Pakistan Peoples Party, The Sinking Titanic

                     Pakistan Peoples Party, The Sinking Titanic

Its extremely disappointing to see a National Political Party like PPP touching its historic lows. Some would say that they suffered the same phenomenon in 1997, when they could get only seventeen National Assembly seats that too from interior Sindh. But that was a complete different picture from today, then PPP was led by Mohterama Benazir Bhutto, Iconic personality and charismatic politician. Secondly, two party system had been established  in the form of Muslim League and PPP, now PPP is facing the challenge of revolt from inside their own ranks due to numerous charges of Zardari's  loot and plunder for last five years and Pakistan Economy is touching the new lows, never witnessed in history before,  internal debt is touching 15,00 billion rupees and external crossing 70 billion US dollars, which means each Pakistani has to pay 80,000 thousand rupees in debt. Dollar breaching 100 rupees barrier and is all set to touch new heights. But most worrying thing for PPP, is no "Benazir" around to safe thier skin.

PPP has never witnessed such hatred and bad reputation in its history like its facing right know, Zardaris approval ratings are even worse than Pervaiz Musharaf last year in office. Pakistan never witnessed an era where corrupt people are protected and in few cases were able to flee from country with the help of State institutions, which were designated to control corruption have ganged up to become  partner in protecting corrupt practises. Few examples are Punjab Bank, Steel Mill, OGRA, Rental Power, Ephedrine Case, Hajj Scam etc, where State institutions aided  culprits in saving their skins rather than bringing them to justice through impartial inquirers.

Independent Election Commission

If we look into the history of previous General Election, when PPP had wave of sympathy after "BB Shahdat", Mushraf too gave them easy ride through NRO and to calm down the anger which had arisen after BB shahdat, technically he tried his level best to hand over majority to his darling PMLQ and PPP through massive pre-poll rigging in the form of Nazim System  and bogus registration of votes  in their tenure, literally giving them a walk over in Baluchistan, under-developed areas of KPK, and Southern Punjab.  Unfortunately that magic didn't work in cities due to prevention of Poll Day rigging on the orders of Chief Of Army Staff,  PMLN was able to win in major cities of Punjab.

PPP won 87 NA seats, PMLN 69, and PMLQ 41 seats, emerged as major players in last GE. PPP and PMLQ won majority of their seats from Southern Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh and few seats in KPK as well, while PMLN won most of their seats from Northern Punjab and few from Hazara as well. PMLN also fetched few seats from Southern Punjab but not a single seat from Sindh and only one from Baluchistan.

 Let us dissect the whole scenario in coming GE in  few months time. PMLQ is literally out of the race as there is no Pervaiz Mushraf around, no bogus votes to lean on, Nazims out of the way and availability of best possible candidates. Majority of their candidates have either left them or all set to find  new nests before next GE, for "Chaudries of Gujrat" all that is left, is  their home constituency Gujrat (tough nut to crack) or may be few seats here and there, if luck goes their way. PMLQ is all set to lose majority of thier 41 National Assembly seats they won in last GE.

For PPP the picture looks gloomy as well, in last GE,  won close to 19 seats from northern Punjab which they are all set to loose unless some miracle saves them. Similar is the case of KPK. So for PPP, "Southern Punjab" and "Interior Sindh" looks very important (Close to 90 NA seats). In southern Punjab PPP is trying to play with public sentiments over New Provinces issue, but  recent surveys indicate, this trump card of PPP doesn't look to give desire results, particularly people from Behawalpur out rightly rejected this move, in fact has back fired in that area. Many of their and PMLQ candidates from Southern Punjab have joined PMLN, giving  headaches to PPP so balance seems to have tilt against PPP. What is left for PPP is "interior Sindh", where they are holding their foot despite worse possible governance and poor delivery,  recent polls  showed, a considerable decrease in support but still enough to win majority in Sindh.  PMLN and Nawaz Shahrif  main focus is on Sindh, holding big public rallies, according to some experts Nawaz Shahrif is the only leader in recent times, who is pulling huge crowds in Sindh. In Baluchistan situation looks even worse for PPP, where Recent Shia's Massacre and poor law and order situation has  shaken Zardari. City of Lights, Karachi has turned into a grave yard, where target killing has become a routine, hardly any day passes where 10 to 15 people are not gunned down ( Security agencies are equally responsible for Karachi target killings and Quetta Hazara Shia Massacre). Scenario over all, looks pretty gloomy for Zardari Sahib.

