Terrorism In Pakistan: Its Causes, Impacts And Remedies

Outline:

• Introduction
• What Is Terrorism
• Islam’s Response To Terrorism:
• Causes Of Terrorism:
1. Internal Causes
a) Socio-Economic Causes
i) Injustice:
ii) Illiteracy:
iii) Poverty And Unemployment:
iv) Food Insecurity:
v) Dissatisfaction:
b) Political Causes:
i) Non-Democratic Set-Up:
ii) Improper Government Set-Up
iii) Absence Of Law And Failure Of Law Enforcement Agencies:
iv) Influx Of Refugees, Weaponisation And Talbanisation:
c) Religious Causes:
i) Role Of Madrassahs:
ii) Religious Intolerance:
2. External Causes
a) Afghan War: 1979
b) Iranian Revolution:
c) War On Terrorism: 9/11
• Factors Boosting Terrorism:
a) Anti-Terrorism Campaign And Drone Strikes:
b) Negligence Of Government:
c) Persecution Of Innocent Muslims In Kashmir And Palestine:
• Steps Taken By Pakistan:
a) Ban On Terrorist Organisation
b) Operation Rah-E-Nijat
c) Operation Rah-E-Rast
• Impacts Of Terrorism:
a) Civilian Loss
b) Economic Cost Of Terrorism:
i) Agriculture Loss:
ii) Manufacturing Cost:
iii) Declining Foreign Direct Investment:
iv) Diminishing Tourism:
v) Internally Displaced People/internal Migration
c) Social Impacts;
d) Political Impacts:
e) Psychological Impacts:
f) Religious Impacts:
• Remedies:
• Conclusion:

At present the gravest problem that Pakistan is facing is terrorism. It has become a
headache for federation and a nightmare for public. Though, it is a global issue but
Pakistan has to bear the brunt of it. Pakistan’s involvement in the War on Terror has
further fuelled the fire. We are facing war like situation against the terrorists. This
daunting situation is caused due to several factors. These factors include social injustice,
economic disparity, political instability, religious intolerance and also external hands or
international conspiracies. A handful of people who have their vicious interests to fulfil
have not only taken countless innocent lives but also distorted the real image of Islam
before the world through their heinous acts. Terrorist acts like suicide bombings have
become a norm of the day. On account of these attacks Pakistan is suffering from
ineffaceable loss ranging from civilian to economic. People have become numerical
figures, blown up in numbers every now and then. Terrorists have not spared any
place. Bazars, mosques, educational institutes, offices, hotels, no place is safe anymore.

Though terrorism has no accepted definition, yet it can be defined as the use of violence
and intimidation in the pursuit of political aim or the calculated use of violence or
threat of violence against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious
or ideological in nature, this is done through intimidation or coercion or inciting fear.
According to FBI’s definition, Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against
persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or
any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objective.

The religion of Islam (Submission), advocates freedom, peace and mutual agreement
and admonishes aggression. The following verses make it very clear.

“And do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors”. (Quran 5:87)

“You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant”. (Quran:
7:199)

The relations of Muslims (Submitters) with others are based primarily on peace, mutual
respect and trust. The theme in the Quran is peace, unless there is oppression or
injustice that cannot be resolved by all the peaceful means available. The true religion of
Islam forbids the killing of innocent people, irrespective of the cause, religious, political
or social beliefs.

“...You shall not kill * GOD has made life sacred * except in the course of justice. These
are His commandments to you that you may understand.” (Quran 6:151)

“You shall not kill any person * for GOD has made life sacred — except in the course of
justice.” (Quran17:33)

In Islam, an amazingly powerful emphasis is laid on developing love for mankind and
on the vital importance of showing mercy and sympathy towards every creature of
Allah Almighty, including human beings and animals. For indeed, love and true
sympathy is the very antidote of terrorism.

Injustice is one of the foremost factors that breed terrorism. When the grievances of the
people are not redressed they resort to violent actions. So this is the case with Pakistan
where timely justice has always been a far cry. Hence, the delayed justice is working as
incentive for victims and dragging them to the swamp of terrorist organisations.

