Brig Naseem Akhtar Khan (R)
THIS is my third article in a row, on governance in Pakistan. First two articles, earlier published in “Pakistan Observer” was an attempt to highlight the distressing state of governance in our country and convey my understanding in the context of my own experience through direct/indirect access at various levels of government machinery. I did this out of a sense of responsibility to my country, urging patriotic Pakistanis to realise the gravity of the situation. As a follow-up with a more objective effort to express my viewpoint which is based on analysis of foreseen and predicted trends/scenarios, this write-up is aimed at identifying some obvious choices for us, that can best adapt to the circumstances.
Along the way, I have tried to explore critical elements of our emerging governance through a realistic examination of our strengths, an analysis of shortcomings and a search for choices to leap forward. I don’t pretend to know answers to all of our problems and shortcomings but after having seen the slide down in our governance from a close quarter, I have tried to bring together what we can reasonably do, to get back on a track that should lead us to a strong Pakistan that we deserve by all standards. Pakistan is a state held together solidly by the patriotism of its people and in-built strength of its civil & military institutions. While we do have many systemic and structural issues in the areas of security and governance, Pakistani people and the state are resilient, and have proved this inherent strength on numerous occasions.
Pakistan’s strong geo-political/strategic position in the region and impregnable defence capability are our real strength. Our geo-strategic location at crossroads of Asia, accessibility to China, Russia and Central Asian States with rich economic potential and our capacity to provide them an outlet to almost the entire world, gives us an un-matching advantage and potential to develop a strong transit economy. While our relationship with the Chinese continues to grow, relations with Muslim Ummah also look promising. A more reconciliatory White House confirms the important leverage, Pakistan possess in the region. Hostile neighbours area permanent threat that requires us to remain cautious. On the economic front, Pakistan’s economic indicators show a constant progression, duly recognised by international monetary organisations. We have plenty of the resources to generate our economy. All we need is a productive exploitation of our assets and set standards for fair trade and ethics. Our youth which makes up over 60 per cent of the population, if given requisite skills and knowledge, can become a big boost to our economy. Regrettably, Pakistan lacks institutions, infrastructure and incentives for human capital formation.
Sliding standards in governance has been the major weak link in getting things done in Pakistan. Political instability, breakdown of law and order and increased ethnic/sectarian violence, continue to remain our problem areas. Government institutions have also suffered tremendously over all these years. Besides, being politicised, most of them have lost their merit and authenticity. Unfortunately, our judicial system also falls much short of the proclamation of equal justice for all. Some groups amongst the lawyers, unfortunately also a breeding ground for most of the judges at the superior courts in the country, is another mafia to be tackled with. Our political system controlled by feudalists and industrialists, is a complete elite capture and has been the root cause of the situation that we face today. Our education system has lost its meaning and relevance, causing us lower standards of education, regional inequalities, and backwardness. Religious radicalisation and its exploitation by the vested interests is another serious threat that we confront. Role of some media houses is also a big question mark. In a nutshell, we have two-front war at hand. While, we have a huge number of foreign adversaries to counter, we have brigades of enemies within to fight and eliminate the root causes that promote/nourish such tendencies. While our geo-political/geo-strategic strengths, in-built resilience, strong defence capability and abundant economic potential provide us a power to reckon with, we have a long list of grey areas to tackle.
Societies do not change overnight and so does their culture and politics. It is a gradual process and needs long-term endeavours, thoughtfully planned, and meticulously executed. To put the base-line in order, it is, therefore, important that we adapt a governance system that can adequately absorb the existing jerks and cracks in our prevailing political/cultural environment and gradually leap forward to bring in realistic changes into our political/cultural environment. Without mincing the words, the prevailing scenario suggests a presidential form of governance to meet the challenges that we confront. A strong and well-organised local bodies system is equally essential to work side by side, that empowers the lower tiers of the society and give a voice to smaller segments of the political/ethnic/sectarian groups who may feel handicap when confronted with bigger political parties coming in power in a presidential form of the government.
Security implications of the geo-strategic environment and emerging importance of military diplomacy at international level, suggest that defence forces should be associated with the governance as part of a potent National Security Council. Institutional reforms and a fair/transparent accountability system will be essential to support the revitalization process. A closer interaction between Civil Services Academy, National Police Academy and Pakistan Military Academy/NDU, will boost inter-institutional harmony and collective wisdom. Long awaited police reforms need to be thoughtfully planned and executed. Our educational system needs re-streaming with religious education as an integral part of our curriculum. Madrassa’s running with foreign funding need to cease. Selection and appointment of religious scholars as government officers, as a part of civil services, to administer the mosques in the country, will be a great step forward for authentic interpretation of Islam and create religious harmony. All this may seem to be a tall order, but everything looks impossible until it is done!
— The writer is Security Management Professional, based in the UAE.
