Combating Natural Disaster: Monsoon, Glof & Climate change

Monsoon is the season of heavy rainfalls and ensuing disasters caused by melting glaciers, cloudbursts, lightning, and GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood). Pakistan is among the countries highly prone to natural disasters. However, the Nature alone cannot be blamed for the disasters and damages in Pakistan, but also its weak and ill-planned infrastructure as well as lack of capacity and preparedness among institutions and communities to handle a natural disaster. Although, the climate change is considered to be the major cause of natural disasters across the globe, the rampant corruption, misuse of authority, mismanagement of resources, and low priority accorded to preparedness and response by respective governments, are a few among many factors that exacerbate the damages caused by natural disasters.

According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan is the “eighth most vulnerable nation to the climate crisis.” As we know Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change due to Rising global temperatures and its geographic location. Unfortunately, Global warming taking lives and making people vulnerable in Pakistan almost every year for more than a decade now. A few years ago, common people never heard of such things as cloud bursts or glacial lake outbursts, but now it’s been a common phenomenon of cloud bursts, GLOF, and heavy rainfall, and yet, it is the reason for floods again.

Pakistan is home to more than 7,253 glaciers, the highest number of glacial ice in a country other than the Polar Regions. Most of these glaciers are located in the Pakistan’s northern regions, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP 2018), over 3,000 lakes had been formed due to melting glaciers in the Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions of Pakistan. Thirty-three of these lakes are considered at risk of flooding, posing a serious threat to over 7 million people residing downstream. GLOF is a sudden release of water from a lake fed by glacier melt that has been formed on the side, in front, within, beneath, or on the surface of a glacier. When glacial lake outbursts, it leads to catastrophic phenomena and since Pakistan has neither constructed nor the Government appears to have prioritized construction of sufficient number of dams, flooding during the monsoon season is inevitable and can cause havoc.

During monsoon season from 14 June to October 2022, 1,739 people were killed by floods in Pakistan and it caused damage worth ₨ 3.2 trillion ($14.9 billion), which resulted in a total loss of ₨ 3.3 trillion ($15.2 billion) to the national economy. 

Seventy-five years of Pakistan’s flood history tells us that approximately 13,312 precious human lives have been lost so far. In Pakistan, flooding is not confined a particular area, but it affects various parts of the country, including Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, KPK and Azad Kashmir. 

According to a survey, Pakistan is among the 25 countries of the world that have the lowest human development indicators. The people of Pakistan are highly dependent on agriculture as well as rain-fed water resources; that is why, if the monsoon is late or weak, the economy suffers. People can hardly grow crops for themselves, but the produce is not enough for sale. On the other hand, heavy rainfall gives them good agribusiness, but costs heavily the country’s emergency preparedness, response, and disaster management system is weak. It is heart-rending to note that more than 50 Pakistanis died of heavy monsoon rains and significant damage caused to properties, crops, and livestock barely in two weeks (June 25 to July 7). “Fifty deaths have been reported in different rain-related incidents all over Pakistan since the start of the monsoon on June 25,” a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) official said, adding that 87 people were injured during the same period. This shows the dilapidated state of affairs with regard to disaster preparedness and response system of Pakistan. It is heartbreaking that ruling elite has no interest in protecting lives of Pakistanis and even now seems to have no concern whatsoever with improving the disaster management infrastructure. 

Pakistan has suffered colossal life and property losses due to floods but, even after so much destruction, Pakistani authorities are still not moved to take remedial structural measures (like small dams) for reducing the risk that creates hardships for humans and risks their lives. Dams are the ultimate solution to preventing floods and provide the best water storage facilities to save water for the usage of people, agriculture, natural habitat, animals, etc. 

This is a fact that Pakistan is the victim of climate change and air pollution, which is caused by neighboring countries like, India and China. Even though Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the global greenhouse gases that warm our plane, but its geography makes it disproportionately vulnerable to climate change. The melting of the Hindukush, Karakoram, and Himalayan glaciers in Northern Pakistan, due to rising temperatures, creates glacial lakes that need to reduce the volume of water in the lake to reduce the peak surge discharge. 

Pakistan alone with less resources cannot deal with this chaotic and alarming situation nor the economy has the capacity to take measures required to fix the problem and avoid more deprivations. Therefore, the world leaders should step up to help and build the institutional capacity of Pakistan to deal with the existing and anticipated disasters. The international community should help Pakistan devise and implement solutions to mitigate negative impacts of climate change, especially during the monsoon season, which is a ticking time bomb for Pakistan.

