Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State- Book Review - CSS essay Material

 Pakistan: Beyond the 'Crisis State'

Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State- Book Review - CSS essay Material

By Maleeha Lodhi

Book Review for CSS 

The Past as Present – Ayesha Jalal

Ayesha Jalal has provided diverse reasons for the existing situation of a state like Pakistan. First, political elites have given "emotive lessons in ideology to the people to reinforce constructed myths, leading to "self-glorification of an imagined past." Second, the nation has failed to develop a historical consciousness because the people of Pakistan have not realized the significance of credible history. Third, Pakistan has been pushed towards a security state owing to the 'Indian factor.' Fourth, the "Islamic shift," Zia's "Faith, Piety, and Jihad," not only overtook Jinnah's 'Unity, Faith and Discipline' but also completely altered Pakistan's history. Last, the "clash of interest with America in Afghanistan" emerged from the secret of the Pakistan Army in the post-9/11 incident; the country is still facing the effects of those repulsive actions.

Why Jinnah Matters – Akbar Ahmed

Demands for a theocratic and modern state have been a wistful part of the debate throughout the history of Pakistan. The debate started after the demise of Jinnah. Islamists have won the debate many a time since then. Abul A'ala Maududi led Islamists and accentuated that Pakistan must be a theocratic state. It was the inverse of Jinnah's suggested idea. Jinnah did not support a theocratic state. Jinnah had included protection of minorities, "need to check provincialism," bolster for refugees, "cordial relations" with India, and "maintaining standards of neighborly courtesy" in his Pakistan vision.

Why Pakistan will Survive – Mohsin Hamid

Mohsin Hamid spills beans over the significance of assets granted to Pakistan. Diversity is one of them. It has been prejudiced in the case of Pakistan unluckily. Global North and South indicated that diversity plays a vital role in the economy and culture. Pakistan must also make use of its strengths. Now, a system of democracy has also been developed in Pakistan after decades of military rule. Islamabad is neither as poor as people think, nor its solutions to the country's problems are too convoluted to envisage. "Tax revolution" can create a difference and enable the country to spend more on education and healthcare. Moreover, Pakistan must change its approach toward Pakistan-US relations to accelerate development. It will lead to stopping US intervention in Pakistan's affairs.

Beyond the Crisis State – Maleeha Lodhi

Pakistan must decide between the "dilemma of weak governance, political-as-usual, economic stagnation, crumbling public faith in state institutions" and an opportunity for a revolutionary moment in the middle class. Even though it has faced ample failures in its history, Pakistan can still transform itself by fostering economic growth and by empowering information revolution in the politically confident middle class. Power asymmetry, feudal-dominated politics, borrowed growth, ideological disputes, and maintaining a quest for security have shaped Pakistani politics. However, Bringing new aspirations for social and economic changes have the potential to revitalize the political parties.

Army and Politics – Shuja Nawaz

The Pakistan army is the best-organized group and a real political force. For decades, it has dominated the politics of the country. Since the country's inception, ex-officials considered Pakistan Army a unique institution, separate from civil society and higher authority. The enhanced scope of the army hindered political development in the country. The war against terror propounded the role of the army. It became a corporate entity – increasing budget allocations and operating outside legal bounds.

Systems, and helping military officials get employed in civil institutions. Thus, the army has to take a back seat to let "important elements of the society" make politicians accountable.

Ideologically Adrift – Ziad Haider

Religion has played a crucial role in modifying "nation building and security objectives" throughout the history of Pakistan. During the establishment of the Constitution in Pakistan, the country has witnessed such alterations. Primarily, the Objective Resolution in 1949 injected religion into the core of Pakistan. Later, the country witnessed "Bhutto's Islamic Socialism," "Zia's Islamization," and "Musharaf's enlightened moderation and Talibanization." Era, as mentioned above, used religion as a shield for political gains. Thus, it is the need of the hour to focus on "building an inclusive and robust Pakistani state invoking progressive Islamic values."

