16 replies to this topic

[Jilawatan]

So let’s say for a second you were the President of Pakistan and you had the power to institute any reform or policy. Which reforms or policies would you put through?

We are going to have a little fun in this thread to help ease the tensions on the forums between the members. Basically, we will put forth which policies and reforms we would put in place in detail and once the competition closes we will have a poll in which we will elect the member with the best policies and reforms. This is all just for a little fun but it will help members understand what direction other members want this country to go.

[Jilawatan]

Jilawatan's Presidential Policies and Reforms:



New Structure for the Government of Pakistan:

Objectives:

• Simplified structure
• Little bureaucracy
• Less tiers of government
• Less VIPs
• Efficient governance
• Maximum local input in ensuring their own government
• True Democracy
• Ensure religious and minority rights and protection

Requirements:

• Pakistan's current governmental system should be abolished
• Provinces should be abolished and replaced by smaller Provinces or large districts that are based on regional needs such as big cities, regional areas and identities like South-eastern Sindh, Bahawalpur, Makran, Kalash, Hazara etc
• Min provincial divisions: 15
• Max provincial divisions: 20
• Presidential system instead of Prime Ministerial system

A: CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Two houses, one consulting council:

1) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY:

• Members from each small province or large district based proportionately on population
• Max 150 members (proportionately divided on the bases of province populations)
• Population census to be conducted in each province after six years
• Members responsible for provincial well being
• Proposes and argues on laws based on their constituency's interests
• Prime Minister heads the national assembly and coordinates affairs smoothly
• National assembly proposes laws and passes drafts to be checked by the Religious and Secular Council and then to be approved by the Senate
• No Assembly member can be elected for more than two terms
• Members have to be born in the district and should have lived there at least 75% of their life
• Members must have a minimal qualification of graduation from a four-year college

2) SENATE:

• 2 members from each district regardless of population or area
• Members responsible for national well being
• Have final say in passing laws
• Headed by President, supreme head of state who can veto any laws
• Senate votes and passes any laws that are approved by the National Assembly
• After national assembly and senate approval, president signs or vetos laws to bring them into effect
• President coordinates the senate and makes sure all demands are met in national interests
• Members should have lived in the region for at least 75% of their life
• Members should have completed at least a four-year bachelors degree
• No senator can be elected for more than two terms

3) RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR COUNCIL:

A consulting council of 3 members elected from each province (1 Sunni scholar, 1 Shia scholar, 1 minority representative).

• Headed by the Prime Minister who can veto the decision of the council ONLY in case of a squabble or indecision
• Senate can veto and remove amendments by the council based on national interest
• Advises the National Assembly on the correctness of laws by proposing amendments to drafts passed by the Assembly.
• Sunni / Shia scholars need to be qualified - at least 4 years university degree in religion, plus 4 years experience in jurisprudence
• Sunni / Shia scholars make sure that any law doesnt go blatantly unislamic
• Minority representatives elected from provinces' religious/secular minorities
• Minority representatives make sure that any law doesnt disrespect their rights or freedoms
• Decisions on amendments MUST BE MADE BY VOTING by the council members.
• Approved laws are passed back to the National Assembly for review and final vote before going to the senate.
• A maximum of three months allowed for decision making by council after which, the draft automatically goes to senate for approval.

DUTIES OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT:

Decides national strategies and looks after national security and well being. Devise national policies for defence, foreign affairs, education, healthcare, infrastructure, human development etc. based on small voluntary comittees picked from the national assembly. Each comittee should have an appointed professional consultant who should have a master's degree in the subject and who advises the comittee on making effective decisions that are then approved by the national assembly and the senate.


B: SMALL PROVINCE / LARGE DISTRICT GOVERNMENTS

1) CENTRAL COUNCIL

• A representative elected from the district to coordinate the following affairs within the district:
• Edcucation
• Healthcare
• Infrastructure
• Human Development
• Provincial security (heads police, etc)
• Revenue and taxation (at least 50% of taxes collected from an area should be spent in the SAME area)
• Other important areas such as transportation, energy, etc
• Headed by the Province Nazim
• Each representative must have at least five years experience in their relative areas and must have at least a three year diploma
• Decides local strategies, and looks after local well being
• Decides projects for the province based on local input

2) LOCAL COUNCIL

Each large district has at least four local councils headed by Naib Nazims.

