Opinion | Pakistan: A state ruined!

Pakistan, a nation with a population of approximately 230 million, has achieved nuclear power status, which undoubtedly contributes to its military defence potential and prestige. However, does being a nuclear power alone justify Pakistan’s status as a prosperous nation in the global community? If the possession of nuclear weapons is the sole criterion for a nation’s prosperity, then the concepts of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, education, healthcare, and overall well-being become irrelevant.
In this analysis, we examine the facts that provide insight into Pakistan’s current status as a prosperous state. Pakistan has a democratic constitution that emphasises the exercise of state power and authority through elected representatives of the people. Nonetheless, Pakistan has witnessed several military coups over the past seven decades that have removed democratically elected representatives from power, undermining the constitution’s democratic essence. Not a single people-elected government in Pakistan has completed its full term in the Senate, as the army has sought to maintain control over the country’s governance. This constitutional failure is one of Pakistan’s most significant shortcomings.
Pakistan’s educational system is another area where the country has fallen short. Pakistan is a nuclear power, yet it has the unfortunate distinction of having around 23 million children between the ages of five and sixteen who are not enrolled in school. Many of these children attend Madrassas, religious schools that do not provide a comprehensive education that includes science and technology, which are critical components of modern education. This educational gap is a significant contributor to Pakistan’s employment crisis and the rise of terrorism. Pakistan spends a meagre 1.8% of its gross national production on education, further exacerbating the problem.
Pakistan’s economy is another significant area of concern. One-third of the country’s population lives in poverty, and 30% of the young generation is either illiterate or unskilled. Although 40% of employment in Pakistan depends on agriculture, the sector’s growth has been declining. Pakistan’s economy ranks 153rd in the 2022 Index of Economic Freedom, making it the 34th freest economy in the Asia-Pacific region. Its overall score is below the regional and world averages.
It has been observed that crushing poverty and lack of job opportunities have led to an increase in emigration from Pakistan. According to reports, over 750,000 people have left the country, which is three times higher than the number in 2021. Recently, the National Assembly Elections in Pakistan have caused public distrust in the country’s democracy. There have been allegations of election rigging, with many candidates claiming that the results were manipulated through fake votes. The Guardian newspaper has reported on the protests that erupted across Pakistan, with the Punjab Police arresting PTI-backed candidate Salman Akram Raja in Lahore for participating in a demonstration. Over 100 candidates have expressed their belief that the election results were changed through fraudulent means. Fazlur Rehman, the leader of the religious political party Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam and former head of the democratic alliance that ousted Khan in a vote of no confidence in 2022, has also rejected the election results, alleging that the elections were rigged. He accused some candidates of purchasing entire assemblies in exchange for money.
The rule of law is another area where Pakistan has failed to meet international standards. The legal system in Pakistan is weak, and corruption is endemic in politics, government, and law enforcement. Organized crime and a weak regulatory environment have further weakened the protection of property rights. The judiciary is politicized and subject to external influence and intimidation by extremist groups and high-ranking political officials.
Pakistan’s ethnic diversity is another challenge to the nation’s national integration. While the founder of Pakistan, Mr Jinnah, once declared that all Pakistanis should behave and act as one, the separation of East Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh as a separate nation based on Bangla ethnicity only 25 years later demonstrate the difficulties of national integration in Pakistan. The Pashtun, Balochi, and Sindhi ethnic groups have also been politically struggling for their independence, which poses a threat to the state’s unity and stability.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s nuclear power status does not necessarily translate to its status as a prosperous and thriving state. The country’s constitutional failures, educational deficiencies, economic struggles, weak rule of law, and ethnic challenges are hindrances to its development and progress. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring Pakistan’s future success as a prosperous and stable state.