FIELD Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has repeatedly emphasized that good governance is not merely a political ideal but a strategic necessity for Pakistan.
He envisions: good governance is the cornerstone of national stability, economic resilience and comprehensive national security. He has consistently called for institutional rebuilding, people-centric policies and a transparent governance framework that ensures sustainable development and public trust. According to Field Marshal Asim Munir, the essence of good governance lies in ethical, effective and accountable management of public affairs and resources. It is guided by principles such as transparency, inclusiveness, rule of law, responsiveness, consensus-building, equity and efficiency. These principles ensure that decisions are made with public consent, for the collective good and in a manner that protects human rights while promoting sustainable development. He has particularly stressed infrastructural development and a people-centric approach as the key pillars of his governance vision.
The formative years of Pakistan reflected relatively better governance compared to what is witnessed today after more than seven decades of independence. Instead of improvement and institutional reforms, Pakistan has experienced a gradual decline in governance standards. This is both unusual and alarming, as most states face greater difficulties in their early years due to limited resources, institutional weaknesses and shortage of skilled manpower. Over time, however, states generally mature and strengthen their governance structures. In Pakistan’s case, the opposite trend has emerged, making governance one of the most pressing domestic challenges. The internal problems confronting Pakistan today are largely the outcome of prolonged poor governance. Weak governance creates social vulnerabilities, frustration among the masses and a general sense of alienation from the state. These conditions are often exploited by hostile external forces through espionage networks and proxy strategies, thereby directly affecting national security. Thus, governance failure is no longer just an administrative issue; it has become a strategic threat.
Globally, governance is defined as the process of decision-making and the mechanisms through which these decisions are implemented. Good governance, however, represents an advanced and refined form of governance in which the state effectively meets the needs of society through optimal utilization of available resources while safeguarding national interests. Mere availability of resources does not guarantee good governance. The real test lies in exploring, managing and utilizing these resources in a way that benefits the people. In Pakistan, successive governments have made limited efforts to fully explore national resources or ensure their judicious use for public welfare. Over the past few decades, Pakistan has suffered from institutional decay rather than institutional strengthening. Institutions form the backbone of any governance system, and their efficiency determines the quality of governance. Unfortunately, institutional development has not been prioritized. Without strong institutions, good governance remains an illusion. This vacuum has produced multiple social and political divergences, including ethnic, sectarian and factional divisions. Such divisions have weakened social cohesion and undermined national unity.
Moreover, widespread corruption, lack of accountability, institutional conflicts, constitutional crises, failure of the justice system and deteriorating law and order are all manifestations of poor governance. Corruption, in particular, has penetrated deeply into the state apparatus and spread across most institutions, affecting society through a top-down process. Over the last three decades, this phenomenon has generated insecurity and chaos among the masses. Since corruption originates largely within the elite class, corrective measures should logically begin from the top. However, in practice, accountability efforts have often targeted the lower segments of society, which is a flawed and unjust approach. Politically and economically, Pakistan is passing through one of the most challenging phases of its history. The public is disillusioned with hollow promises and deceptive narratives. What people demand is simple yet fundamental: rule of law, an independent and impartial justice system, affordable basic necessities, an end to social exploitation and restoration of national dignity without excessive dependence on foreign loans. All these aspirations are directly linked to good governance.
In this context, Field Marshal Asim Munir has proposed a comprehensive and inclusive model of good governance. His vision emphasizes that good governance is essential for political stability, national integrity, social harmony, economic growth and overall national security. Throughout 2025, he highlighted the need for a people-centric governance framework capable of addressing both domestic and external challenges. During his interactions with civilian and military leadership, he consistently underscored the importance of institutional unity, effective service delivery and national cohesion.
In his various addresses, he emphasized that lasting peace in Balochistan depends on good governance and inclusive development. He rightly argued that militancy and terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cannot be eliminated through force alone; they require governance reforms, social inclusion and economic opportunities; the people centric approach that addresses the socio-economic deprivations of the masses. Furthermore, Field Marshal Asim Munir has stressed the role of a capable and transparent civil bureaucracy, advocating inter-institutional harmony and a unified national purpose. He has also linked economic stability with national sovereignty, promoting initiatives such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic reforms.
In essence, the vision of CDF, FM Asim Munir about good governance transcends traditional administrative boundaries. It presents governance as a strategic tool for ensuring Pakistan’s survival, stability and prosperity. Without meaningful reforms in governance, Pakistan’s national security will remain fragile. With good governance, however, the country can unlock its true potential and move towards a future of stability, dignity and sustainable development.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
