National integration: Most needed aspect in Pakistan.

Byline: Prof Dr Muhammad Khan

SECURING the fundamental rights of every human being is universally recognized as the most significant element of national integration and harmony of any nation. Upon attainment the fundamental rights, there are obligations of the fundamental duties; the individuals and communities need to undertake and ensure within the ambit of their respective states. In a way; there is a relationship of give and take, rights and obligations and their acceptable implementation at the level of nation state. The other elements of national integration include; the transparent and identical justice system, exercise of free will in the form of democracy, a common national cause in the form of ideology and established leadership having indisputable character traits. The United Nations (UN) Charter amply covers all these besides their explanations given in various conventions and covenants.

The anarchic nature of the international system obliges the nation states to have their own system to ensure their sovereignty and integrity which is essence of the Peace Treaty of Westphalia. National integration is the process of achieving harmony, devising common identity and national consciousness among the masses and constituent units of a state. It is a psychological and educational process for the development of common feeling of unity, solidarity and cohesion. To achieve national integration, the factors like; political affiliation, religion, language, culture, tribes, castes and ethnicity though play significant role, yet need harnessing under a single factor; the nationalism. The creation of Pakistan though propelled by ideological factor, yet Pakistan has people from other religions who lived in harmony with the Muslim for decades now. Indeed, people from all political parties, religions, castes, creeds, different ethnic backgrounds have worked together for a cohesive society and a harmonious state.

Indeed, after its independence in 1947, there has never been a crisis, based on religions or ideologies, though isolated incidents did take place occasionally, which at time were given religious flavor. The ethnicity at times and indeed misuse of religion by non-state actors did create problems for the state and society of Pakistan. This misconstrued ideology, indeed, the negative usage of religion is being done by TTP and many other so-called religious elements for promoting their brand of Islam. This usage is against the essence of Islam...