Pakistan’s leaders continue to ignore education, science and technology and we all suffer
The campaigns for Pakistan’s general elections on July 25 are in full swing and some horrible, violent events have marred the atmosphere. As usual our political leaders, rather than presenting solid programs for national development, are indulging in personal attacks on each other.
Nothing but a well-planned, solid strategy can deal with a system that has become non-functional almost from top to bottom. Even though we have large human resources (a population of more than 200 million) and abundant natural resources, we are still a backward, underdeveloped country, up to our necks in foreign debt. The reason? For the past 50 years or so, the country has been governed mainly by incompetent rulers.
The feudal system, which is still in vogue, produces exploiters and enables the incompetent to become rulers. As proof of how things can, and should, be we can look to the shining examples of Malaysia, Turkey and our good friend and neighbor, China.
Right from the days of President Ayub Khan, education was given the lowest possible priority. When his cabinet was sworn in, someone pointed out that there was no education minister. Writer and civil servant Qudratullah Shahab was tasked with finding one. A Bengali politician who happened to be in the waiting room was called in and given the job. Since then it has become the practice to give the portfolio to incompetent, lesser politicians because it is not a very lucrative post.
Muslims had an excellent scientific record between the 7th and 12th centuries. We were leaders in all fields and dominated the world. Those days are long gone.
It is ironic and pitiable that the manifestos and policies of the main political parties show no interest in this most vital component of development. Their leaders have plenty of sycophants surrounding them but have not encouraged competent scientists or engineers to help them in this crucial sector.
If this trend continues, the future looks bleak. Some of those at the helm of the country’s affairs look toward development programs that will produce instant cuts (commissions) and not toward long-term planning.
We disembarked from the train of science and technology early in the 12th century and have not been able to catch it again since then, despite the fact that there have been a few individuals who were shining examples in more recent times.
It is ironic and pitiable that the manifestos and policies of the main political parties show no interest in the most vital component of development.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan
At the establishment of Pakistan, our Quaid-e-Azam, M.A. Jinnah, said: “Education does not merely mean academic education. You have to build the character of our future generations, which means the highest sense of honor, integrity and selfless service to the nation and a sense of responsibility.” He further said: “There is an immediate and urgent need for training in scientific and technical education in order to build up our future economic life. Do not forget that we have to compete with the world, which is moving very fast in this direction.”
Prophet Muhammad said: “Seek knowledge even if you have to go all the way to China.” The Holy Qur’an is full of divine edicts encouraging us to learn, to pursue knowledge and to ponder the miracles of the world.
In short, it is a call to strive for excellence in education, science and technology. Yet these areas have been provided with the least funding. Former Harvard president Derek Bok once said: “If you think that education is expensive, try ignorance.”
Whoever comes to power after next week’s election, has to give priority to education, science and technology.
• Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is famous Pakistani nuclear scientist and a metallurgical engineer. He is widely regarded as the founder of gas-centrifuge enrichment technology for Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent program. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan conferred upon Dr. Khan the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz on 14 August, 1996 and 14 August, 1998. He is also a recipient of Hilal-i-Imtiaz. Dr. Khan is the only Pakistani to have received the highest civil award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz twice. Twitter: @DrAQK_officia