Illiteracy is the root causes of extremism and terrorism. More than one in five men aged
15 to 24 unable to read or write, and only one in 20 is in tertiary education. such a high
illiteracy rate has made Pakistan vulnerable to terrorism. furthermore, technical and
vocational education, and adult literacy, are especially important but unfortunately
have been neglected the most in Baluchistan, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa and the Tribal
Areas. Illiteracy and lack of skills provide fertile ground for those who wish to recruit
young men and women to their cause, especially when significant monetary payments
are attached.

Regarding poverty, it is also an incubating cause of terrorism. And it is said that “a

hungry man is an angry man.” Notably, majority of people in Pakistan are living below
poverty line. While especially for the youngsters, unemployment has made the matter
worse. In these adverse circumstances, some people go to the level of extremism and
even commit suicide. These are the people whose services are hired by the terrorist
groups and they become easy prey to terrorism.

Food insecurity is also linked with militancy and violence. When people remain unable
to afford food and cannot meet their basic needs civil strife grows. A report by the
Islamabad-based Sustainable Development Policy Institute The highest levels of food
insecurity, for instance, exist in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, according to
the report, where 67.7 per cent of the people are insecure. The next highest level is in
Baluchistan, with food insecurity at 61.2 per cent, and then in Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa,
56.2 per cent. In Pakistan some extremist forces are exploiting the feelings of lower and
lower middle class food insecure people. They are motivating their unemployed youth
to commit heinous crimes such as suicide attacks against innocent people.

Another reason of terrorism is dissatisfaction. When a person is dissatisfied with the

rulers and thinks that his rights are being humiliated or exiled, his living of life has not
been compensated, he is deprived of rightful inheritance to office, wrongly imprisoned
and property confiscated then he joins some religious parties. It does not matter which
organisation it would be. None of the organisations has any importance for him.
Adopting an organisation would only save him from the critical situation he is in and
leaves him to play in the hands of his so-called leaders who destroy his public sense of
security.

Today’s Pakistan is facing democratic turmoil. A path chartered by the military regime
of Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan then of Zia-ul-Haq was altered by yet another military
regime that of Musharraf. All these regimes produced political instability, poor
governance, institutional paralysis, by passing the rule of law, socio-economic downfall
and so on. These fragile conditions along with deteriorating law and order situation
have provided a fertile ground for terrorism to grow.

Furthermore, lack of proper government set-up and lack of coordination and

information sharing between various institutions of government is also a cause of
behind the escalating terrorist activities. Not to talk of providing security to common
people, our law enforcing agencies (LEAs) have completely failed to protect high
officials of the country. In the absence of law and proper trial the terrorists are
entrenching their roots firmly. Failure of the (LAEs) to bring the terrorist to book has
emboldened terror mongers to strike at a target of their choice at will. Schools,
hospitals, markets and places of worship have become their favourite targets.

The soviet Afghanistan war was the most critical event responsible for spreading
militancy and intolerance in Pakistan. A fundamental change that altered the very
character of Pakistani society occurred after establishment of the soviet backed
communist regime in Afghanistan. The aftermath of the soviet withdrawal exposed the
damage, transformation of violence and Weaponisation into Pakistani society. It
ultimately plagued Pakistan with a new trend commonly referred as “Kalashnikov
Culture” and “Talbanisation”.

Religion became the dominant force during the Zia regime when the Islamization of
laws and education became a state policy. And the Islamic legislation was promulgated
and a number of Islamic enactments were made, including the Hudood and blasphemy
laws. One may also mention the vital role of the jihadis in their fight against the Soviet
military occupation with the American support, as well as the generous patronage
extended by the government to the religious parties and groups. It may be added that
various religious groups benefited from the support they received from abroad, in
particular from Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Religious Madrassah is not something new for the Islam or our country. But after
Russian attack on Afghanistan it took a new dimension. They were being used as
recruitment centres for jihadis. Thousands of Mujahedeen were trained and sent to
Afghanistan for so-called jihad. After the fall of Russia, a sizeable number of the jihadis
who returned to Pakistan got involved in terrorist activities.

Religious intolerance is another factor which is adding fuel to the fire of terrorism.
youth, educated through religious Madrassahs, are indoctrinated with extreme ideas.
They become intolerant towards other religions and even other sects of their own
religion. They impose their own extreme ideas and vent their fanaticism thorough
violent actions. Intolerance makes society jungle. It is proving destructive phenomenon
for social harmony, political stability, and economic growth.

