SUMMARY of the article “Crisis of Governability,” by Umair Javed, Dawn, July 22nd, 2024
In the article “Crisis of Governability,” Umair Javed explores the deteriorating control of the Pakistani state over its political and economic landscape, as analyzed by scholars Adeel Malik and Maya Tudor. They predict a deepening ‘crisis of governability,’ marked by the current regime’s low societal acceptance and diminishing ability to enforce its agenda. Actions such as coercion against PTI members, Imran Khan’s continued incarceration, and manipulation of the 2024 elections have led to widespread unpopularity and mistrust in the regime, extending to the military establishment. Economically, despite some positive indicators, public perception remains grim due to plummeting real wages and limited growth opportunities, exacerbated by rising taxes and electricity tariffs. The state is perceived as only proficient in self-benefiting practices, failing to achieve sustained economic growth or meaningful reforms. The regime’s struggle is evident in its inability to manipulate election outcomes effectively, with the judiciary emerging as a site of resistance. Scholars attribute this crisis to societal changes like » Read More…