Missing meritocracy

Letter May 13, 2024
Missing meritocracy

KARACHI:

Meritocracy, as a cultural and societal concept, emphasises the allocation of opportunities, rewards and positions based on individuals’ abilities, qualifications and achievements rather than factors such as social status, wealth or personal connections. In a meritocratic society, individuals are judged and rewarded based on their performance and contributions, fostering a sense of fairness, equality and competition.

In the ideal societies, meritocracy is upheld through various mechanisms and institutions that prioritise talent and achievement. In education, for example, students are typically evaluated based on their academic performance and potential, with admission to prestigious universities and opportunities for scholarships and grants being awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional abilities. Similarly, in the workplace, merit-based promotion and compensation systems are common, where employees are rewarded for their skills, productivity, and contributions to the organization.

Furthermore, real democracies often have transparent and competitive political systems where candidates are elected or appointed based on their qualifications, policies and track record rather than their wealth or connections. Meritocracy is also upheld through independent judiciary systems that ensure equal treatment under the law and merit-based selection of judges and legal professionals.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the lack of meritocracy undermines all aspects of life — be that education, employment or even election to parliament. In our country, the culture of meritocracy is often overshadowed by nepotism, favoritism and corruption. Too often, individuals are appointed to positions of power and influence based on familial or political connections rather than their qualifications or abilities. This perpetuates a system of patronage where loyalty and personal relationships take precedence over merit and competence.

In order to foster a culture of meritocracy in Pakistan, concerted efforts are needed to strengthen institutions, promote transparency and accountability and combat nepotism and corruption. This includes implementing merit-based selection processes in education, employment and governance, as well as investing in initiatives to expand access to quality education and opportunities for social mobility. Additionally, there is a need for cultural and attitudinal shifts to prioritise integrity, hard work and achievement over personal connections and privilege. Only by embracing the principles of meritocracy can Pakistan unlock the full potential of its people and realize sustainable social and economic development.

Dr Intikhab Ulfat

Karachi

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2024.

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