Capture the Moment

Mr. Shehbaz Sharif                           13 May 2025

Prime Minister of Pakistan

Dear Prime Minister,

The four momentous days of May 2025 will be etched forever in the history of Pakistan. They not just make us immensely proud but also provide a historic opportunity to redefine our existence. Must Pakistan not cherish and capture this ‘born again’ moment as a basis for building a new, reformed and progressive Pakistan.

These four days have taught us that nations are not built with cynicism, hatred, irrationality, fluffy speeches or meaningless self-serving narratives. They are built on vision, professionalism, technology, discipline, learning and skills. They are built on systems and institutions and not dependent on individuals or cliches.

Our armed forces made us stand tall and proud. They taught us that the tide of history can be turned by professionalism, building robust systems, learning new skills, adopting digital technologies, preferring competence (over relatives), training hard and demonstrating courage. These are the lessons that can just as well be emulated by every ministry, department, institution, Police, Railway, WAPDA, Steel Mill, EOBI, FBR, Pakistan Post, Schools, Hospitals and Municipalities of Pakistan.

Here is an unparalleled moment to turn the tide of history and to rise from the ashes of gloom and apathy. Begin by adopting humility, simplicity and austerity. Introduce massive reforms, radically downsize government organisations, adopt integrated digital technology, shed the culture of photocopies, affidavits and cronyism, and focus on training, merit, reforms and modern processes in every institution of the government and every aspect of governance.

Finally, the drive for reform will be hollow if it does not uplift our downtrodden communities – the sanitation workers, the security guards, the coal miners, the railway coolies and the factory workers. It’s time we push for equity in our ranks. It is time to dismantle the disproportionate perks, salaries, luxury cars and pensions of our judges, politicians and bureaucrats, and give at least the minimum wage and the old-age pension (EOBI) to our unsung ordinary citizens.

Mr. Prime Minister, we are blessed with a unique opportunity. Capture the moment and change Pakistan forever.

Respectfully,

Naeem Sadiq