Domeshi Village: Another Victim of Climate Change

Another devastating example of destruction caused by heavy monsoon rains in Muzaffarabad, AJK

Once again, the land in the village of Domeshi, located in the Patreend Union Council of Muzaffarabad, AJK, began to shift. As a result, many families were displaced, individuals lost their lifelong earnings and productive land, and dozens of houses sustained severe damage, leaving at least a hundred people homeless.

The devastating landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall, but fortunately, no Casualties were reported. Thanks to The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) promptly initiated a rescue and relief operation following the incident. They provided essential supplies such as food, tents, and necessities to those affectees. However, the land continued to slide even after 12 hours had passed since the initial incident.

The Preliminary Assessment (PA) report by the Institute of Geology at the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Muzaffarabad, showed the significant impact of the landslide. It stretched about 500 meters from crown to river, measuring 360 meters long and 200 meters wide. Access is mainly through Kohala Road via a link road passing Ambore and Domeshi Bridge. Initial observations revealed the destruction of 12 houses, cultivated land, a metaled road, properties, and scattered uprooted trees in the affected area.

This is not the first instance of danger and displacement caused by landslides in the area. In fact, such events have been ongoing since August 2015. Regrettably, the state has been unable to effectively mitigate these issues, and the recent weather patterns are exacerbating the situation. Unusual weather occurrences, including houses being swept away by monsoon rains and land being transformed into mud due to torrential rains, have become distressingly common. Recent rains have led to widespread destruction, posing a serious threat to lives in some areas.

 Geologists attribute the landslide to the abnormally rapid and excessive monsoon rains. They express concern over multiple events in the region causing damage. While these events may be triggered by rainfall, their root cause lies in the broader context of negative climate change impacts. Notably, the Hazara and Murree formations in the region are more susceptible than other parts of the country. The intensifying force of rainfall, even within short spells of 15 to 20 minutes, saturates the soil base rapidly, rendering it incapable of effective drainage. This saturation leads to mudflows and subsequent landslides.

The region is wrestling with ongoing landslides along roadsides, some of which Threaten human settlements. The most devastating form of landslide is a rainfall-induced mudflow, exacerbated by the relentless force of heavy rainfall. Geologists emphasize that all these factors are interconnected with climate change. Previously, the distribution and strength of rainfall were different, resulting in less damage. However, the current scenario involves concentrated heavy rainfall in specific areas, triggering events like landslides, detachments, and mudflows. Even cloud bursts have become alarmingly frequent, signaling a new norm in the region. All these changes can be attributed to the effects of climate change.

Shafque Abbasi, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of the AJK government, highlights the primary factors contributing to the Domeshi area landslide, including the active Jhelum Fault, contrasting lithological units, and steep slope angles exceeding 45 degrees. Secondary factors include prolonged, intense, and excessive rainfall in July, coupled with a lack of adherence to proper land use planning. This catastrophe has severe implications for both the social and biophysical environments, resulting in socio-economic consequences for affected individuals, as well as irreparable damage to valuable environmental resources such as fertile land, vegetation cover, and trees.

If the situation worsens and the entire degraded landmass collapses into the river, it could block the river flow and create a dam-like obstruction upstream. This could lead to further landslides upstream and potentially result in flooding downstream, affecting river ecosystems, communication infrastructure, and housing along the riverbanks. Given the geological formations, terrain, topography, and seismic activity due to the active fault line, the Domeshi landslide should serve as a warning of potential similar disasters in the upper reaches. These areas, characterized by steep slopes and primarily soil-based construction, lack proper sewage systems, leading to soil saturation and increased vulnerability to landslides. With climate change altering weather patterns, more extensive and prolonged rains are anticipated, amplifying the risk of such landslides. An urgent study is needed to assess potential landslide-prone areas with similar terrain, gradient, and geological formations.

He further said that the immediate environmental consequences of such landslides encompass loss of vegetation cover, diminished carbon sinks, visual amenity degradation, soil erosion, and river sedimentation. Ultimately, these factors decrease the water-holding capacity of reservoirs like Mangla Dam.

Domeshi landslide emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation on climate change. Agencies must reduce emissions, promote sustainability, invest in renewable energy, and support adaptation to protect regions and communities.

Ultrasound Surgery: A Non-Invasive Solution for Sustainable Healthcare

The world of science and technology is advancing at an astonishing pace, exploring new territories, and finding solutions to long-standing problems. Science has made remarkable progress, pushing the boundaries of what was once thought impossible. In the field of physics, we can expect to witness a silver era of success soon.

