Pakistan’s poor governance issue has its roots in colonial heritage. Colonial administration was based on inequality of a master and a servant, or that of a conquer ruler and his subjects.
In this historical background, the Colonial administration was driven by three values which essentially are negative in character i.e. coercion, command and control.
On the contrary, a sovereign independent state is rooted in equality of the citizens and their true representatives and the institutions they man as stipulated in a constitutional democracy.
By default, the governance in a sovereign constitutional democracy is and has to be driven by three eminent values i.e. concern, care and compassion.
In case all the executive, legislative and judicial institutions ingrain the three values in their policies and actions, Pakistan can in a short run attain the goal of a developed nation and a welfare state.
Pakistan’s journey towards effective governance has been influenced by its colonial heritage, where the administration thrived on inequality and control. However, the path to progress lies in embracing the values of concern, care, and compassion, which are essential in a sovereign constitutional democracy.
Understanding the Colonial Legacy: Coercion, Command, and Control Pakistan’s governance challenges can be traced back to its colonial past, where the ruling administration operated on the principles of coercion, command, and control. The colonial masters perceived themselves as superior to the native population, treating them as servants or subjects. This unequal relationship perpetuated an oppressive system that failed to uplift the masses and promote equitable development.
Pakistan’s governance challenges can be traced back to its colonial past, where the ruling administration operated on the principles of coercion, command, and control. The colonial masters perceived themselves as superior to the native population, treating them as servants or subjects. This unequal relationship perpetuated an oppressive system that failed to uplift the masses and promote equitable development.
The Shift Towards a Sovereign Democracy: Equality and Representation In contrast, a sovereign independent state envisions equality among its citizens and their true representatives. A constitutional democracy serves as the foundation for this transformation. In a constitutional democracy, power resides in the hands of the people, exercised through their elected representatives and the institutions they establish. This system fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens, empowering them to shape the nation’s destiny.
The Key Pillars: Concern, Care, and Compassion A successful constitutional democracy relies on the pillars of concern, care, and compassion. These values not only humanize governance but also drive policies that prioritize the welfare of all citizens. By placing the well-being of the people at the core of decision-making, the nation can address pressing social issues and uplift marginalized communities.