پاکستان اور انڈیا کے حالیہ میچ سے پہلے اور بعد جو کچھ دیکھنے سننے کو ملا بہت غیر متوقع تو نہیں مگر تکلیف دہ پھر بھی ہے.دونوں طرف یار لوگوں نے ایک کھیل کو جس طرح سے انا کا مسئلہ بنا لیا، کفر اور اسلام کا مقابلہ، کشمیر کا انتقام، جہاد، ممبئی دھماکوں کا انتقام، دہشت گردوں کو سزا اور خدا جانے کیا کیا کچھ، ہم اپنی تمام خوش فہمیاں یا یوں کہیں کہ غلط فہمیاں اور مغالطے کھل کر سامنے لے آئے . اچھی بات یہ ہے کہ ایک بڑی اکثریت ایسی بھی ہے جو ان خوش فہمیوں کا شکار نہیں ہے اور لوگوں نے معاملہ فہمی اور دانش مندی کی باتیں بھی کیں کہ کھیل کو کھیل سمجھا جائے، فاصلے دور کرنے کے مواقعے ملیں تو ان سے فایدہ اٹھایا جائے، پر سکون اور مثبت سوچ کے ساتھ رہا جائے. دونوں حکومتوں نے بھی موقع سےفایدہ اٹھایا اور بات چیت کی راہ نکالی. کھیل ہوا ، بہت خوب ہوا اور حسب معمول ایک ٹیم ہاری ، ایک جیت گئی، مگر ہمارے روئیے کئی سوال چھوڈ گئے اور کسی حد تک ایک خلش بھی کہ کاش کبھی ہم کھلے دل اور دماغ سے ایک دوسرے کی حوصلہ افزائی کر سکیں اور مل کر چل سکیں.
پاکستان اور ہندوستان دونوں طرف اکثریت کی فکری کج فہمیوں کی بڑی وجہ وہ معلومات ہیں جو عوام کو فراہم کی جاتی ہیں اور وہ نصاب جو نظام تعلیم کا حصّہ ہے اور فکری بنیادیں فراہم کرتا ہے. ہمارا میڈیا عام طور سے دونوں ممالک کے تعلقات کی جو تصویر پیش کرتا ہے اور جو رائے ہمارے اصحاب دانش عام طور پر رکھتے ہیں وہ سازش کے نظریے پر مشتمل ہے اور یہ پیغام دیتی ہے کہ کچھ بھی ہو ہم ایک دوسرے پر اعتماد نہیں کر سکتے اور ہم ایک دوسرے کی سلامتی کے لئے ایک مستقل خطرہ ہیں. اسی طرح ہماری نصابی کتب بھی یک طرفہ، کمزور اور خود ساختہ تصویر پیش کرتی ہیں جو تاریخی حقائق کی صریح نفی ہے مگر اتنا زیادہ ہمارے خیالات اور اعتقادات کا حصّہ بن چکی ہے کہ ہم یہ بھی برداشت نہیں کر پاتے اگر کوئی اس کے خلاف کوئی بات کرے. ظاہر ہے کہ بچپن میں سے سیکھ لئے جانے والے اور دماغ پر نقش ہو جانے والے خیالات ہماری ذات اور شخصیت کا حصّہ بن جاتے ہیں اور ان کی نفی ہماری انا اور ذات کی نفی بن جاتی ہے. اگر ہندو اور مسلمان اتنے ہی تضادات کے حامل تھے جتنا کے ہماری نصابی کتب بتاتی ہیں تو پھر یہ ہزار سال سے زیادہ ایک ساتھ کیسے رہے؟ اگر ہندو اتنے ہی برے تھے تو پھر یہ کیسے ممکن ہوا کہ ہندوستان میں اسلام پر امن طریقے سے پھلا پھولا، ظاہر سی بات ہے کے ہندو ہمیشہ سے اکثریت میں تھے اگر ان میں عام رواداری اور برداشت نہیں ہوتی اور معاشرہ امن پسند اور خود کفیل نہ ہوتا تو باہر سے آنے والوں کو اپنے اندر ضم کیسے کرتا. حقیقت یہی ہے کہ مسلمان آج بھی ہندوستانی معاشرے کا ایک حصّہ ہیں اور اسلام کو ہندوستان میں کوئی خطرہ نہیں ہے. یہ درست ہے کے ہندوستانی معاشرہ تضادات کا شکار ہے، اور فرقہ پرستی، ذات پات، غربت اور جہالت اس ملک کے بڑے مسائل ہیں مگر یہ مسائل پاکستان میں بھی موجود ہیں اور ان مسائل کو صرف ہندو مسلم تناظے یا مذہبی اختلافات کے پس منظر میں دیکھنا کسی طور جائز نہیں. اسی طرح پاکستانی بھی اتنے ہی انسان ہیں جتنے کے ہندوستان میں رہنے والے، ہم اسی طرح ہنستے بولتے، خوش اور غمگین ہوتے ہیں جیسے دنیا کا کوئی اور انسان، یہاں سارے کے سارے تنگ نظر ملا نہیں رہتے جیسا کے میڈیا بتاتا ہے یا نصاب میں لکھا جاتا ہے. ہم اتنے ہی زندہ دل اور امن پسند ہیں جتنا کے ہمارے پڑوسی.