However, alongside these advancements, humanity has also suffered from various unknown diseases and peculiar phenomena. Thankfully, the field of science has found a way to alleviate human suffering through remarkable innovations. One such innovation that has come to my attention is ultrasound surgery.

The healthcare industry has experienced a remarkable transformation with the introduction of ultrasound surgery. Ultrasound surgery is a revolutionary technique that utilizes high-frequency and high-energy sound waves to target and destroy uterine fibroids. This procedure is conducted while the patient is inside an MRI scanner, ensuring precise and accurate treatment. The use of ultrasound in surgery not only highlights the remarkable progress in the field of medicine but also demonstrates humanity's ability to overcome complex medical challenges.

Another area where ultrasound surgery has made a significant impact is in the treatment of uncontrollable trauma. Over a million individuals suffer from traumatic experiences in the UK alone, with electrical signals sent from the brain to the muscles of the hand being mistimed. In a historic moment for the UK, ultrasound surgery, also known as ultrasound brain surgery, was performed for the first time to address this issue.

What sets ultrasound surgery apart is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional brain surgery, there is no cutting, drilling, or bleeding involved. Patients are not subjected to scalpels or any form of pain during the procedure. Instead, a metal frame is placed on the patient's head to keep it still, and an ultrasound machine is utilized. This specialized ultrasound machine emits over a thousand ultrasound beams, which generate enough heat to destroy the targeted tissue. The precision of this procedure is astounding as the team focuses on a tiny point in the brain that triggers the trauma, pinpointing the exact area causing the problem.

While watching the BBC documentary on sound waves used for deep brain surgery, I was astonished to find out that patients remain fully awake during ultrasound brain surgery while doctors use MRI scans to monitor their progress. The energy of the sound beams is gradually increased to ensure that the desired results are achieved. The revolutionary aspect of this type of surgery is that it does not require the use of scalpels, unlike traditional surgical methods that require incisions into the scalp and cutting of tissues.

One of the most significant advantages of this innovative surgical technique is that patients experience an immediate recovery, eliminating the risks and complications associated with traditional brain surgery. The use of ultrasound in brain surgery has opened up a plethora of possibilities in the field of medicine, leading to breakthroughs in precision medicine that can have a significant impact on the quality of life for patients.

Also, the results of ultrasound surgery are nothing short of remarkable. Tremors that once plagued patients have disappeared, providing them with newfound relief and a better quality of life. This surgery not only showcases the power of precision medicine but also highlights the potential of ultrasound technology in revolutionizing healthcare.

As the world of science and technology continues to progress, advancements like ultrasound surgery give us hope for a future where complex medical challenges can be overcome. The ability to treat conditions with such precision and minimal invasiveness is a testament to human ingenuity and dedication. It is important to recognize and appreciate the hard work of scientists and researchers who tirelessly strive to improve the lives of individuals worldwide.

It is unfortunate that Pakistan lags behind in the field of technology, particularly faces several medical challenges that require the urgent adoption of new technology in healthcare. It is imperative for the Pakistani government to invest in the adoption of advanced technology in the healthcare sector to guarantee a better quality of life for people and keep pace with the rapidly progressing world of science and technology. We can only hope for advancements to reach Pakistan to tackle the all-time increasing healthcare problems.

In conclusion, ultrasound surgery has emerged as a remarkable innovation with the potential to revolutionize medicine. Its non-invasive approach, precision, and immediate recovery make it a promising solution to various medical challenges. As we continue to progress rapidly in the field of science and technology, let us celebrate and support the scientists and researchers who tirelessly work to enhance our world and make a difference in the lives of patients worldwide.

Clean and safe drinking waterSevere and complex challenge for Pakistan

Pakistan is facing a severe and complex challenge regarding access to clean and safe drinking water, particularly in rural and remote areas. The country faces an immense shortage of water, while contaminated sources spread water-borne diseases, leading to 53,000 annual deaths of Pakistani children under the age of five due to diarrhea, as reported by UNICEF. The current state of access to clean water in Pakistan makes it one of the countries facing the worst water crises globally. Poor management of water resources, insufficient investment in infrastructure, existing water sources' pollution and climate change-induced water scarcity are major contributors to this conundrum.