Now come to PMLN, which according to recent polls, is riding a wave of popularity which is increasing by every passing day. People quote Shahbaz Sharif good governance, give examples of good job done, his vision and development work is recognised by Local and International institutions. Shahbaz Sharif is creating a new vote bank for PMLN in addition to traditional middle to lower middle class urban vote bank, that is youth, which according to experts may play a pivotal role in next GE. PMLN is all set to grab majority of seats won by PPP and PMLQ  in previous GE from Northern Punjab. Similar is the case in  Behawalpur Divisions. PMLN is playing its cards pretty smartly in Southern Punjab, luring big guns in their ranks from PPP and PMLQ, tilting the balance in their favour.

Nawaz Sharif In Larkana (Naudero)

PMLN came out of jolt they suffered in "Hazara division", many political stalwarts entering their ranks from Hazara and Swat Divisions, making their political standing very formidable but lot needs to be done. Baluchistan where Nawaz Shahrif enjoys a great liaison with Baloch leaders, many leaders  have joined their ranks giving PMLN an edge, with bogus votes out of the way as well. Only stumbling block left  is Sindh, where surely, they have gained ground and Mian Nawaz Sharif is attracting huge crowds, only time will tell if these crowds are converted into poll success, as PPP  stands firm in their home territory.

As for some new players , who boycotted the previous GE but would certainly  participate in coming GE. Notables are PTI, JI, Baloch Nationals, Achakzai Group and Sunni Itihad Council (participated n previous polls).

Imran Khan In Toba Tek Singh

PTI definitely gained momentum, post 30th Oct 2011 famous Lahore Jalsa, but some how lost all the momentum in following days and months, peaked too early and flip flop policies of their leader didn't help . Went through huge membership drive, where according to them, registered 7 to 9 million members. Now going through the exercise of intraparty Elections, which are lingering on and on, taking ages to complete, which  is hurting their prospects and preparation for next GE.  Turn out in these intra-party Elections is very dismal and disappointing. Finally, trend in recent polls show, popularity going down by each passing day. PTI needs to get over these intra-party polls as early as possible if they want to threaten their main rival PMLN, otherwise things are getting ominous for them. 

JI exists in pockets of Punjab, but hardly any constituency where they can win on their own, KPK few strings hold, some  pockets of strength in Karachi and Baluchistan as well. For them to survive, they need alliances.

Similar is the Case for Baluch Leaders and Achakzai group, who are all set to align with PMLN and make a powerful alliance in Baluchistan. Other Baluch National, likes of Bughtis and Mengals are set to align themselves with PMLN .

 For PPP and allies, last hope in next GE, is billions of looted and plundered money which they are all set to use, but the way the people reacted in recent by polls, defeat looks ominous for them. As far as PMLN is concerned, despite opposition from all sides, sitting comfortably, way SS worked in last four and half years in Punjab is commendable, reinstated people's faith in Democracy and instilled hope that next GE will bring bright future if honest leader-ship is elected. ( some believe if things go thier way can win big )

Lastly, the next GE seems to be a two horse race in major part of Pakistan, while PPP and allies do have their pockets of strength, but not enough to bring them into power. PTI and PMLN as recent polls indicate, are the two forces, who are major stack holder  in next GE. But clearly, PMLN running away with the lead, as days go on, its fast becoming a one horse race. As for PTI and Imran Khan, losing public confidence and  sentiments due to flip flop and lack of clear road-map on key issues like Qadri fiasco, role of establishment in Pakistan Politics etc. his whole focus is on PMLN and Punjab. PTI and Imran Khan need to understand that Pakistan is not Punjab and PMLN. But Imran's recent stand against LEJ won him many laurels in the political and social circles. ( Roughly 15 to 20% vote bank held by Shia Community and 75 to 80% by Sunni & others).

If you look at Nawaz Sharif and PMLN, came out of 30th Oct 2011 Minare Pakistan debacle through sheer determination and hard work. Shahbaz Sharif put his head down and for two years, ran from pole to Pole to cover the lost ground, initiating and finishing mega projects, focusing on youth. On the other hand Nawaz Sharif holding massive rallies across Pakistan and making alliances. Nawaz Sharif has truly turned into a Statesman and craftsman of highest quality, only politician in Pakistan to challenge the unchallengeable. Very consistent in his policies, you hardly see any drift from core issues, very clear headed about future of Pakistan, to shift Pakistan from a Security to a Social Welfare State.

