|
Students disturbed over Benazir's death
Karachi, Dec 31, 2007: Students feel that the future of Pakistan after Dec 27th's
grief-stricken incident has suffered a huge set back. The year 2007, which was
already marred by political upheavals, terrorist activities, killing of innocent
people, has finished off with one of the biggest and unfortunate incidents in
the country's history - the death of the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Hours after her death, gold and petroleum prices increased, and stock
markets came down. Violent protests erupted throughout the country, and a series
of looting, burning and firing took place, all this a reaction of the death of
the great leader.
The youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow have a
lot to say on this tragic event. Alizeh, an 18-year-old University student said
that the current situation is just an emotional, temporary phase which will soon
go away. "People are angry and frustrated at the moment, but they will move on
with their lives. Things won't get any better and we will lead our lives the way
we were before November 27 tragedy struck the country," she added.
Danish Muzaffar, 23, studying at the Institute of Business
Administration (IBA) said, "The future is dark. Already, there is unequal
distribution of wealth and a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Now,
more poverty and social problems will rise. On top of that, security problems
have increased, meaning more chaos and disorder. Only people with arms can truly
defend themselves." He feels that the incident will have a drastic impact on the
business sector. "Investor confidence will go down drastically and foreign
countries will not only stop investing but there are chances that existing
projects will also be cancelled. Hot money outflow will occur as savers will
feel that their money is no longer secure in banks here. Therefore, one can see
that the future of Pakistan is unstable in its truest sense," said Danish.
On the other hand, student from Karachi University, Beenum Mansoor feels
that there is a strong threat of disintegration in the country. Currently, the
emotions of people are very high and they can do anything. People know that only
one nation dominates the entire four provinces. Since a Sindhi leader was killed
in a Punjabi province, God forbid this might result in a civil war between the
two. Beenum also thinks that Nato or the US forces might come here in order to
deal with the terrorists and militants present in the country.
Hasan
Jamil, a sales executive at a shipping firm agreeing with Beenum, said that it
is difficult to foresee the future. He thinks that the current situation can
result into two things. Firstly, a civil war between Sindh and Punjab can break
out as political unrest has already risen between the people of two provinces.
Secondly, the US will interfere more in the country's security matters as a
debate has already started whether the nuclear assets in the country are safe or
not. However, Saad Mansoor, an auditing student believes that the disintegration
factor is far fetched. "Things can't get worse than they already are. There is
already enough unrest in the country and the situation will not deteriorate.
However, for a permanent stable situation, the President should resign," added
Jamil.
While, there are many youngsters who are not hopeful about the
future of Pakistan , Saim Zuberi, a software engineer feels optimistic about the
future. "No doubt we have lost a great leader but things will eventually get
better. We will have to struggle, which will be fruitful as there will be a new
leader, who will guide us and take us towards the path of prosperity and
progress," expects Zuberi.
What the youngsters need to remember is that
the future of Pakistan greatly depends on their thinking, opinions and actions.
Therefore, disappointments and pessimistic approach should be given a back seat
and the youth should rise together to ignite the feeling of unity and
brotherhood among the people.
-By Rabia Ali (The News)
|