One of the main concerns is linked to the insufficient investment in infrastructure projects, which results in limited access to clean water sources. The installation of tube wells is common in many rural areas, but due to absence of maintenance, they often get contaminated by arsenic and other pollutants. Shockingly, 70% of households still drink bacterially contaminated water across Pakistan. Concentration of contaminants in water also affects the agricultural yield, as farmers use contaminated water to irrigate crops. Such a practice results in a vicious cycle of pollution and scarcity of water that gradually worsens over time.

Moreover, Pakistan's heavy reliance on agriculture makes it highly dependent on water, leading to a water crisis. The increasing use of groundwater for irrigation in agriculture has led to a significant fall in the water table depleting the groundwater sources. Inefficient infrastructure and pollution further add to the water stress of the country. Additionally, Pakistan's lower riparian status and India's 78% provision of its water inflows have complicated the situation further. Two-thirds of available water is being utilized, and one-third is lost or discharged into the sea.

To address the critical issue of water scarcity, a comprehensive and strategic plan is an urgent necessity for sustainable water management in Pakistan. Pakistan is heavily reliant on glacier meltwater and monsoon rains to meet its water needs, while climate change has exacerbated water scarcity due to rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. A multi-pronged approach: including investment in infrastructure, conservation, promotion of water-efficient technologies, and improved sanitation is needed to address this issue, besides raising public awareness, enforcing regulations, and preventing water pollution simultaneously.

Rainwater harvesting is an ecosystem-based approach to water management that provides an alternative water source to poor communities in Pakistan. Encouraging the hygienic collection, storage, and treatment of rainwater can ensure access to clean and safe drinking water in these communities. Rainwater harvesting involves use of gutters, downspouts, and other collection mechanisms that channel the collected water into storage systems. Benefits include water conservation, reduced stormwater runoff, and reduced demand for municipal water supplies. The government of Pakistan has introduced programs to promote rainwater harvesting, including subsidies, large-scale storage infrastructure, and encouraging farmers to collect water for irrigation.

 Sustainable water management practices can alleviate water scarcity issues in the country, and policies may include promoting rainwater harvesting, constructing recharge structures, regulating groundwater extraction, monitoring and assessing groundwater, and encouraging public participation. Improved water treatment and management processes are also necessary to prevent and remove water source contamination. Proper wastewater management practices are critical to protecting and sustaining the country's water resources.

Ensuring clean and safe drinking water is not a privilege but a basic human right, and Pakistan must take decisive action to achieve this goal for its citizens. With almost 30 million people lacking access to clean water, it is crucial to educate people about collecting and storing rainwater safely. Contamination of existing water sources has increased due to untreated sewage, waste discharge, industrial pollution, and agricultural activities, with only 7.7% of wastewater being treated, increasing environmental degradation and the spread of water-borne diseases. Proper wastewater management practices are also critical to protect the country's water resources.

The government of Pakistan has initiated several programs to promote rainwater harvesting across the country. These initiatives include provision of subsidies for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in households and commercial buildings, building large-scale water storage infrastructure, and encouraging farmers to collect and store rainwater for irrigation. However, there is a need for increased public awareness and private-sector involvement in promoting rainwater harvesting in the country.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s water crisis requires a comprehensive solution. A strategic plan focusing on sustainable water management practices, including investment in infrastructure, conservation, promotion of water-efficient technologies, and improved sanitation, while also raising public awareness, enforcing regulations, and preventing water pollution, is the need of the hour. Proper wastewater management practices are also critical to protecting and sustaining the country's water resources. The benefits of rainwater harvesting and other sustainable water management practices have been well documented and implemented across many countries worldwide. It is time for Pakistan to follow such examples and take the necessary measures to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for its inhabitants, who rightfully deserve it.

Hydropower and Challenges in pakistan

Pakistan is blessed with abundant water resources, providing it with a great opportunity to generate large amount of hydroelectric power. The mighty Indus River and its tributaries, along with other rivers running across the country, make Pakistan a water-rich country. This potential for hydroelectric power generation could play a critical role in addressing the country's energy crisis.

However, the development of the hydropower sector in Pakistan has been fraught with challenges, which have prevented the country from achieving its full hydropower potential. Pakistan's hydropower sector is plagued by major challenges that hinder its growth and development. The most important of these is the chronic lack of capital for setting up and developing hydropower projects. Unfortunately, political instability has also created an unfavorable investment climate, leading to negligible overseas interest in the development of hydropower in Pakistan. The need for foreign investment in the hydropower sector is crucial to overcome the challenge of funding and to ensure Pakistan's energy security. Similarly, deterioration of reliable infrastructure and lack of innovation lead to inefficiencies and losses, while maintenance costs are high. The government needs to upgrade the infrastructure to improve the efficiency of hydropower projects.