ہمارے اختلافات نے ہم کو اس حد تک کوتاہ نظر اور خود غرض بنا دیا ہے کہ ہم نے ایک دوسرے کو انسان سمجھنا چھوڈ دیا ہے. ہندوستانی یا پاکستانی کا خیال کرتے ہی ہمارے ذہنوں میں سازش، نفرت اور تعصب کے ایسے خیال جنم لیتے ہیں کہ ہم اپنے آپ کو ان کے حوالے کر دیتے ہیں اور ایک دوسرے کا ایک فرضی خاکہ تیار کر کے ٹھان لیتے ہیں کہ کچھ بھی ہو اعتماد نہیں کرنا. ہمیں یہ ادراک ہونا چاہیے کہ کشمیر ہو یا سیاچین ،دفاعی معاملات ہوں کہ قدرتی وسائل کا اشتراک ، یہ سب سیاسی معاملات ہیں کوئی آفاقی حقیقت نہیں کہ بات چیت اور رضامندی سے حل نہ ہو سکیں. ہمارا یہ رویہ ہر بار ابھر کر سامنے آتا کہ ہماری نظریاتی قدریں اتنی کمزور ہیں اور ہم اتنے کمزور اور غیر محفوظ ہیں کہ کوئی موقع ہو ہم اعتماد اور سکون کے ساتھ حالات کا سامنا نہیں کر سکتے. ہمارے سیاسی اور نظریاتی خیالات اتنے غیر مستحکم، غیر حقیقی اور فرسودہ ہیں کہ ہم خود اپنا مذاق بن جاتے ہیں اور دنیا کو خود پر ہنسنے کا موقع دیتے ہیں. ہم ایک کھیل کو پوری سنجیدگی کے ساتھ معرکہ حق و باطل میں تبدیل کر دیتے ہیں اور ہمیں احساس بھی نہیں ہوتا کہ یہ کتنا بچکانہ اور غیر حقیقت پسند رویہ ہے.
ہمارے نصاب اور ابلاغ میں ایک اور خصوصیت یہ ہے کہ ہمیں یہ بتایا جاتا ہے کہ ماضی میں سب کچھ بے حد شاندار تھا ، ماضی میں ہمارے اجداد نے اگر کوئی غلطیاں کن یا شکاست و ریخت کا سامنا کیا تو یا تو ان کا ذکر ہی نہیں کیا جاتا یا پھر ذمےداری کسی اور قوّت یا ایسے عوامل پر ڈال دی جاتی ہےکہ ہم ذمّہ داری سے بچ نکلیں، اسی طرح حال کا بھی یہ سبق دیا جاتا ہے کہ ہم تو اچھے ہیں اگر ہمارے ساتھ برا ہوتا ہے تو اوروں کی وجہ سے، نتیجہ یہ ہے کے اس نصاب کو پڑھنے والے شکست کا سامنا نہیں کر سکتے، ہمارا یہ رویہ بھی ہمارے بیشتر رد عمل میں جھلکتا ہے. ہم یہ نہیں سمجھ سکتے کے انڈین ٹیم آزمودہ، تجربہ کار، اور منجھے ہوے کھلاڑیوں پر مشتمل تھی اس لئے ان کا کھیل بہتر رہا. کسی نے کہا تھا کہ ہار جیسی کوئی چیز نہیں ہر عمل کے نتائج ہوتے ہیں کہ ان سے سبق سیکھا جا سکے تاکہ مستقبل میں اور اچھی کوشش کی جا سکے اور بہتر کام کئے جا سکیں. نتائج سے سیکھنا زندہ قوموں اور اشخاص کا وطیرہ ہے اور ہمیں بھی ایسا ہی ہونا چاہیے.
Debate is essence for progress of mind
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Ghazal written today
اندوہ خیز کوچہ و بازار دیکھتے رہے
لوگوں کو آپ در یے آزار دیکھتے رہے
اپنے ہی گھر میں آگ لگا کر وہ سادہ لوح
گرتے ہوے دریچہ و دیوار دیکھتے رہے
یہ کمال نطق ہے کہ لب مہر کیے ہوے
یہ ہنر ہے کہ ستم شعار دیکھتے رہے
کچھ اثر بھی ہو ہمارے درد کا ادھر کبھی
ہم تڑپ تڑپ کے رخ یار دیکھتے رہے
وہ جو تھا دیوانہ اپنی جان سے گزر گیا
ہم سفر سہم کے سوے دار دیکھتے رہے
لوگوں کو آپ در یے آزار دیکھتے رہے
اپنے ہی گھر میں آگ لگا کر وہ سادہ لوح
گرتے ہوے دریچہ و دیوار دیکھتے رہے
یہ کمال نطق ہے کہ لب مہر کیے ہوے
یہ ہنر ہے کہ ستم شعار دیکھتے رہے
کچھ اثر بھی ہو ہمارے درد کا ادھر کبھی
ہم تڑپ تڑپ کے رخ یار دیکھتے رہے
وہ جو تھا دیوانہ اپنی جان سے گزر گیا
ہم سفر سہم کے سوے دار دیکھتے رہے
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Prospects for democracy in Pakistan
It is strange how word ‘revolution’ is used by everyone interested in politics or involved in politics, no matter what their ideological inclination is, everyone wants a revolution; perhaps what they mean by revolution is their own rise to power, if you are in opposition you want a revolution to be in government, if you are nowhere in elected constituent assemblies, you want a revolution to be in government, if you are not a democratic but a totalitarian, you still need a revolution to destroy democratic rights of people and if you are in government but do not feel safe you need a revolution to get rid of establishment. It is an absolute misinterpretation of the term and the history, and it is a mere illustration of naivety and ignorance as well as a lack of political and social discern. Can we ask all such perceived, self acclaimed and ambitious revolutionaries to go back to books again? And stop distorting mass opinion and intellect (which is the real target of all such attempts, for masses are the real hurdle in any one’s aim to absolute power).
