Development 2.0--by Nadeem Ul Haque

Raza Rumi argued recently that there are 5 myths in the Pakistani discourse that need to be put to rest. In his view these are the ‘Doctrine of Necessity,’ ‘Strategic depth,’ ‘Use of Proxies’, ‘Ummah’ and ‘China will fix all’. Raza is right. A large part of our media and intellect is discussing these myths. I would argue that Raza’s 5 myths stem from our inability to configure proper democracy. Any democratic government with an open process of policymaking with due diligence (research and reporting through white papers and documentation), public consultation (forums with government provided information and genuine participation) and open decision-making processes (forums at all levels with proper public participation and open minutes even if with a lag), ghosts and monsters can be confronted. Simple. No decision without first, adequate public scrutiny, second documentation and consultation at all levels including the public, and finally full disclosure. There is no democracy witho...

In fact, do we even need a cabinet? Or, an assembly? Note that I am not saying, if we need a government. Coming back to these “political folk”! All they seem to be investing their nights and days in, is their own survival. Not in the survival of Pakistan. That be damned! Interesting how pressing matters and decisions go on a back burner. One day we need to have decisions yesterday and the next day we can wait for days. Politicians, well almost all of them, seem to be engaged in ‘Sisyphusian’ battle of daily toil—or even worst, actually believing that their toils are genuine and that this is the last roll up the hill! I think Anatol Lieven needs to supersede “Pakistan: a hard country” with “Pakistan: a baffling country”. It runs on its own. A country that is running on prayers of a few, and sacrifices of the dead. It is, definitely, not running due to this bunch of thugs—sorry, politicians! “Sadiq” and “Amin”! Come on who coined this? We, if we are an Islamic thought, are supposed to b...

Raza Rumi argued recently that there are 5 myths in the Pakistani discourse that need to be put to rest. In his view these are the ‘Doctrine of Necessity,’ ‘Strategic depth,’ ‘Use of Proxies’, ‘Ummah’ and ‘China will fix all’. Raza is right. A large part of our media and intellect is discussing these myths.   I would argue that Raza’s 5 myths stem from our inability to configure proper democracy. Any democratic government with an open process of policymaking with due diligence (research and reporting through white papers and documentation), public consultation (forums with government provided information and genuine participation) and open decision-making processes (forums at all levels with proper public participation and open minutes even if with a lag), ghosts and monsters can be confronted. Simple. No decision without first, adequate public scrutiny, second documentation and consultation at all levels including the public, and finally full disclosure. There is no demo...

Amer Durrani, a bright young Pakistani entrepreneur/professional wrote this and wanted it published and discussed.  Why? that should be obvious. "I am a Pakistani. I believe that I am special. I have no dignity. I have no shame. I have no principles. I feel righteous and obligated to only my own beliefs. I know what is right for everybody. I am a slave to tradition. I find common good and social courtesies outside my belief system to be alien concepts. I am a “free-loader”. I do not want to work for a living, let alone work hard. I want to score one big deal and make all the money I need. I maybe dying of hunger but will shirk work as I believe the society should feed me. I treat authority with contempt except my own. I believe that slaughtering anybody in the name of my beliefs is ordained. I am above all law as I believe in Allah! I believe that anyone who does not share my belief system has no rights. I have no concept of what is a ...