The soviet Afghanistan war was the most critical event responsible for spreading
militancy and intolerance in Pakistan. A fundamental change that altered the very
character of Pakistani society occurred after establishment of the soviet backed
communist regime in Afghanistan. The aftermath of the soviet withdrawal exposed the
damage, transformation of violence and Weaponisation into Pakistani society. It
ultimately plagued Pakistan with a new trend commonly referred as “Kalashnikov
Culture” and “Talbanisation”. This was perhaps an end to our long established
pluralistic culture and values. Result was a wave of vicious cycle of Sectarian and Inter-
sect and Interfaith violence/terrorism.

Religious extremism that took its roots in Pakistan after the Islamic Revolution in Iran
in 1979 is proving venomous for Pakistan. The increased danger of sectarian motivated
acts of violence, have gained in power and influence over the recent past. External as
well as internal influences have impacted the sectarian issues and have served to
further intensify the magnitude and seriousness of the problem. Sectarian violence,
therefore, was an extremely rare and unheard of phenomenon in Pakistan with
sectarian disputes being very localized and confined rather than being frequent and
widespread.

This religious extremism took a new shape of terrorism after 9/11. After the incident of
9/11 suicide bombing in Pakistan has become a norm of the day. The American
invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, as well as the military operation in Pakistan,
along with the American drone attacks, have served to fuel religious radicalism leading
to violent reaction. The breakdown of state structures in Afghanistan created a void
which was quickly filled by groups and individuals who took it upon themselves to
continue the lost battle. Some of them also intruded into Pakistani tribal areas, thus
inviting the US displeasure. Flushing out these foreign fighters by Pakistani security
forces made Pakistan a battle ground, as foreign militants and some of their local hosts,
joined hands to counter the security forces.

The drone strikes have increased anti-Americanism in Pakistan society and the region.
The terrorists have used the collateral damage to maximize the environment and society
to their benefit. Families of people killed in collateral damage become ideal nursery for
suicide bombers In Pakistan society drone attacks are popularly believed to have caused
even more civilian casualties than is actually the case. The persistence of these attacks
on Pakistani territory is continuously creating public outrages and alienating people
from government and Army. The drone is a tactical weapon and has certainly given
good results tactically to support coalition forces operation on their sides of the border
but strategically history has many unanswered questions.

On account of anti-campaign and drone attacks scores of people have become homeless
and even some have lost all their possessions Coupled with this, governments
indifference towards these internally displaced people has further deteriorating the
situation and encouraging people to join anti-state actors. Negligence on the part of
government has alienated the people and has placed Pakistan in an undesirable
situation domestically.

Furthermore, indiscriminate and brutal persecution of innocent citizen of Kashmir and

Palestine by Indian and Israeli forces respectively is further boosting the monster of
terrorism. the people of Kashmir and Palestine have been denied their basic rights for
decades. Hence their feelings of antagonism springing out in the form violent acts and
also their supporters are conducting these types of acts here in Pakistan in order the
draw the attention of the world towards the injustices being done to them.

Pakistan has done its level best to rid terrorism and terrorists from its soil. In first step,
many terrorist organisations were banned by the Musharraf government. After those
successful military operations namely Rah-e-Nijat and Rah-e-Rast have been conducted.
Pakistan army has fought bravely against terrorist and has destroyed their safe dens. It
has broken the backbone of the terrorists and has forced them to flee. These operations
still keep ongoing in some tribal areas. In this context, it is worth-mentioning that
public support to military operations is very essential, and without people’s backing no
army can win this ‘different war’ against terrorism.

For Pakistan the consequences of being the epicentre of the war on terror have been
disastrous physically, psychologically and economically. Nobody understands
terrorism better than us (Pakistanis). We have been victims of various manifestations of
it since the Soviet Afghan war. Since 9/11, the wave of suicide bombing has so far killed
scores of innocent Pakistani civilians and muffled the already slow pace of our
economic growth. The financial cost of the ongoing global war on terror in the last two
years alone has been $35 billion. This has badly affected in particular, the socio-
economic development of Pakistan. Lest we forget, we even lost our prominent political
leader Benazir Bhutto to an act of terror.

Since September 11, 2001, 21,672 Pakistani civilians have lost their lives or have been
seriously injured in an ongoing fight against terrorism. The Pakistan Army has lost
2,795 soldiers in the war and 8,671 have been injured. There have been 3,486 bomb
blasts in the country, including 283 major suicide attacks. More than 3.5 million have
been displaced. The damage to the Pakistani economy is estimated at $68 billion over
the last ten years. Over 200,000 Pakistani troops were deployed at the frontline and
90,000 soldiers are fighting against militants on the Afghan border.