Recent events in Middle East and North Africa should also be analysed in correct rationale, these are the movements to attain right of people for self determination and democracy and they were very well organised movements both in Egypt and Tunisia; clear, objective oriented, secular and democratic without any hidden agenda or personal ambitions of few, still it would be a misunderstanding to assume if these movements were aimed to replace social order. Another misunderstanding is if these movements appear out of nowhere or instantaneous. Although there were factors acting as trigger or impulse behind the mass mobilisation such as rising inflation, unemployment or corruption which resulted in popular support for the movement, but underneath was a long struggle, a long struggle of masses and at the core of it workers and labour associations. It is obvious that the manoeuvring and discipline witnessed in these movements was not possible without planning and relations which cannot be build over nightly. Another highly remarkable aspect of these movements was involvement of urban middle class specially the youth; they all go hand in hand, workers (white and blue collar), farmers, students, unions and other pressure groups.
Similar is situation in Bahrain, this country has a history of people’s struggle to achieve democratic rights, from National Union Committee to Islamic Front, definitely the most important country in Gulf with respect to political struggle. Bahrainis are struggling to gain political freedom and democracy since they were under British, and their struggle continued when Bahrain declared independence in 1973, Bahrain has witnessed political ups and downs, twists and turns and its people continue struggle to achieve their rights. For many in Gulf, Bahrain can be a role model of struggle against totalitarian, dictatorships and monarchies.
Presented above, is a very brief description of recent mass political movements, it is fair to compare them with present situation in Pakistan and analyse if a similar movement is possible in Pakistan. We have similarities, like corruption, inflation, unemployment all are raising in Pakistan and people of Pakistan are still looking to gain their democratic rights and equality despite the fact they have an elected government but a very weak democratic culture and no continuity with challenges such as feudal class domination, involvement of Army and Bureaucracy in governance (which leads to dictatorship and marshal laws), rising influence of far right totalitarian ideologies. Hence elimination of the elements must be the objective of any such movement. What is lacking however as the necessary ingredient is presence of a collaborative and organised political entity which must also be very clear in its objectives and goals. As we have seen in above three cases, this political entity must be a collaboration of different political parties, pressure groups, unions and labour syndicates, farmers, students and other elements in society. A demand for equality and democracy cannot be fulfilled without constitutional guarantees and guidelines; hence role of elected constituent assemblies and judiciary is very important and must be carefully crafted so that they can complement each other to safeguard rights of people.
At present political scene in Pakistan is very deteriorating, factors such as dominance of feudal and privileged class and corruption have rusted the structure to an extent that people do not have any trust on political parties which goes to the benefit of establishment. Farmers or those who belong to agriculture as mean of living (and majority of the population), are forced to find means to survive let alone any chances of growth. Labour Unions are struggling to survive, and labour class is under stress with weak labour laws, low wages and no securities. Educated and urban middle class is disoriented and largely under influence of far right beneficiaries of present situation, what remains of them is very sceptical on ability of political leadership and parties to bring any change in status (hence what is called the’ fake’ civil society in these pages), students have no rights to form unions (which promotes violence, no civic interest, and lack of awareness on real national challenges). In this situation political parties at large are inefficient and filled with self serving interest groups (and personalities) even if they have popular support.
So in Pakistan, there are more grass root issues for a sincere political leadership. They have to develop the culture and people which can contribute for an organised mass movement for democracy against establishment; they have to fight against feudal privileges and authority; they have to bring a democratic culture in their own cadre and a revolution beyond personal gains which demands sacrifices, they will be required to create mass contacts and organisation into different elements of society, they have to bring together majority of population which is largely rural. Any such leadership will find institutions and platforms already in place such as farmers and labour unions, student parties, pressure groups and other society organisations. And we have also witnessed, in this country a leadership which can shed its blood but does not leave or turn its back. If they are able to do so, they will be rewarded with a populace support and a civil society (which will no longer be ‘fake’).
Recent events in Middle East and North Africa should also be analysed in correct rationale, these are the movements to attain right of people for self determination and democracy and they were very well organised movements both in Egypt and Tunisia; clear, objective oriented, secular and democratic without any hidden agenda or personal ambitions of few, still it would be a misunderstanding to assume if these movements were aimed to replace social order. Another misunderstanding is if these movements appear out of nowhere or instantaneous. Although there were factors acting as trigger or impulse behind the mass mobilisation such as rising inflation, unemployment or corruption which resulted in popular support for the movement, but underneath was a long struggle, a long struggle of masses and at the core of it workers and labour associations. It is obvious that the manoeuvring and discipline witnessed in these movements was not possible without planning and relations which cannot be build over nightly. Another highly remarkable aspect of these movements was involvement of urban middle class specially the youth; they all go hand in hand, workers (white and blue collar), farmers, students, unions and other pressure groups.
Similar is situation in Bahrain, this country has a history of people’s struggle to achieve democratic rights, from National Union Committee to Islamic Front, definitely the most important country in Gulf with respect to political struggle. Bahrainis are struggling to gain political freedom and democracy since they were under British, and their struggle continued when Bahrain declared independence in 1973, Bahrain has witnessed political ups and downs, twists and turns and its people continue struggle to achieve their rights. For many in Gulf, Bahrain can be a role model of struggle against totalitarian, dictatorships and monarchies.
Presented above, is a very brief description of recent mass political movements, it is fair to compare them with present situation in Pakistan and analyse if a similar movement is possible in Pakistan. We have similarities, like corruption, inflation, unemployment all are raising in Pakistan and people of Pakistan are still looking to gain their democratic rights and equality despite the fact they have an elected government but a very weak democratic culture and no continuity with challenges such as feudal class domination, involvement of Army and Bureaucracy in governance (which leads to dictatorship and marshal laws), rising influence of far right totalitarian ideologies. Hence elimination of the elements must be the objective of any such movement. What is lacking however as the necessary ingredient is presence of a collaborative and organised political entity which must also be very clear in its objectives and goals. As we have seen in above three cases, this political entity must be a collaboration of different political parties, pressure groups, unions and labour syndicates, farmers, students and other elements in society. A demand for equality and democracy cannot be fulfilled without constitutional guarantees and guidelines; hence role of elected constituent assemblies and judiciary is very important and must be carefully crafted so that they can complement each other to safeguard rights of people.