Security is another major issue for the development of hydropower projects in Pakistan, especially in remote and difficult-to-access areas. In recent years, terrorist attacks and threats have been a significant obstacle to the implementation of hydropower projects, causing delays and increasing costs. The lack of security also puts the safety of workers and communities at risk, which can further hinder the development of the sector.

Another challenge is that the development of hydropower projects has been linked to environmental concerns. Such projects can result in negative impacts on the environment, such as the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of communities. To mitigate such adverse effects, it is essential for successive governments to prioritize sustainable land use practices and involve local communities in decision-making through consultations. In addition, the hydropower sector of Pakistan is grappling with several other challenges such as corruption, bureaucratic hurdles, and need for numerous approvals, permits, and certifications from government agencies. These issues have contributed to delays and cost overruns in timely completion of hydropower projects.

However, the promising thing is that, despite numerous challenges, Pakistani government, remains committed to improving the country's energy and water supply through completion of several hydropower projects. The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) aims to complete seven mega hydropower projects, adding 9,000 MW of low-cost hydel power to the national grid (hopefully) by december 2028. The projects include the Diamer Bhasha Dam, Mohmand , Dasu , Karam Tangi Dam, Tarbela and expansions, Kayal Khowar Hydropower Project, and Sindh Barrage. As and when connected to the national grid, these projects have the potential to provide millions of people with access to low-cost electricity, steer Pakistan's economic development, and address current challenges of water shortages and energy supply.

Given the current energy crisis in Pakistan, the country must expand its hydropower sector to meet the growing energy demand and enhance its energy security. The government must take on these challenges and make it a priority to increase investment in the development of hydropower. However, with limited resources, Pakistan will also require support and initiatives from developed countries to help realize this goal. Moreover, technical assistance, in addition to information and facilities, is essential to optimize the hydropower potential of the country. With combined efforts, Pakistan can successfully harness hydropower as a sustainable and cost-effective energy source for the future.

Moreover, community involvement is important in ensuring that the hydropower projects are sustainable and bring about positive social and economic impacts. The government may involve local communities in the planning and implementation of such projects. By doing so, they can help prevent any backlash, increase project's legitimacy, and ensure that it has a positive impact on the lives of people in the area. Local community participation could also potentially improve the project's sustainability.

Additionally, investing in research and development for technology upgradation is necessary to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the hydropower projects. By utilizing modern methods, the potential of hydropower projects can be fully exploited, and their energy production can be increased. Taking into account environmental concerns is equally important in design and implementation, as it ensures the preservation of natural resources. It should be ensured that the projects don't leave any adverse impact on the environment.

In conclusion, Pakistan's hydropower potential has the potential to provide a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution for the country's growing energy needs. With a combined effort of the government, community, and private sector, Pakistan can successfully harness hydropower as a sustainable and low-cost energy source for the future.

شیخ سعدی کا بادشاہ دانا آدمی تھا!

انسان کی زندگی میں سیکھنے کا عمل کبھی ختم نہیں ہوتا البتہ یہ کبھی سست ہوجاتا ہے اور کبھی کچھ وقت کے لئے رک جاتا ہے۔ ہم نے سنا کہ ’’علم حاصل کرو ماں گود سے قبر کی لحد تک‘‘ اور جب بات کرتے ہیں علم کی ،تو علم کی جو شکل ذہن میں ابھرتی ہے وہ کتاب ہے۔جب بھی کوئی علم سے متعلق بات کرے گا آپ کے ذہن میں کتاب کی تصویر ابھرنے لگتی ہے۔تو معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ علم کے حصول کے کتاب سے تعلق پیدا کرنا ضروری ہے۔ چاہے ٹیکنالوجی جتنی بھی ایڈوانس ہوجائے۔کتاب کی حیثیت اور اہمیت کسی نہ کسی صورت قائم رہے گی۔کیونکہ کتاب صرف کاغذ کے گٹھے کا نام نہیں بلکہ اس میں تجربات کا نچوڑ ہوتا ہے۔

