By Syed Shams Uddin
The Imperative of Our Time: Peaceful Coexistence and Collective Progress
In an age marked by global crises, cultural interdependence, and shared struggles, peaceful coexistence is no longer a choice—it is a matter of survival, dignity, and collective progress. The greatest bond we share is that of humanity. Regardless of religion, sect, ethnicity, or region, we must live together as one people—united not by uniformity of belief, but by a common resolve to build a just and humane society.
Let faith, ethnicity, and sect remain personal—where they rightfully belong. Across the globe, people thrive side by side without letting their beliefs become tools of division. Why then should we act differently? Why turn inherited identities into battlegrounds?
Hatred, no matter how cleverly disguised—as political disagreement, righteous indignation, or cultural pride—is corrosive. It adds nothing to the public good, erodes the foundation of community, and depletes the energy required to build a better future. Religion, caste, sect, or race—these are accidental inheritances, not personal achievements. Judging others on these grounds is not wisdom—it is blindness.
The belief in superiority—whether based on sect, race, caste, or creed—is among the gravest afflictions of our society. It shackles us in cycles of discord, perpetuating hate across generations. We must break free by rising above these inherited prejudices. We owe it to ourselves and to those yet to come.
No one has the right to play judge or god over someone else's path. Every individual’s choices—what they eat, wear, believe, or prioritize—are theirs alone. Arrogance dressed as moral policing is not virtue. It is hubris. If judgment belongs to anyone, it belongs to God.
Let us also recognize that life’s journeys diverge. Some soar ahead, others fall behind. Neither path determines worth. Instead of learning from each other, we often choose envy and resentment—setting fire to our own peace of mind. Jealousy is self-harm disguised as criticism, and social media has become a mirror of this displaced blame and insecurity.
Those who spread hate—on religious, sectarian, ethnic, or regional grounds—are not just sowing division. They are enemies of your future. They rob you of peace, prosperity, and unity. The cost of their rhetoric is paid by the people—often in blood, broken trust, and lost opportunity.
Let us then become one people. Let us stand together in trial and rejoice together in triumph. Let us stop inflating minor disagreements into ego wars. If hardship befalls your community, respond with unity, not suspicion. Do not weaponize religion or region for personal agendas—the price is always too high.
We have been blessed with peace after great hardship. Let us not waste it again. Now is the time for empathy, unity, and coexistence. It is not negotiable.
Let us embrace our shared humanity—caring for one another, sharing each other's sorrows and burdens. In letting go of hate, we make space for peace, love, and progress. A new dawn is possible, but only if we choose it together.
The Power of Unity: Success Through Shared Purpose
True success—whether in building a nation, leading a community, or transforming society—is never achieved alone. It is the outcome of people uniting, collaborating, and striving toward a shared vision.
When individuals pool their strengths and talents, the resulting synergy surpasses what any one person could achieve. Teamwork multiplies effort, harmonizes diversity, and channels it into purposeful action. History proves that the greatest milestones in science, social reform, and progress have been achieved not by isolated brilliance, but by cooperation and collective resolve.
Real success lies in shared responsibility, mutual trust, and resilience. It emerges when hearts and minds align to overcome challenges and bridge differences. It is not just a destination—it is a testament to unity, commitment, and common cause.
A Life of Meaning: Purpose Over Prejudice
Life is too brief and uncertain to be burdened by inherited divisions and petty disputes. Let us focus instead on what truly matters—cultivating purpose, embodying integrity, and striving to leave behind a legacy that uplifts and unites.
We have a moral responsibility—to ourselves and to the generations yet to come—to shape a world where peaceful coexistence is not an aspiration, but a living reality.
Let that be our highest achievement. Alongside, there must be a robust dispute resolution mechanism in place on the part of the government, working diligently to resolve any societal disputes that may arise. Such sustained and continuous efforts, if kept in motion, are bound to yield tangible results for the greater good of society.
A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...
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