Prophet Ibrahim’s vision building societal progress on peace and stability

Khursheed Alam
‘…O my Lord! Make the city (Makkah) a place of peace and provide its inhabitants with fruits (economic prosperity)…’
In this prayer, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) earnestly beseeches the Almighty to bestow two fundamental blessings upon the city of Makkah: enduring peace and abundant prosperity. This supplication highlights a universal principle: true economic prosperity is inextricably linked to a foundation of peace and stability. The sequence in Prophet Ibrahim’s prayer is deliberate and instructive. He first seeks security for the city, recognizing that peace is the bedrock upon which all societal progress is built. Once peace is established, the pathway to prosperity becomes attainable, allowing for the flourishing of trade, innovation, and overall well-being.
In today’s interconnected world, the lessons from Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication are more relevant than ever. Political stability and social harmony serve as significant attractive features to both domestic and international investments. Investors meticulously evaluate a country’s environment before committing resources. On a broad scale, the factors considered can be the following:
1. Political and legal stability: A consistent and predictable political climate, underpinned by robust legal frameworks, assures investors that their investments are safeguarded against abrupt policy changes or governmental upheavals. Such stability minimizes the risk of disruptions in business operations, fostering confidence among investors.
2. Economic indicators: Metrics such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, inflation rates, and consumer price indices offer insights into a nation’s economic health and its potential for delivering returns on investment. Positive trends in these indicators signal a conducive environment for business ventures.
3. Market size and potential: The extent of the domestic market, coupled with access to regional markets, determines the potential customer base and scalability of investments. A larger, more accessible market enhances the attractiveness of investment opportunities.
4. Infrastructure quality: Efficient infrastructure including transportation systems, communication networks, and utilities is essential for seamless business operations. Investors are naturally drawn to regions where such facilities are well-developed and reliable.
5. Regulatory environment: Transparent, consistent, and business-friendly regulations, encompassing tax policies and the ease of doing business, reduce bureaucratic obstacles. This transparency nurtures a favorable investment climate by ensuring that businesses can operate without undue hindrances.
6. Exchange rate stability: Stable currency exchange rates mitigate the risk of value erosion for foreign investments, providing a predictable financial landscape that is crucial for long-term planning and profitability.
7. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors: There is a growing emphasis on a country’s commitment to sustainable practices, social responsibility, and strong governance structures. Investors are increasingly considering these factors, recognizing that they contribute to the long-term viability and ethical grounding of their investments.
Assessing Pakistan’s current political and economic landscape reveals significant challenges across various sectors. Political instability has been a persistent issue, undermining economic development and deterring both domestic and foreign investments. This instability often leads to inconsistent policies and governance, creating an environment of uncertainty that hampers long-term planning and growth. The entanglement of political leaders and the establishment in power struggles has diverted attention from essential governance and development tasks. This focus on political maneuvering over national progress has resulted in weakened institutions and a lack of coherent policy implementation. The business community, too, faces challenges such as bureaucratic red tape, corruption, and a lack of transparency, all of which stifle entrepreneurial initiatives and economic expansion.
Legal institutions, tasked with upholding justice and the rule of law, often grapple with inefficiencies and external pressures. These challenges compromise their ability to function impartially, leading to a decline in public trust and further exacerbating societal discord. On external fronts, Pakistan also faces complex challenges. Every happening on the international stages affects Pakistan’s interests. For example, the current strategic move between the United States and India has raised concerns for Pakistan, as it may shift regional power balances and impact Pakistan’s security and diplomatic standing. In the same way, India’s increasing involvement in Afghanistan adds another layer of complexity, potentially challenging Pakistan’s influence and interests in the region. In short, any activity in the globe shakes all the member states and Pakistan is one of the most important in them.
However, in response to external challenges, Pakistan has sought to balance its ties with the major powers, strengthen ties with traditional allies and explore new partnerships, particularly with energy rich nations in Central Asia. However, the success of such initiatives is contingent upon internal stability and cohesive governance. Achieving meaningful progress requires a unified effort from all stakeholders. Political leaders, the military establishment, the business sector, and civil society must prioritize national interests over individual or institutional gains. This involves engaging in open dialogues to address grievances, particularly in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where feelings of marginalization have fueled unrest.
Establishing clear boundaries for institutional roles is also one of the most inevitable moves, essential to prevent overreach and ensure that each entity operates within its designated sphere. Such delineation promotes accountability and reduces conflicts of interest, paving the way for a more stable governance structure. In a nutshell, the ultimate objective is to create an environment conducive to economic development and social harmony. By committing to transparency, justice, and collaborative nation-building, Pakistan can navigate its current challenges and work towards a prosperous future.
The author is a freelance writer with expertise in Social Sciences, history, strategic affairs and ethnic studies.