Lessons from a lost decade

Erosion of key institutions and deepening fissures of social and political polarisation further hampered progress

Pakistan has produced many lost decades. It is difficult for a country like Pakistan not to look back and be seized by a boundless sense of loss. But these past ten years have felt more intense. Many explanations can be given. Perhaps this lost decade feels more intense because many of us are aging. Or it is because more of us are around and the country, particularly the city you live in, feels crowded. But these ten years will remain etched in the annals of history because something broken kept getting worse. From prolonged, paralysing sit-ins to the shenanigans of the powers that be, unprecedented floods to the backbreaking economic crises, we witnessed all our nightmares come true.

As the nation grappled with sluggish economic growth, its youthful potential largely remained untapped. The erosion of key institutions and the deepening fissures of social and political polarisation further hampered progress. While pockets of light emerged, the overall narrative was painted in shades of stagnation, leaving many yearning for a brighter dawn. It is through this lens of introspection, acknowledging both the shadows and glimmers of the past decade, that we embark on a critical examination of its lessons and chart a course towards a more promising future. Remember, dear reader, understanding the missteps of the past is not an exercise in self-flagellation but a necessary step towards building a Pakistan that genuinely lives up to its potential. Let us begin.

A decade, in the grand narrative of nations, is but a blip. Yet, the past ten years for Pakistan have been etched in stark relief, a period marked by both progress and peril. As we stand at the threshold of a new era (or is it?) shaped by the recent elections, introspection is not merely an indulgence but a necessity. It is with this spirit that we delve into the lessons gleaned from a tumultuous decade, lessons that carry the weight of our collective journey and illuminate the path ahead.

The allure of populism, with its seductive promises of swift solutions and charismatic leadership, has repeatedly ensnared our nation. We have fallen prey to narratives that oversimplify complex issues, neglecting the arduous climb towards sustainable development. The scars of unsustainable policies, ballooning deficits, and eroded trust in institutions serve as stark reminders of the perils of this seductive mirage.

The insidious poison of division has infiltrated our social fabric, carving us into opposing camps based on ideology, ethnicity, and even faith. This zero-sum game, where one’s victory necessitates another’s defeat, has fueled political polarisation and stunted national progress. The wounds of intolerance, the yearning for justice, and the echoes of unresolved conflicts demand a more inclusive vision of ourselves, one that recognises the strength inherent in our diversity.

We have failed to adequately invest in our most precious resource — our youth. Education, the cornerstone of progress and innovation, has languished on the periphery. This neglect has resulted in a generation yearning for opportunities, their potential stifled by inadequate skills and limited choices. This, dear reader, is a ticking time bomb that threatens to derail our aspirations for a brighter future.

The weakening of institutions, the bedrock of a stable and just society, has been a defining feature of the past decade. The judiciary, media, and other vital organs have repeatedly been taken for a ride by vested interests. This erosion of trust creates a vacuum, fertile ground for corruption and the abuse of power. Rebuilding trust and strengthening institutions are not mere options but imperatives for a thriving future. How we do it is the real question. At this point, a solution eludes me.

And finally, a political class that is so deeply divided and focused only on its shortsighted interest that it refuses to acknowledge the other side as a legitimate force. Little do these forces realise that the existence of the opposing camp only ensures their own survival. Neither shall perish while the other survives. In recent years, the PTI might have taken this polarisation to a new level, but another lost decade, namely the nineteen nineties, bears testimony to its existence even before this era. And when this polarisation, a sense of entitlement, and anger lead to disastrous missteps like the letter being written to the IMF by the opposition, it becomes tough for the champions of democracy to keep advocating for democratic principles.

Perhaps the most odious is the blatant abuse of religion to settle political scores. In a country where religious, political parties repeatedly fail to win even ten percent of the popular vote, a mixture of political expediency and cowardice keeps handing them a larger-than-life and intimidating hold over the national psyche. Consider this. The country lost countless heroes in its fight against terrorism. And just like that, in a few months, the elements on the run were brought back to life by sheer expediency. Likewise, the largest group of independents supported by the PTI in the national assembly refused to talk with any mainstream party and chose a religious outlier to offer them a name.

However, amidst the shadows, flickers of hope persist. The indomitable spirit of our people, their unwavering resilience, is a testament to our innate strength. We see it in the young entrepreneurs defying the odds, in the voices raised against injustice, and in the hands reaching out to build bridges across divides.

Building a Better Tomorrow: The challenges remain daunting, but despair is not an option. The lessons learned, however bitter, provide the foundation for a brighter future. We must:

Embrace Sustainable Development: Invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for a self-reliant and prosperous future.

Foster Unity in Diversity: Celebrate our differences, recognising our strength lies in our collective tapestry. Let dialogue replace discord, empathy conquer prejudice.

Empower Youth and Institutions: Invest in our youth, equipping them with the skills and opportunities they deserve. Strengthen institutions, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring transparency.

Hold Ourselves Accountable: Demand accountability from our leaders, ourselves, and others. Reject apathy, complacency, and the easy excuses of the past. Not the kind that goes on at the NAB but a genuine attempt to take stock of the mistakes committed.

The journey ahead will be arduous, demanding collective effort and unwavering commitment. But as we move forward, let us carry the lessons of the past, not as burdens, but as guides. Let us walk this path together, not as divided factions, but as a united nation, determined to build a Pakistan that truly lives up to its potential. The footprints we leave today will shape the path for generations to come. Let us make them footprints of progress, unity, and a nation finally realising its promise.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2024.

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