BYÂ SALMAN RASOOL_x000D_
Once again, the echo of the change of the system is being heard. This echo is heard very loudly every few years, then gradually fades and finally dies after a few weeks. In this echo of the system, sometimes the emphasis is on the presidential system, sometimes the discussion of new provinces becomes the center of attention. Sometimes the cry for local elections is made, sometimes water reservoirs are made the topic of discussion. The result of this echo has never been found, but the public circles definitely get a new topic for discussion for a few days._x000D_
This time too, as soon as the discussion of the system begins, different circles have started giving their opinions. As a result of the debate on the system starting and ending again and again, the people of the country have become strangely confused about the system, and a large number of the people now seem to be indifferent to the system, although the system is directly related to the people because they have been taught this in the national anthem from day one:_x000D_
The system of the pure land_x000D_
The strength of the brotherhood of the people_x000D_
The simple translation of this poem is that the system of the dear homeland is actually the strength of the unity of its people. This makes two things clear: first, the system is nothing without the people, and second, unity among the people is also very important for the success of the system. A system that does not have any connection with the people is also not a system, and a system that does have a connection with the people but the people are not united is also not a system. So, the workers of our system should first of all ensure that whatever system it is, new or old, its benefits should also reach the people. If the people do not benefit from a system, then no matter how good it is, it is of no use._x000D_
If we look at the planet, different systems are currently prevalent in different countries of the world. Some have parliamentary democracy, some have presidential system, some have monarchy, some have religious leadership. All these systems are successful in some places and unsuccessful in others. The reason is simply that wherever a system prioritizes the aspirations and needs of its people, it succeeds, and wherever it ignores the people and benefits only certain classes, it fails. So it can be said that whichever system gives importance to the people will be successful, whether it is parliamentary, presidential, monarchy or religious leadership._x000D_
The tragedy here is that whenever a discussion of the system is raised here, its aim is to achieve some specific objectives, so instead of reaching a positive conclusion, this discussion always takes on a negative color. One or a few specific classes feel that this discussion is an attack on their interests, so they react immediately and strongly. Their reaction is so intense that even the classes that could benefit from the change in the system are forced to respond. This reaction in turn makes any serious and useful discussion meaningless._x000D_
In the recent debate that has begun regarding the system, the most emphasis has been placed on the creation of new provinces. Given the expansion of the country’s population, the need for new provinces is indeed being felt very strongly, but it is also a very sensitive issue. The Pakistan People’s Party is especially sensitive in this regard and it always reacts strongly to the issue of the division of Sindh. At present, it is also a power partner in the federation, Sindh, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, so it is important to take into account its reservations and feelings while talking about new provinces._x000D_
Several movements are underway in the country regarding new provinces such as South Punjab province, Hazara province, Mohajir province, etc. In fact, serious efforts have also been made regarding South Punjab province in the recent past. When Imran Khan was being planned to become the Prime Minister, a formal political party called South Punjab Front had also come into existence to strengthen him and during the tenure of PTI, some work was done on forming a South Punjab Secretariat. At the same time, the party called South Punjab Front merged with PTI along with its leadership and today it is nowhere to be found. This one example makes it clear that in the past too, the discussion of new provinces was not with the intention of creating new provinces but to benefit a specific party._x000D_
Even now, the discussion of new provinces that has started should be aimed at creating new provinces and there should be a serious debate on it in the parliament. The consent of every political party should be obtained and it is also important to see how the expenditure that will be incurred on this long-term plan of changing the system will be met, as at present even the existing provinces are unable to meet the needs of their people. If local government elections, which are the backbone of the democratic system, are not even held, will all this be possible in the new provinces?_x000D_
The system of this country must definitely improve, but after serious consideration, and in whatever system is brought, the people should be given first priority, only then will it be able to achieve success.