At present political scene in Pakistan is very deteriorating, factors such as dominance of feudal and privileged class and corruption have rusted the structure to an extent that people do not have any trust on political parties which goes to the benefit of establishment. Farmers or those who belong to agriculture as mean of living (and majority of the population), are forced to find means to survive let alone any chances of growth. Labour Unions are struggling to survive, and labour class is under stress with weak labour laws, low wages and no securities. Educated and urban middle class is disoriented and largely under influence of far right beneficiaries of present situation, what remains of them is very sceptical on ability of political leadership and parties to bring any change in status (hence what is called the’ fake’ civil society in these pages), students have no rights to form unions (which promotes violence, no civic interest, and lack of awareness on real national challenges). In this situation political parties at large are inefficient and filled with self serving interest groups (and personalities) even if they have popular support.
So in Pakistan, there are more grass root issues for a sincere political leadership. They have to develop the culture and people which can contribute for an organised mass movement for democracy against establishment; they have to fight against feudal privileges and authority; they have to bring a democratic culture in their own cadre and a revolution beyond personal gains which demands sacrifices, they will be required to create mass contacts and organisation into different elements of society, they have to bring together majority of population which is largely rural. Any such leadership will find institutions and platforms already in place such as farmers and labour unions, student parties, pressure groups and other society organisations. And we have also witnessed, in this country a leadership which can shed its blood but does not leave or turn its back. If they are able to do so, they will be rewarded with a populace support and a civil society (which will no longer be ‘fake’).
Saturday, February 12, 2011
On the 100th birthday of Faiz, can we promise him?
13 February 2011 is Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s 100th birthday. A lot has been written on him and a lot will be written. Generations have been inspired by his words and he has been widely read in the world. We all owe to him and that is why it is sad to see Faiz becoming a commodity.
Yes, I felt it deeply over the years that some who sell in name of liberalism and art and literature have made him a fashion rather than an inspirer, people sell him just like they sell everything else.
Faiz is being sold the same way people sell their faith, their conscious and their soul in the market. It is distressing to see that a critic of capitalism and market is now used like an advert while his core beliefs, commitments and contribution are neglected.
Our society is on the way which was and would have been condemned by Faiz; weak democracy dominated by relentless military establishment, disregard of civil rights and labour laws, totalitarianism, destroyed education system, worsening health facilities; almost no hope for the masses en large.
So here is a big question, will Faiz become a mere symbol of one’s intellectual aptitude or he will remain alive in the masses to be an emblem of independence and equal rights?
Worst is to see the decline in literary activity and pursuits in common people. Faiz did not write for people of drawing rooms and clubs, he wrote for the masses and he worked all his life for them. Same masses now are deprived of opportunities to seek knowledge and progress. Our education system is almost collapsed so as civic facilities and opportunities to help promote healthy activities.
No wonder now Faiz is becoming a distant, fading voice of yesterday as the number of those who can read and understand him is decreasing; no wonder he is aloof from people though our problems have not been changed rather increased. We need to bring him back to his people.
And this is what we have to promise ourselves and him:
Hum parwarash-e-loh-o-qalam karte rahenge
Jo dil pe guzarti hai raqam karte rahenge
Asbaab-e-gham-e-ishq baham karte rahenge
Viraani-e-dauraan pe karam karte rahenge
Haan talkhi-e-ayyaam abhi aur barhe gi
Haan ahl-e-sitam mashq-e-sitam karte rahenge
Manzur yeh talkhi yeh sitam hum ko gawaara
Dam hai to madaawa-e-alam karte rahenge
Maikhana salaamat hai to hum surkhi-e-mai se
Taz-een-e-dar-o-baam-e-haram karte rahenge
Baqi hai lahu dil mein to har ashk se paida
Rang-e-lab-o-rukhsar-e-sanam karte rahenge
Ek tarz-e-taghaaful hai so woh unko mubaarak
Ek arz-e-tamanna hai so hum karte rahenge
——Faiz
Yes, I felt it deeply over the years that some who sell in name of liberalism and art and literature have made him a fashion rather than an inspirer, people sell him just like they sell everything else.
Faiz is being sold the same way people sell their faith, their conscious and their soul in the market. It is distressing to see that a critic of capitalism and market is now used like an advert while his core beliefs, commitments and contribution are neglected.
Our society is on the way which was and would have been condemned by Faiz; weak democracy dominated by relentless military establishment, disregard of civil rights and labour laws, totalitarianism, destroyed education system, worsening health facilities; almost no hope for the masses en large.
So here is a big question, will Faiz become a mere symbol of one’s intellectual aptitude or he will remain alive in the masses to be an emblem of independence and equal rights?
Worst is to see the decline in literary activity and pursuits in common people. Faiz did not write for people of drawing rooms and clubs, he wrote for the masses and he worked all his life for them. Same masses now are deprived of opportunities to seek knowledge and progress. Our education system is almost collapsed so as civic facilities and opportunities to help promote healthy activities.
No wonder now Faiz is becoming a distant, fading voice of yesterday as the number of those who can read and understand him is decreasing; no wonder he is aloof from people though our problems have not been changed rather increased. We need to bring him back to his people.
