About Us
“Criterion” was founded by S. Iftikhar Murshed in 2006. The inaugural note published in the first issue (Oct-Dec 2006) emphasized the predominant threat at the time to global peace as terrorism that, post 9/11, stigmatized the Muslims as terrorists and extremists because of the actions of a radicalized minority that professed Islam. The religion’s doctrinaire emphasis on peace, the fact that Muslims were at the forefront in the fight against terrorism and a majority of the victims of these terrorist attacks were also Muslims was ignored.
The overarching objective of Criterion, therefore, became the negation of misconceived notions pertaining to the faith and the projection of the fundamental tenets of the religion that emphasized rationalism and based its worldview on peace and harmony.
Current global geopolitical strategies have shifted as great power rivalries, polarization, the rightist pushback on globalization and the resurgence of nationalism, recession and inflation, and climate change have become dominant flashpoints. The threat of terrorism has been relegated to a peripheral slot.
In the context of Pakistan—while internal security threats persist—urbanization, the expansion of the middle class and access to information have altered the dynamics of the nation. Furthermore, political instability, a fragile debt-ridden economy, inflation, the devastating effects of climate change and the incapacity of state institutions to alleviate the plight of the citizens are radicalizing a polarized nation whereby “values and institutions are losing their relevance”. The most basic (fundamental) expectations of a citizen—employment, healthcare, education, security and justice (rule of law)—are not being met.
Institutions need to be responsive, and regulations need to be continuously reexamined to efficiently provide appropriate state services. Elitist entitlement needs to be supplanted by meritocracy. Polarization needs to be replaced by an overarching and unifying national sentiment. Long term innovative economic policies need to be implemented to attract FDI, create jobs and boost export-oriented industry. Democracy and its associated institutions need to work for the people who must no longer feel marginalized by the elite and must be intricately associated as stakeholders of a system that is essential for the welfare of the individual and the state.
The reforms/restructuring required for such radical overhauling cannot be piecemeal. A wholistic approach is needed whereby law, juridical principles, polity, economics, education, social advancement, human rights (especially those of women and minorities), culture, science, technology, environmental issues and foreign policy need to be addressed.
The purpose of Criterion Quarterly is to address these pivotal issues affecting the lives of millions in Pakistan by helping evolve principles for policy formulation (suggesting remedial steps that the government could take).
The views expressed in “Criterion” articles are entirely those of the authors. The journal is neither for nor against any political party. It aspires to present its readers with different opinions which they are welcome to accept or reject through online comments, emails, twitter, etc.
S. Mushfiq Murshed
Editor-in-Chief