By Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, MS, MD, Ed.D.
USA : The current state of Pakistan’s policies, governance, and global perceptions is a cause for grave concern. As a Pakistani American with significant political clout and active involvement in U.S. policymaking circles, I feel compelled to address the Pakistani establishment directly: all is not well. The international community’s comprehension and perception of Pakistan’s establishment policies are alarmingly negative, particularly in the United States and other world capitals. These concerns demand immediate, tangible action—not the superficial optics of lobbying firms.
The critical issues—rule of law, judicial independence, electoral integrity, freedom of speech, and rampant corruption—are undermining Pakistan’s image and exacerbating its trust deficit globally. If left unaddressed, these systemic failings will deepen Pakistan’s isolation and exacerbate its vulnerabilities on the international stage.
A Time for Decisive Action
To rebuild trust and credibility, Pakistan’s establishment must:
1 Engage with the Opposition: Release Imran Khan, the most popular leader in Pakistan today, and negotiate a political framework that ensures fair elections and satisfies Western concerns. This is not about personal affinity for Khan but about addressing undeniable realities. The establishment’s perception of Khan as a security risk must be reconciled with global expectations for democratic processes.
2 Restore Judicial Independence: Pakistan’s judiciary must operate without bias or influence. Corruption cases against political leaders—whether from the PTI, PML-N, or PPP—must be pursued transparently and equitably. Publicizing evidence and ensuring open judicial processes will demonstrate a commitment to fairness and accountability.
3 Tackle Corruption Holistically: Corruption is a cancer that has pushed Pakistan to the brink of bankruptcy. Equally applying anti-corruption measures across all political parties will send a powerful message of impartiality and restore public trust. Leaders proven guilty of corruption must face disqualification and legal consequences.
4 Strengthen Economic Policies: Pakistan’s dwindling foreign exchange reserves and economic instability demand urgent, transparent policy reforms. Export-oriented growth strategies and diaspora engagement can attract much-needed foreign direct investment (FDI). Addressing corruption and mismanagement is crucial to creating an environment conducive to economic revival.
5 Pursue Active Diplomacy: The focus must shift from lobbying firms to genuine diplomatic efforts. Engaging credible Pakistani Americans in Track II diplomacy can bridge the trust gap between Pakistan and the United States. Such individuals, trusted equally by Congress and the U.S. administration, can effectively advocate for Pakistan’s interests.
Learning from Global Examples
Other nations have navigated economic and diplomatic crises through transparent reforms and complex diplomacy:
• South Korea: Following the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s, South Korea implemented sweeping economic reforms and anti-corruption measures, regaining economic stability and trust.
• Rwanda: Despite its tragic past, Rwanda rebuilt its economy and global standing through good governance, transparency, and accountability.
• Singapore: Through strict anti-corruption policies and meritocratic governance, Singapore became a global economic powerhouse.
These examples underscore the importance of concrete actions over mere rhetoric.
Overcoming the Trust Deficit
Pakistan’s trust deficit with the international community has historical roots, such as the recovery of Osama bin Laden from a compound near a military academy. This incident shattered the credibility of a leader once trusted by the West, General Pervez Musharraf. Pakistan must empower credible intermediaries to navigate sensitive diplomatic challenges to mend this rift.
The Looming Threat of Sanctions
The specter of sanctions looms large over Pakistan, both at the state level and targeting specific individuals. With the incoming Trump administration, there will be no tolerance for superficial fixes or lobbying firm narratives. This administration means business, and the threat of imminent actions, including sanctions on individuals, is real. Pakistan’s establishment must rush to address these problems with tangible, visible measures. Trust will not be rebuilt through rhetoric or lobbying; only practical steps can mitigate the looming crisis.
Time is of the essence. This must be done before January ends, as events will begin to move decisively against Pakistan. The establishment must act now to prevent an irreversible shift against the nation’s interests.
Conclusion
The path forward is clear: embrace transparency, foster inclusivity, and prioritize the national interest over personal or institutional biases. The Pakistani establishment must recognize that time is running out. Inaction or superficial fixes will only deepen the crisis.
About the Author
Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, MS, MD, Ed.D., is the Pakistan Policy Institute USA chairman. A prominent Republican Party leader, Dr. Mujtaba brings a wealth of experience and insight into global and domestic policymaking. With deep roots in Pakistan and the United States, he is dedicated to fostering stronger ties between the two nations and advocating for reforms that ensure a stable, prosperous Pakistan.