And this is what we have to promise ourselves and him:
Hum parwarash-e-loh-o-qalam karte rahenge
Jo dil pe guzarti hai raqam karte rahenge
Asbaab-e-gham-e-ishq baham karte rahenge
Viraani-e-dauraan pe karam karte rahenge
Haan talkhi-e-ayyaam abhi aur barhe gi
Haan ahl-e-sitam mashq-e-sitam karte rahenge
Manzur yeh talkhi yeh sitam hum ko gawaara
Dam hai to madaawa-e-alam karte rahenge
Maikhana salaamat hai to hum surkhi-e-mai se
Taz-een-e-dar-o-baam-e-haram karte rahenge
Baqi hai lahu dil mein to har ashk se paida
Rang-e-lab-o-rukhsar-e-sanam karte rahenge
Ek tarz-e-taghaaful hai so woh unko mubaarak
Ek arz-e-tamanna hai so hum karte rahenge
——Faiz
Saturday, January 29, 2011
two of my recent tries in poetry
فکر کیجئے نہ ذرا ، بات ہے معمول کی
وہ دھماکہ اور تھا، یہ دھماکہ اور ہے
یہ پڑا اس گال پے، وہ پڑا اس گال پے
وہ طمانچہ اور تھا ، یہ طمانچہ اور ہے
شب سیاہ سے تاریک تر ہیں دن میرے
نظر کی حد سے پرے تک کہیں افق ہی نہیں
مے امروز میں تلخی کے سوا کچھ بھی نہیں
میری آنکھوں میں تیرگی کے سوا کچھ بھی نہیں
...ماہ دو نیم کے وہ ہم سفر کدھر جائیں
جو کھو گئے ہیں رہ گزر میں وہ کدھر جائیں
اجڑ گئے ہیں جو دل وہ کہیں بسیں گے اب؟
بچھڑ گئے ہیں جو امید سے جیئں گے کب ؟
اداس شاموں کی تلخی اتار لو دل میں
رگ و پے میں ہے جو آتش وہ راکھ ہونے دو
لبوں کو سی کے بے نوائی سے لگا لو جی
ذھن کو ہوش کی دنیا سے دور لے جاؤ
ان بستیوں میں جنوں کی ہے کار فرمائی
خرد کو مقتل ہوس کی نظر کر بھی چکے
جو منزلوں کی طرف تھی وہ راہ کھو بھی چکے
گرگ عیار کو ہم جان سپرد کر بھی چکے
یہ لوگ جن کی دسترس میں اپنا آپ نہیں
یہ زندہ ہیں یا فقط زندگی پے تہمت ہیں؟
فکر سے دور، عمل سے پرے ، ہوس میں گھرے
یہ کونسی ہے بستی، یہ لوگ کیسے ہیں ؟
اپنی ہستی کو پے درپے آزار کئے
یہ سانس لیتے ہوے جسم ایک دھوکہ ہیں
یہ تماشا ہیں آپ، خود ہی تماشائی ہیں
یہ آپ دست-ے-قضا آپ اپنے قاتل ہیں
مذہب-و-نسل-و-زبان چند استیارے ہیں
کہ اختلاف سے ہوتی ہے نمو فردا کی
وگرنہ میں بھی وہی، تم بھی وہی انسان ہیں
اصل میں صید ہیں ، صیاد سے جو غافل ہیں
یہ کون ہے جو تیرگی کی طرف مائل ہے؟
یہ کون ہے جو بدلتی رتوں سے خائف ہے؟
یہ کون ہے جو ظلمتوں کو طول دیتا رہے ؟
یہ کون ہے جو چاہتا ہے خون بہتا رہے؟
یہ لوگ جو شب-ے-سیاہ کا شکار ہوے
فسوں کا تیر بنے، حاصل-ے-عیار ہوے
جو جاگ جائیں تو یہ زندگی کا محور ہوں
جو جان جائیں تو یہ راہبر-و-محافظ ہوں
وہ دھماکہ اور تھا، یہ دھماکہ اور ہے
یہ پڑا اس گال پے، وہ پڑا اس گال پے
وہ طمانچہ اور تھا ، یہ طمانچہ اور ہے
شب سیاہ سے تاریک تر ہیں دن میرے
نظر کی حد سے پرے تک کہیں افق ہی نہیں
مے امروز میں تلخی کے سوا کچھ بھی نہیں
میری آنکھوں میں تیرگی کے سوا کچھ بھی نہیں
...ماہ دو نیم کے وہ ہم سفر کدھر جائیں
جو کھو گئے ہیں رہ گزر میں وہ کدھر جائیں
اجڑ گئے ہیں جو دل وہ کہیں بسیں گے اب؟
بچھڑ گئے ہیں جو امید سے جیئں گے کب ؟
اداس شاموں کی تلخی اتار لو دل میں
رگ و پے میں ہے جو آتش وہ راکھ ہونے دو
لبوں کو سی کے بے نوائی سے لگا لو جی
ذھن کو ہوش کی دنیا سے دور لے جاؤ
ان بستیوں میں جنوں کی ہے کار فرمائی
خرد کو مقتل ہوس کی نظر کر بھی چکے
جو منزلوں کی طرف تھی وہ راہ کھو بھی چکے
گرگ عیار کو ہم جان سپرد کر بھی چکے
یہ لوگ جن کی دسترس میں اپنا آپ نہیں
یہ زندہ ہیں یا فقط زندگی پے تہمت ہیں؟
فکر سے دور، عمل سے پرے ، ہوس میں گھرے
یہ کونسی ہے بستی، یہ لوگ کیسے ہیں ؟
اپنی ہستی کو پے درپے آزار کئے
یہ سانس لیتے ہوے جسم ایک دھوکہ ہیں
یہ تماشا ہیں آپ، خود ہی تماشائی ہیں
یہ آپ دست-ے-قضا آپ اپنے قاتل ہیں
مذہب-و-نسل-و-زبان چند استیارے ہیں
کہ اختلاف سے ہوتی ہے نمو فردا کی
وگرنہ میں بھی وہی، تم بھی وہی انسان ہیں
اصل میں صید ہیں ، صیاد سے جو غافل ہیں
یہ کون ہے جو تیرگی کی طرف مائل ہے؟
یہ کون ہے جو بدلتی رتوں سے خائف ہے؟
یہ کون ہے جو ظلمتوں کو طول دیتا رہے ؟
یہ کون ہے جو چاہتا ہے خون بہتا رہے؟
یہ لوگ جو شب-ے-سیاہ کا شکار ہوے