So it is very likely that from Hazara to Sahiwal, its going to be two way race between PTI and PMLN, with PMLN stretching ahead with the advantage, enjoying an overwhelming popularity in Punjab, while in Southern Punjab its going to be a tough fight between PPP and PMLN, where PMLN believes SS hard work and presence of NS towering personality would be enough for them. In Sindh and KPK, PMLN playing their cards very smartly and seemingly out manoeuvring their opponents, PPP and PTI. In Sindh has formed alliance with PMLF, Nationalists, luring Mumtaz Bhatto's party into their fold, many big guns joined their ranks, their are bright prospects of one on one fight with PPP candidates, though I still believe its going to take a hurricane task to dislodge PPP from their home constituency, but even 10 to 15 seats jolt can take PPP to 1997 scenario. In KPK, has formed alliance with JUI-F to topple the PTI, where Imran Khan PTI definitely has an edge over their opponents but once, one on one scenario is created, its going to be tough for him to make an impact.

Finally,  Pakistani politics is always considered a breading place for opportunist, PMLN needs to be careful in accepting these turn-coats and also should take a clear position on Sectarian violence because from here onwards  it is only PMLN  to beat itself, rather anybody else beat them. Imran Khan need to peak its Election campaign very wisely, if want to make an impact,  lets hope who so ever wins the next GE, would be able to solve the issues of masses and threats, Pakistan is facing both internally and externally.

Hazara Carnage: Civilian Incompetence And Strategic Depth Doctrine

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   


              Hazara Carnage: Civilian Incompetence And  Strategic Depth Doctrine

Pakistan is witnessing one of its worst Sectarian violence in recent history, such kind of wave was witnessed in Nineties, motive is the same but carried on a much larger scale. In nineties, people were targeted or ambushed belonging to different ethnic Groups,  bomb blasts were rare, killing a few people. But  there is new phenomenon of Suicide Bombings and blasts via Remote control devices ( Hundreds of Kilograms of Explosive Material is used ), killing hundreds in one go, as we witnessed in Alamdar road tragedy,  on 10th  January, a blasts killed close to 103 people, injuring hundreds,  a month later, on 16th February,  Alamdar Road was again targeted, killing close to 89 people (including Women and Children ) and injuring hundreds in the process. Each time, unfortunately victims were Shia Minority (Hazara Community).

Both of these were tragic and heart wrenching incidents, followed by mass protest and sit-in across Pakistan, Pakistani unanimously and in one voice stood with their Hazara community. Hats of to all those participated in these sit-in across Pakistan and keeping them non-violent, their courage and will must be saluted. Pakistanis for once, spoke in one voice leaving aside their differences, provisionalism or religious belief. Every one condemned the attacks and stood by their Shia brothers. Sit-in across major cities of Pakistan, blocked main roads, Railway Tracks, Air-Ports,  life was paralyzed in Pakistan until Hazara-Wals demands were met and heirs of victims were satisfied and bodies of their loved ones were buried.

Burial Site

Both Governments and Shia Councils behaved very pragmatically, as Government allowed  peaceful sit-in across Pakistan and didn't create any hurdles or tried to use force any where in Pakistan, although according to Media reports attendances were very thin in these sit-ins. Majalis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and Hazara Democratic Party must also be credited by keeping these sit-in peaceful and not even a single stone was thrown and a piece of glass was broken. Infect Pakistan as a Nation came out of this mess with flying colors, every one regardless of their political and ethnic affiliations stood by the Shia Community, great Omen for Pakistan.

Hazara-Wal Sit In

Let us have a look at some serious issues, whom to blame for these incidents. In my view its a collective failure of both Civilian Government and Military intelligence Agencies. As mind-boggling revelation were made in Supreme Court Sou Motto hearing of Hazara Massacre, the area where that Blast took place, adjacent roads  were controlled either by "Police" or "FC". Both Civilian and Military intelligence agencies blaming each other for this breech in security.

The alleged master mind of both these incidents were captured but unfortunately under dubious circumstances were able to escape from a ATF Jail (High Security Garrison of Quetta Cantonment) back in January 2008, "Usman Kurd", leader of Baloch LEJ and his close associate "Dawood Badine", both believe to have close ties with "Malik Ishaq", (highly important man in LEJ ) released by Supreme Court on bail on July 14, 2011, due to lack of evidence and non-availability of witnesses against him. LEJ allegedly being attached to Al-Qaida  and said to be involved in attacks on different Military installations.

