SUMMARY of the Article “Matters of Legitimacy” Dawn, September 9th, 2024)
The article by Shahid Kardar and Shafqat Mahmood addresses the deep-seated governance crisis in Pakistan, highlighting the increasing gap between state capabilities and public expectations. With the country’s population growing rapidly and opportunities for decent living not matching this growth, the state’s inability to maintain order and enforce laws is becoming more evident. The insurgency in Balochistan and rising security threats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab underscore the weakening control of the state. Additionally, the judicial system’s failure to provide justice has eroded trust in the rule of law, a key pillar of functional governance. The writers argue that the political and civilian institutions, which should have been reformed, are instead crippled by bureaucracy and lack of moral legitimacy. The establishment’s control over state institutions and manipulation of the Constitution has left the current governance structure without public trust. The writers stress that legitimacy, stemming from adherence to the rule of law and the Constitution, is vital for governance. The current environment of political exclusion, such as the actions against the PTI and Imran Khan, has further alienated the populace. The writers call for a reset of the state, advocating for collaboration among all stakeholders, and urging that legitimacy be restored through free, fair, and » Read More…