Batteling Militancy – Zahid Hussain

The threat of militancy is one of the hindrances of Pakistan's instability. This is ever looming threat due to a lack of comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism strategy. Adopting a holistic approach and political mobilization can shatter the confines of terrorism.

Retooling institution – Ishrat Hussain

Institutions intermediating economic policies are the reason for failure to implement these policies. The economic governance and decision-making of these institutions have deteriorated. Thenceforth, it is pertinent to "retool" them. The agenda must include: restructuring federal, provincial, and district governments, reforming civil services, improving the delivery of essential services, strengthening key institutions of governance, and reforming institutions of restraint, i.e., media, judiciary, FPSC, and civic norms.

As Economic Crisis State – Meekat Ahmed

The author highlights the importance of major macroeconomic reforms and their implementation. These reforms emphasize management of 'inflation' and 'taxation,' assurance of social safety nets, boost 'Total Factor Productivity and streamline 'Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs),' implementation of export-based development strategy. The successful implementation of these reforms will make a resilient, more efficient, and self-endured economy.

Boosting Competitiveness – Mudassar Mazhar Malik

Pakistan has the potential to achieve economic success due to its strength, ability to resist geopolitical uncertainty, demographic asset, natural resources, and geostrategic location. Nevertheless, improving competitiveness is also essential for the country. According to the author, it is only possible when the country develops a clear vision to improve governance and infrastructure. It has to enhance education educational standards, improve skilled force 'to boost exports and transform textiles' and refine the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Turning Energy Around – Zian Allahabad

The author, in his essay, points out the core principles to cope with Pakistan's energy crisis. He states, "in Pakistan's energy sector, the indefinable vital reform is Integrated Energy Planning (IEP), and the imperative of adopting this is unquestionable." IEP brings optimal use of resources into play to attain socio-economic progress. It also integrates the policies and plans of the energy sector following economic objectives ensuring close coordination and consistency between energy sub-sectors.

Education as a Strategic Imperative – Shanza Khan and Moeed Yousuf

Lack of education is the critical player indulging Pakistan into a state of crisis. The issue lies at the root of Pakistan's multiple challenges. Pakitan, with high-quality education, can call.

The salience of the Islamist discourse into question, as well as contain radicalization of youth. Quality education, thus, must be a developmental and strategic priority. The failure regarding the education sector can potentially disrupt the country's social fabric as it remains primary to the recovery of Pakistan.

Pakistan as Nuclear State – Feroz Hassan Khan

Pakistan pins its hope on nuclear weapons for deterrence owing to a lack of proportional resources. The pre-requisite of such deterrence is a mixture of credible force, unrestrained capability, and the ability to devolve its will to the enemy. Types of deterrence, i.e., land, sea, and air, are likely to improve and evolve. Thereby, trajectories of regional security dynamics, the regional balance of power between India and Pakistan, US policy 'Asia and the Muslim,' and the current domestic crisis will decide the role of nuclear weapons.

The Afghan Conundrum – Ahmed Rashid

Ahmed Rashid terms the case of Afghanistan a "conundrum." It is because Afghanistan is passing through escalating domestic challenges of Pakistan and its struggle for influence in Kabul and the West, questioning the US-led operation and viewing Islamabad from a lens of suspicion. A stable Afghanistan is essential for Pakistan and maintaining good relations with it. Nevertheless, the Country's Afghan policy is continuously in Pakistan Army's hands. The onus lies on the military to defeat the Pakistani Taliban, gain strategic interests and keep the region away from the conflict as witnessed in the 1990s.

The India Factor – Syed Riffat Hussain

Despite the animosity between Islamabad and New Delhi, the prospect of peace still seems high. Successful bilateral talks and agreements between the two are evident in this regard. Following divergences have obstructed the peace process.

The clash of opposing ideologies

Strategic and economic asymmetry

The continuous trauma of partition and

The Kashmir issue

The author asserts that the peace process will remain devoid of substance and vulnerable to attempts until the Kashmir issue is resolved.

Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State- Book Review - CSS essay Material