Pakistan “An Islamic Welfare State”
Social Justice does not mean a society where every person would be happy, rather it is just about giving everyone a chance to fight for their rights and to live their lives as they wish to.
A ‘JUST’ society embodies Equality where everyone merits and receives equal social, economic, and political rights, equal privileges, and equal opportunities. Equality must be upheld in all of these fundamental human rights. Since Human Rights constitute one pillar of Social Justice, a Just society cannot come into existence without individuals feeling secure about all their basic Human Rights.
As for Justice, it’s just another name for Equality. It’s the realization factor given to people that makes them aware of the fact that all are equal.
“Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a landmark document in the history of Human Rights.”All are entitled to the rights and freedoms in this Declaration, without distinction of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
No distinction shall exist based on political or international rank, whether the country is liberated, trust, non-self-governing, or under other power restrictions.”
Social and Political Institutions establish justice through Social Justice. Justice should not only be told but also shown. When discussing Equality as Justice, individuals must not just be treated as equals; they should witness and recognize equal treatment.
Justice teaches us Public Equality along with the Public being aware of it. People fighting for what is right and striving against Inequalities leads to a stable and prosperous society/Nation.
In the context of PAKISTAN –
An Islamic Welfare State – and a populations as well as multi ethnic country of South Asia, its people are yet struggling to overcome Social Injustice and Inequalities.
Unfortunately, Social Injustice is a deep-rooted and historical dilemma in Pakistan since its Independence. The people of this country are unaware and uneducated of their basic rights and privileges. The main cause lies in its Leadership and Institutions from day one.
Since Independence, Pakistan’s Civil and Military rulers, along with the Elite class, have played a significant role in shaping its current state of downfall. Political institutions have consistently been misused in the past, either by the Military leadership (when military officials enter politics to seize power) or by the so-called Feudalistic Inherited Politicians.
In Pakistan, the law seems to apply only to the people whose income is below the poverty threshold while the elite act above it. Their children learn this early. Mustafa Kanju, son of former Foreign Minister Siddique Khan Kanju, allegedly fatally shot 16-year-old Zain in 2015. Abdul Qadir Gillani guard killed Malik Tahir in a road incident in Lahore. Ali Imran, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s son-in-law, assaulted a baker in Lahore over a minor issue. Shahrukh Jatoi, son of renowned feudal Sikandar Jatoi, murdered Shahzeb Khan in 2013. Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister, ran over a nine-year-old during campaigning in Lala Musa. These are just a few instances of Pakistan’s elite escaping grave crimes.
Feudal landlords
Run their own courts, codes, and prisons. They exploit the masses through the platforms of panchayats and Jirgasystems where they encourage cruel and brutal penalties like Karo-kari, Vani, and forced marriages. The purpose behind this criminal behavior is the preservation of the status quo.
Subsequently, the lack of Public Awareness about basic rights has resulted over the period due to Power Sharing among a few Genetically Inherited Political Parties that only had been working for their personified existence.
However, these days, Pakistan is standing at the edge of collapsing and her people may be hopelessly waiting for it to simply vanish from the face of the World Map.
- Social Injustice widens the wealth gap – the Rich thrive, while the Poor barely survive. The Elite and inflexible Policy Makers resist change and prepare to immigrate.
- Social inequality is changeable. Policymakers and Bureaucrats should collaborate on inclusive policies and programs for holistic benefits, covering Employment, Education, Health, Food, Shelter, Tax, and Judiciary. Keep Military apolitical, focused on their realm.
Conclusion
Now is the time to prove our Identity as an Islamic Republic,for Islam has greatly given importance to Social Justice.Almighty Allah has given repeated orders to humanity to practice justice, whether it involves family or foes. The declaration that falsely testifying against your enemy is a sin adds to this directive.
In today’s world, Social Justice is synonymous with Being Heard. This happens when individuals who raise their voices receive acknowledgement. This effectiveness is achieved when people actively exercise their rights to access and participate with equal equity.Injustice breeds hatred among the people, posing a lasting threat to a country’s prosperity, peace, and sustainability.. Immediate Justice is the symbol and recognition of a prosperous Islamic state as ‘justice delayed is justice denied.’
Therefore, a healthy and flourishing society contributes to the development and peace of a nation. The entire mechanism of a country is built upon executing Social Justice. Thus, if individuals or groups within society are affected or unheard, it would lead to national instability. We, as Pakistanis, standing on the verge of instability and chaos, must take swift action.
We all must stand United as it starts with ‘U’.
