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Political Reforms for stable democracy in Pakistan: By Aftab Khan

Present political/ electoral system has repeatedly proved its ineffectiveness, it needs to be reformed to get genuine lawmakers.  The political instability in Pakistan is generally attributed to the frequent military takeovers, though apparently true but they only come once politicians fail miserably. The people always welcome the change, but after few years they are booted out, the cycle continues. Every time during the political crisis the parliament fails to deliver, governments with even 75% majority in the parliament fail miserably resulting in welcome military takeover. One needs to ponder as to what is wrong with the political system in Pakistan? Two aspects needs immediate attention, firstly the quality of politicians or the elected representatives, secondly the prevalent democratic political system. Both are complimentary hence should be viewed together rather than in isolation.
The spirit of democracy is in representation of the will of people through their elected representatives in parliaments. If the parliament does not include representatives from all the segments of society rather represent minority, it will not be democracy but an illusion. This is the reason that there not one uniform political system in the world. There are different democratic systems like Presidential, British Parliamentary system and mix of both. Similarly the systems of voting adopted by different countries are also suitable to the level of education and local environments. Effort is being made here to identify the problems with a view to suggest possible remedies for improvement.  Keep reading>>>>
By Aftab Khan: http://aftabkhan.blog.com
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Jihad and Terrorism: By Aftab Khan

In the present environment of universal turmoil especially in the post 911 scenario, the Muslims have become a target of universal hate propaganda. Some verses from Qur’an are mostly misquoted to defend killing of non believers and to project a permanent state of armed conflict (Jihad) between Muslims and non believers. The ignorant terrorists thus facilitate the anti Muslim lobbies to propagate and project all Muslims as intolerant, war mongers and terrorists. Even some ignorant Muslims also fall pray to this fallacy. It is important that the misconceptions are removed by understanding the concept of Jihad in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah. ‘Tolerance’ has always been hallmark of Islamic heritage; as evident from abridged version of the 1927 Lecture of Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, included in the 2nd part below.
Jihad - Important Doctrine:
Jihad is a very important doctrine of Islam, which lays down guidelines and principles, to be adhered by a Muslim while striving against various forms of resistance, internal (against selfish desires and evil temptations) or external for the cause of Allah. Muslims are required to make persistent effort to serve the cause of Islam. That effort, whatever its future, falls within the meaning of the term “jihad-fi-Sabi-Lillah” (Jihad for the cause of Allah). Jihad is derived from the Arabic word ‘Juhd’, which means “effort”. The verb Jahida means ‘to be tried as a result of exerting an effort or energy; striving, making endeavor’. So Jihad is to contend with difficulties and to work continually, especially with strenuous effort. The term presupposes that such an effort will be made against resistance. Narrated Abu Sa'id al-Khudri:  The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The best fighting (Jihad) in the path of Allah is (to speak) a word of justice to an oppressive ruler. (Sunan of Abu Dawood:2040). While term ‘Jihad’ has wider application, the term Qital is used in the meaning of ‘warfare’ or armed struggle.Qital may be part of Jihad but every Jihad is not necessarily warfare. Keep reading >>>>
By Aftab Khan: http://aftabkhan.blog.com
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Aftab Khan

Aftab Ahamd Khan, born at Lahore, spent early days of childhood in East Pakistan [present Bangladesh]. Studied at FC College Lahore and later Government College [now GC University]. His quest for knowledge lead him to obtain Masters in Business Administration’ and in ‘Political Science’. He also worked in the ‘Corporate Sector’ in multinational environments. He observed divergent cultures during his world wide travels to North America, Europe, Middle East, China, Far East and Australia.
Two incidents influenced his approach towards proper understanding of religions for peace:
Firstly; As religious youth in teens, was highly influenced and motivated by the inflammatory sermons delivered by local mosque Khateeb [Imam/prayer leader] in favor of armed Jihad.  The Mullah also spoke against Molana Abul A’la Modudi, not living very far, which created an urge in the young mind to kill him being infidel, holding anti Islamic views. Thanks God, there were no Taliban and suicide bomber trainers, it remained an urge, never materialized. Allah saved from a heinous sin and crime.
Secondly; In 2001, while travelling to Abbottabad he noticed wall chalking on many mosques on the roadside;کافروں کو جہاں پاؤ قتل کرو  “Kafroon ko jehan pao qatal karo-Quran“  [Kill the non believers where ever you find them-Quran]. This was quite disturbing, how Islam, the religion of peace, could urge its followers for such an insane behaviour,  not compatible with the life of Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him], his companions and hundreds of years of Muslim rule world over? The non Muslims lived as peaceful citizens rather than being killed in Muslim empires.
Hence it was decided to carry out in-depth study of the Quran and later Bible. It was astonishing that while critics of Islam, twist the meanings of Quranic verses to extract the meanings of their liking, same is being done by some  [not all] of the semi literate extremists calling themselves Moulana [Islamic scholar]. He decided to share the knowledge gained through research to remove the misconception about Quran, Islam and Muslims.  The scope of research got expanded to include Bible, Christianity, Judaism and even Atheism. He got further convinced of reality of  obedience and surrender to One God, the Creator  of universe, which many great scientists and philosophers also accept:
“Did blind chance know that there was light and what was its refraction… These and other suchlike considerations, always have, and always will prevail with mankind, to believe that there is a Being who made all things, who has all things in his power, and who is therefore to be feared”: Isaac Newton (1642 – 1727).
“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind”: Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955) 
“Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone. Its evidence before the world is to be sought in my life: if it has been honest and dutiful to society the religion which has regulated it cannot be a bad one”: Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826) 
“Treat the other man’s faith gently; it is all he has to believe with. His mind was created for his own thoughts, not yours or mine”: Henry S. Haskins.
As a freelance writer he works for peace and interfaith peace & harmony. His articles are published in DJ (www.defencejournal.com). The research work has been compiled in the form of books  ،articles، blogs, social media, magazines, and videos  available at:
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