Dead Horse Traders

Saleem Raza

Bradford, UK: The analogy of ‘ Dead Horse Traders’ is perhaps apt for Pakistan’s state actors plagued by cycles of dysfunction and denial. The metaphor of the “dead horse” aptly captures the state of country’s stagnation. This commentary critiques the country’s political or otherwise operatives that persist in maintaining failed policies and systems, refusing to face the hard truths that could lead to meaningful reform for the nation.

The “Dead Horse Theory” offers a satirical critique of those who continue to prop up failing systems rather than confronting their inevitable collapse. In Pakistan, the ruling elites in all forms and shapes exemplify this theory through their reluctance to accept responsibility for the country’s ongoing crisis.

Rather than embracing accountability and seeking sustainable reforms, state actors often resort to superficial solutions, such as cosmetic changes or external scapegoating, rather than acknowledging the fundamental issues at play. This refusal to confront failure prolongs the status quo and deepens Pakistan’s structural weaknesses.

By perpetuating narratives the popular narratives to wink hood public , they  maintaining control over the political landscape by constantly shaping the national discourse in their favour by offering comparisons to other nations in similar conditions as a way to deflect blame for the country’s lack of progress as well as presenting outdated policies as viable solutions, thus preventing meaningful reform and prolonging the national crisis.

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This cycle of denial and misinformation undermines Pakistan’s institutions, diverts resources from crucial reforms, and erodes public trust in the political system.

The “dead horse” metaphor encapsulates the failure of various state policies that continue to stagnate despite clear signs of their ineffectiveness. Key examples of this can be seen in:

1. Economic Mismanagement: Rather than addressing underlying economic weaknesses, Pakistan continues to rely on external bailouts and increased taxes, which only prolongs its dependence on foreign aid.
2. Political Instability: Political leadership changes frequently, but the culture of corruption and poor governance remains deeply entrenched.
3. Judicial and Governance Failures: Repeated commissions and investigations yield little reform, highlighting the inefficiency and lack of political will to address systemic issues.
4. Civil-Military Relations: The ongoing tug-of-war between civilian governments and the military establishment has created a political environment marked by paralysis, further hindering progress

Pakistan’s extensive reliance on committees, task forces, and reports only serves to reinforce the illusion of progress without actual results. The bureaucracy, often bogged down by inefficiency, is more focused on creating reports than implementing changes that could address the country’s most pressing problems. This cycle of bureaucratic inertia reflects a lack of genuine political will to implement reforms and leads to prolonged stagnation.

The Path to Break the Cycle of Denial

To overcome the current crisis, Pakistan must confront its failure head-on and adopt a more proactive, solution-driven approach. Several key actions are necessary to break the cycle of denial and facilitate long-term reform:

1. Embrace Accountability: Pakistan’s leadership must openly acknowledge the country’s failures and take responsibility for their role in the continued dysfunction. This includes holding military, political, and judicial bodies accountable for their actions.

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Suggestions:

Establish independent oversight bodies, such as judicial commissions or ombudsman offices, with the authority to audit state functions and enforce action.

Strengthen whistle-blower protections to ensure that individuals can report corruption without fear of retaliation.

2. Comprehensive Policy Reforms: The country needs more than superficial changes to leadership or short-term fixes. It requires comprehensive institutional reforms that address the root causes of economic, political, and governance challenge.

Suggestions:

Reform Pakistan’s civil service to ensure merit-based appointments and depoliticised decision-making.

Convene a national dialogue to develop long-term policy solutions involving all political parties, civil society, and experts.

3. Decentralise Decision-Making: One of the main sources of inefficiency is Pakistan’s centralised bureaucratic structure, which stifles innovation and delays action. Empowering local governments to make decisions and allocate resources based on their specific needs can speed up the process of resolving regional issues.

Suggestions:

Streamline bureaucratic processes to eliminate wasteful procedures and ensure faster decision-making.

Digitise government operations to improve transparency and reduce inefficiencies.

4. Invest in Education and Innovation: Long-term progress depends on investing in human capital. Pakistan must prioritise education, research, and innovation to build a more capable and competitive workforce.

Suggestions:

Create a national development plan that focuses on measurable goals for education, economic growth, and poverty reduction.

Invest in research and development initiatives to stimulate innovation and support sustainable development.

5. Promote Political Will and Civic Engagement: Political leaders must demonstrate the courage to confront hard truths and implement necessary reforms. To foster the political will required for change, citizens must be empowered to participate in the democratic process.

Suggestions:

Promote greater political transparency and accountability, especially regarding military spending and its impact on the civilian government.

Strengthen mechanisms for citizen engagement, such as improving voter education and expanding access to political debate platforms.

Conclusion: Time for Genuine Reform

Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in its history. The country’s leadership can no longer afford to ignore the realities of its systemic failures. The deep-rooted issues that have plagued the nation—economic mismanagement, political instability, and governance failures—can no longer be solved by superficial changes or denial.

Breaking free from this cycle requires genuine reform, built on transparency, accountability, and long-term planning. Pakistan’s leaders must face the hard truths and implement the necessary changes to create a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future for the nation. Only then can the country hope to escape the grip of stagnation and build a brighter tomorrow.

All information and facts provided are the sole responsibility of the writer.

The author, a Pakistan-born creative based in Bradford, UK, is a versatile talent celebrated as a designer, artist, and poet. They hold a postgraduate degree in fashion design from London, showcasing their expertise in both artistic and academic pursuits.