• Representatives from the locality who act as sub-coordinators in the same areas as the central council.
• Mostly responsible for taking local feedback and implementing projects

C: ELECTIONS

1) CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

• National Assembly representative can be elected for maximum of 2 terms
• Senators can be elected for maximum of 3 terms (being a senator becomes better with experience in national affairs)
• President or Prime Minister cannot be elected for more than 2 terms
• Each party must conduct party elections before each national election to decide on a party head for those elections
• No party head can be elected more than 2 times
• 4 year terms for each house
• Representatives to the religious and secular council can be elected for 4 terms of 4 years each

2) SMALL PROVINCE / LARGE DISTRICT GOVERNMENT

• Anybody can be a candidate (as long as they are properly qualified) and 3 rounds of local elections are held (after 2 months each) to narrow down on candidate options.
• No local councillor or Nazim can be elected more than 3 times
• Local councillors and Nazims are elected for 4 year terms as well.

D: LEGISLATIVE PROCESS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

• National Assembly drafts and passes law based on provincial interests
• Religious and Secular council deliberates and votes on law, and proposes amendments to make sure its religiously, and secularly correct
• National Assembly reviews and votes on amended law
• If law passes, it goes to the Senate for approval
• If law fails, National Assembly meets with Religious and Secular Council in joint session to debate on amendments
• National Assembly passes second draft
• Religious and Secular council reviews and proposes amendments to the second draft
• National Assembly reviews amended draft and votes on it.
• If passes, it goes to the Senate for approval
• If fails, one last try is possible after which Senate can review all three drafts and vote on the best one themselves.

POLICIES OF MY GOVERNMENT:

Federally Administered Tribal Area's Policy:
I know some people believe that we broke the treaty with the tribals because when they joined Pakistan during independence they wanted the assurance they would be able to remain independent. What most people do not know is that they also made a commitment "to be peaceful and law abiding and to maintain friendly relations with the people of the settled districts". The Tribal Malik's have broken their promise to the Government of Pakistan and this is the reason why the military is fighting to wipe out the extremists and terrorists in the region.

The state of FATA had only started to deteriorate after 1979 when the war in Afghanistan kicked up and the region was used as a base for the Mujahedeen. This had a negative impact on the Tribal Area's and their infrastructure. The Tribal Belt became the main supply route for the Mujahedeen fighting the soviets and this brought in weapons, drugs, and extremism to the region. These people have suffered enough under the local Taliban and the Afghan's. We must end their suffering but we must understand that they will be civilian casualties like they are in every war. The fear of civilian casualties should not stop us from fixing this area and helping the greater population that we owe this to.

They are many major problems with the FATA region that need to be solved immediately. The region suffers from the lack of development, education, and from a local Taliban. The Government of Pakistan must first strike the local Taliban and their agents so the area can finally be under the supervision of the Government of Pakistan. Once we have control of the region we can start pouring money to develop the area and build educational facilities. We must also help build a police force to maintain law and order so that the local Taliban can never return and so that the military of Pakistan does not have to put them down again.

I support the follow actions to tame the Tribal Area's militancy:

• Deployment of unmanned reconnaissance planes:
  This will help us gather intelligence on the routes, institutions, and the locations of high profile targets. We can then effectively take action against these elements without giving them much warning. It will also help save the lives of many of our troops because we will know where the enemy is hiding.
• Strengthening law-enforcement agencies with advanced equipment:
  This is the most important point in this entire plan because we need law-enforcement agencies to help provide law and order to the region. By providing them with advanced equipment they will be able to tackle any threats the local Taliban may pose them after the military finishes their operations.
• Deployment of more troops to the region:
  This is required to clean up the area on a fast track basis so people can get back to their normal lives quicker and so development can start to show its face in the region. Besides the area is very remote and difficult to patrol so for now we will need numbers in the region to help plug the holes.
• Operations against militants on fast-track basis:
  This needs to be done as mentioned earlier to help bring peace back to the region. We simply cannot drag our feet when our people are suffering.
• Focused operations against militant commanders:
  If we take out their leaders their organization will be weakened and they will be unable to fight the Pakistani Military. This is also a good way to kill the morale of the enemy.
• Action against madrassah's preaching militancy:
  If we take down the places where these extremists and terrorists are born then we can effectively stop this vicious cycle. The militants will find that their numbers are dropping and they will be unable to replace their losses.
• Fresh Recruitments of police officers in NWFP:
  The number of police officers in the NWFP has not changed since independence despite the population growth of the province. It is important that we make some fresh recruitment because we must protect the sensitive NWFP province from the militancy that is ongoing in FATA. We can already see the failure of the NWFP police in towns like Tank which are suffering from the militancy of close by FATA.
• Block Illegal Radio Stations:
  They are many illegal radio stations operating in FATA and NWFP that must be taken down due to their extremist and pro-militant content. Once we crush their podium they will find it difficult to reach the people.

The key to finally killing the militancy and stabilizing the region is to provide development to the people. We must provide the people with an education so that they do not get sucked into extremist agendas and so they can help in the progress of their region. We have failed so far to provide the people of FATA with an education as the literacy rate is currently 17.42%, which is below the 43.92% average in Pakistan. If we can educate these people then we can be sure that there is no chance of a Taliban return to the area.

We must also provide aid and development to the people and improve their current infrastructure. And we must provide them with opportunities so we can give them a chance at a new prosperous life in a prosperous Pakistan. If we offer them all these new opportunities and integrate them with mainstream Pakistan the people will naturally shun the Taliban and their extremist ideas.

I support the following policies to develop FATA:

• Providing an education to the people of FATA:
  We must provide the people of FATA with a decent education that can help create an educated workforce which will help develop the region.
• Empowerment of Females:
  Currently, women do not have much empowerment in FATA which is echoed by the fact that only 3% of the females in FATA are educated. In order to combat this we should open women centers where we can teach women special skills that can help them earn a living and empower them. This will also help build a larger workforce in FATA.
• Building New Infrastructure:
  The infrastructure of the region right now is very poor due to the fact that the government has been unable since 1979 to make any improvements. Existing infrastructure is either inefficient or on the verge of collapsing. It is imperative that we build new infrastructure to help the development of the area.
• Industrialization of FATA:
  The Industrialization of FATA is an excellent remedy to break the tribal barriers that currently exist. The process of industrialization would not only provide employment opportunities and economic benefits but also assist in helping the region generate much needed revenue for the country.
• Mining in FATA:
  FATA has proven commercially viable reserves of marble, copper, limestone, and coal. However currently, there is no chance of their exploitation in a profitable manner due to socio-political conditions. We must use these reserves after we stabilize the region to help build more revenue generation for FATA.
• Fast Track Development:
  We definitely need Fast Track Development in FATA because we cannot let the militants buy time to further their cause and cause delays to the strategy of the government in providing development. If we can quickly provide development we will win the hearts and minds of the people.
• Healthcare improvements:
  Right now healthcare is very poor in FATA and behind the national averages of Pakistan. We must help bring them on par with the rest of the country by building more public hospitals and clinics. The Government should also provide classes to help inform the locals of good hygiene and methods of staying healthy.

In conclusion, the situation is very complex in FATA but there is a solution to the problem. We need to first put down the militancy with force and then provide fast track development to the people. Education is the key to this entire strategy against the militants so no exceptions can be made in this regard. We must help FATA by providing jobs and help their revenue collection so the area can be a productive place to do business.

Balochistan Policy:

Balochistan is most likely the most neglected province of Pakistan and the most troubled out of the 4 provinces. Balochistan suffers from the lack of infrastructure, development, and economic activity. There is also an insurgency currently going on in the province that is not only causing problems in Pakistan but in Iran as well. The province is the largest by geographical area with rich natural resources that are waiting to be taken into productive use. Currently, the province is also a major supplier of natural gas to the country.

