Pakistan isn’t progressing because of nepotism

Giving preferences to relatives (nepotism), abusing power by promoting close friends on advantageous opportunities (cronyism), or favouring subordinates by degrading ethical standards (patronage) acts as a limitation in the nation's human development. While Pakistan often attributes its challenges to imperfect policies and internal power conflicts, this critical juncture that restricted substantial advancement is frequently overlooked.

The detrimental presence of these practices has perpetuated socio-economic disparities, hampered merit-based credentials, and hindered the equal chance for the prosperous well-being of the citizens of Pakistan. This blog aims to highlight the need for the government to make the system transparent for a diligent, productive, dynamic, and dedicated workforce across various sectors that can guarantee the sustainable development of the nation.

Despite having a 60% population comprising of youth, Pakistan's ranking in the social development index is constantly decreasing. The country's social development is limited because of the governing authorities' preferential treatment of their kith and kin. Job references are the only criterion that can guarantee job security, be it from the federal government to local bodies, from political party's organisations to private businesses and even in non-government organisations.

This abuse of power affects virtually all human resource activities. It not only resists new creative solutions but also gives momentum to inefficient resource allocation that stifled innovations. It contributes to the loss of human capital and brain drain that could otherwise be utilised in a nation's development. A recent study by the World Bank identified that the shortage of skilled workers in a country is the main cause of poor industrial growth and sustainable development. According to the data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, within the first two months of 2023, around 127,400 Pakistanis opted to utilise their skills abroad.

The study, highlighting the intellectual causes of brain drain in Pakistan, reports that discrimination in appointments and promotion based on political affiliation or loyalty rather than merit-based is the root cause for the outflow of talented workers from Pakistan.

The unfair support shown to one person or group in different sectors of life is a common practice. For instance, major political parties, such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), are verified examples of nepotism. The Bhutto family dictates the PPP, having a strong influence in Sindh, where they established a significant nepotistic web with various feudal landlords, interest groups, and religious and ethnic communities. In exchange for political loyalty and support, the party has been known to distribute key positions to incompetent, power-hungry subordinates. Regarding PML-N, members of the Sharif family hold key ranks in the party, leaving no room for other competent party members. They have a strong base in Punjab, due to which they are often known for extending their bias to regional local power brokers, industrialists, business elites, and traders, who operate for personal rather than national interests.

In contrast, the party that came to break such structures also failed to untie the knots within the party organisation. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), being relatively newer, has positioned itself as an anti-corruption, merit lover, but with time, it failed to sustain its values by practising the principles of patronage. Instead of prioritising competition and merit, the party appointed ministers based on their populist following, leading to a significant gap in formulating sustainable long-term policies. It is one of the many reasons Imran Khan and his administration failed to complete their term of government.

In the same way, cronyism is a practice that undercuts merit and fair opportunity in both partisan and non-partisan institutions. This net catches every fish in the ocean, even one that is built to follow true aptitude and art. For instance, the entertainment industry of Pakistan blurred the boundaries between actual talent and ancestral connections. While the field often highlights outstanding actors who have come to success through their sheer commitment and talent, it cannot be denied that individuals with existing familial ties inside the industry have received preferential treatment.

Mehwish Mahar, an analyst, while explaining the ‘historical development of nepotism, favouritism, in Pakistan’, said that the outcome of such practices annihilates nations' economic growth as well. In 2022, according to the World Bank estimates, Pakistan experienced a growth rate of 4%. However, in 2023, this growth declined by 50%.

This constant pessimism occurs due to many reasons; however, the exclusion of talented minds from the system remains a hindrance in the path of progress. To foster transparency within the system, social change must prevail.

First and foremost, a transformation of the political structure should be facilitated. The key lies in the transition of power. To realise this vision, political parties must institute a practice of conducting intra-party elections. By electing individuals with innovative ideas and progressive visions to the forefront of the party, a resounding message of both democracy and meritocracy can be propagated. Simultaneously, such a step can kindle hope within the middle class, motivating them to step forward and become agents of good.

Second, the principle of impartiality and equality in public recruitment should be employed by every institution in the country. This entails that these procedures must be open and transparent with pre-advertising the positions and information.

Finally, the government should strive to develop a systematic approach for institutions. To counter nepotism, cronyism, and patronage, they should establish a strong preventive mechanism for ensuring policy compliance that could report and sanction misconduct.

In conclusion, Pakistan's capacity to successfully handle the deeply ingrained problems of nepotism, cronyism, and patronage will determine how far the country advances. These practices, which have infiltrated many facets of the socio-economic fabric of the country, pose tremendous barriers to meritocracy and equal development. Coordinated efforts are imperative to end such practices and put Pakistan on the path of progress.