- By: Barrister Usman Ali , Ph.D.
Pakistan, a country born out of immense sacrifices and hope, today stands at a critical juncture. Seventy-seven years after its creation, it faces political instability, economic crises, institutional decay, and growing social polarization. These challenges are not the product of a single institution, leader, or government; rather, they are the cumulative result of historical missteps, leadership failures, and internal discord that have deepened over time.
The country’s political history has been marred by crises, leadership vacuums, and military interventions. The early deaths of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan created a void that Pakistan struggled to fill. Political conflicts between East and West Pakistan escalated, and the failure to address these grievances culminated in the tragic secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Subsequent political instability provided opportunities for military takeovers. General Ayub Khan’s martial law in 1958, followed by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1977 and General Pervez Musharraf in 1999, disrupted democratic processes and weakened civilian institutions. Each military regime imposed its own policies, leaving deep and lasting impacts on governance and society.
Zia’s era, in particular, fostered extremism and militancy in Pakistan, a consequence of his policies during the Afghan War. Extremist ideologies took root, and extremist groups gained influence—a reality the nation grapples with to this day. His rule also saw the curtailment of fundamental human rights, weakening of institutions, and the judicial execution of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Bhutto’s family faced further tragedies, with his wife and daughter jailed and his son, Shah Nawaz Bhutto, mysteriously poisoned to death. Benazir Bhutto, though later elected as prime minister, had to fight immense challenges, including political opposition, corruption allegations, and systemic instability.
The return of democracy in the 1990s did not stabilize Pakistan. Political rivalries between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, characterized by confrontational politics and corruption allegations, further weakened institutions. Frequent regime changes and the interference of undemocratic forces diverted attention from governance and development. Instead of solving issues like poverty, unemployment, and inflation, governments remained embroiled in blame games. Pakistan’s economy deteriorated, with poor policies, mismanagement, and external debt burdening the nation. By the end of the 1990s, the country was plagued by uncertainty, polarization, and economic decline.
The 2000s brought further challenges. After 9/11, Pakistan joined the U.S.-led War on Terror, which brought both financial aid and internal turmoil. Extremist violence escalated, and Pakistan found itself battling terrorism within its borders, a war that has claimed countless lives and destabilized regions. General Musharraf’s tenure, though marked by economic liberalization, also witnessed repeated constitutional violations and further weakening of institutions.
In recent years, the political crisis has intensified. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, rose to power in 2018, facilitated by a favorable establishment and judiciary. While the government focused on accountability and reforms, flawed economic policies and political polarization deepened societal divisions. A culture of intolerance emerged, where political opponents faced abuse and trolling, and differences turned into personal enmities. Khan’s removal from office via a no-confidence motion in 2022 further aggravated tensions, pushing the country into a state of heightened confrontation. Today, Pakistan’s political scene is characterized by agitation, confrontation, and a refusal to engage in dialogue.
This persistent instability has exacted a heavy toll on the economy. Inflation, unemployment, and poverty have pushed ordinary citizens to the brink. Successive governments have relied on loans from international financial institutions like the IMF, which come with stringent conditions that further strain the economy. Corruption and mismanagement in state institutions have compounded the problem, preventing the delivery of basic services such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Pakistan’s institutional decay, combined with a lack of accountability, has left the nation paralyzed. Political leaders have consistently prioritized party and personal interests over national progress. State institutions, weakened by corruption and incompetence, have failed to rise to the challenges of governance. Meanwhile, the judiciary, media, and other key players often align themselves with political parties rather than serving as independent pillars of the state.
Despite these crises, the path forward is clear but requires decisive action. Pakistan’s political leadership must rise above personal rivalries and prioritize national interest. Confrontation must give way to dialogue, and all stakeholders—politicians, the military, the judiciary, the media, and civil society—must work together to chart a unified course. Economic reforms are critical to ensuring stability and growth. Policies must focus on industrial development, foreign investment, and export promotion to reduce reliance on loans. Tax reforms, resource management, and investment in renewable energy and technology can create sustainable growth.
At the same time, institutional reforms are essential. Corruption must be curbed, and accountability ensured through an independent judiciary and transparent governance. Extremism and militancy must be addressed with long-term educational and social reforms, deradicalization programs, and law enforcement capacity-building. To achieve lasting peace and stability, the nation must embrace tolerance, inclusivity, and unity.
Pakistan’s survival depends on its ability to overcome its internal divisions and work toward a shared vision of progress. Blaming external forces or past leaders will not solve the crisis. This is a decisive moment in Pakistan’s history. If the nation fails to act now, history will not forgive us. Pakistan was built on dreams of freedom, prosperity, and justice. It is up to all of us—leaders and citizens alike—to realize those dreams and turn this moment of crisis into an opportunity for transformation.
The responsibility is ours. Let us set aside personal differences and unite to lead Pakistan toward a stronger, sovereign, and prosperous future. Nations are not built on complaints and blame but on action, unity, and a shared purpose. It is time to prove that we are a nation capable of turning challenges into triumphs.