The economy of the province is largely based upon the production of natural gas, coal, and minerals. We must try to increase production of these goods while industrializing the province to provide more jobs and diversify the economy of the province. We must make the use of the natural resources present in Balochistan but we must make sure that we provide much needed development to the people of the province. The province can also benefit from tourism but due to the militancy they are questions raised on the security of the region.

The situation in Balochistan is much easier and much simpler to deal with than the FATA issue. This is due to the fact that the core of the militancy in the province doesn't revolve around religion like it does in FATA. We can easily crush the insurgency through the military and then form more local governments to give the people a voice. Not only will we be dissolving the tribal system and bringing the area under the writ of the Government but we will also give the people a voice. Slowly, with the introduction of better infrastructure and industrialization of the province we will see the rise of Balochistan.

The infrastructure of the province is steadily improving under some of the projects launched by the Musharraf government but more improvement in infrastructure is needed. The infrastructure must be brought on par with that of the other three provinces to help resolve some of the complaints of neglect by the people of the province. If we can successfully introduce proper and effective infrastructure to the province we can count on the area improving economically. You will also win the hearts and minds of the people by improving the quality of their lives.

In conclusion, the Balochistan situation is quite easy to solve because these insurgents are not using religion to recruit people to their cause. Another factor is the fact that most of these people fighting in Balochistan are like mercenaries which makes it easier to fight them because they don't believe in the ideas behind the fight. We need to improve the infrastructure and industrialize the province and the insurgency should be gone. All we need to do really is resolve the fears of the Balochi people.

Key Moves in the policy:

• Infrastructure Development
• End the insurgency
• Industrialization
• Fast-track Development
• Resolve the fears of the people
• Giving the people opportunities to advance (Jobs)

Provincial Division Policy:

In order to bring about a effective system of governance in Pakistan we must first look at the population and percentages of the population of the provinces. Then we must establish a system based on our research and findings. Below I have listed all my research.

Actual Populations of the provinces and territories:

Punjab: 73,621,290 (1998)
Sindh: 30,439,893 (1998)
NWFP: 17,743,645 (1998)
Balochistan: 6,565,885 (1998)
Northern Areas: 1,500,000 (1998)
Azad Kashmir: 3,965,999 (1998)
FATA: 3,341,070 (1998)

Actual Total Population Count: 137,177,782

Estimated Population of the Provinces and Territories:
Punjab: 75,000,000
Sindh: 35,000,000
NWFP: 20,000,000
Balochistan: 7,000,000
Northern Areas: 2,000,000
Azad Kashmir: 4,000,000
FATA: 4,000,000

Estimated Total Population Count: 147,000,000

Now I know that we have 165 million people estimated for 2006 but I do not have access to those 2006 estimates for the provinces. I have decided to award the territories provincial status for sake of argument. To make the math easier on those math challenged, I have decided to use the estimated figures.

Estimated Percentage of Total Population by Province:

Punjab: 51 %
Sindh: 23.8 %
NWFP: 13.6 %
Balochistan: 4.76 %
Northern Areas: 1.36 %
Azad Kashmir: 2.72 %
FATA: 2.72 %

+ OR - .04 %

Now what this research tells us is that we need to understand that dividing the provinces into smaller pieces will NOT be enough to solve the problem we currently face. As you can see Balochistan is the largest province in Pakistan yet it has a population of 7 million which is about 4.76 % of the population. Therefore, dividing Balochistan would further weaken the position of the Baloch people. We must find a solution to the problems that dividing the provinces will create. The solution for this would be to implement a National assembly where EVERY province will have a equal amount of seats. Therefore, no one lacks representation in this new government structure.

[Jilawatan]

Come on folks! I need someone to run against me!

Abdullah Sahib join the competition!

[Abdullah Hayat]

Salam,

Hahhhahh.. Zain sahib, no doubt you have done your homework. That was a well-thought and neatly written article. If I was to bring up some thing, I would have to write it to that standard. But in general, I think, you kind'a know my approach too.

