Pakistan is a country that emerged as a result of the partition of British India in 1947. The partition was based on the demand of All India Muslim League, a political party that represented the interests of the Muslims of India, who wanted a separate homeland for themselves. The partition was accompanied by a massive and violent migration of millions of people across the new borders, as well as communal riots that killed hundreds of thousands of people. The partition also left many unresolved issues between India and Pakistan, such as the status of Kashmir, the division of assets and liabilities, and the rights of minorities.
The purpose of this article is to identify and analyse the major issues that Pakistan is still facing after independence since 1947. The article will argue that the major issue of Pakistan is the lack of a stable and democratic political system that can address the diverse and complex challenges of the country. The article will also discuss the historical and political factors that have contributed to this situation, as well as the implications and possible solutions for the future of Pakistan.
Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of over 200 million people, is facing multiple crises in 2024 that threaten its stability and security. The country is grappling with a severe economic downturn, a political deadlock, a resurgent Taliban insurgency, a worsening water crisis, and a growing discontent among its ethnic and religious minorities.
The major issue of Pakistan after independence is the lack of a stable and democratic political system that can effectively govern the country and meet the aspirations of its people. Pakistan has experienced frequent military coups, constitutional crises, political assassinations, corruption scandals, and civil unrest that have undermined the legitimacy and authority of the state. The political system has also failed to accommodate the ethnic, linguistic, religious, and regional diversity of the country, leading to the secession of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1971, and the ongoing insurgency and violence in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The political system has also been unable to deliver basic services and development to the majority of the population, resulting in widespread poverty, illiteracy, inequality, and social discontent.
The lack of a stable and democratic political system in Pakistan can be traced back to the historical and political factors that shaped the country's formation and evolution. The British colonial rule in India left behind a weak and divided political and social structure that was based on the principle of divide and rule. The British also favoured the feudal and landed elites, the bureaucracy, and the military over the masses, creating a class of privileged and powerful groups that dominated the politics of Pakistan after independence.
The partition of India and Pakistan was a traumatic and violent event that left deep scars on the psyche and identity of the people of both countries. The partition also created a sense of insecurity and hostility between India and Pakistan, leading to a series of wars and conflicts over Kashmir and other issues. The partition also deprived Pakistan of a natural and historical hinterland and forced it to rely on external allies and patrons for its security and survival.
The idea of Pakistan was based on the concept of the two-nation theory, which asserted that the Muslims of India were a separate and distinct nation from the Hindus, and therefore deserved a separate state. However, this idea was vague and ambiguous, and did not address the question of what kind of state Pakistan would be, and how it would accommodate the diversity and pluralism of its people. The debate over the role of Islam and democracy in the state and society of Pakistan has been a source of contention and conflict among the various political and religious groups and factions.
The political system of Pakistan has been characterized by an institutional imbalance between the civilian and military institutions. The military has been the most powerful and influential institution in the country and has intervened directly or indirectly in the political affairs of the country. The military has also dominated the foreign and security policy of the country and has pursued a strategic doctrine of seeking parity and rivalry with India. The civilian institutions, on the other hand, have been weak and ineffective, and have been unable to assert their authority and autonomy over the military and other state organs.
Another major factor that hinders the development of Pakistan is corruption, which is pervasive and endemic in the public and private sectors. Corruption undermines the rule of law, accountability, and trust in the institutions, and erodes the quality and efficiency of public services, such as health, education, and infrastructure. Corruption also discourages foreign and domestic investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and reduces the tax revenue and fiscal space for development spending. Corruption and other factors stated above are the main cause of the debt burden of Pakistan. In 2024, it is estimated to be around 80% of GDP, which is higher than the 72% in 2020 and the 60% limit set by the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act. The main sources of debt are the domestic debt, which is about 50% of GDP, the external debt, which is about 30% of GDP, and the IMF loans, which are about 3% of GDP.
The lack of a stable and democratic political system in Pakistan has serious implications for the country's internal and external stability and prosperity. The political instability and turmoil in the country has hampered its economic and social development and has increased its vulnerability to internal and external threats. The political system has also failed to address the grievances and demands of the various segments and regions of the country and has alienated and marginalized the people from the state. The political system has also damaged the country's image and reputation in the international community and has limited its potential and opportunities for cooperation and integration with the regional and global actors.
The possible solutions for the major issues of Pakistan after independence require a comprehensive and holistic approach. The political system of Pakistan needs to be reformed and strengthened in accordance with the principles of democracy, federalism, and rule of law. The constitution and the political institutions need to be revised and amended to ensure the separation of powers, the checks and balances, and the accountability and transparency of the state organs. The political system also needs to be more inclusive and representative of the diversity and pluralism of the country, and to ensure the protection and participation of the minorities and the marginalized groups.
The political system of Pakistan needs to establish a civil-military balance that respects the constitutional and democratic role and authority of the civilian institutions and limits the interference and influence of the military in the political affairs of the country. The military also needs to be reformed and professionalized, and to adopt a more realistic and cooperative approach to the foreign and security policy of the country. The civilian institutions, on the other hand, need to enhance their capacity and credibility, and to assume their responsibility and leadership in the governance and development of the country.
The political system of Pakistan needs to foster a national reconciliation and dialogue among the various political and social forces and groups in the country, and to address the historical and contemporary issues and conflicts that have divided and polarized the nation. The political system also needs to promote a culture of tolerance and moderation, and to counter the extremism and violence that have plagued the country. The political system also needs to engage and consult the people and the civil society in the decision-making and policy-making processes, and to create a sense of ownership and belonging among the citizens.
The political system of Pakistan needs to pursue a regional and international cooperation that enhances the security and prosperity of the country, and that contributes to the peace and stability of the region and the world. The political system also needs to resolve its disputes and differences with its neighbours, especially India, and to establish a constructive and cooperative relationship based on mutual respect and interest. The political system also needs to diversify and expand its relations and partnerships with the regional and global actors, and to participate actively and positively in the multilateral forums and initiatives.
Pakistan is a country of challenges and opportunities, which will shape its future and destiny in 2024 and beyond. The country has to overcome its challenges and seize its opportunities, with vision, courage, and determination. The country has to pursue its national interests and aspirations, while also fulfilling its regional and global responsibilities and obligations. The country needs to take a comprehensive and inclusive approach, which involves the participation and cooperation of all the stakeholders, including the government, the opposition, the military, the civil society, minorities, and the international community. The country also needs to adopt a long-term and visionary perspective, which focuses on the development and welfare of its people, rather than the narrow and short-term interests of its elites. The country has the potential and the resources to overcome these crises, if it can harness its strengths and opportunities, and overcome its weaknesses and threats. Pakistan also needs to undertake comprehensive and urgent reforms in its political, economic, and social spheres, such as strengthening its democracy and institutions, diversifying and modernizing its economy, improving its human capital and social services, promoting social cohesion and tolerance, and building constructive and peaceful relations with the international community.
