It has been a year since Pakistan's most controversial elections held on February 8, 2024. Defying all odds, in a true democratic spirit, people clearly echoed their choice into the ears of the status quo through ballot paper. Albeit, in a riding roughshod, the establishment manipulated results, paving the path for their favorite candidates to the corridors of power. However, this was the rare specter in Pakistan's history, which proved a massive blow to the establishment and the political parties under its influence.
Similarly, in modern times, the Global South is witnessing a series of mass movements, even leading to the overthrow of dictatorial or oppressive regimes. Notable examples include the student-led demonstrations against Sheikh Hasina's regime in Bangladesh, the 2022 uprising in Sri Lanka that toppled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and the recent challenge to Assad's regime in Syria by revolutionary forces.
In the case of Pakistan, there has been ongoing pressure from the establishment on the judiciary, civil society, and political parties, which has led to a political and economic deadlock in recent years. While the saying "Rome was not built in a day" reminds us that change takes time, pushing through such challenges requires a united stand against the deep state. One option is to demonstrate street power, but this could risk sparking a civil war, much like the conflicts seen in the Middle East or those in other turbulent regions.
Alternatively, a softer revolution based on Enlightenment ideals such as reason, individualism, and progress could be a way forward. By blending these ideas with modern political thought, we could aim for both short-term and long-term goals, offering a more peaceful and sustainable path to change. To bring political stability and ensure civilian supremacy, the leadership of all mainstream political parties must come together to draft a new Charter of Governance in the form of a 27th Constitutional Amendment.
To achieve this, there must be a broad consensus on key reforms. The military establishment and deep state must have no role in political affairs. The Chief of the Armed Forces should have a fixed tenure of three years, with no extensions. The most senior judge of the Supreme Court should be appointed as Chief Justice and retire at the age of 65. Transparent and impartial elections must be conducted across Pakistan to restore public confidence in the democratic process. Local governments form the backbone of democracy and should be strengthened to empower the people at the grassroots level.
For Pakistan to achieve sustainable progress, it is crucial to implement long-term reforms that focus on education, technological advancement, and economic empowerment. To ensure that education serves its true purpose, Pakistan needs large-scale reforms in its education system. The first priority should be to eliminate the outdated cramming system, which hampers creativity and critical thinking. Instead, the focus must shift toward skill development, ensuring that students gain practical knowledge relevant to the modern world.
Pakistan’s Gen Z holds immense potential, particularly in the technology sector. By providing them with the right opportunities, we can expand their expertise in artificial intelligence, coding, and entrepreneurship—fields that are shaping the future. Additionally, promoting financial literacy and investment opportunities among the younger generation will enable them to contribute to economic growth while securing their own financial independence. These long-term strategies will help build a progressive and self-sufficient Pakistan.
Fourteen hundred years ago, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid the foundation of the State of Medina, transforming a society from the sands of Arabia into a model of justice, equality, and welfare. This serves as a powerful example for building a just and inclusive society today. The Prophet (PBUH) also emphasized the role of women, granting them rights to inheritance, education, and business—far ahead of his time. Following this model, we must empower women in all fields, recognizing their contributions and ensuring their rightful place in society.
For a country to develop, unity is essential. Pakistan faces ethnic divisions—Punjabi, Pashtun, Sindhi, Baloch—but great nations succeed by embracing a single national identity rather than fragmented ones. To progress, we must work as Pakistanis, rising above ethnic differences to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
At the end, an enlightened Pakistan in its true spirit requires every single one of us to think, act, and live as a responsible citizen. As is famously said, "Drop by drop, an ocean is formed."