I read the whole thing, let me put it this way: Most of what you have written would also be included in my system, except for a few changes... which involves three basic themes:

1. An extremely environmental friendly development policy. Zero tolerance for the kind of economic exploitation that we see in the West (in particular) and now increasingly in the East including Pakistan.

2. A relatively flexible political setup with democracy in its roots.

3. Reinvigourating Islamic and cultural values in the fabric of the society, representing itself in the structure of the government as well.

Now, based on these 3 core themes (many more can be thought of and added), one can create a great system for Pakistan, that works like a charm.

Your structure is essentially good, and as long as ANY given structure avoids 3 things, it is worth implementation, or at least worth consideration.

1. A system where there is no Political Repression.
2. A system where there is no Social Discrimination.
3. A system where there is no Economic Exploitation.

As long as we abide by these DOs and DONTs, any structure of government is fine.
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Now, my personal feeling includes some additional steps, but that is a different matter all together. I would, for instance, want to see a less secular constitution.

Also, the MOST important theme for a new constitution should be the inclusion of the First Ammendment to U.S's constitution. In my personal opinion, First Ammendment and the other ammendments which make up The Bill of Rights, should be made an essential part of the new Constitution of Pakistan.

Also, again, my personal opinion is to begin the constitution with the First Clause (as is a tradition) that: "Allah Subhana Wa Taala is the Supreme Authority of the country." With this clause, it would be hard to make a constitution that goes against Principles of Ihsaan given in Quran. Obviously, this is my personal choice. As of now, I can only speculate (just like you may speculate that Pakistanis would want a secular constitution) that Pakistanis would love this clause.

One last thing, it is VITAL for the constitution to ensure that Armed Forces have ZERO role in the running of ANY aspect of the government. I feel that, EVEN IN CRISIS, should Armed Forces not be allowed to actually RULE the country. It, indeed, is the case even now, and I think it is a worth having principle. Armed Forces CANNOT rule, period.

Many other aspects can be thought of, but for initiation of the discussion, this should do.

Peace.

[Mohsin Ahmed]

There will be two terms in office for President and Prime Minister....

[Suprah™]

I would try making sure the 1973 Constitution gets back on what its supposed to be - a parliamentary form of Govt promising a proper federation of provinces to maintain proper unity and progress across Pakistan.

Try reducing my role as President in law making into a mere rubber stamp head-of-state, as well as making sure all prone-to-sell-out generals and baboos behave and show their allegiance to God, the flag and constitution of Pakistan.

Then with all set and done, I would try relaxing playing golf and going for publicity tours for good causes.

[Abdullah Hayat]

Salam,

hahhhahh..... Wah Suprah, that was the best one!

Really funny, and also a lot of undertone critique of the system and as usual a balanced and just solution. I would agree. Great words: "God, flag and the constitution"!

Peace.

[Jilawatan]

Just added my Balochistan policy!

[Abdullah Hayat]

Salam,

Sheharyar, your points are valid and good, except that unfortunately we cannot make Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir as our province. If we do that, then 1948's Kashmir Resolution goes to the dust bin, and so would Pakistan's 60-year old principled stand on Kashmir. The resolution considers Kashmir as a disputed territory. By making it our 5th province, we are accepting India's claim on Indian Occupied Kashmir as THEIR province. We are doubtlessly in a dilemma, but your way of getting out of it is not principled, and therefore has not been acceptable to any of the governments of Pakistan's history.

Let us keep Azad Kashmir as AZAAD, with their own government and constitution ... while keeping Norther Areas as a territory under Federal Government of Pakistan. This, I know, means NO change in current status, but it is the ONLY stance that legitimizes our stand on Kashmir as principled.

Even though your suggession is optimal and probably best theoratically, it is actually not possible to inact. It will destroy our Kashmir case.

Of course, if you want to make Line-Of-Control as permanent border, than your stand is the best solution. But we can't accept that. It is swallowing our spit!

Peace.

[Blushing Khan]

woah, I think your taking this a little too seriously Jilawatan :rofl

If I became the president... I'll try to do all things that Musharraf is doing

I'll be Mushi no.2 -_-

But I think I'll try to open campaigns named "work for living+food"

where I make even handicap people work, absolutely not hard, but still work a little and then give 'em good enough food and a place to live

[libra007]

i would cut all the vip culture, no peon, office boys, batmans or staff for home of officials. make all tangible benefits taxiable.