Responsibility lies both on Civilian and Military leadership, they should sit together and find a way out, which we all know is very difficult and painful , as it could take decades of perseverance and determination.

Comprehensive dialogue need to be initiated among different ethnic groups and at the same time targeted operation needs to be launched against those who are unwilling to surrender to State and lay down their arms unconditionally.

Federal Government immediately need to launch a "Counter Terrorism Unit", as you look around the World, terrorism has become a National Issue,  Federal Government must take the lead, putting blame on the Provisional Governments wouldn't solve the problem and will not take us any where. Military and Civilian leadership should sit together and set aside their egos  for the sake of Pakistan, immediately chalk out a plan to tackle the problem. Parliament should immediately pass some tough legislation to deal with state enemies  and military should assist in training the  "CTU" and  get out of their ego as to who would head this force, stop considering it , as interference in their domain.

Civilian must start delivering, because people of Pakistan are not willing to tolerate their incompetence and bad governance any more, they should learn from these small sit-ins across Pakistan, its like Volcano, may erupt into something big and humongous beyond their imagination, none of those will  be able to handle. Just put things into perspective, whenever such incidence happen, third force is blamed and Interior Minister come up with lame excuses, which make him a laughing stalk among the masses and nobody takes him seriously any more.  Recently, declaring that LEJ head office was in Punjab and another one in Karachi. it is  utter non-sense, if he knows  their where abouts why not take actions against them, he has Rangers at his disposal and  Civilian Intelligence agencies as well. believe me whole Nation would stand behind him and appreciate him, no Provisional Government would dare stop him. Unfortunately, "Rehman Malik"  has issued warning to the Nation to be prepared for more attacks in Quetta, Karachi and KPK, talked about proxy war, third force etc. but  as usual forgot to mention the culprits and hidden hands behind these atrocities. He must act, reports have already started to suggest that Hazara Wal are asking asylum in countries like Australia, then  as usual we would blame the Western World for our  wrong doing's and deeds.

Both Baluchistan and Sindh Governments run by PPP led collision, just in 2012, close to 19 hundred people scummed to target killing in Karachi alone and in January 2013, close to 150 suffered the same fate, and a third force is being blamed for it. Similarly Baluchistan going through its worst phase in history regarding Law and Order, where sitting Ministers and Local Civil administration blame each other for their involvement in kidnapping for ransom and target killings. So why blame Punjab, where according to recent report, there is marked decrease in heinous crimes, like kidnapping for ransom, bank robberies, etc.  its criminal to blame Punjab for all these act of terrorism, stupidity issuing statements that why killings not happening in Punjab, why there are no Bomb Blasts, why people don't have to pay Bhatta to run their businesses, why Government officials not involved in criminal activities, why Chief Executive of the Province arrested  his own Son in Law.

 Secondly Military Leadership must under stand, they should come out of their strategic depth doctrine and realize it is 2013 Pakistan, they must join hands with Civilians to rein this monster, unfortunately created and groomed by them, a bitter reality but a true one. We under stand that in a Third World Country like Pakistan, Military always remains a Powerful Institution, but they have to sit with Civilian Administration, find a way out, otherwise we shall be facing a 1971 like situation, with more bloodshed and hatred for Pakistan.

 Let us talk about  politicking going on around this purely a Human issue, different parties holding opponents responsible for this Carnage. Let us not forget that these splinter groups of our society, deserve the same kind of respect as our Shia community demanding, and they are a Poll reality so in different Elections, almost every poll party made alliances with them including PPP,PMLQ and other groups even different individuals within PTI ranks are trying to make an alliance with them. But every one criticising PMLN, for their alleged alliance with ASWJ, but they forget the very fact that it was SS government back in 1997, who pulled the reins of those involved in sectarian violence, infect evolved a comprehensive strategy, involving Dialogue among different ethnic groups and targeted operation  was carried against those unwilling to co-operate. Infect Nawaz Sharif was attacked thirce in that tenure of PMLN, having said all this, PMLN need to come clean on this issue as it is make or break for Pakistan, such inhuman acts must not and can not be tolerated in civilized societies. Shahbaz Sharif led Punjab Government need to send a strong message to those involved in recent killing of Professor Ali Haider and his 12 year old son Ali Murtaza. As reports are beginning to come that many activist related to LEJ, ASWJ and SSP have been detained under 16 MPO ( maintenance of public order ) in different Tehsils and Districts of Punjab.

