dignity in a person is one of the most important traits looked
for when a state chooses its leader. It is an inherent and God given inalienable
right that deserves the protection of the government. A medium through which dignity
is exercised is work, though dignity transcends work, many progressives hail it
as the fundamental key to sound economic practices.
Pakistan today is not the only country that needs not only an economic stimulus
but a moral stimulus as well. A revision of the values that can be derived from
our religion; respect for humanity, for man and for hard work is mandatory, if humanity
is to survive. When a state allows majority of its citizens, to meaningfully participate
in the economic and political development of a country, it adheres to the principle
of human dignity.
In a developing Muslim world, there is no place or future for a caste system. An
urban Paki would be appalled at the notion of Pakistan fostering a caste system
but sadly call it class or caste it comes down to the same thing. In the rural areas,
the Zamindar or landowner is the highest class, the classes based on birth or profession.
The lowest class, which is equivalent to a Hindu Sudra or untouchables, constitutes
the chammars, bhangis or the janitors. Dignity of man, in such places is a rare
commodity rationed out according to the status of man in a society.
In the urban cities, the class or status replaces the caste. Lower classes are denied
the privileges enjoyed by the upper elite class due to their station in society
and monetary strength. The weaker is often ruthlessly persecuted by the stronger
and we witness crimes like those against Mukhtaran Mai. Dignity is yours if you
have the means to buy it. Pakistani societies are plagued with a caste system which
although not acknowledged is detrimental to the dignity of work and man. There is
an urgent need to decontaminate the societies of the class/caste system to avert
further damage.
Infrastructure
The technical or physical networks imperative for the smooth operation of a society
or enterprise make up the infrastructure. The infrastructure not just makes an economy
functional but also supports a society through;
• Roads, water supply, sewers, power grids, telecommunication etc
• By facilitating the production of goods and services
• Through buildings and permanent installations, which support the operations of
military forces.
Types of infrastructure;
• Transportation infrastructure
• Energy infrastructure
• Water management infrastructure
• Communication infrastructure
• Waste management facilities
• Geo physical monitoring networks
• Other systems or networks
Pakistan’s economic activity has been hit hard by the downswing suffered globally.
The high level of activity that was witnessed in the power sector and the road networks
during the past years slowed down during 2009. Incessant power shortages have led
to huge business losses and reduced economic activity.
A country’s infrastructure is crucial for its economic growth and vice versa. A
better infrastructure boosts investor confidence and the reliability of the state,
making life easier for both.
Inflation
Inflation is erosion in the purchasing power of money, a rise in the general level
of prices of goods and services in an economy. It leads to;
• A decrease in the real value of money
• Discourages investments and savings
• Leads to shortage of goods and hoarding
• Causes debt relief by reducing the real level of debt.
In addition, to the negative impact that inflation inadvertently has on the economy
it also poses a threat to the human soul. Critical analysis of a nation’s behavior,
during inflation reveals marked abrasion in morality. Tempers flare and a higher
percentage of crimes are recorded.
A High and a predictable increase in inflation in Pakistan, where countless live
below the poverty line, it becomes near impossible for the common man to support
his family. With an income as low as 40 US dollars per month, food and shelter take
precedence over health and education.
Inflation occurs in stagnant economies with higher unemployment rates. Excessive
government expenditure should be curtailed at such time. It can be kept in check
through concrete step taken to boost the country’s economy. A stronger economy means
a controlled rate of inflation and an affordable cost of living.
Jobs
As the successive governments fail to stabilize the economy of Pakistan, finding
a job at all levels is becoming harder with each passing day. Unemployment has undermined
the social equilibrium of the common man, inviting economic insecurity and giving
rise to political instability. The root causes for unemployment in Pakistan constitute
the following;
• Rising population
• Deteriorating law and order
• Unnecessary strikes and holidays
• Lack of infrastructure
• Lack of skilled labor
• Inadequate credit facilities and incentives by the government
Unemployment has resulted in the lack of civil piece and has undermined trade, industrial
and social activities in the country. One of the primary aims of the government
should be eradicating unemployment and raising the standard of its people. Unless
immediate and effective measures are taken, the unemployment rate would blow out
of proportions causing a serious threat to the current leadership of Pakistan.
Electricity
In Pakistan, if its not one thing pulling the common man down it is another. Lack
of electricity causing chronic power cuts in rural and the urban areas has the whole
country protesting against the inadequacy of the current government. The power cuts,
which occasionally reach up to 5 to 10 hours a day, even in cities like Karachi
cause major business losses. The government’s failure to build dams and to add new
power to the grid due to poor management and lack of strategic planning has had
serious consequences for the people. The shrinking gap between the demand and supply
of electricity can only be reversed through a quantum leap in the generation of
electricity.
Pakistan faces a power deficit of up to 3000 megawatts. The frequent power cuts
have proved disastrous for the textile industry, which forms its major export. Sooner
or later the country’s economy would take another hit from the huge deficit in the
power supply, before that happens it would be prudent if the government take expedient
measures to meet the growing demand of its people.
