Trouble at Pakistan’s Governance Hub

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Constitution Avenue, Islamabad, pulsates with the promise of Pakistan’s democratic ideals. Here, grand buildings house the President, the Senate, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court – institutions meant to be the pillars of a just and equitable nation.

Yet, a closer look reveals a stark reality – a dissonance between the grandeur and the ground.

The irony is writ large in the blatant disregard for the law. A government car, parked brazenly under a “No Parking” sign, exemplifies the prevailing culture of impunity enjoyed by those in power.

This seemingly trivial act embodies a systemic rot – the erosion of the rule of law, the cornerstone of any functioning democracy.

The limited access to this avenue, a consequence of VIP movement, further isolates the powerbrokers from the very people they are supposed to represent. It becomes a self-serving enclave, fostering a sense of entitlement and detachment from the struggles of the ordinary citizen.

Meanwhile, across the street sits the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) – the custodian of national finances. However, its presence offers little solace. The burden of taxation falls disproportionately on the already strained shoulders of the common man, while the privileged elite finds ways to amass wealth beyond legitimate means.

This blatant injustice fuels public disillusionment and erodes trust in the system.

This disregard for the law permeates every facet of governance. Legislators, entrusted with upholding the Constitution, themselves stand accused of corruption, with a backlog of pending cases against them. Their unexplained wealth raises eyebrows, casting a shadow over the very institutions they represent.

The consequence of such blatant disregard for accountability is a nation teetering on the edge. Public services crumble, infrastructure decays, and economic opportunities dwindle. The disillusioned youth seeks escape abroad, while the marginalized struggle to make ends meet.

This is not the Pakistan envisioned by its founders. It’s a nation where the majestic buildings of Constitution Avenue stand as hollow monuments, devoid of the principles they were meant to uphold.

The road to redemption requires a paradigm shift. The government must prioritize genuine anti-corruption measures, fostering transparency and accountability.

Law enforcement institutions need strengthening to enforce the rule of law without fear or favor. Civil society must be empowered to play a more active role in holding the government accountable.

Ultimately, the power to revitalize the nation rests with the people. They must demand better, participate in democratic processes, and hold their leaders to account.

Only then can Constitution Avenue once again become a symbol of a vibrant, accountable democracy, where the rule of law reigns supreme.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo credit: Sohail Shahzad