The ongoing insurgency has accelerated the already dismal economic situation and has
affected almost each and every economic aspects of the country, particularly in FATA
and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. All the main resources of revenue in affected areas have
been hurt, including agriculture, the tourism industry, manufacturing and small-scale
industry.
Due to insurgency, the loss to agriculture alone amounts to Rs.35 billion. The
breakdown in law and order situation has damaged the fruit based economy of the
northern areas. It has rendered billions of rupes losses to the landowners, labourers,
dealers and farmers who earn their livelihood from these orchards. Also, the Economic
survey of Pakistan report shows that the share of agriculture in the gross domestic
product (GDP) has been constantly falling. It accounted for 25.99 per cent of GDP in
1999-2000; however, gradually its share shrank to 21.3 per cent in 2007-2008. The figures
show that terrorism has not only decreased the productive capacity of agricultural
activity in these regions but also in the entire country.

The manufacturing sector has been hard hit by frequent incidents of terrorism and has
created an uncertain environment resulting into low level of economic growth. The
manufacturing sector is witnessing the lowest-ever share of 18.2 per cent in the GDP
over the last five years. In addition, the small and medium-size enterprises which are
key area of manufacturing in Pakistan have been affected across the country because of
power shortages and recurrent terrorist attacks.

According to a Harvard study (December 2000), higher levels of terrorism risk are
associated with lower levels of net FDI. In case of Pakistan, terrorism has affected the
allocation of firms investing money in the country. As a result, FDI, which had
witnessed a steep rise over the previous several years, was adversely affected by the
terrorist acts in the country, especially in FATA and other areas of Khyber
Pukhtunkhwa.

According to the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranked 113 out of 130 countries in
2009 as a tourist destination. The low ranking is attributed to incidents of terrorism and
the lack of a tourism regulatory framework in Pakistan. On account of persistent
terrorist attacks many hotels in the northwest areas have been closed. According to
government’s own estimates, the hotel industry in Swat valley has suffered a loss of Rs.
60 billion. Many workers have lost their jobs and transport has also face a severe blow.

Due to war on terror, local people of war-ridden areas are migrating to other areas of
Pakistan. Country has seen the largest migration since independence in 1947. These
people have left their homes, businesses, possessions and property back home. This
large influx of people and their rehabilitation is an economic burden for Pakistan.
Unemployment is still prevalent and now the question of providing employment to
these migrants has also become a serious concern. This portion of population is
contributing nothing worthwhile to the national income yet they have to be benefitted
from it. This unproductive lot of people is a growing economic problem of Pakistan

Social impacts have also been caused by this war. In a society where terror exists cannot
be healthy. Social disorganization has occurred due to terrorism. Social relations,
economic transactions, free moments, getting education, offering prayers etc. have
suffered. Pakistan’s participation in the anti-terrorism campaign has led to massive
unemployment, homelessness, poverty and other social problems and ills. In addition,
frequent incidents of terrorism and displacement of the local \population have severely
affected the social fabric.

On the political front Pakistan is badly impacted in fighting the war against terrorism. It
has taken many valuable steps to defeat terrorists. In spite of all the sacrifices the
country is making it is branded to be a country insincere or half-hearted in fighting the
menace. Every time the country is told to “do more”. It is further alleged for infiltration
of the militants inside US-NATO dominated Afghanistan. The failure of the Western
troops in the neighbourhood is blamed on Pakistan. This situation has eroded the trust
between the governments and caused international image problem for the country.

Similarly the terror has brought in its wake psychological problems. Fear in the hearts
of the people is created. Trauma, depressions and confusion have been increased. The
people feel insecure and unsafe whenever in their daily life activities, as time and again
they watch the terror events taking place in different cities. Those have especially been
suffered who have closely witnessed the suicidal bombings.

The religion is also impacted by the war against terrorism. The religion of Islam is
perceived to be the one tolerating extremism and terrorism abroad. In the western
world people equate violence, abuse against women and minority rights, and several
acts of terrorism like suicidal bombing and coercion with Islam and Muslims. Whenever
any such inhuman act takes place they tie it with Islam and its followers. When in the
UK terror acts were committed the authority blamed it on Pakistani citizens for
instance. And why these days Pakistanis are discriminately interrogated and have to be
screened before they inter the US is due to the fact that they are Pakistanis and
Muslims.

