Recent floods in Pakistan is a big question mark on the country’s, not only political, but social, behavioral and psychological mind-set. The behavioral and psychological problems are so ingrained in this nation that these seem even bigger than the political problems. Whether floods or earthquakes, coronavirus or any other disaster, we have witnessed the worst scenario of the behaviors, thoughts and mind-sets.
Political Root Causes
–No Dam in Last 40 Years; the Root Cause of Flood Year on Year in Pakistan
The rulers of our country have never been successful in building a huge dam in the last 40 years. It is absolutely a big hurdle in the prosperity and infrastructure progress in the country. Dams are constructed to minimize the threat of decreasing water reservoirs and meet the demand of increasing population. We have witnessed the 2010 worse floods situation in Pakistan. And now, in 2022, it’s worst than before.
–Political turmoil complicating the country progress at any level
Since the previous 75 years, the progress of the country is high on stake. Political instability is a big complexity in the way of progress in the provinces as well as in the federal. Recently, the vote of no-confidence against Imran Khan as PM, and then, Shahbaz Sharif’s accession to throne of democracy, is not a new happening for this country. A country where democracy was never a good form of government and where no any government, except one or two, could complete its five-year tenure, what can someone expect? Leg pulling , horse trading and money laundering are ingrained in the fundamentals of the democracy of Pakistan.
Psycho-social Root Causes
–Herd Psychology- Lack of thought Leadership
Lack of thought leadership is that deficiency in this nation which has no replacement at all. We are religiously, socially, politically, culturally and geographically divided in a huge number of schools of thought. But, the history proves that none of these schools of thought succeeded in bringing the whole nation on one platform despite all discrimination. This is indeed a big failure. We are suffering from the herd psychology which means, doing unconsciously what everyone is doing, without knowing the right or wrong.
We also have leaders in business managements, organizations, politics and what not, but the one who can direct the thoughts (of youth specially), is completely unavailable. Here, I want to mention the efforts of Youth Club Organization and Sahil Adeem (individual) who are doing their best to give a wake-up call on Ummah level.
–Corruption – Bottom to Top
In recent article about high prices amid flood crisis in Pakistan, it is highlighted how horribly the marketers are behaving right now. We cry about the corruption of political figures, whereas, the fruit-seller in our streets is practicing the same level of crime. The family institution is also unstable, along with educational institutions. Ditching, Disloyalty, insensitivity, forgery, hypocrisy, deceit, hatred, envy, revengefulness, bribery, and anger are those attributes that see no age, no class, no background and no degree, to exist.
Once again it’s a psychological war fare from which whole nation is passing. From bottom to top, everyone is involved in corruption. We have intermingled our cultural and religious beliefs so much that it seems a new version of Islam in Pakistan.
From Islamic Point of View
Prophet Moses (Hazrat Musa A.S) once asked Allah SWT that how would we know when you get angry? Allah SWT replies that I will do three things.
- It will rain when it’s not needed at all.
- Governments would be led by people who are not capable of it
- Wealth would be in the control of misers
And then, Prophet Moses asked that what would you do when you are happy with us? Allah SWT replies
- It will rain when it’s needed.
- Governments would be led by good, just, and capable People
- Wealth would be in the control of generous people
For reference, you can see here Signs When Allah Gets Angry.
The recent situation of our country in floods, poverty and political instability is crystal clearly incorporating all the three elements of the anger of Allah SWT.
Final Words
Behavioral and Psychological leadership is as important for the youth of Pakistan as anything can be. Why I am focusing on youth is because a major population is under this category. The social and political problems can only be solved when the youth becomes active, in the right direction. And this absolutely needs critical thinking, emotional intelligence and character building of every single person. Only this way, we can understand, modify and update the old and useless patterns in our government systems.