Finally, all those demanding military take over of Baluchistan must understand, military infect is in charge of Baluchistan Security for over a Decade. Dictator Mushraf used to tell us the stories of reforms he introduced in Baloch Police, many Districts of Baluchistan brought under A Category and bla bla bla. Baloch Nationals who are already at logger head with Army Leadership, would never accept this idea.  We must be very clear in our minds that Military is never a solution and never was in the past as well.

                                                                           

The Lahore Bus Metro System: The Rising Of A New Dawn

                The Lahore Bus Metro System: The Rising Of A New Dawn

Pakistan, Punjab, is going to witness an architectural marvel Rapid Metro Bus System, a truly magnificent project, completed at an estimated cost of 30 billion rupees. 27 kilometer dedicated line built for this system on Ferozpur road Lahore, which is like a river, where hundreds of small streams drain. Pakistan going through worst period of its economic history, faced with worst GDP in the region, rising inflation, energy shortages never witnessed before, resulting in shifting of major industries to countries like Bangladesh.  During this economic crunch, completing such a project in a short span of time, is nothing less than a miracle. Shahbaz Sharif should be given all the credit and accolades for finishing such a mega project, the biggest after 1997 Motor-Way, again built by then PMLN government led by Mian Nawaz Sharif. PMLN pocketing another glory in their long list of credentials, maintaining their track record of starting and finishing the mega projects.

If we go back in history books, this system was envisioned by "Jamie Lerner" in 1972, the Mayor of Curitiba, who was an architect, when elevated to power, he brought the tools of the designer to the office. He planned and developed the system, that could accommodate the growing sprawl and congestion that was beginning to pollute the ever expanding city, also a model which could be replicated in the world. Rapid Bus System became instrumental in fighting sprawl and congestion of the city, Curitiba was declared as "Most Innovative City In The World" By Chairman of Habitat 11, "The United Nations Second Conference On Human Habitat".

 This System has been successfully implemented and operating in Worlds  most influential cities, carrying  100 to 200 million  passengers yearly in Cities like Curitiba (Brazil), Istanbul (Turkey), Mexico City (Mexico), and Santiago (Chile).

I am not going to ponder upon the 27 kilometer long dedicated lane for the Metro Bus System, from Gaju-mata to Shahadra, out of 27 kilometre track, 8.5 km is elevated (one of the largest bridge in the region),  32 overhead bridges have been built along the track, a Station every kilometer, escalators, E-Ticketing System, bus arriving after every three minute, reserved seats for women and handicapped, students will be given special students cards for their travel, advanced information system when next bus is coming, large capacity buses and efficient payment system made for cheaper fares, low emission vehicles with short boarding times reducing passenger exposure to harmful pollutants etc. We shall discuss, why Metro was necessary and why it had to be Lahore .

The Purpose of Metro Bus System is to introduce a safe, efficient, rapid, convenient and Modern system for the masses. Address, the need of Public Transport on the main transportation corridor of the city. Improving the quality of life by saving time lost due to congestion (imagine thousands of hours lost, convert these to years), reduce the number of accidents, minimising noise pollution, producing economic benefits by saving time lost due to congestion, finally most cheapest way of travel.

Now question arises why Lahore was selected by Punjab Government. No doubt, if project would have been started by federal Government or Sindh Government, Karachi should have been given the priority because being the Largest City of the country, with a estimated population of round 20 million, contributing close to 20% of GDP in Pakistan, so Karachi should have been given the first preference. But because the project was envisaged by Punjab Government, Lahore being  the heart of Punjab and hub of economic activity, contributing close to 10-11% of GDP to National Exchequer, growing at a robust pace of 5 - 5.5%, despite country economy facing its worst nightmare in 63 years history. Lahore population is roughly estimated to be 10 to 11 million.

Lahore is going through rapid urbanisation, sheltering millions from across Pakistan, providing jobs to millions, an educational hub, considerably peaceful  than many other cities, where there is no fear of target killings, bhata mafia, extortion's etc. Secondly, if you look into the history of rapid Bus System, Subways and Light Rails are built in economic hub of the Countries. For example London contributes  20% of total UK Economy, Istanbul contributing even higher 22%, similar is the case of big cities in the World. Economy always trickles down from big to small cities.

