Computerised passports have become a hot topic of discussion in the electronic as well as in print media. The main reason for this discussion is exclusion of the religion column from passports. Many private television channels have arranged discussions and dialogues on this issue. Some opposition parties have repeated their instinct of going against every brave step taken by the present government, by making it a religious issue to get political benefit by provoking the public against the government.
These opposition parties are using innocent citizens for their own benefits by wasting their time and wealth in the form of processions and strikes.
A passport is considered as an international identity for any citizen all round the world. It leaves the first impression on any foreign embassy.
Religion is one's personal matter and must not be a part of one's international identity. One should be recognised all round the world from one's nationality rather than religion.
A few months ago, Pakistan was the only country in the world to include religion of a passport-holder in passport, not a single country, including all the Muslim States except Pakistan, mentioned religion in their passports.
Pakistan was created on the name of Islam. I am sorry to say that some political parties in our country, including those who have always insisted on having an Islamic society in Pakistan, have not yet studied Islam in the true sense.
Islam is such a beautiful way of living that it provides equal opportunities of respect, growth and progress for all the people living in an Islamic community, irrespective of their religion.
All the citizens of Pakistan should have equal access to justice, employment and other resources.
If we don't stop religious favouritism in every part of life in our country then we are preparing a very thick wall of disgust in the way of progress and prosperity by our own hands. Minorities can take more active part in Pakistan's progress if they get freedom.
We can use our manpower in a better way by making all the citizens a true lover of Pakistan and by uniting all the people from all tribes and religions that are in our country under a common label of Pakistani. We must be proud to be a Pakistani.
In my opinion, exclusion of religion from passports is a positive step towards the making of Quaid-e-Azam's Pakistan and it must not be taken back. It will help in making harmony among all religions in Pakistan. People from all the religions will contribute in the progress of our country. It may reduce religious terrorism.
Even after exclusion of religion column from Pakistani passports, a stamp describing the religion of passport-holder is put on the fourth page of the new computerised passports.
This must be stopped; otherwise there will be no benefit of exclusion of religion column. Authorities must investigate it and exclude that stamp also.
I am quite sure that new passports without mention of religion will represent all Pakistanis in a better way all round the world.
Now when we already have entered the 21st century, let us pray that may Allah the Almighty guide our leaders and help them bring about healthy changes that are essential for a prosperous Pakistan.
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