Failure of Governance in Pakistan | Ali Malik Tariq

Power, acquired through ballot or bullet, when misused to thwart rule of law leads to institutional and economic collapse, rise in crime, lawlessness and even terrorism or anarchy that has taken roots in Pakistan. The only doctrine which can save Pakistan is one enunciated by Quaid-e-Azam, which is a democratic welfare state where every institution is accountable and is there to serve and protect their rights. The solution is submission by all citizens irrespective of their official status to writ of law. The problem is not with the presidential system or parliamentary system but with the mindset of those at the helm who consider state, its resources and people are there to serve them, not for them to serve people. Without a credible system of accountability, prosecution and punishment, a state cannot function.

Repetitive military interventions, starting from 1956 onwards, where men belonging to disciplined uniformed services have involved in civil matters, while many amongst them succumb to temptations and greed, has adversely impacted these vital sensitive institutions while development of civil institutions is retarded. Billions invested on national security infrastructure cannot justify permitting private militias which history ordains always turn on their mentors.

Moral bankruptcy plagues our paid civil cum uniformed bureaucracy, judiciary, law enforcement and elected executive which can be gauged from paucity of funds for upkeep of Flag Staff House, personal residence of Quaid-e-Azam, but no dearth of funds for numerous private houses declared official residences of PM or President or ever expanding residential housing societies under the garb of welfare of paid servants of the state. We forget that Pakistan was created for economic welfare of its people and improvement in human resource development and not for welfare of an elite cadre or group. Any government which abuses its power to patronise and protect tax evasion is guilty of financial crimes against state, a crime which even the parliament cannot waive.

Source: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/11/20/comment/failure-of-governance-in-pakistan/