Is Pakistan collapsing? Is there any hope to break the dangerous cycle of failure in Pakistan? This Institute for Social Policy and Understanding report analyses the issue as to why Pakistan is ranked as a failing state and what can be done to save it? The report first provides a brief history of Pakistan in order to set the context, followed by a discussion of the current crisis and an outline of signs of hope which may prevent Pakistan from becoming a failing state. The report concludes with recommendations for Pakistani and American policymakers.
The state of Pakistan was created in 1947. What followed was a political and social struggle between those who wanted to make it a democratic state and those who opposed the idea. Today, Pakistan’s political and social context is still split to reflect two sides of a coin. One side reflects the consequences of the failing infrastructure and absence of good governance, as well as the bleak economic and social situations, portraying Pakistan as a failing state. Failure to develop efficient law enforcement mechanisms and counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency policy has failed to proficiently tackle the power of extremist groups such as the Taliban as well as spreading political, economic and social instability.
However the other side of the coin reveals a more modern, developed and democratic face of Pakistan where people remain committed to values of democracy, justice and good governance. This side of the coin is supported by signs of hope which are seen in Pakistan, such as:
- The Lawyers’ Movement (2007-2009): This resulted in the reinstatement of the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and the restoration of the country’s judiciary. This development has potentially salvaged Pakistan from descending into a state of lawlessness.
- A vibrant media and new Pakistani voices: The media has become an influential factor and key actor in shaping policies and public perceptions. It has become a platform for taboo topics being conversed as well as for new more progressive voices to be heard.
In 2008, Pakistan was ranked ninth by the Failed State Index. However, the signs of hope mentioned above support the argument that the situation can change. Therefore, this report concludes firstly with key recommendations for Pakistan’s policymakers to break the dangerous cycle Pakistan has entered. These include:
- Offering a new social contract designed to cure ethnic ruptures and class divisions.
- Investing in health and education reform.
- Devise ways to defeat the “idea of Talibanization” and close down the madrasas associated with militant and banned groups.
- Undertake the massive and long overdue overhaul of the police, law enforcement, and intelligence service.
- Revive the peace process with India.
- Make security of the nuclear arsenal the top security goal.
To American policymakers, the report outlines the following recommendations in order to best improve the US’s involvement in Pakistan at the military, political and financial level:
- Develop a comprehensive, collaborative, and transparent policy approach toward Pakistan.
- Include India in order to help both countries settle the conflict over Kashmir.
- Accept Pakistan as a nuclear weapons state
- Prioritise aid given to reforming the health and education sectors.
- Improve Pakistan’s civilian law enforcement capacity.
- Create an effective oversight mechanism.
