I have been a citizen of Pakistan for over six decades. I had my early schooling in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, before the tragic breakup that I was deeply traumatised by. I graduated from one of the country’s leading public-sector medical colleges with parental support and significant government subsidies, a debt I can never repay. After completing my residency and fellowship in the USA, I served briefly as an Assistant Professor and then moved to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where I spent several years in Consultant and Departmental Chair positions. I have now spent well over two decades back in Pakistan.
Intermittently, I have had the opportunity and privilege (no favour done to the motherland) to play a small role in institution-building. I pay my taxes, have my limited assets here, invest entirely in the country, and vote in national elections. So, I wonder: as an ordinary citizen, do I count in this country and do I have any stake and voice in its future? I will document my ideas here for posterity, purely from a citizen’s perspective and through an academic lens.
Governance
The failure of the political system was destined because of the absence of true proportional representation and the existence of a hybrid democracy influenced by “unrepresentative” powers within the country. An institution of political mentorship, marked by academic discourse, debates, and critically appraised policy formulation, is entirely in order. The restoration of political activities in professional colleges could serve as a nursery for developing political acumen, without the violence and disruption witnessed in the past. Grassroots democracy through mayoral systems, municipal elections, and empowered local bodies should nurture genuine leadership. All institutions of the state need to reconcile with this critical requirement through a fresh constitutional framework.
Education
Education must be restored as a means of transferring values, with rote learning replaced by problem-solving and critical thinking. Vocational training and civic sense, encouraging citizens to own their national responsibilities should become part of the portfolio of co-curricular activities. Subsequently, this will help develop responsible citizens. Equitable access to education and the removal of gross disparities remain paramount across all corners of the country.
Healthcare
Health security should become a national priority and an emergency. Major gaps in health governance, infrastructure, quality and patient safety, as well as translational research, along with the absence of evidence-informed policymaking, are evident on a daily basis. Healthcare disparities and the existence of multiple fragmented health systems must be replaced with a commitment to establishing a National Health Service in Pakistan.
Import substitution through indigenization and adoption of the triple helix model of academia, industry and government partnerships is imperative.
Economy
No country can survive without a documented economy and shared responsibility through proportionate taxation. This principle should be emphasised through the media, academia, and strict enforcement of tax regulations. Those involved in white-collar crimes should face imprisonment. Import substitution through indigenisation and the adoption of the triple-helix model, involving partnerships between academia, industry, and government are imperative for sustainable development.
Judiciary
The legal fraternity needs to restore its standing and dignity in the eyes of the public. It must develop a pyramidal structure and competency framework to ensure that the finest legal minds serve at the district courts, high courts, and the apex court. A mentorship programme with longitudinal milestones is required to uphold the essence of formulating “just” laws and ensuring timely delivery of justice. A firm commitment to safeguarding the Constitution remains a core requirement.
Armed Forces
A complete rethinking of the philosophical approach to defending the country’s geographical and ideological borders needs to be embedded within a framework committed to democratic governance. A process of institutional back-transfer of national and international policy decision-making after due discussion and debate needs to be mechanised and operationalised through an institute of public policy, enabling representatives of the people within local bodies, Parliament, and the Senate to participate effectively. The dignity and integrity of the armed forces, which enjoy the nation’s trust, love, and support, are critical. An atmosphere of trust needs to be re-established through confidence-building measures.
To conclude, I would say that for too long, we, the citizens, have watched the unraveling of the political and public order within the country helplessly and silently. The admission from insiders of the system that it has collapsed is a step towards acceptance beyond the stage of usual denial. This challenge provides a window of opportunity to correct course and realign ourselves with “Mission Pakistan.”
(Modified and updated from my 2021 NayaDaur Citizens’ Voice previously published reflections.)