بچوں کی کہانیوں میں ایک کہانی”کسان اور بادشاہ” جو “بوستان” شیخ سعدی میں درج ہے۔ بیٹی کو پڑھاتے ہوئے سمجھارہی تھی کہ شیخ سعدی نے دنیا میں سیروسیاحت کی.بہت علم و عمل سیکھا اور تجربہ حاصل کیا۔پھر وہ ساری زندگی کا نچوڑ  مختلف کتابوں کی شکل میں جیسے کہ ہمارے لئے ’’گلستان‘‘ و ’’بوستان‘‘ چھوڑ گئے۔ان کی حکایات ہمارے لئے باعث رحمت و رہنمائی ہیں۔حکایات سے مراد ایسی دانائی والی باتیں اعلی درجے کی عقل یعنی صرف عقل نہیں بلکہ(level  of  intellect  and level  of  knowledge ) دوسروں سے بہتر ہو۔ ایسے عقلمند اور Humble لوگ اپنے تجربات سے جو اچھی باتیں سیکھتے ہیں ،وہ دوسروں کی مدد اور رہنمائی کے لئے اس انداز سے بیان کرتے ہیں کہ وہ ہر عام وخاص کو آسانی سے سمجھ بھی آجائیں اور ان پر عمل کرنا بھی آسان ہو۔

شیخ سعدیؒ کی ایک کہانی میں ایک کسان اور اس کے گدھے کا قصہ بیان ہے۔اس میں سمجھایا گیا ہے کہ انسان جب خود اپنے عمل کے ذریعے اپنی مشکل سے نکل نہیں سکتا اور اپنی عقل سے کسی معاملے کو سلجھا نہیں سکتا تو اپنی بےبسی کا ذمہ دار ارد گرد کے لوگوں کو ٹھہراتا ہے، جن کا براہ راست اس معاملے سےتعلق بھی نہیں ہوتا۔ بعض اوقات اپنی نالائقی کا الزام ساری دنیا کو دینے لگتا ہے۔کسان نے بھی ایسا ہی کیا،جب اس کا گدھا کیچڑ میں پھنس گیا اور وہ اسے نکال نہ سکا تو اس نے سارے جاننے والوں کو برا بھلا کہنا شروع کردیا حتی کہ بادشاہ کو بھی کوسنے لگا۔کسان پچھتاوےاور بےبسی کا شکار تھا۔ اس کی نامناسب باتیں وہاں سے گزرتے بادشاہ نے بھی سنیں تو بادشاہ کے وزیرمشیر اپنے نمبر بنانے کے لئے بادشاہ کو مزید اکسانے لگے کہ اس گستاخ کسان کی گردن اڑادی جائے۔ کسی نے کہا، اسے زندان میں ڈال دیں۔ الغرض بادشاہ کو طیش دلانے کی کوشش کی جانے لگی۔ یہ بھی ایک انسانی مزاج ہے کہ جب انسان اپنی محنت سے مقام پیدا نہ کرسکے تو وہ دوسروں کو نیچا دکھا کر یا خود کو اس سے بہتر ثابت کرنے کے لئے اس کی معمولی خرابی کو بڑا کر کے دکھاتا ہےلیکن شیخ سعدیؒ کا یہ بادشاہ بھی دانا آدمی تھا، جو ان وزراء مشرا کی باتوں میں نہ آیا۔اس نے کسان کی بےبسی اور بدحالی کا احساس کیا،اس کی مدد کرتے ہوئے اسے مال اور اپنا ایک گھوڑا بھی دیا۔اس نے دل میں کسان کی حالت پہ ترس کھایا اور سوچا کہ کسان کی معاشی حالت بہتر ہوگی تو اس کی اضطرابی کیفیت سے ارد گرد کے لوگ بھی محفوظ رہیں گے۔بادشاہ نے اپنے نفس کو قابو میں رکھا اور اشتعال دلانے  والوں کو نظر انداز کیا۔سمجھداری کا عمل کرکے معاملہ احسن طریقے سے نمٹا دیا۔

جب یہ کہانی بچپن میں پڑھی تھی تو اس کا اثر اور طرح کا تھا ۔لیکن آج جب دوبارہ یہ حکایات کی کتاب کھلی تو معلوم ہوا کہ شیخ سعدیؒ تو بہت پتے کی بات کر گئے ۔ایک حاکم کو حکمت آنی چاہیے۔ اس کا ظرف اتنا بڑا ہونا چاہیے کہ وہ رعایا کی باتوں کو برداشت کرسکے۔ دنیا بھر میں میڈیا بھی عوام کی آواز ہی سمجھا جاتا ہے۔عوام کی آواز اخبارات اور ٹی وی کے ساتھ ساتھ اب سوشل میڈیا پر بھی گونجتی ہے۔ٹی وی اور اخبار تو ہمارے بادشاہ نے بند ہی کروا دئے چہ جائیکہ ظرف دکھاتے اور تنقید کو اصلاح کے لئے استعمال کرتے یا شاید ہمارے حکمران نے شیخ سعدیؒ کی حکایات نہیں پڑھیں اور اگر پڑھی ہیں تو پھر ان حکایات سے حکمت نہیں سیکھی ورنہ یہ کسان اور گدھے کی کہانی کافی تھی نصیحت پکڑنے کے لئے اور سیکھنے کے لئے۔

