Image via Wikipedia As someone who has somehow modest experience in management, I can say without an iota of doubt that the survival of Pakistan lies in unbiased and frank assessment of current state of affairs and then taking a rational course of action. In management whenever we come across any challenge we confront it by taking account of strengths and weaknesses within our organisation. As managers our efforts are almost entirely based upon understanding our immediate and remote environments in which we operate. If we have strengths then we take all important measures to turn this new situation into an opportunity and maximise profits. If we do not have necessary attributes to confront new situation, then we try to either neutralise threat or to make necessary changes to minimise its negative impacts on our business. But an important thing to remember is as managers we have to evaluate our environment without any bias or prejudice. As we know it very well that tempering with evaluation by replacing facts with fictions or personal whims and prejudices render it inaccurate and biased. If implemented it would be a disaster for any business.Pakistan as a society has failed to assess its environment realistically and result of which it has been repeating same mistake over and over again. And they are bent on making same mistake on the issue of Wikileaks revelations. Irrespective of its contents majority of Pakistanis think it is west’s conspiracy against Pakistan in particular and Muslim world in general. Because their assessment is biased therefore either they dismiss it altogether or make a wrong decision to tackle it. Decision would be wrong because it is A- based upon personal biases and prejudice and B- has failed to incorporate operational or inherent strengths and weaknesses. And this is not limited to Wikileaks unfortunately this unrealistic approach can be seen in every other situation such as terrorism, blasphemy, sectarianism, violence, women rights issues, natural disasters so far and so forth.
The best way forward is to take a break from old ways of assessing situation and make a fresh start. Some basic rethinking is involved in making fresh start. These include:
1- Pakistan is not centre of this world.
2- World is not against us.
3- We are part of this world and do not and cannot live in isolation.
4- Every Pakistani is equal irrespective of class, creed, sex or religion.
5- We have to work along other countries to achieve our national goals.
6- We should recognise our size and power before making any decision.
7- Fully aware of our strengths and weaknesses.
8- Anyone having different point of view cannot necessarily be an Israeli, Indian, American or foreign agent. He/she is as patriotic as anyone else.
9- Do away with anything that stops or hinders progress either by making it private or reject it altogether.
10- Sanctity of human life should be given prime importance.
I certainly believe that if Pakistanis start taking unbiased and realistic approach towards any political or social issue they will start making good decisions which in turns leads to the path of bright and successful future.