Thorough analysis of the causes of terrorism and its ineffaceable impacts indicate that in
Pakistan this phenomenon has not come to fore overnight. It has taken decades to
flourish and involves many factors. Since terrorism is a multifaceted, the solution has to
be multi-pronged. In view of the root causes described in above paragraphs, the
possible remedies could include:

• To begin with, a national commission needs to be set up, which identifies the fault
lines and the root causes of the rise of extremism in Pakistan taking into consideration
the post-Nine-Eleven developments.

• It should also take up the question of reforming the madrassas. The heads of all the
major religious groups should be contacted and engaged to explore short-term and
long-term solutions.

• Our universities and research institutes should take up the intellectual task of re-
interpreting the Islamic injunctions in the light of modern knowledge and 21st century
challenges (with emphasis on social justice).

• The government must improve its performance. Bad governance and corruption have
lowered its credibility and clout,

• Parliament must debate Pakistan’s present relationship with the US, with particular
reference to the American war in Afghanistan and operations in Pakistan.

• Our government should make efforts to develop sector. Without any doubt, these
efforts will play a crucial role not only in providing employment to the millions of
people but will also eliminate poverty in the country.

• Pakistan’s government should particularly emphasise the need of technical education

by promoting it. In this respect, more institutes should be opened in order to promote
technical education.

• It is mentionable that there are two types of terrorists, extremists and moderates. In
order to cope with terrorism, our government should neutralise the moderate terrorists
through reconciliation by offering them general pardon and asking them to renounce
terrorism. Even extremist insurgents can be offered mediation. Nevertheless, those
militants who reject the offer could be fought through military operations.

• Nonetheless, for their on global and regional interests, US-led western allies must not
only increase the military and economic aid of Pakistan but also provide direct market
access to Pak products on zero rate duty to help stabilise the country’s bleak economy
in the wake of the war against terror.

• As Pakistan has been successfully coping with the menace of terrorism, US-led some
western countries including India should also give up their propaganda campaign
against Islamabad and blame game against its intelligence agency ISI.

• US should help in resolving the Kashmir dispute to deal with the problem of
militancy in the region.

• In order to fight terrorism, Pakistan’s media should play a key role. It must point out
the criminal activities of the militants like hostage-taking, killing of the innocent
people? torching the government buildings including girl schools and car-snatching. It
should also indicate that Islam is a religion of peace and does not allow suicide attacks.

• As Pakistan is already facing various crises of grave nature in wake of terrorism, so

our politicians must stop manipulating the same for their own self-interests. By setting
aside their differences and by showing power of tolerance, both our rulers and
opposition parties need to act upon a policy of national reconciliation to cope with the
problem of terrorism and to stand before external pressure.

• Finally, our politicians, general masses and security forces must show a strong sense
of unity to fight terrorism,

To conclude, Pakistan is a peace loving nation and playing its important role in
combating terror. Recognition of efforts to fight menace of terrorism and sacrifices
rendered thereof are testimony to the commitment and resolve to bring peace in the
region. Unfortunately sometimes its commitment is doubted by some of its allies.
Mistrust can lead to diversion of efforts, which will not be beneficial to common
objective of peace in the region. Pakistan is a responsible nation; fully capable of
defending its territorial integrity. Pakistan has singularly committed large forces to
combat menace of terrorism more than any other country. No foreign troops are either
present or deployed on Pakistan soil.

All citizens of Pakistan must propagate moderate vibrant culture of Pakistan to promote
good will of world community and shun misconstrued beliefs. Attacks on security
forces personnel are executed at the sponsorship of hostile intelligence agencies. Such
anti state elements must be singled out and brought to lime light to defeat evil agendas
of our enemies. Pakistan has sacrificed the most in the ongoing war on terror; criticizing
Pakistan’s efforts at national/international forum will be counter-productive to the
overall objectives of war on terror.

Good Governance in Pakistan.

