The Decline of the Pakistani State

Introduction:

The Pakistani state has faced significant challenges in recent years, with issues such as increased political violence, the emergence of militant groups, and the exercise of state-like authority by influential social actors parallel to the state.

This has led to a debate about the decline of state capacities in Pakistan, with the country ranking 13th in the "high alert" category among 171 states in the world in the 2015 "fragile states" report.

Factors Contributing to the Decline of the Pakistani State:

Institutional failures: The constitutional deviations by the military and civilian oligarchy and the subordination of the judiciary and other state institutions to personal power interests have contributed to the decline of the state.

Corruption: Bribes, excessive patronage, and tolerance of corruption have led to a lack of trust in state institutions and a decline in their ability to perform their functions, particularly in the areas of justice and social order.

Dual standards: The creation of dual-track policies and double standards for the powerful and influential has sustained the dominance of traditional ruling groups and led to a perceived lack of accountability.

Misuse of constitutional power and authority: Party leaders and activists have misused constitutional power and authority, leading to a culture of dual standards and a lack of accountability.

Weakness of Pakistani society: The inability of Pakistani society to cultivate a responsible and responsive elite class has contributed to the decline of the state.

The Impact of Radical Islam on the Pakistani State:

Rise of extremist ideas and groups: The tilt toward the political right and the rise of extremist ideas and groups in Pakistan can be traced back to a neglect of social development and the use of extremist groups as proxies in foreign wars.

The decline of mainstream political parties: The growth in radical Islam is almost equally tied to the declining legitimacy of mainstream political parties in Pakistan, which are run by dynastic politicians.

Loss of sovereign control: The spread and intensity of the national internal security threat have resulted in a loss of sovereign control in some areas of Pakistan.

Population Growth and youth bulge in Pakistan

Pakistan's population has grown significantly in recent decades, with the country now boasting nearly 195.4 million citizens as of 2015-2016. This rapid growth has resulted in a youth bulge, with 38% of the population under the age of 25. Unfortunately, this younger generation has been largely neglected by both military and civilian governments, resulting in high levels of unemployment and disillusionment with the current system of governance. Many young people have turned to extremist ideologies and militant groups as a means of finding purpose and empowerment. To address this issue, Pakistan must prioritize universal, high-quality education and skill development in order to empower its youth and prevent further crises. This investment in human resources will also be essential for the country's future progress and stability. In addition, addressing corruption and improving the overall quality of governance will be crucial in order to build trust in the state and its institutions among the population.

Conclusion: The need for a futuristic vision focusing on youth development in Pakistan

In conclusion, the decline of the Pakistani state has been a complex process that has been influenced by a variety of social and political forces, both institutional and informal. The state's declining legitimacy and effectiveness can be traced back to the constitutional deviations and subordination of key institutions to the interests of the military and civilian oligarchy. This has resulted in the erosion of the moral authority of the state among ordinary citizens, leading to a decline in faith and trust in state institutions. The country's youth bulge, which could have been an asset for development, has instead become a burden and a potential threat to stability due to the lack of quality education and employment opportunities. Additionally, the rise of radical Islam and the use of extremist groups as proxies in foreign wars have contributed to the decline of the Pakistani state. To address these issues and reverse the decline of the state, Pakistan must prioritize the development of human resources through universal, high-quality education and skill development. It must also work towards establishing the rule of law, upholding democratic norms, and addressing corruption and inequality.