The western world has its priorities figured out. They are capitalists, and they want to have a prosperous economy. Anything that can make them a few bucks is welcome (and hence the severe decline in cultural and family values).

After years of uncertainty, Indians finally figured out what they want. Economic prosperity. You can see this sentiment in Dawn’s posts written by Indians.

Saudi’s have no doubts about their goals and neither do the Israelis.

Based on recent activities, it is quite clear as to what Bangladesh wants (or what it doesn’t want). It has refused to be an Islamic state in the line of Saudi Arabia. It has dealt with the militants very wisely and sternly.

Russia is a confused country, like Pakistan. But, at least, they have leaders, and they control every inch of their territory.

The question is – what does Pakistan want? A good chunk, like Dawn’s readers, wants the economy and a forward move. Then some want to implement Islamic laws. The others agree, but there is no clear direction as to what kind of laws. The Saudi’s and the Kuwaitis know what kind, but not the Pakistanis.

So, how do you get a clear direction? Not when you have 10 confused leaders. You need a good leader, and a bunch in the making. In India, if Manmohan Singh loses and Advani comes, no big deal. Two Gandhis are getting ready. There are more. May be, Lalu or Mayawati. Whoever win will lead, and will be judged by the public in 5 years or less.

The way I see it, Pakistan hasn’t been that lucky during the last 30 years. Benazir and Nawaz Sharif. That’s it.

Benazir might have worked out the 3rd (or the 4th?) time around, but was killed.

Imran Khan had everything going for him, but that chance is long gone.

Musharraf never could see without his army glasses.

Zardari – well, the less you say about him, the better it is.

Nawaz Sharif is the only possibility. Doesn’t have a good track record, but he is a leader. In the present void, he will get another opportunity to lead Pakistan.

Let us hope he would have learned his lessons by then and figured out that he has to make every Pakistani wealthy and not just a select few.

Taleban are nothing but agent foreign countries who wish to destroy Pakistan and see Pakistan subjugated.

All the educated and uneducated in Pakistan, can you please tell me from where they are getting all money, arms and facilities. FM Radio and other latest technology…..Have you ever thought about this

Open yiur eyes, they are the biggest enemies of Pakistan and they are making a fool of you in the name of Islam, these taleban are in NWFP…They are in Islamabad in Lal Masjid and some other mosque like this…They are in Karachi in Binnori Town Masjid, Makki Masjid and in Shah Faisal Colony area.

Please take care don’t be fooled yourself in the name of Islam…Be careful….They are devils in the dress of Islam.

PART IX of Pakistan Constitution.
Islamic Provisions
227. Provisions relating to the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.
(1) All existing laws shall be brought in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam as laid down in the Holy Quran and Sunnah, in this Part referred to as the Injunctions of Islam, and no law shall be enacted which is repugnant to such Injunctions.

Some sections of the media are calling Taliban etc as fanatics and potraying them as following un-Islamic traditions. I ask Pakistanis, are you now saying that Sharia Law is un-Islamic?

This is the problem, it’s finally time for all educated Pakistanis to make a choice, choose wisely.

Also, I forgot to ask this, how come so many citizens are free in Pakistan to carry guns in public? I saw a recent picture of a holy man in Lal Masjid with two with Ak47s, standing behind him. Talking peace alone is not enough. Actions speak louder. Disarm these goons. Only army and other security forces should carry fire arms. How long can Pakistan stay stable with so many private armies?

Notice that many folks say fight against Taliban and Al Queda is not Pakistan’s war, instead it is war for US/ UK / AFgans to fight on its own. Then, Pakistani government should stop taking billions of dollars as payment;be bold, stop citizens from Pakistan from attacking people in troops in Afganisthan and India. Just butt out and stay out of other people’s countries and affairs. You want Taliban, Sharia, go for it. Do not thrust it on others.

I appreciate your love for Taliban. You and your family may live in SWAT for one year and enjoy life there. Your mother will be lashed because her legs are not covered by pardah, you sister will be killed because she talked with a postman and received a postal letter. You will be dragged to the Mosque for prayers and you should not cut yr hair in yr life time. May god bless you.

I wonder if the proclaimed “FATHERS” of the 2 nations will recognise what they had envisioned and what they are , now !!