Health Services
From the dearth of safe drinking water, to the availability of adequate doctors,
the health conditions in Pakistan are deplorable. However, constant efforts are
being made to improve the health services provided to the citizens of Pakistan through
trained personnels, sufficient medicine supplies and well established health centers.
The main health problems ailing a vast majority are preventable diseases, such as
severe mal nutrition and infant and maternal mortality. Malaria, diarrhea, measles
and tuberculosis are still plaguing millions in the country.
The main causes for such epidemics are;
• Poor sanitary conditions
• Polluted water
• Illiteracy among rural mothers
• High fertility in the urban slums
• Small health budgets
• Inadequate administrative structure
• Lack of health care services
• Unaffordable health care
The government needs to establish health care centers, aiming to provide essential
health products and services to the low income Pakistanis, and simultaneously, work
to promote more conducive health practices. A healthier Pakistan would mean lower
dependency on the state.
Clean Drinking Water
Safe drinking water remains inaccessible to more then a billion people over the
world, out of which 38.5 million are from Pakistan. With most of Pakistan’s water
predisposed to agriculture, less then 10% remains for drinking and sanitation. Due
to severe water shortage, water and sanitization related diseases are rampant in
the rural areas of Pakistan, forming the root cause for 60% of child morality cases.
The pronounced lack of wastewater treatment has made conditions from bad to worse,
almost 30,000 Karachiies, die each year from drinking unsafe water. The major cause
for such shameful negligence is the absence of a strong political lobby to advocate
for the water crisis.
What needs to be done immediately;
• Invest in existing infrastructure and in modest, indigenous technology
• Reexamine the allocation and distribution on local and individual levels.
• Create better links between rural and urban water pressures.
• Introduce water saving technology
• Conserve water through water conserving urban building design
• Create awareness among the masses.
The need for imperative action cannot be overstated. With deadly epidemics, raising
the death toll every minute, the state of Pakistan is rapidly changing from a water
stressed country to a water scarce country.
Transport
Transportation in Pakistan, similar to every other sector, is in the throes of development.
It is not just sub standard but inadequate for the service of over 170 million people.
Though extensive and variegated, it is inefficient and risky. Lack of public transport,
especially buses forces many workers to jeopardize their very lives every day, while
traveling on rooftops of overloaded buses or hanging from their flanks.
Pakistan needs a transport infrastructure, which encourages high level of equity,
mobility and environmental sustainability. An estimated 100,000 vehicles, maul over
the already corroded conditions of the choked urban roads every year. The unplanned
increase in cars in Pakistan is causing social and economic problems. An efficient
and comfortable transport system may encourage commuters to favor public transport
instead of their personal means, saving both energy and daily expenditure. The government
must realize the importance of urban planning and capacity building, in order to
provide efficient, adequate, safe and low cost public transport to the high-density
Pakistani cities.
Understanding Solution Model
Today Pakistan stands at a juncture; the leadership has proved dysfunctional, incompetent,
intemperate and corrupt leaders have the citizenry mourning the fundamental breakdown
of trust. The Karachi carnage has the entire nation feeling ‘under siege. In such
trying times, Pakistan Herald offers hope, in form of a framework that addresses
the complexities faced by the ordinary Pakistani citizen and proffers potent solutions.
What do you do, when you cannot create good leaders? Academic thinkers believe there
are no easy answers to this one; however, the Solution Graph goads you
‘If you cannot create good leaders, you control bad leadership!’ it is time we stopped
looking for good in our leaders and dealt with the reality of bad leadership. Living
in a country where signs of poor leadership are evident everywhere, can be frustrating
and frightening. The objective of the solution graph is to expose the readers to
the widely extended effects of bad leadership and consequently to provide them with
effective remedies.
Follower-ship is tantamount for any leader, leaders do not simply happen! Albeit,
bad leadership and bad follower-ship may go together, the latter works like a catalyst
on the former. It is high time we quit our daily mantra of ‘getting along by going
along’ and take a stand against incompetent and callous leaders. Though ‘getting
along’ with inept leaders may be easier and simpler, the flagrant situation in Pakistan
cannot be left to suppurate.
Followers can prevent bad leadership by being aware and prepared. The solution graph
aims to enlighten the citizenry by emphasizing the interdependence of quality leadership,
strong democratic institutions, justice, education and moral values. It depicts
how the problems of the ordinary man stem from corrupt leadership. The Pakistani
man stands at the pitfall of bad leadership. He needs to make informed decisions
about his future and the future of his country, he needs to analyze the leadership
and question the commitment of his leaders.
A callous leader exposes his compatriots to external and internal threats. Corruption
paves way for more corruption. An amoral leader after gaining power never quits
and seldom changes. Therefore, it is up to the common man, during intolerable times,
to take a resolute stand, to either insist on change or an early exit. Pakistan
Herald’s proactive solution graph is not an exact prescription that would cure the
ailing citizenry, but the possibilities it presents are bound to get them thinking;
the first step towards achieving anything!
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