Another myth created by retarded and backward souls, that Punjab funds are being utilised in Lahore, at the cost of less developed areas is a regrettable fact. Southern Punjab being allocated a percentage higher than its actual share of 31%, indeed a commendable fact, never witnessed in history of Punjab. Few claimed in Social Media, as these buses are gas based and total cast of this project is 70 billion, either they are innocent or behaving as one. These are diesel based low emission vehicles and shorter boarding time reduce passengers exposure to pollutants, secondly the total cost of the project is thirty billion, these buses with all the accessories including escalators, ticketing system, training of staff, backup maintenance system etc. have been provided by Turkish Government as Foreign Direct Investment.

Comprehensive conventional Bus System has been introduced in Major cities of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Bahawalpur, Lahore etc. Air Conditioned Buses with reasonable fares, special students cards, Independent Women Pink Buses, Old Age benefit cards scheme etc has been introduced.

Another argument built against Rapid Bus System by some, less intelligent and sick minds, declaring it expensive and under ground train system was  better than Metro. For their knowledge, Rapid Bus transit System built at a cost of 30 billion and in record time of less than a year, normally takes 24 months to build such a gigantic system. If we compare this to under ground Subway Train System which is ten times more costlier, building an under ground  system can drag on to a decade. Secondly you have to dig between 17 to 30 feet, which in countries like Pakistan is not feasible and wise as well. Similarly Light Rails used in European countries is far more cheaper than under ground trains but still four times more costlier than Rapid Bus System.

 Thirty billion cost, I presume is worth it, with minimum of 35 to 125 thousands people travelling via this system daily, maximum 12-36 millions using it over a period of 6 to 12 months, reducing the traveling time from 4 hour to 1 hour. By these estimates it would recover its cost in maximum of 2 to 3 years. Hefty Chunk of this investment coming from Turkey as foreign direct investment. Prior to this Service, only 700 private Buses were available, LTC under private public partnership, planned a systemic induction of 2000 buses in 12 months, hundreds already inducted. Just imagine the impact of Rapid Bus System, would create in a city of 10 to 11 million people.

The popularity of Curitiba's Metro caused a shift from automobile travel to Metro. Based on a study after Metro Induction, a reduction in 27 million auto travel, saving a 27 million liters of fuel annually, 28% of these METRO riders used automobiles previously, if compared to other cities of Brazil, Curitiba uses 30% less fuel, resulting in lowest ambient Air Pollution in the country. This study was carried out in 1991, now the impact  is said to be 50% higher and 195 million people travel on it annually.

An independent control authority has been put in place to run this project like Danish schools and Punjab Educational system, the point to ponder is, that every thing has been kept transparent and institutionalised with no government interference.

Finally, Chief Minster Punjab must be credited and his services must be acknowledged as chief executive of Punjab, he who has given a new hope to those who infested in realisation of a sweet dream, defeating an unbeatable and completing a mission impossible, rising of a new dawn, we must spare some time to watch this historical event unfolding in Lahore. It is definitely a revolution in war torn country, plagued with corruption menace and relieving many from agonising pain of long traffic stuck ups. Hopefully, we all shun our political difference and admire this humongous achievement  by  Punjab and Inshallah by the grace of Allah, the second phase of this project, a 12 km corridor will be started on Multan Road at the end of this year and in other cities of Punjab as well. Let us hope, other Provinces would come forward and initiate such projects, particularly Karachi.

             

Punjab Education: A Real Change, Not A Slogan

                     Punjab Education: A Real Change, Not A Slogan

Some Times, it amazes me, the way politicians are being bombarded with criticism in almost every talk show, I just keep wandering, are they really so corrupt and incapable or its just the perception created in Print and Electronic Medium. Incompetence of Federal Government and stories of their corruption keep on surfacing literally everyday, but why Punjab Government is being targeted both by Federal Government, other Provisional Governments and is prime target of  few Anchors and Opposition Leader Imran Khan. Are their, some political motives and gains or there is some truth to this criticism.

