Gaps of Governance: What Is to Be Done?

The recent address by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (NSC) highlighted a critical issue: the persistent governance gaps in Pakistan. He questioned, “For how long shall we continue to fill the governance gaps with the blood of armed forces martyrs?” His statement underscores a fundamental challenge in public policy—ensuring effective governance to eliminate terrorism and maintain national stability.

“Good Governance” has consistently been a top priority in the manifestoes of political parties and international organizations. Its primary goal is public welfare, with peace and security as essential prerequisites for fundamental rights. However, Pakistan has long struggled with governance deficiencies, navigating a fractured system marred by multiple fault lines. These weaknesses fuel crises, unrest, and hinder development.

Identifying these governance fault lines is crucial. Political instability, rising crime, extremism, terrorism, economic decline, social injustice, and civil-military tensions all stem from governance failures. One perspective holds that neglecting grievances fosters divisions, ultimately leading to violence. Theorists like Charles Tilly argue that societal violence arises from perceived inequalities—economic, political, and cultural. Relative deprivation, exclusion, and marginalization further contribute to unrest. Distributive injustice reinforces this sense of deprivation, deepening societal divides.

Political theorist Francis Fukuyama emphasizes the importance of a strong state, asserting that governance starts with the ability to enforce laws and maintain order. A state must have the exclusive monopoly on legitimate force to prevent disorder. This concept gained global traction after 9/11, linking weak states to international terrorism. Fragile states are now seen as potential breeding grounds for extremism, capable of disrupting global security. Consequently, the study of failing, failed, and collapsed states has become critical in governance discourse.

Many studies suggest that extremism and militancy stem from governance failures. Addressing these challenges requires understanding the indicators of good governance and implementing them effectively. Scholars have identified several enduring governance fault lines in Pakistan. Maleeha Lodhi, in Pakistan: Beyond The ‘Crisis State’, outlines five key factors shaping Pakistan’s governance struggles:

1. The imbalance of power between elected and unelected institutions.

2. A feudal-dominated political culture fostering clientelism.

3. An oligarchic elite dependent on external financial support while resisting taxation.

4. The use of geography as leverage in national security strategy.

5. Divisive ideological debates over Islam’s role in the state and society, alongside the appeasement of religious extremists.

Another critical governance issue is the disruption of civilian rule. Hussain Haqqani argues that Pakistan’s national security priorities have driven the country towards an ideological state model, often at the cost of democratic governance. Excessive focus on military strength, ideology enforcement, and foreign alliances has weakened internal political structures.

One of the most persistent governance cracks is the ongoing struggle over political authority. Ethnic and provincial differences further fragment the state, while the unresolved question of religion’s role in governance has deepened ideological divisions. Religious parties, well-funded and heavily armed, exert substantial influence over state affairs. Their ability to mobilize street power and challenge state authority is evident, particularly in Islamabad, where unauthorized structures have been erected on state land with impunity.

Given these governance gaps, the critical question remains: what is to be done? The foundation of good governance lies in a well-structured and smoothly functioning system, defined by constitutional principles, legal frameworks, and established conventions.

Effective governance requires continuity, inclusive participation, and responsiveness to diverse perspectives. A system that fosters mutual understanding ensures collective progress, allowing all segments of society to contribute to national development.

Good governance is built on efficiency, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Achieving these objectives necessitates institutional reforms, skill enhancement in the public sector, and leadership that is competent, visionary, and free from vested interests. A merit-based, depoliticized civil service must support governance efforts, aligning political decisions with socioeconomic progress while avoiding hybrid administrative models.

Economic revival is another urgent necessity. Mobilizing resources, ensuring macroeconomic stability, and maintaining fiscal discipline are essential. Expanding the tax base, strengthening revenue-generating institutions, and addressing population growth through family planning and education are critical steps. Promoting female literacy, vocational training, and employment opportunities will enhance human capital and social stability.

Restoring law and order is paramount for societal well-being. Governance must prioritize human development, skill-building, and universal primary education within the next decade. Integrating Pakistan into global economic networks and reassessing foreign policy alignments are crucial for long-term progress.

Pakistan’s governance challenges are deeply rooted and complex, but they are not insurmountable. Addressing them requires political will, institutional strengthening, and a commitment to inclusive, rule-based governance. Only then can Pakistan move beyond crisis management toward sustainable stability and development.

The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IGP. He  currently heads a think tank “ Good Governance Forum”.  He can be reached at syed_shah94@yahoo.com