In Pakistan, pseudo-intellectuals — representing all shades of thinking — waste thousands of hours on TV talk shows and social media criticising democracy, the constitution and suggest self-assumed ground-breaking (sic) models. These futile and unworkable models are not even worthy of any consideration. Our drawing-room-gossip-addicted intelligentsia is not ready to admit a simple fact that the problem is neither with democracy nor constitution, but with the bad practioners. The collective disrespect for rule of law at all levels by the overwhelming majority of the nation is the real malady we need to cure. The persistent dilemma of Pakistanis is unending debates, ranging from genesis of independence to Islamic democracy, secularism to religiosity, parliamentary form versus presidential system and what not, But there is no inclination to follow the laws. Nobody is ready to make politicians ensure enforcement of fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 8 to 28 of the constitution and pay due attention to implementing policy objectives contained in Articles 29 to 38. Democracy sans rule of law and dispensation of social justice can never deliver. People elect their representatives for public welfare, not to give them a free hand to indulge in self-aggrandisement. Failure of the government, opposition and members of parliaments has created an atmosphere of cavernous disillusionment where people are skeptical about the very viability of democratic dispensation for Pakistan. The cynics say that money and power can buy the majority vote in a feudal society so there appears no hope even in the coming elections for a true representation as envisaged in the constitution. The democratic minds are worried about the rise of clergy, collapse of governance and fast deteriorating economic conditions. Rule of law is the principle that no one is exempt from the law, even those who are in a position of power. The rule of law can serve as a safeguard against tyranny, because fair, just, and impartial laws ensure that rulers do not become corrupt or despotic. Establishment of a welfare state is a cherished goal and all political parties must realise that no positive change can be achieved through force and violent means or by resorting to mere rhetoric. For true democratic dispensation that ensures mass participation, it is imperative to debate all-out reforms in all areas with the aim to move towards the cherished goal of self-reliance and welfare state The perpetual violation of rule of law, cronyism, nepotism, abuse of public money and promotion of corrupt practices by our rulers defy all norms of constitutional democracy. These undesirable practices are not confined to any particular political party in power. In theory, Pakistan is a constitutional democracy, but in practice it is an embodiment of kleptocracy. Our history of dictatorial military and autocratic civilian rules, coupled with corruption and bad governance, has crippled the state during the last seven decades. Favouritism and authoritarianism prevail in our political culture and governance. Our leaders speak about democracy and plight of the poor but at the same time, evade and avoid taxes and then whatever they extort from masses is mercilessly wasted on perks and benefits of those who matter in the land. The elites thrive on taxpayers’ money and then befool them by claiming themselves as guardians of their rights. The government’s kitty is empty because of unwillingness of the rich to pay taxes, collossal wastage of taxpayers’ money on unproductive expenses and non-exploitation of vital natural and human resources. Main leaders, in government and opposition, have billions of dollars lying abroad but they have little to no contribution in terms of taxes in Pakistan. Since Pakistan is ruled by elites — military-judicial-civil complex, industrial-turned-politicians and landed aristocrats, the rulers are least pushed in providing basic amenities like safe drinking water, health, education, transport and housing to the people. Our elites are incompetent too, as even for their own interest they have failed to develop a value-added economy that is growth-oriented. Their overemphasis on regressive taxes has destroyed the economy, besides widening the rich poor divide. According to a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank, the burden of taxes in Pakistan during the last 25 years has increased by 38.7 per cent while in the case of the rich for the same period it has decreased by 22.2 per cent. Our biggest failure is perpetuation of existing exploitative structures that are outdated and incapable of delivering. Judicial and civil structures are not delivering at all and their decay is well-established. The elites are alienated from masses. The people are highly frustrated due to lack of socio-economic justice and rising cost of life. The rulers by ignoring well-being of masses infringe their fundamental rights with impunity, but keep on extorting more and more taxes from them for their luxuries and personal comforts—they enjoy unprecedented tax-free perquisites and benefits at the cost of taxpayers’ money. It is time that political parties change their approach towards electioneering — they must present post-election concrete programmes for all three tiers of government and then give tickets to those who are inclined and capable to implement the same. For the next elections, all political parties should start unveiling their manifestos to make Pakistan a true egalitarian state. For true democratic dispensation that ensures mass participation, it is imperative to debate all-out reforms in all areas with the aim to move towards the cherished goal of self-reliance and welfare state. It is not possible to make Pakistan a welfare state unless we undertake fundamental structural reforms in the prevailing economic system. “The institutional structure of Pakistan’s economy is designed to generate rents for the elite at the expense of the middle classes and the poor. It is this structural characteristic of the economy and not just bribery that prevents sustained high economic growth and equity in Pakistan,” says Dr Akmal Hussain. Our inefficient, outmoded justice and administrative systems need major changes. Administration and dispensation of justice under the various laws in Pakistan need serious attention. There is a consensus that the entire justice system is on the brink of collapse. The same is true about bureaucratic apparatus that is anti-people in its essence. There is an urgent need to revamp both the system to ensure rule of law, fairness, equity and justice for all. At the same time, there is an urgent need to introduce a fair and just tax system. There cannot be two opinions about the fact that tax system ensuring benefits for entire society is at the core of social democracy. Funds contributed by taxpayers should be expended for meeting state expenses and providing social justice to all citizens. The intelligentsia instead of wasting time on fruitless debates, must present concrete proposals to be part of national agenda for a better Pakistan and open dialogue with all political parties to make it part of their manifestos. The writer, Advocate Supreme Court, is Adjunct Faculty at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Email: ikram@huzaimaikram.com; Twitter: @drikramulhaq Published in Daily Times, December 17th 2017.