فسوں کا تیر بنے، حاصل-ے-عیار ہوے
جو جاگ جائیں تو یہ زندگی کا محور ہوں
جو جان جائیں تو یہ راہبر-و-محافظ ہوں
Friday, January 21, 2011
Written today
کیف میں نغمے گاتا جا
دل کی صدا سنواتا جا
ہوش میں سب تو کھو دے گا
مستی میں لہراتا جا
جتنے ذہن اتنے افسانے
"سنتا جا شرماتا جا"
جان لیا تو جوکھم ہے
سب کو تو بہلاتا جا
ایک تماشہ ہے دنیا
کھوتا جا اور پاتا جا
ہم تجھ کو بہلاتے ہیں
تو ہم سے منواتا جا
دل کی صدا سنواتا جا
ہوش میں سب تو کھو دے گا
مستی میں لہراتا جا
جتنے ذہن اتنے افسانے
"سنتا جا شرماتا جا"
جان لیا تو جوکھم ہے
سب کو تو بہلاتا جا
ایک تماشہ ہے دنیا
کھوتا جا اور پاتا جا
ہم تجھ کو بہلاتے ہیں
تو ہم سے منواتا جا
Saturday, January 15, 2011
اس شہر کو کیوں جل جانے دو؟
جو خبر وہاں سے آتی ہے
وہ لرزاتی تڑپاتی ہے
وہ کرب و بلا ، نالہ و الم
کہ سوچ ہی پتھرا جاتی ہے
کیوں جان ہے ارزاں انسان کی
آدرشوں کے مہنگے ہیں علم
کیوں ہلکے ہیں ایمان وہاں
بھاری ہے تفاوت دیر و حرم
وہ شہرکہ مونس و ہمدم تھا
وہ شہر کہ ضامن و مسکن تھا
جو شہر عروس منوّر تھا
اس شہر میں غارت و فتنہ و غم ؟
کیوں شہر نگاران ویران ہے؟
کس نے چھینا ہے اس کا امن ؟
اس شہر کو تم جل جانے دو ؟
اس شہر کو کیوں جل جانے دو؟
وہ لرزاتی تڑپاتی ہے
وہ کرب و بلا ، نالہ و الم
کہ سوچ ہی پتھرا جاتی ہے
کیوں جان ہے ارزاں انسان کی
آدرشوں کے مہنگے ہیں علم
کیوں ہلکے ہیں ایمان وہاں
بھاری ہے تفاوت دیر و حرم
وہ شہرکہ مونس و ہمدم تھا
وہ شہر کہ ضامن و مسکن تھا
جو شہر عروس منوّر تھا
اس شہر میں غارت و فتنہ و غم ؟
کیوں شہر نگاران ویران ہے؟
کس نے چھینا ہے اس کا امن ؟
اس شہر کو تم جل جانے دو ؟
اس شہر کو کیوں جل جانے دو؟
Friday, January 14, 2011
ghazal
ہو شب بیدار کو نہ کیوں سحر سے بے رخی
تیری آنکھوں کے اجالے صبحوں سے ہیں خوب تر
سوچئے اے عارف رنگین بیان یہ سوچئے
جو زمانہ ساز کہلاے ہوے کیوں در بدر
تو شب ویران کو صبح نو بنا کے پیش کر
ہم تری جادو نوائی کے ہیں قائل چارہ گر
ظلمت و افسوں کا ہے انجام کیا فرمائیے
چارہ سازی کیجئے کچھ تو دعا فرمائیے
منہ چھپا کے عہد حاضر سے سخن افروز ہوں
ساز گل، باد صبا، رنگین نوا فرمائیے
خون کی بارش سے رنگین مسند فرقاں ہوئی
...شیخ صاحب اور کچھ پند و ثنا فرمائیے
گل کیا جو تھا چراغ فہم و دانش آپ نے
جو بھی ہو آتش نوا اس کو سزا فرمائیے
مکتب و دانش تو ہیں لیکن توّجہ بھی تو ہو
ہے جنوں کی کار فرمائی تو کیا فرمائیے
تیری آنکھوں کے اجالے صبحوں سے ہیں خوب تر
سوچئے اے عارف رنگین بیان یہ سوچئے
جو زمانہ ساز کہلاے ہوے کیوں در بدر
تو شب ویران کو صبح نو بنا کے پیش کر
ہم تری جادو نوائی کے ہیں قائل چارہ گر
ظلمت و افسوں کا ہے انجام کیا فرمائیے
چارہ سازی کیجئے کچھ تو دعا فرمائیے
منہ چھپا کے عہد حاضر سے سخن افروز ہوں
ساز گل، باد صبا، رنگین نوا فرمائیے
خون کی بارش سے رنگین مسند فرقاں ہوئی
...شیخ صاحب اور کچھ پند و ثنا فرمائیے
گل کیا جو تھا چراغ فہم و دانش آپ نے
جو بھی ہو آتش نوا اس کو سزا فرمائیے
مکتب و دانش تو ہیں لیکن توّجہ بھی تو ہو
ہے جنوں کی کار فرمائی تو کیا فرمائیے
Thursday, January 6, 2011
شامت
جب گیدڑ کی شامت آتی ہے تو وہ شہر کو جاتا ہے، جب انسانوں کی شامت آتی ہے تو وہ وحشت اور بربریت پہ خوشی سے ناچتے تالیاں بجاتے ہیں، جب قوموں کی شامت آتی ہے تو وہ ایسے انسانوں کو گلے سے لگاتی ہیں
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Real Challenges
Piler report of 2010, published in May 2010, is a very important report (1). It sheds light on the real issues Pakistanis face today; a pity to observe parliamentarians, politicians and respective parties, theirs is a drama to keep Pakistanis disillusioned and disarrayed, we must concentrate on what is important for us and that is to organize our human resources, provide them with necessities and build them; this is the struggle awaiting people of this country, if we want to progress socially and economically.
