Daily Times

We need to focus on the current situation, particularly the political scenario in Pakistan — everyone has a role and responsibility. The basic problem arises when there is conflict in role and overstepping on jurisdiction. The focus has to be on capabilities and capacity to deliver.

There is a need to strengthen parliament, the mother of all institutions. Parliamentarians need to introspect to improve and establish their merit and capabilities, if any, to serve the state and its people.

Democracy gives the right to elect representatives to manage the affairs of the state. Once the people have exercised their role and right to vote they should let the elected representatives do their job. It is not for the people to then interfere — image of a state and its institutions depends on how all actors conduct themselves.

Parliament is expected to set right all that seems to be wrong. However, the task could be accomplished only if the parliament strives to prepare itself and proves worthy of dealing with the challenges before it and of the leadership role it has to play. This supreme body should be capable enough to safeguard national interests, create an enabling culture and discipline to evolve policies and direction for a way forward in all fields of national life; including political, economic, diplomatic, legal, social, domestic and international issues that need to be handled with utmost care by any legislature.

Meritocracy has to be ensured for the elected as well as those bureaucrats and staff who provide a support system to the process of governance and administration of justice. It has to be amply demonstrated and made clear that nobody is above the law

It is rather unfortunate that irresponsible elements have neglected the true role of parliament in a democracy. They chose to stay out of the august house and indulge in street politics and protests that proved disastrous for economy, society, politics and governance. In such circumstances opportunities of improving the socio-economic status and level of living of the people are minimised.

Every Pakistani who votes has the obligation to keep an eye on the representatives elected by the people, make sure that the parliament and other national institutions comprise of personnel who have the capabilities and capacity to promote national interests and to serve the people, satisfying their needs. Meritocracy has to be ensured for the elected as well as those bureaucrats and staff who provide a support system to the process of governance and administration of justice.

It has to be amply demonstrated and made clear that nobody is above the law. This attitude and approach is essential, if we are looking forward to see our country as a democratic welfare state on way to progress, peace and prosperity.

Failure of institutions should not be seen as failure of the state. An enabling culture is required to make all institutions of the state to perform effectively as part of the system of governance in coordination with all organisations and institutions in context of structure and functions and objectives.

Simplification of methods and procedures has to be undertaken periodically to remove waste and inefficiency. Authority, responsibility and accountability are parts of a package of delivery system ultimately reflecting on the issues of justice and development.

The parliament can find solutions to all problems and issues, if there is a will. Parliament has to be effective and functional in the real sense, its role should be to correct all wrongs. Parliament in Pakistan needs to be more disciplined; absent members should be shunted out under a system of re-call, such as the one enforced in the United States. In its present state, our system of representation is dysfunctional. Much hard work is required to improve the functioning and behaviors of members of our parliament.

If we could bring about required improvements it would be helpful in bringing about a positive change in ensuring transparency and a meaningful system of governance and administration of justice. It will help introduce in-house efforts to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the governance process and put an end to malpractices, leading to responsible leadership and responsive institutions to do something effective to check on corruption and the need for fair administration. We need to tackle issues of transparency and accountability with greater vigour and sincerity as well as honesty.

The system of checks and balance in the triangular relationship of the legislature, executive and judiciary is of vital significance for perfect handling of affairs of the state and the system of governance. Out of box solutions become imperative for the health and strength of state institutions.

Drift cannot be allowed as it threatens the state and the reality of internal and external threats cannot be denied. We need to keep our eyes open and plans functioning. Effective governance depends on perfect coordination and cooperation of all institutions, specially the role of the parliament, which is the mother of all institutions.

It would be a logical conclusion that without improving attitudes and behaviours of parliamentarians, desired results cannot be achieved to strengthen the state and to establish its writ. Much of that is required in terms of fighting against terrorism, extremism, corruption and other ills of the social system has to be provided by improving and enhancing the institutional capability and capacity.

Societies are constantly subject to economic and political conflict that is resolved in different ways because of specific historical differences, the role of individuals and other random factors.

Research indicates that the differences created by institutional drift become especially consequential because they influence how society reacts to changes in economic or political circumstances during critical junctures. We in Pakistan are confronted with difficult questions and we need to find solutions.

The writer is a former Director of the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Government of Pakistan, a political analyst, a public policy expert and an author. His book Post 9/11 Pakistan was published in the United States. He can be reached at iftahmad786@hotmail.com

Published in Daily Times, September 20^th 2017.