لگام ڈالنا سیکھئے سواری سے پہلے!

جس طرح گھوڑے پر سواری کرنا ایک فن ہے۔ اسی طرح ریاست کو چلانا بھی ایک فن ہے۔ جس کا سیکھنا اقتدار میں آنے سے پہلے کا عمل ہے۔ جس طرح گھوڑے پر بیٹھنے سے لے کر اترنے تک مکمل توجہ اور ہمت درکار ہوتی ہے۔یونہی امور مملکت کو سمجھنے ,سنبھالنے اور چلانے کے لئے بھی مکمل توجہ اور ہمت درکار ہوتی ہے۔سیاست میں قدم رکھنے سے لے کر امور ریاست کو سنبھالنے تک کا ایڈونچر مختلف مراحل سے گزرتا ہے۔ہموار راستے،اترائی چڑھائی اور کھڈے کھائیاں سب اس ایڈونچر کا حصہ ہے۔ 

بچپن میں سنتے تھے کہ دوڑتے گھوڑے  کی ٹاپوں سے باشاہ کا محل بھی لرز جاتا ہے اور جہاں اس کا گزر ہو سانپ بھی اس جگہ سے دور رہتا ہے۔ جو لوگ گھڑ سواری کرتے ہیں انہیں خبر ہے کہ اس کی ٹانگوں کے ساتھ ساتھ  اس کا سر بھی بہت طاقتورہوتا ہے اور اس طاقت کو کنٹرول کرنے کے لئے اس کے نتھنوں یعنی حساس ترین حصے میں رسی یا لگام ڈالی جاتی ہے تاکہ جہاں یہ اپنی طاقت کا اظہار کرے اس کا سوار اپنے ایک ہاتھ سے اس کی لگام کھینچ لے اور دوسرے ہاتھ سے اسے تھپکی دےیعنی اس سرکش طاقت کو کنٹرول  میں رکھ کر چلایا جاسکے۔

ہر ریاست کے بہت سے ادارے منہ زور گھوڑے کی طرح اپنی طاقت کا اظہار چاہتے ہیں لیکن ان کی پیٹھ پہ سوار کھلاڑی اگر امور ریاست کی تدبیر سمجھتا ہے تو ان اداروں کی طاقت اپنے واسطے استعمال کرسکتا ہے لیکن اگر اسے یہ ہنر نہیں آتا تو ادارے اسے اپنے اشاروں پہ نچاتے ہیں۔جس طرح گھڑ سوار اگر گھوڑے کو قابو کرنا نہیں جانتا تو وہ ہر وقت بوکھلاہٹ کا شکار رہتا ہے اس کو ڈر لگا رہتا ہے کہ ابھی گرا کہ ابھی گرا۔ کسی وقت بھی گھوڑا اس اناڑی کے ہاتھ میں پکڑی اپنی لگام پہ اس کی گرفت ڈھیلی محسوس کرے گا تو اپنی مرضی سے جس طرف چاہے گا چلےگا۔ گھڑ سوار کو پہلے اس کو گرفت میں لینے والی لگام پکڑنے کا طریقہ سیکھنا ضروری ہے۔