This report (1) clearly states that what really on stake in current situation are our human resources and reason is inadequate labor policies. Around 45% of our work force is involved in Agriculture and related sectors, and farmers are not classified as workers hence they have no labor rights (no protection and guarantees for self sustainability). As per Labor Force Survey 2008-2009, highest percentage workforce which faces occupational health and safety issues is from agriculture and fisheries (2) , not to mention it (agriculture) is called ‘informal sector’.
On manufacturing and industry, we have contradictory statements in terms of the sector’s growth and sustainability; Federal Bureau of statistics confirms 2.81% decrease in QIM as of October 2010 over October 2009 (3). Piler report of 2010 (1) indicates -7.6% growth in manufacturing in 2008-09. A recent report from State Bank of Pakistan however indicates a growth rate of 4.9% (4) but this report acknowledges the problem of energy shortage and that energy supplies are insufficient to meet the demand of production. As mentioned in Piler report of 2010, this has resulted in closure of industrial units including power looms and garment factories. Around 50,000 looms reported closed by November 2010 (5) mainly due to low gas pressure, reportedly 25 units closed in Bin Qasim area in Karachi resulted in 6500 workers jobless (6). This overview reflects on the situation of workers in industry and manufacturing in both formal and informal sectors (though they are hypocrite terms and economic jugglery which makes it hard for labor laws to be implemented uniformly). Piler report of 2010 indicates around 535000 workers went jobless in 2009.
Pakistan spends 2% of its GDP on education sector which is lesser than Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Iran (7) . FPCCI has an interested statistics on their website, it looks pretty recent from the dates mentioned in that report, interesting to know that there are 945 hospitals, 4755 dispensaries, 127859 doctors and 62651 nurses in Pakistan (8), a country with a population of more than 170 Million, overall health care expenditure by Pakistan is 1.3% while China Spends 12.1% on education and 9.9% on healthcare as percentage of total budget (9). It is not difficult for anyone to conclude what percentage of health and education facilities are rendered for our work force which is the core of our society and what growth we are looking forward without giving these people their rights and opportunities (not to grow but) to survive. In a report on measurement of economic performance and social progress (10), the writers have stressed on the importance of investment by public sector in education and health because this guarantees a competitive work force without which no progress is possible. They have highlighted and ascribed following to be measured when determining people’s well being:
i. Material living standards (income, consumption and wealth);
ii. Health;
iii. Education;
iv. Personal activities including work
v. Political voice and governance;
vi. Social connections and relationships;
vii. Environment (present and future conditions);
viii. Insecurity, of an economic as well as a physical nature.
They emphasized that these measures might not be judged by usual economic indicators. In Pakistan, people are witnessing a downfall in all these areas, and it can be concluded that they are all related together. Amartya Sen has been very concerned and emphasized many times that education and health is basic requirement for an individual to increase productivity (11). In budget of 2010 (12), defense expenditures are expanded by 17% and development budget in increased by 30% which will be spent on all other government divisions out of which 2.5% on health, 0.7% on education and 2.4% for higher education commission. It is also promised that 6% for GDP will be spent on Education (if you can figure out what it will exactly be and where in education sector it will be spent). These figures are not promising at all and any sincere person should have been worried about the future.
Every Pakistani has some awareness of the situation, Can we hope that Pakistanis will ever be able to remind their leaders that their prime responsibility is not jugglery, leg pulling, and meaningless emotional agitations, they are not supposed to make and break alliances but to look at the real challenges ahead of us, and may we Pakistani remind ourselves as well that enough is enough of what our leaders have done for our amusement and entertainment? It is time to be serious and take responsibility; for how long will we be involved and burn our energies in non-issues?
References:-
1. Status of labour report 2010, 2010 , http://www.piler.org.pk/Status%20of%20Labour%20Report%202010.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
2. Summary of findings, 2009, http://www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/fbs/publications/lfs2008_09/summary_of_findings.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
3. Quantum Index Numbers of Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (QIM), http://www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/fbs/statistics/qim/qim_report.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
4. SBP annual report: Industrial sector grows by 4.9pc, in Daily Dawn 26 Oct 2010, http://news.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/business/sbp-annual-report-industrial-sector-grows-by-4.9pc-600, last viewed 01/01/2011
5. Pakistan - Textile units to remain closed for two days, 2010, http://www.yarnsandfibers.com/news/index_fullstory.php3?id=23559#, last viewed 01/01/2011
6. Industrial units closing down due to low gas pressure, in Daily Times 14 Nov 2010, http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\14\story_14-11-2010_pg5_3, last viewed 01/01/2011
7. Only two per cent of GDP spent on education , in Daily Dawn 05 Jun 2010, http://news.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/21-only-2pc-of-gdp-spent-on-education-560-sk-09, last viewed 01/01/2011
8. Statistics of Pakistan, http://www.fpcci.com.pk/statistic.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
9. How countries spend their money, http://www.visualeconomics.com/how-countries-spend-their-money/, last viewed 01/01/2011
10. Stiglitz Joseph E. et all, 2010, Report by Commission on the measurement of economic performance and social progress, http://www.stiglitz-sen-fitoussi.fr/documents/rapport_anglais.pdf , last viewed 01/01/2011
11. Mitra, S, Barun 1999, Going Beyond Good Intentions: A look at Amartya Sen, http://www.angelfire.com/mi/libertyinstitute/asen.html, last viewed 01/01/2011
12. Pakistan’s budget for year 2010-11 (Complete Analysis) , 2010, http://officialpakinfo.wordpress.com/2010/06/05/pakistans-budget-for-year-2010-11-complete-analysis/ , last viewed 01/01/2011
This report (1) clearly states that what really on stake in current situation are our human resources and reason is inadequate labor policies. Around 45% of our work force is involved in Agriculture and related sectors, and farmers are not classified as workers hence they have no labor rights (no protection and guarantees for self sustainability). As per Labor Force Survey 2008-2009, highest percentage workforce which faces occupational health and safety issues is from agriculture and fisheries (2) , not to mention it (agriculture) is called ‘informal sector’.
