Struggle for the Stability of Pakistan — Successes and Failures
By: Prof Masood Akhtar Hazarvi
On 14 August 2025, we celebrate the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. This is an occasion to look back at the past, assess the present, and choose a bright path for the future. In 1947, the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent, under the exemplary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA), achieved Pakistan — the realization of the dream of Allama Iqbal (RA). It was envisioned as a nation founded on Islamic principles, emerging as a just, sovereign, and welfare state where Muslims could freely live their religious, cultural, and economic lives, while minorities would also enjoy complete religious and civic freedoms. It was a dream of progress where every individual’s talents could be nurtured.
Since the country’s creation, we have witnessed both achievements and failures. In order to revive our lost dream, we must present a balanced analysis of Pakistan’s successes and weaknesses.
From a historical perspective, the initial challenges make it clear that the creation of Pakistan was nothing short of a miracle. Based on the Two-Nation Theory, millions of Muslims migrated, and a new state emerged. Yet, only a year after independence, the death of Quaid-e-Azam in 1948 dealt a major blow to the nation. Then, in 1951, the assassination of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan broke the continuity of leadership. This was a time when the country needed a strong foundation, but political instability weakened its roots.
In 1958, the first martial law was imposed, and in the following four decades, Pakistan spent almost 30 years under military rule. During this period, Parliament and political institutions were sidelined. The constitution was enforced three times — in 1956, 1962, and 1973 — but each time martial law or constitutional suspension harmed the rule of law. These weaknesses were not only political but also affected national unity.
Pakistan’s shortcomings and failures are the result of our own mistakes, and mentioning them is essential so that we can learn from them. The greatest weakness is political instability. Frequent changes in government, corruption, and weak institutions have eroded public trust in political leadership. In the judicial system, cases often drag on for an average of 5 to 10 years, turning justice into a mockery.
On the economic front, in the 1960s, we achieved an impressive annual growth rate of 6.8%, but in later decades, political crises, corruption, energy shortages, and dependency on foreign loans weakened the economy. Our external debt remains a barrier to progress.
In education, UNESCO reports that Pakistan has 23 million children out of school — the highest number in the world. These children are our future, but by depriving them of education, we are halting national progress. In healthcare, the situation is even more alarming. Pakistan spends only 1.2% of its GDP on health — the lowest in the region.
On the social front, sectarianism and provincial prejudice have weakened national unity. These weaknesses are interlinked — political crises affect the economy, which in turn impacts education and health, all of which combine to obstruct national development. Still, with sincere efforts, these problems can be corrected.
Despite all these challenges, Pakistan’s achievements over the past 78 years are no less remarkable, and they give us hope for a brighter future.
On the defense front, during the 1965 war, the nation showed extraordinary unity when the people and the armed forces together faced the enemy. In 1998, by conducting nuclear tests in the mountains of Chagai, we became the first nuclear power in the Muslim world and the seventh in the world — a testament to our scientific and defense capabilities.
In sports, our successes are world-renowned — the 1992 Cricket World Cup, four Hockey World Cups, and continuous victories in squash brought glory to Pakistan. These achievements reflect our national resolve.
On the diplomatic front, hosting the Islamic Summit Conference in 1974 made Pakistan a central hub for the Muslim world. In infrastructure and economic development, projects such as motorways, Gwadar Port, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are transforming the region. Natural resources like coal, gas, and minerals, along with our energetic youth, are our strengths.
Pakistan’s failures and successes are two sides of the same coin. Weaknesses stem from our political and social mistakes — corruption and lack of unity hinder our progress. Yet our successes remind us of our determination, capabilities, and founding vision. For example, while lack of education is a weakness, our scientists have achieved astonishing feats like the nuclear program. If we view our failures in the light of our successes, reform becomes easier.
For the stability of Pakistan, practical steps are necessary. First and foremost, conduct transparent elections and strengthen democratic institutions. To improve the economy, expand the tax net, modernize agriculture and industry with advanced technology, and focus on exports. Eliminate the class-based education system by implementing a unified national curriculum, establish vocational training centers, and ensure that every child attends school. Provide basic healthcare facilities to every village and allocate at least 4% of GDP to health. Reform the judiciary to make justice swift and transparent, and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
Remember, the foundations of Pakistan were laid on a great ideology. If we make that ideology the center of our lives, we will cultivate integrity in politics, honesty in the economy, and brotherhood in society. Quaid-e-Azam’s words remain a guiding light for us: “Work, work, and work — untiring labor and steadfastness must be our guiding principles.”
We have strong borders, hardworking and passionate youth, natural resources, and great defensive strength. What we need is determination, unity, and a long-term vision. If we learn from the past, bring honest leadership to the forefront, and uphold the rule of law, the dream of a stable Pakistan will surely be fulfilled.
Let us unite and show the world that Pakistan can not only revive its lost dream but also emerge as a great nation capable of leading the world.
Pakistan Zindabad!