Chief Executive getting up 6 o'clock in the morning, working tirelessly through out the day and till midnight, showing solidarity with masses by establishing Tent Office at Minar e Pakistan against load shedding in scorching heat, with no corruption charges on himself and his cabinet, even his top aides enjoy healthy reputation, running from pole to pole in tackling towering challenges emerging in Shape of 2008 floods and 2011 Dengue Epidemic. While we keep hearing news flooded with corruption charges coming from Federal Government and other provinces, where billions and billions are being looted in last 41/2 years, with Pakistan External debt increasing from 45 billion US Dollars to almost 67 US Dollars,  Domestic debt to a whopping 12,000 billion Rupees (doubled in Zardari era), unprecedented indeed, with every individual has to pay Rs. seventy thousand in debt. (Data till July 2012) 

In the following few lines, we shall discuss Shahbaz Sharif willingness and hunger to introduce key reforms in Education Sector, a back-bone in building the Nation and an Insurance policy for a vibrant and healthy future for generations to come. Key Structural reforms introduced in all sectors of education System, introducing innovative schemes and ideas. Punjab, spending on education is roughly 195 Billion of total Punjab Budget which is over 780 billion rupees in 2012-13 Budget, double the amount which Punjab Used to Spend in Pervaiz Elahi Era, where Billions of rupees were wasted on Parha Likha Punjab, when Education Sector was handed over to Private School Mafias, who built empires for them-selves , unfortunately at the cost of common man.

                       "Quote"
                                   "Education is the most powerful weapon which can use to change the World". Nelson Mandela

Major Structural reforms  initiated in Education Sector, from Primary to Higher Education. Comprehensive Programme Initiated worth Billions of rupees to tackle the missing facilities in Schools, this year alone, over a Billion rupees have been allocated in this regard. Over three thousands Schools have been upgraded under this programme both at Primary and Middle level. Similarly over 70 Schools have been declared as Centre Of Excellence due to their research and maintenance of education standards. Over 30 thousands teachers have been inducted purely on merit, unheard in Pakistan Society. According to a recent survey ASER (Annual Status Of Education Report, Pakistan largest ever citizen based report ever), Punjab is way ahead than other provinces in eliminating missing facilities, provides 91% of use-able water, Functional Toilets are 85-86%, 2.8 class rooms on average per school. Unfortunately other provinces hovering in fifties.

Ghost Schools have been eliminated to almost negligible level in Punjab. Historically, a menace in our society, causing Billions of rupees loss to National exchequer. In, near past, Pakistan suffered  billions of rupees lose, in the name of ghost schools, when Sardar Asif Ahmad Ali was education Minister in Federal Government, Similar is the case of Sind and other Provinces.

 Punjab Education Programme was started with the help of UK Government, started paying dividends, providing education to millions of school going children, has become the largest voucher scheme in the World, UK Government supporting 140,000 children. Raising the attendance to 88%, a remarkable feat in itself, means 20 million children in School. UK Government assistance is 2% of total programme, greatly appreciated by people of Punjab. According to International observers Punjab is on course, in achieving Millennium Development Programme 2015, 100% enrolment by 2015. Again ASER vindicating this report as-well.

Danish School System a innovative Project initiated in less developed areas and for under privileged class, earning less than or equal to five thousands rupees. Boarding and Lodging facilities are provided free of cost in these schools, again merit is the key. Toppers and shining students who couldn't afford Achison's AND Beacon Houses, are given a chance to excel and opportunity to make a future for themselves. This system, is facing  lot of criticism from different corners, but they forget the importance of it. These schools are built not only in Lahore, Rawalpindi but rather in Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali, Attock, Chistian, Hasilpur etc. Secondly imagine, Atchison may be producing one hundred quality students every year, who are ruling us, why not so many schools in coming decades can produce few hundred to take this Nation forward and take destiny of this Nation in their own hands rather let same elite rule us for  next 63 years. Danish School Chistian has been selected as Path-finder and Mentor School venture by Microsoft Company. Only 64 Schools selected among the millions applicants, Danish School was one of them.

The Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEFD),  largest ever in the history of Pakistan, in fact in the region, is flagship programme of Punjab Government providing Scholarships close to 40 thousand students. There are three level of Scholarships, Master  , Merit & SQ and Other Scholarships, there are different criteria for this programme, Merit was the key in awarding these Scholarships. Rs. six billion have been allocated this year alone for this purpose.

