Pakistan Update from Oxygen's Eric

With all the recent unrest in Pakistan our thoughts in Oxygen have been drawn to Eric Attique who worked for Oxygen between Oct 2006 and July 2008. Eric recently returned to Pakistan from where he sent this update on what is going on. Please uphold Eric and Pakistan in your prayers at this time.

Pakistan is an important participant of the coalition. Pakistan has always been and will remain to be against all forms of terrorism. The news about Emergency in Pakistan reached like wild fire in the entire world. According to Government of Pakistan, Emergency will remain in Pakistan as long as necessary. The Government of Pakistan is greatly concerned about the future of Pakistan and Pakistani president said he had declared the emergency to stop the country "committing suicide", because the country was in a crisis caused by militant violence and an unruly judiciary. Some people have got different opinions, and hardly believe the reason given to impose the emergency in Pakistan. The security problems in Pakistan are not since last week. Some people believe that the emergency rule is a very good thing. Some people refuse to understand what the country has been going through in the last year.

Young people are particularly affected by the many negative consequences happening since last year in the country. It is painful to see the present situation of Pakistan, its rather depressing. So many questions are running in youth’s mind, what will be the future of Pakistan? When people will be able to change their living standard? When we will be able to drive of safe and smooth roads? When we won’t see the traffic jams on streets? When this rough period will end? When we will be able to see the economical growth in Pakistan?

The Pakistani nation is in chaos and their anxiety is increasing constantly. Broadcasting of the private TV channels has not been permitted yet, and people are struggling to get news. Pakistanis living abroad are perhaps more aware about the present situation. Nobody likes emergency rule, but let’s face it, under these circumstances, that was the only option left. The Government of Pakistan gave freedom to media but some of the private channels have produced ill news just to attract the audience, and played a considerably vital role to establish this situation. Presidential elections, the case regarding Chief Justice (Supreme Court has also become a focus of opposition to the government), suicide bombing, political instability, corruption, disorder, and so many other factors also contributed a lot in this situation. USA will now review the hundreds of millions of dollars of aid given to Pakistan each year. The Government of Pakistan still have to face lot of pressure and troubles, which may cause delay in restoration of the democracy. The most visible protests are coming from lawyers, judges, media, political parties, and other NGO’s related with human rights. Critics, however, believe Gen Musharraf was acting to pre-empt a judgment by the Supreme Court on whether his re-election last month was legal. Will emergency create more tension and more violence? It never stops people from speculating. We all need to acknowledge the fact that we all are at some extant are responsible for the present situation.

I would like to draw your kind attention towards the youth in Pakistan. Please encourage them and engage with them in this very difficult time. It has been a struggling period. If you search the web pages you will find that youth in Pakistan having massive discussions to regard with the present situation in the country. Hopes are high once again that the state of emergency will solve the existing problems soon.

Kindly uphold Pakistan in your prayers.

Peace

Eric Attique

Tags: oxygen, pakistan, kingston

Comments

[Sani Ahmed]

Eric, your insight is great, and indeed what the youth of pakistan feel. The state of emergency is quite an issue i do agree, but as you has also stated i to agree that it was a necessity from stopping majorly violent elections and other issues pertaining. As far as the media is concerned, i know its harsh but some media actually deserved it, but im sure in due time the media will be open yet again. But its always good to see some positive insight and i applaud you for your effort.