TAXES & ECONOMY
- Abolish taxes and sales tax on parishible items, hence making food items affordable.
- Raise taxes on tubacco and alcohal sales.
- open up utilities, phone, gas, electricty creating competition and price reduction.
- promote outsourcing in Pakistan, tax holidays, ready infrastructure.
- Crack down on tax evasion, capital punishments for them.

TRANSPORT
- mass transport systems for mega cities. link up all major shopping, travel, residential areas.
- privitise railway sections, keeping the infrastructure only under railways. making more tracks
- more motorways, 4 lanes but more in numbers connecting smaller cities and town.
- less tax on smaller and enviromently cars, much more on gas guzzlers

Human Development
Education Education, and Education, Mandatory Schooling for every child.
Massive role out of public clinics at every union council level
Make union councils responsible for Education, Town Planning etc, local transport

Standards
set a national standards for everything, infrastructure development, ie, streets, Roads, Building regulations, Utilities, should conforms to a national standard, only approved conractors should be allowed to work on such projects. All suppliers , manufacturers conform to same standard.

Higher Education,
Research funding councils to award funds for projects in universities, involve industries/companies to sponsor research in unis.
Abolish memory based exam system and introduce more interactive and thought prevoking education systems.


Defence:
make armed forces more professional, abolish luxuries of batmans, remove commercial projects from army control and make these under tax umbrella, ie FWO, NLC, DHA let them work as soldiers.

cut funding to minimum deterance level, generate revenue from defence exports to fund armed forces.

[dil55]

i know these people want to change pakistan for better and good luck to them but i think the only way pakistan will change is that if we can change the personal in the government office who are there only for the sake of money

didi you guys know that zardari gadari is the richest man in pakistan with 1.8billion dollars in is banks accounts he owns 6 minnion pounds manson in united kingdon (england) wich is now in paksitan 702722329.137 rupees. but to change pakistan the provinces need to be smaller and the population needs to move around so tat no one can say i want independents fro pakistan lik ethe blouch want and the phtan want as well sindhi urdu speakers want independence too.

the only way to get kashmire back is by thaking gujrat fro india why the ruler of gujrat was muslim while it was not divided so when pakistan was made and he wanted to join pakistan indian army went in there with force and took control of the province by doing this you will put pressure on india and may get a sloution.

if i was president i would band all current pakistan parties cua they all full of people who are only there cus they have either threntend people by force or by just saying that your sone or daughter wount pass the school if you dont do this.

i would divide sindh in to 3 province and punjab in to 5 nwfp in to three and fata into 2 and blouchistan in to 5 as well and make some of the over populated city people to move to blouchistan.

[Zain Abbass]

The problem essentially is endemic corruption from top to bottom in the Pakistani government. If we clean out the top eventually the bottom half of the corruption will start to clear out on its own. Let’s hope the governments from Musharraf’s era on complete their terms in office so we could start to see democracy settle in the country.

The military has tried to fix this country but the truth is this country will only fix itself when the people decide to fix it. It’s sad to see the military used as a scapegoat to malign when things go bad in the country. When they have no one to blame they will have to point the fingers towards themselves.

We don’t have the military might to take Gujrat from India because we will not be able to control a hostile population and Indian military might. That’s like India trying to capture Lahore and successfully holding it. That’s virtually impossible considering 75% of Pakistanis are armed with weapons and I am sure they wouldn’t mind shooting the Indians. We need dialogue and we need to push them hard diplomatically.

There’s no point in banning the political parties they will just leave the country and operate in exile. We the people of Pakistan must come up with a new political party that represents the aspirations and hopes of the Pakistani people.

By the way forcing people to do anything is a bad idea so forcing them to move is unlawful and a gross violation of human rights.

[Inam H Marwat]

Kautilya rightly remarked, "If the people are prosperous, even a leaderless state can be governed. Prosperity depends on the intellect. Intellect depends on education".