As a nation, we are driven by deep emotion. Whether adorning our streets with flags and lights on national days or expressing profound reverence during religious observances, our zeal is undeniable. This passion is proof of our vitality. However, amidst the celebration and illumination, we often overlook a sobering reality: Where does Pakistan stand on the global stage after 78 years? Today, as a massive population of 260 million, we must confront a critical question: Are we evolving into a productive, skilled nation, or merely swelling into a dependent, non-productive crowd?
The answer to this question lies not in emotional slogans but in the data of the “Human Development Index” (HDI).
What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?: Few people know that the economist who gave the world this metric to measure progress was not a European or an American, but a Pakistani, Dr. Mahbub ul Haq. In 1990, he demonstrated to the United Nations that a country’s progress can not be measured solely by its skyscrapers or GDP; rather, true progress is the development of the “human being.”
This index stands on three fundamental pillars:
1. Life Expectancy: Are people living long, healthy lives?
2. Education: What is the intellectual capability and school enrollment rate?
3. Standard of Living: What is the per capita income and purchasing power?
Darkness Under the Lamp: Where Does Pakistan Stand?: It is a tragedy that the very country that introduced this index to the world today ranks 164th out of 193 countries. We are categorized under “Low Human Development,” while our regional neighbours, India (134) and Bangladesh (129), have moved far ahead of us.
Musadaq Zulqarnain, Chairman of Interloop, recently and correctly pointed out that our Per Capita Productivity is the lowest in the region. When only 24% of women are part of the labour force, and a vast majority of men are devoid of modern skills, how can the wheel of the economy turn? When the majority of our population is struggling to win the battle for the lowest tier of “Maslow’s Hierarchy”-food, clothing, and shelter-how will they achieve mental and spiritual growth?
The Solution: In Light of Global Models and Our Values: Looking at the models of developed nations (such as Japan, Europe, and Singapore), we must take the following practical steps.
1. Schools and Madrassahs: The Importance of Training alongside Education: The Japanese model teaches us that “character building and training” are indispensable alongside academic education. We must stop pushing children solely into a race for grades; instead, we must train them in ethics, cleanliness, teamwork, and truthfulness. Education lights the mind, while training grooms the character; we must carry both simultaneously.
2. The Dignity of Skills: From AI to Plumbing: We must change the obsolete mindset that respect lies only in becoming a doctor, engineer, or chartered accountant. In the modern era, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, electrical work, and modern farming are critical professions.
The government and private sector must provide an environment and facilities for “Blue Collar Jobs” (technical skills) so that the youth feel proud to adopt them. The standard of technical institutes should be raised so that a skilled electrician or technician enjoys the same respect and financial stability in society as a doctor or an officer.
3. The Role of Industrialists and Traders: Standard of Living, Not Just Wages: Our industrialists and employers must play the role of a “guardian” rather than a traditional “Seth.” It is essential to ensure that the skilled worker employed by them is not just making ends meet but living a dignified life.
Excellent Facilities: Workers should have proper uniforms, their personal hygiene must be prioritized, and the workplace must be safe.
Dignified Compensation: Wages should be sufficient to allow them to provide quality education for their children and live with their heads held high. When the worker is prosperous, the industry will automatically progress.
4. Echoing HDI in the Corridors of Power: It is imperative for politicians and lawmakers to discuss Human Development statistics in parliament instead of engaging in political rhetoric. The yardstick for progress should be how many children went to school in a constituency, how many skilled workers were produced, and how much health facilities improved.
Conclusion: We must decide: do we want to present the world with a crowd of 260 million, or a great nation of 260 million skilled and dignified citizens?
Let us pledge to celebrate the joys of August 14th and the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal with a resolve for “Human Development.” When our youth are skilled, our workers are prosperous, and our training is ethical, Pakistan will surely join the ranks of the world’s leading nations. This is true patriotism, and this is the dream of our forefathers.
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