OUTLINES:
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Governance
3. Governance in Pakistan.
4. Failures of Governance in Pakistan
5. Causes of failures:
1. Political commotion
2. No democratic setup
3. Military intrusion
4. Feudal indulgence
5. Massive Corruption
6. Constitutional crises
7. Institutional clashes
8. Mismanagement of resources
9. Lack of Accountability
10. Over Exploitation of funds
11. Restrictions on media
12. Ethnic conflicts
13. Secterianism
14. Extremism
6 Essentials of Good Governance
1. Public Participation
2. National Integration
3. Political stability
4. Constitutional supremacy
5. Institutional supremacy
6. Unrestricted media
7. No military intervention
8. Socio economic development
9. Independent judiciary
7. Good governance and Islam
8. Distinction between Good governance and bad Governance
9 Parameter of good governance
.Responsibility
.Accountability
.Rule of law
Legitimacy
.open administrative system
Good relationship between ruler and ruled
Definition of bad governance
.Arbitrary policies of ruler
.Irresponsible attitude
No rule of law
Unjust legal system
Closed administrative system
10.Impacts of good Governance
Individual Life
Social life
Political life
Economic life
11. Good Governance and democracy
12. Conclusion.
ESSAY: Good Governance in Pakistan
Good governance has got great importance in our state as the problems of corruption,
red tapism and inefficiency crept in the internal structure of our country. Today good
governance not only occupies central place in our state but also regarded as crucial
element in building nation. Nation cannot flourish in the absence of good governance. It
is the need of an hour. Without the presence of good governance, no country can play
pivotal role in the orb. It is regarded as the soul of country. Governance is very
pertinent in every sphere of life, whether it is house or office, good governance is
needed to perform effectively. It provides strong foundation for the developmental
process.
Governance is more than mere management. It is not only about decision making,
policy formulating, priority settings but also implementation or results.
Good governance has been defined as, “Good Governance related to effective
management”. It is anchored on legitimacy and creditability.
According to World Bank Report of 1989, A public service that is efficient, a judicial
system that is reliable, and administration that is accountable to public”.
Similarly another report was presented by World Bank in 1992, According to this
report; good governance includes public sector management, accountability, legal
framework, information and transparency.
Pakistan as an independent state got recognition on 14 august 1947.Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the dynamic personality who came forward for the cause of
Muslims. Muslims were deprived of their due rights. This mighty man had burnt the
midnight oil and converted the dream of Allama Iqbal into reality. Praiseworthy
performance of Quaid-e-azam laid the foundation of Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan
suffered badly in the early years of establishment. It faced millions of problems.
These issues are summarized as follows; Political disturbance, No democratic setup,
military intrusion, massive corruption, feudal dispensation, institutional clashes,
constitutional crises, escalating inflation, mismanagement of resources, lack of
accountability, no rule of law, deteriorating law and order condition, over exploitation
of funds, secreterism, ethnic conflict, extremism and international conspiracies. All
these issues are the main reason of failure of Governance in Pakistan. These issues are
so interconnected that it is very difficult to eliminate them. They are eating the roots of
Pakistan.
Now let’s have a cursory look on the details of the above mentioned causes which are
spreading like cankerous inside Pakistan.
Political commotion plays very negative role in every state. No country in this orb, can
survive easily in political turmoil. Political instability is the root cause of all evils. Since
Independence, Pakistan has been facing the threat of political hubbub. It created a big
gap in the economic development and progress. It gives platform for several others
problems. The condition of Pakistan is not commendable. It faces bundles of threats
because of political instability.Governement should play effective role to curb this
menace. Several miscreants are taking benefits from this self created political instability.
For the survival of their own existence, politicians are trapping in the nets of trouble
makers. Good governance cannot establish in the presence of political commotion.
Politicians have become power greedy. Lust for power has tightly closed the curtain of
brain. They cannot have the potentials to comprehend the shrewdness of trouble
makers. They are habitual of perks, privileges and power.
No democratic set is present in Pakistan. It further aggravated the deteriorating
condition. It has created unstable environment around the whole country. No one is
satisfied and happy since independence. Absence of democratic setup gives birth to
multitudes of problems. This gigantic problem is creating turmoil.
Constitutional catastrophe was the biggest problem of Pakistan. After independence
Pakistan took long seven years to draft constitution. It also laid barriers in the path of
governance. Constitution provides framework for policies. Decisions have been taken in
order to view constitutional boundaries. No decision has been taken outside the
framework of constition.Violation of constitution is considered as crime. Violator would
be granted severe punishment.
