Pakistan seems to be mired in a myriad of problems; the issue of

‘good governance’ being predominant among them. In fact, good

governance and quality of governance are a part of the current
discourse as it is the principal reason why economic growth in
Pakistan had been stalled for a long time. Presumably, all of the
existing political and socioeconomic issues of the country are
chiefly attributive to an acute lack of good governance.
Before commenting on the issue of good governance in Pakistan, it is imperative that we understand the
essential definition of the term ‘governance’ itself. Governance, in fact, is the establishment of policies
and a continuous monitoring of their proper implementation, by the members of the governing body. It
includes the mechanisms required to balance the powers of the members (with the associated
accountability), and their primary duty of enhancing the prosperity and viability of the state.

However, when leaders interpret good governance, they usually twist the definition to fit it in their own
model of governance. The above definition might confuse a layman as well and, therefore, when asked
from an ordinary citizen as to what he thinks of good governance, he might say that “good governance is
exercising authority in ways that respect the integrity, rights and needs of everyone within the state
without exception.” And thus, this very definition shall be the cornerstone to my entire argument. For a
ruler or for any representative body in authority, to misinterpret or distort the term ‘good governance’ is
not a mere mishap; it showcases the causes for the failure of good governance.
To my understanding, if a country lacks a proper democratic setup; where there is no accountability and
instead corruption and mismanagement of resources are the governing body’s nucleus, then the state,
without any incertitude, is a victim of bad governance. A practical narration of these factors has been
witnessed since the creation Pakistan.

For over three decades, the country has been under military regimes, and now when we seem to have a
‘democratic rule,’ widespread corruption has made good governance a dismal and a delusional concept.
The recent Panama Leaks episode, forcefully, brings to light the issue of lack of accountability. Besides
massive corruption and plunder, imprudent spending of funds and resources has also been a chronic
problem of Pakistan’s governance system. Punjab government’s flagship project “Lahore Orange Line
Metro Train” has emerged as a terrible threat to Lahore’s cultural heritage sites e.g. Chauburji, Mall Road,
Shalimar Gardens, etc., and has also led to displacement of thousands of citizens, for the route chosen
moves through their houses and workplaces. But, despite being aware of these facts and amidst civil
society protests, the project work is going full throttle.

Such projects not only depict government’s short-sightedness, but are also a flagrant example of bad
governance. Funds and resources allocated for this infrastructure development project could have been
used to make progress in the socioeconomic sector of the society, i.e. education, health, etc.

Chronically precarious law and order situation in Pakistan is another manifestation of pervasive bad
governance. Extremism and sectarian conflicts have damaged the progressive nature that Pakistan as a
developing country should have. The target killings in Karachi and persecution of the Hazara community
in Quetta are just a few examples as to how our country is being devoured by sectarian divisions and
‘Talibanization’; and those tasked with governance are responsible for this continual fiasco.

The aforementioned examples draw us to the conclusion that how desperately Pakistan needs
accountability, responsibility, rule of law and legitimacy to nurture a culture of good governance.
However, for good governance to become static and ingrained in our political system, these parameters
need to be accompanied by progressive features. For instance, socioeconomic development along with
free media is the keystone of good governance. We still see the instances of victimization of media and
press. For instance, frenzied mobs attacked media houses and journalists all over the country when
Mumtaz Qadri was hanged in Salman Taseer’s murder case. Despite continuous requests by the
Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) to take actions to stop attacks on media houses, no action was
taken by the government to provide security to media.

Moreover, political stability and public participation are both essentials to good governance. Pakistan has
long been the victim of political instability due to perpetual conflicts, and absence of stable democratic
setup. Even after nearly seven decades, the country could not be rid of feudal oligarchy.

All these failures that have restricted good governance, and the ignorance of the prerequisites for bringing
it, have resulted in widespread negative impacts on the Pakistan’s society. On societal front, the society is
becoming radicalized and people are becoming less tolerant and forbearing. This has also led to
exploitation of religion, as ‘mullahs’ have proved to be an eclipse to the true essence of Islam as they play
with people’s minds to expand their money-making businesses. However, the government is not ready to
take action against such bad eggs and there is no clear distinction between the state and religious
entities, if they legitimize one another, is a simple yet a huge question. This further makes us realize how
the government is following a closed system of governance, where the public seems not to be aware of
their economic agendas or their strategies in general. In a democratic state, this perhaps is an
unavoidable flaw, thus leading to bad governance.

As I conclude this debate of good governance, one realizes how democracy and good governance go
hand in hand. In case of Pakistan’s version of democracy, the elected representatives grossly violate the
public mandate for obtaining their selfish and materialistic gains. Regrettably, voters, after having elected
their representatives, virtually become subjects of powerful elite who tend to shatter all hopes of voters by
neglecting their social problems, financial difficulties and psychological distress. Promises made during
election campaign are quickly forgotten, while perks of public offices are fully enjoyed. Irony of the fate is
that same elite group gets elected over and over again and election campaigns are held merely as rituals.
Unfortunately, voters lack social influence and political power, becoming trading pawns in the hands of
politicians who regard elections as opening of a window to plundering national wealth through all possible
means of corruption.

Therefore, to develop a culture of good governance in Pakistan, we need to focus and interpret the true
essence and definition of ‘democracy’ and make it a salient feature of good governance. While at the
same time, the parameters needed for good governance, as mentioned previously, need to be
implemented in all their authenticity.