 یاد رکھئے گھوڑے کی پیٹھ پر بیٹھنے والا سوار ماہر ہے یا اناڑی ؟ یہ بات گھوڑا اپنے سوار کے بیٹھتے ہی سمجھ لیتا ہے اور اناڑی بندے کو خوب تھکاتا ہے جبکہ ماہر سوار کے آگے گھوڑا مکمل فرمانبرداری دکھاتاہے چاہے سوار لگام ڈھیلی ہی کیوں نہ چھوڑ دے۔ہمارے یہاں سیاست دان زبانی کلامی ریاستی امور چلانے کی کوشش کرتے ہیں اور ضروری فائلیں اور ان کے مندجات نہیں پڑھتے۔اس کا نقصان یہی ہوتا ہے کہ کسی بھی ادارے یا کام کی بنیادی سمجھ اسی فائل میں درج ہوتی ہے جس کے متعلق وہ سنی سنائی کے مطابق ہی فیصلے صادر فرماتے ہیں۔اناڑی یا لاپرواہ سوار کے ساتھ کبھی کبھار ایسا معاملہ بھی ہوجاتا ہے ،جب گھوڑا ایک زور کے جھٹکے سے خود کو چھڑا لیتا ہے اور گھڑ سوار اپنا توازن کھو دیتا ہے۔ ادارہ چیف ایگزیکٹیو کی لاپرواہی کا فائدہ اٹھا کر اس کے لئے مشکلات کھڑی کرسکتا ہے۔ اور بعض اوقات تو نقصان ناقابل تلافی ہوتا ہے۔ دوبارہ اس ادارے کو قابو کرنے کے لئے یا اپنی حیثیت منوانےمیں وقت لگتا ہے جیسے اگر گھوڑا گھڑ سوار کی کمزوری کا فائدہ اٹھا کر اپنی گردن کو  جھٹکا دے تو گھڑ سوار عین گھوڑے کے سامنے اس کے کھروں میں پڑا ہوتا ہے اور اگر گھوڑا گھڑ سوار پر اپنا پاوں رکھ دے تو جان کو خطرہ لاحق ہوجاتا ہے۔ اسی طرح ریاستی امور میں غیر سنجیدگی اور لاپرواہی اقتدار کے لئے خطرہ بن جاتی ہے۔

گھوڑے کا بچہ پیدائش کے فورا بعد اپنی ٹانگوں پر کھڑا ہوجاتا ہے اوراگلے تین چار سال میں گھڑ سواری کے قابل ہوجاتا ہے۔پانچ سال میں تو بالکل جوان گھوڑا بن جاتا ہے،اس کی کئی نسلیں ہیں لیکن انہیں خصوصیات کے سبب عموما تین حصوں میں تقسیم کیا جاتا ہے,بوجھ اٹھانے والے گھوڑے اس تیسری کیٹیگری میں آتے ہیں جو دو نسلوں کے ملاپ سے وجود میں آئیں۔سیاست میں بھی ایسے کئی ملاپ ہوتے ہیں لیکن اس ملاپ کی صورت جو مسائل جنم لیتے ہیں ان کا بوجھ سیاست دان نہیں بلکہ عوام اٹھاتے ہیں۔سیاستدان کی سیاست ایک پارٹی سے دوسری پارٹی میں اپنا حصہ لینے تک ہے، اسے غرض نہیں کی عام آدمی اس کے بارے میں کیا سوچے گا کیونکہ اس کی نگاہ میں عام آدمی کی حیثیت گھوڑے کی نعلیں بدلنے والے سے زیادہ نہیں۔گھوڑوں کی پہلی قسم والا گھوڑا اتنا گرم خون ہوتا ہے کہ وہ کسی کے قابو میں نہیں آتا۔ اپنی مرضی کرتا ہے اور آزاد رہنا پسند کرتا ہے۔ ریاست میں بعض ادارے بھی خود کو اول نسل سے تعبیر کرتے ہیں کسی کی مجال جو کوئی انہیں قابو کرنے کی کوشش کرے۔

گھوڑوں سے متعلق سائنسی تحقیق بتاتی ہے کہ صدیوں پہلے اولین گھوڑوں کی نسلیں گھاس نہیں کھاتی تھی یہ اعلی نسل صرف پھل اور سبزیاں ہی کھاتی تھیں۔وقت کے ساتھ ساتھ مقدس ایوانوں اور مقدس اداروں  میں بھی بدلاو آگیا ہے۔ اب جس طرح گھوڑوں نے گھاس کھانے والے دانت اُگا لئے ہیں، اسی طرح  سیاست دانوں حکمرانوں اور اداروں نے بھی معیار پر سمجھوتے کرلئے۔ اب دنیا میں اعلی نسل و اعلی اقدار نایاب ہوگئیں۔ اب جو گھوڑے اور گھڑ سوار دستیاب ہیں ،ان سے متعلق حتمی طور پر کچھ بھی کہنا مشکل ہے۔کون کس کردار  اور  مزاج کا ہے اور کیا  کرے گا؟ کس کے اصول کس وقت بدل جائیں ؟ ِکسے خبر !