Military intrusion is also considered disastrous for the democratic set up. It puts
adverse impact on the decision making process. It negated the image of Pakistan. In the
initial years of Pakistan establishment, corrupt politicians usurped the right of innocent
people. This paved the way for military to rule the newly born state. Constant four
military rules devastated the democratic set up.
Feudal dispensation in the early years of establishment created a big gap in the
development process. Massive corruption had been viewed. Wealthy feudal class joined
hand with politicians. They started eating the treasure of people. Corrupt bureaucrats
were also engaged in cleaning the wealth of people. This is the reason of failure of
governance in Pakistan.
In the presence of institutional clashes, governance cannot establish its foothold. Recent
clash between executive and judiciary has created disturbance around the whole
country. Negative image has portrayed around the whole orb. Good governance needs
a pleasant environment to establish its foundation
Mismanagement of resources is another mighty problem for good governance.
Government should formulate effective measures to solve this gigantic issue.
Lack of accountability has been creating tension since independence. Improper usage of
funds is increasing the rate of inflation. Pakistan is also under debt trap. It is all
happening due to absence of accountability. Corruption can easily be removed with
proper channel of accountability. Check and balance is very essential for the
maintenance of funds. Over exploitation of resources and funds is creating havoc. It
gives birth to food insecurity and dissatisfaction among the masses.
Deteriorating law and order condition of Pakistan are adding fuel to fire. It creates an
environment of fear and insecurity.
Sectarianism, extremism and ethnic rivalry all are against the norms of good
governance. These curses should be removed from Pakistan.
International conspiracies have become the norm of the day. Presences of Pakistan in
these conspiracies have become the fashion. It also put worse impact on good
governance.
Now let’s have a glance on the essentials of good governance. Good governance can
easily flourish in the presence of followings; Public participation, national cohesion,
national integration, constitutional supremacy, institutional supremacy, strong
foundation, independent judiciary, free media ,socioeconomic development, and so on.
Presence of public participation plays very effective role in the establishment of good
governance. It revolves around decision making process. Public support and
cooperation possesses great importance in good governance. It paves the way for good
governance.
National cohesion and integration is very necessary for the establishment of good
governance. When people joined hands together no power can defeat them. So in this
regard national integration is very pertinent.
Constitutional supremacy is very important in this regard. It provides framework for
policy makers.
On the same lines institutional supremacy is also very much important. This clash is
erupted in the absence of mutual consensus. Negotiation is a better way to curb this
clash.
Socio economic development provides strong foundation to governance. It includes the
followings; controlled population, massive employment opportunities, proper
education system, Effective rule of law, improved law and order condition, powerful
system of accountability, removal of corruption and so on.
Now let’s have look on the concept of good governance by Islam. Islam is the religion of
peace and prosperity. For the sake of prosperity and peace, it gives the message of
equality, justice, responsibility, proper check and balance and so on.
Now the question arises here, what is the difference between good governance and bad
governance? The answer clearly reflects the distinction. Good governance totally
revolves around legitimacy, responsibility, rule of law, and opens administrative
system whereas bad governance indicates towards arbitrary policy making, no rule of
law, irresponsibility, unjust legal system, restrained relation between ruler and ruled.
Here another question arises, what are the impacts of good governance? It puts positive
impacts on individual life, social life, political life, and economic life. It spreads the
environment of peace and prosperity. Individual feels secure, when all his/her basic
necessities of life would be fulfilled. It removes the feeling of self deprivation and
insecurity. When individuals feel secure, ultimately, whole society feels secure. Society
is made up of groups and groups are formed from individuals. Groups formed nation.
When nation is satisfied, it ultimately brings gratification around the whole country. All
are interconnected and intertwinted.It ultimately brings satisfaction in political and
economic spheres.
Now let’s have cursory look on good governance and democracy. Both democracy and
good governance are interconnected. According to Abraham Lincoln; democracy is for
the people by the people and through the people. Active participation of people have
been required in the decision making process.
Thus, good governance is regarded as the heart of every country. It brings management
.It is essential for the process of functioning. It boosts the development process. It gives
foam to socio economic foundation. It creates an environment of perfection. Necessities
of people are fulfilled in an organized manner.
According to Etounge Manguella, “Good Governance implies presence of rule of law,
safeguard of human right, existence of honest government, accountability,
transparency, predictability and openness”