Computerised Labs are  being established in every Higher Secondary School of Punjab, billions of Rupees have been  spent on this project (4286 labs). Introducing a new era in Punjab Education System, paving way for a Digital Revolution. This indeed is commendable, exposing our young guns to whole new World of awareness and future challenges. Things do not end here, chain of New Colleges and Secondary Schools have been established at different tehsil and Distt level, preference was given to under developed areas. Their Funds allocation was increased considerably every year to meet the emerging new challenges. Southern Punjab allocation for developmental Budget increased from a partly 12 to 15% in Pervaiz Elahi Era to a record 31 to 32% in last five years of SS tenure.  Ample funds are available for providing quality education. According to ASER, Punjab got 70% functional labs in secondary schools, unfortunately other provinces showing a sorry figure, from 2% to less than 30%.

Key reforms were introduced in, Punjab Board On line System, essential to eliminate corruption at Board level, faced severe resistance from Clerks & Private School Mafia, Board Offices  were burnt in different cities but thank God, Punjab Government stuck to their guns. According to some Independent analysts, close to 90% of corruption was eliminated after successful implementation of this System. From Submission of Exam Forms To Results , every detail has been enclosed in a touch key. A revolution indeed in a Third World Country, like Pakistan.

A comprehensive four year degree programme has been introduced (BCS) in colleges, independent BOG was created in colleges to begin with, again facing severe resistance and opposition, this time from teacher's mafia, but was successfully implemented in many colleges. A chain of new colleges were constructed in different Tehsil and Distt. across Punjab, unprecedented, never witnessed before in history of Punjab. Work on establishing computerized libraries in different colleges initiated and have started to function in few.

Similarly, Independent BOG were made to function in all Universities of Punjab , making a tremendous impact, turned around the higher education System in Punjab. Things do not end here, Principle Posts were made a constitutional matter in Punjab, with a strict scrutiny of qualification and guiding principle's were laid down. More recently, a post Deputy Vice Chancellor was created, to eliminate Governor Interference. Unfortunately in Pakistan, Governor despite being a Federal and non political post, but here in our beloved land its other way round. These measures have already started paying rich dividends, as Punjab Universities starting to out-perform other Universities in Pakistan. Similarly research Papers published in these Universities increased many fold.

First time in History of Punjab, plans are under way to establish Women Universities in major cities of Punjab like Faislabad, Sialkot, Behawalpur, Multan. Punjab Cabinet has already approved this project. "Quote", You Educate A Man; You Educate A Man. You Educate A Women; You Educate A Generation. Brigham Young

Similarly Agriculture and Engineering Universities in Multan are under construction, Bill for Akhuwat University has been approved by Punjab Cabinet in Dera Ghazi Khan. Ghazi University in Dera Ghazi Khan established as well. It is unprecedented in the history of Punjab that its southern part is becoming a part of this revolution.      

Punjab witnessed Digital Revolution in last few years, for example,  awarding thousands of Laptops, establishing state of the art Digital Library in Murree, connecting it to major Universities, Arfa karim Technology park and IT University established in it under the leadership of Pakistani IT genius Dr. Umar saif. Similarly, a Knowledge city at Rakh Dera Chahal, has been approved by the cabinet. These IT reforms can bring in Revolution in coming years and decades to come, imagine our neighboring country (India) generating 70 billion US Dollars from Soft Ware export alone, double our total exports.

 Laptop Scheme, as usual faced immense and undue criticism from different quarters and charges of corruption were levelled in this multi billion project. Transparency International cleared the air after thorough investigation and scrutiny, certified that all the necessary procedures were followed. These reforms in IT can revolutionise the whole sector. Secondly, these Laptops are not new to the World, OLPC (One laptop Per Child) is already in use in many countries including USA. ( World Economic Forum in 2006 Davos, Switzerland, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) decided to back this scheme in Under-developed countries. Pakistan Province KPK has started it this year under immense pressure from their students. Indian State (Uttar Pardesh) started it this year, both Laptops and tablets. Turkey planning to distribute close to 15 million tablets this year.

Pakistan Largest Internship programme has been initiated this year, close to Fifty thousand students will benefit from this scheme, once they finish their studies. Another big initiative for Matriculation students has recently been launched (Solar Lamp Scheme), which can prove pivotal in energy starved Punjab.

These measures definitely are appreciable and other provinces need to learn and follow fast, otherwise Punjab seems  to gallop ahead in all Spheres.  According to ASER, Sindh and Baluchistan are already out of the race for achieving Millennium Development Goals, Punjab too, is lagging behind in many indicators, but looks to be serious and making genuine effort in achieving the high standards.