On manufacturing and industry, we have contradictory statements in terms of the sector’s growth and sustainability; Federal Bureau of statistics confirms 2.81% decrease in QIM as of October 2010 over October 2009 (3). Piler report of 2010 (1) indicates -7.6% growth in manufacturing in 2008-09. A recent report from State Bank of Pakistan however indicates a growth rate of 4.9% (4) but this report acknowledges the problem of energy shortage and that energy supplies are insufficient to meet the demand of production. As mentioned in Piler report of 2010, this has resulted in closure of industrial units including power looms and garment factories. Around 50,000 looms reported closed by November 2010 (5) mainly due to low gas pressure, reportedly 25 units closed in Bin Qasim area in Karachi resulted in 6500 workers jobless (6). This overview reflects on the situation of workers in industry and manufacturing in both formal and informal sectors (though they are hypocrite terms and economic jugglery which makes it hard for labor laws to be implemented uniformly). Piler report of 2010 indicates around 535000 workers went jobless in 2009.
Pakistan spends 2% of its GDP on education sector which is lesser than Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Iran (7) . FPCCI has an interested statistics on their website, it looks pretty recent from the dates mentioned in that report, interesting to know that there are 945 hospitals, 4755 dispensaries, 127859 doctors and 62651 nurses in Pakistan (8), a country with a population of more than 170 Million, overall health care expenditure by Pakistan is 1.3% while China Spends 12.1% on education and 9.9% on healthcare as percentage of total budget (9). It is not difficult for anyone to conclude what percentage of health and education facilities are rendered for our work force which is the core of our society and what growth we are looking forward without giving these people their rights and opportunities (not to grow but) to survive. In a report on measurement of economic performance and social progress (10), the writers have stressed on the importance of investment by public sector in education and health because this guarantees a competitive work force without which no progress is possible. They have highlighted and ascribed following to be measured when determining people’s well being:
i. Material living standards (income, consumption and wealth);
ii. Health;
iii. Education;
iv. Personal activities including work
v. Political voice and governance;
vi. Social connections and relationships;
vii. Environment (present and future conditions);
viii. Insecurity, of an economic as well as a physical nature.
They emphasized that these measures might not be judged by usual economic indicators. In Pakistan, people are witnessing a downfall in all these areas, and it can be concluded that they are all related together. Amartya Sen has been very concerned and emphasized many times that education and health is basic requirement for an individual to increase productivity (11). In budget of 2010 (12), defense expenditures are expanded by 17% and development budget in increased by 30% which will be spent on all other government divisions out of which 2.5% on health, 0.7% on education and 2.4% for higher education commission. It is also promised that 6% for GDP will be spent on Education (if you can figure out what it will exactly be and where in education sector it will be spent). These figures are not promising at all and any sincere person should have been worried about the future.
Every Pakistani has some awareness of the situation, Can we hope that Pakistanis will ever be able to remind their leaders that their prime responsibility is not jugglery, leg pulling, and meaningless emotional agitations, they are not supposed to make and break alliances but to look at the real challenges ahead of us, and may we Pakistani remind ourselves as well that enough is enough of what our leaders have done for our amusement and entertainment? It is time to be serious and take responsibility; for how long will we be involved and burn our energies in non-issues?
References:-
1. Status of labour report 2010, 2010 , http://www.piler.org.pk/Status%20of%20Labour%20Report%202010.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
2. Summary of findings, 2009, http://www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/fbs/publications/lfs2008_09/summary_of_findings.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
3. Quantum Index Numbers of Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (QIM), http://www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/fbs/statistics/qim/qim_report.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
4. SBP annual report: Industrial sector grows by 4.9pc, in Daily Dawn 26 Oct 2010, http://news.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/business/sbp-annual-report-industrial-sector-grows-by-4.9pc-600, last viewed 01/01/2011
5. Pakistan - Textile units to remain closed for two days, 2010, http://www.yarnsandfibers.com/news/index_fullstory.php3?id=23559#, last viewed 01/01/2011
6. Industrial units closing down due to low gas pressure, in Daily Times 14 Nov 2010, http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\14\story_14-11-2010_pg5_3, last viewed 01/01/2011
7. Only two per cent of GDP spent on education , in Daily Dawn 05 Jun 2010, http://news.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/21-only-2pc-of-gdp-spent-on-education-560-sk-09, last viewed 01/01/2011
8. Statistics of Pakistan, http://www.fpcci.com.pk/statistic.pdf, last viewed 01/01/2011
9. How countries spend their money, http://www.visualeconomics.com/how-countries-spend-their-money/, last viewed 01/01/2011
10. Stiglitz Joseph E. et all, 2010, Report by Commission on the measurement of economic performance and social progress, http://www.stiglitz-sen-fitoussi.fr/documents/rapport_anglais.pdf , last viewed 01/01/2011
11. Mitra, S, Barun 1999, Going Beyond Good Intentions: A look at Amartya Sen, http://www.angelfire.com/mi/libertyinstitute/asen.html, last viewed 01/01/2011
12. Pakistan’s budget for year 2010-11 (Complete Analysis) , 2010, http://officialpakinfo.wordpress.com/2010/06/05/pakistans-budget-for-year-2010-11-complete-analysis/ , last viewed 01/01/2011
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