Jinnah's lost dream

Walk through the streets of any Pakistani city or town, and the reality is bleak: a state struggling to meet the most basic needs of its people. Roads crumble, healthcare collapses, schools underperform, and opportunities for a decent quality of life and employment are scarce. Corruption has seeped into every institution meant to safeguard citizens, while the poor remain trapped in deprivation. Nearly half the population lives below the poverty line, while a small elite enjoys privileges with impunity. This is not the result of misfortune or circumstance; it is the cumulative effect of decades of political opportunism, weak governance and leadership that have consistently placed personal or partisan interests above the nation's welfare.

When Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned Pakistan, he imagined a state governed by law, followed by democratic norms and inclusive of all its citizens. He made it clear that Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other communities were equal stakeholders in the nation. Freedom, justice and dignity were not to be privileges for a select few but the birthright of every citizen. Institutions were to be capable, accountable and independent; leadership was to be principled, farsighted and committed to the public good. Jinnah's vision combined moderate religious principles with the rigour of secular governance — a blueprint designed to withstand the pressures of time.

The divergence between that vision and present-day Pakistan is glaring. Political instability and short-term policymaking have hollowed out the very institutions meant to serve the public. Patronage politics dominates decision-making, corruption is rampant and opportunity remains concentrated among a narrow elite. Ordinary citizens bear the brunt: millions struggle to access quality education, healthcare and essential civic services. Governance failures are not abstract concepts; they are tangible, lived experiences etched into the daily lives of Pakistanis.

The statistics are alarming. The World Bank reports that nearly 44.7% of Pakistanis live below the international poverty line. Transparency International ranks Pakistan 135th out of 180 countries for corruption, exposing chronic governance weakness. On the Human Development Index, Pakistan stands 161st out of 189 countries, with widespread deficiencies in health, education and living standards that leave millions struggling. The economic sector is in doldrums. Growth has been inconsistent, investment remains weak and job creation has not kept pace with a youth population that makes up nearly two-thirds of the country. Frequent policy reversals fail long-term development.

The contrast with Jinnah's vision is striking. Following Jinnah's ideals requires democratic and accountable leadership. Leadership must be national in focus, principled in action and committed to institutional integrity. Institutions must function independently, free from political interference and governance must be transparent, accountable and consistent.

Structural reform, investment in human development and policy consistency are indispensable. Healthcare, education and economic opportunity must be prioritised, particularly for the marginalised and the youth. Leadership must act with courage, placing national interest above personal ambition, while institutions must be strengthened to operate independently and effectively.

Pakistan's promise is neither lost nor beyond reach. It is a promise deferred by choices that can still be redirected. Reconnecting with Jinnah's ideals — equality, justice, accountable governance — is not an exercise in nostalgia. It is a moral and strategic necessity. A state that fulfills these ideals will restore public trust, enable social mobility and unlock the country's economic and political potential. Until such leadership emerges, Pakistan will continue to fall short of the aspirations of its people, and the nation's founding promise will remain an unfulfilled hope.