The institutions in Pakistan are on a rollercoaster, currently facing social, political and economic hardships including polarisation, political blame games, economic stagnation and public resistance. This further complicates the state’s progress, along with conflicts between state institutions such as the parliament and judiciary.
These problems are creating a trust deficit between the state and its subjects. The gap is then filled in by different non-state actors who further deteriorate the country’s situation. Institutional conflicts result in weak policies and weak integration of institutions, providing a safe space for terrorists. We have the example of a surge in terrorist attacks in KP, while both provincial and federal governments are busy blaming each other.
This gap and the public’s exclusion from key policies also gives rise to public resistance against the state and its institutions. Mass protests, anti-state activities and resistance movements all spring from this issue. The gap also creates an opportunity for international interference, further turning the public against their own state.
To address all of these issues, we must fill the gap through brotherhood and political inclusivity. Both the government and opposition should be respected and given a fair chance to serve public interest, instead of engaging in verbal confrontations and retaliation. Both should collaborate to make policies that serve public interest, and both should be held equally accountable if they fail to do so. Political participation should also be equitable from all provinces, as well as opportunities for them. Only then will the state of Pakistan progress along with its citizens, both nationally and internationally.
Jamshaid Kakar
Loralai
