Governing the Ungovernable by Dr. Ishrat Hussain
Governing the Ungovernable by Dr. Ishrat Hussain provides a comprehensive analysis of the various governance challenges that Pakistan has faced since its inception. Dr. Hussain, a former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and an esteemed economist explores the reasons behind the country’s decline in governance and economic performance, especially after the 1990s.
The book delves into several key issues:
- Historical Context and Economic Decline: Dr. Hussain traces the roots of Pakistan’s economic troubles back to the 1990s, well before the rise of terrorism post-9/11. He highlights that while the country saw a significant economic growth during the Musharraf era (2002-2008), the underlying governance issues persisted.
- Governance and Institutional Decay: A significant portion of the book focuses on the decline of Pakistan’s institutions, including the civil service, judiciary, and political structures. Dr. Hussain argues that the bureaucracy, which was relatively effective in the early decades post-independence, has deteriorated significantly.
- Role of Military and Civilian Governments: The book discusses the impact of military and civilian governments on Pakistan’s governance. While military regimes have occasionally provided better governance and economic performance, Dr. Hussain contends that sustainable development requires a robust and uninterrupted democratic process. He emphasizes that military reforms often lack legitimacy and are not sustained once civilian governments take over.
- Local Governance and Devolution: Dr. Hussain advocates for strong local governance structures, which he believes are crucial for effective administration and accountability. The book critiques the ineffective decentralization efforts post-Eighteenth Amendment, noting that true power has not been devolved to local governments.
- Socio-Economic Challenges: The author also addresses the socio-economic challenges, such as education and health, arguing that poor governance, rather than budgetary constraints, is the main issue. He suggests that improving governance could significantly enhance Pakistan’s socio-economic indicators.
Governing the Ungovernable is thus a critical resource for understanding Pakistan’s complex governance landscape. It offers a blend of historical analysis, current challenges, and potential pathways for reform, making it a valuable read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in Pakistan’s future.
