This entry is about good governance challenges in Pakistan. This read will cater to the needs of students, teachers as well as those interested in politics and governance. So have a nice read and do not forget to share your feedback i.e. any comment, suggestions, questions in the comment option at the end of the article.
Contents
What is good governance?
The concept of “governance” refers to the process of decision-making and its implementation. Good governance is an approach to deliver and ensure social justice, economic development, and peace.
In other words, it is the provision of civil liberties and equal opportunities for individual and collective development
What are the obstacles in the way of good governance in Pakistan?
The following are the good governance challenges in Pakistan.
1. Weak institutional set-up
One of the prerequisites to establish good governance in any country is the presence of strong and independent institutions. Unless institutions are made stronger than individuals, good governance would remain a far dream in Pakistan.
Institutions related to policing and accountability work under severe political pressure and other influence of other stronger institutions. The country has witnessed little effort in building institutions on a stable footing right from day.
The powerful and influential also dominate politics, the economy, and all departments of life. Institutions like the National Accountability Bureau most often act at the behest of the government rather than on merit. Consequently, bringing the criminals to justice and inquire about the cases of powerful people esp. those part of or links with the government becomes impossible.
2. Political instability
In more than 72 years, Pakistan has remained under the dictatorial rule for more than 34 years leaving little space for political institutions and a democratic system to grow. After the end of a decade’s long dictatorship, the country witnesses installation of a new political system from scratch.
The new political system is dismissed and bulldozed before it gets mature and this vicious circle has been repeating since independence. Political parties are also used against each other at the behest of those more powerful which has acted as a roadblock on way leading towards good governance.
3. Rampant corruption
Corruption is one of the big good governance challenges in Pakistan. There is hardly any organization both in the private and public sector that could claim pure merit in its routine business.
The menace of corruption across the institutions and at all levels is resulting in lawlessness and underdevelopment of the nation. The absence of an impartial and independent accountability system has resulted in the growth of this monster rather than preventing it.
4. Lack of accountability and transparency
Accountability occupies a key place in the establishment of good governance. Social justice and national development cannot be thought of in the absence of strict accountability of the rulers and the institutions of the state. But, it is very hard to find it in Pakistan’s weak institutional setup.
5. The poor situation of law and order
Pakistan, unfortunately, has witnessed poor law and order situations for decades. Street crimes, incidents murder of children after sexual abuse, rape, abduction of ransom, target killing in bright daylight have become a routine. People do not feel safe and secure when they get out of their homes. Terrorist activities killing the lives of innocent people had become a rule rather than an exception until recently.
Furthermore, religious places, schools, and sensitive places need safeguard and security for fear of terrorism. This sorry state of law and order has kept the investors away from the country negatively impacting the economy of the country.
