Oligarchy

The elite power structure in Pakistan is so deeply entrenched that any change or reform seems impossible. The ruling class makes constitutional amendments for self-serving reasons only and, instead of removing systemic weaknesses, they prefer to rule in a decadent manner. Today our nation appears to be disjointed and has been plundered by its own rulers. The practice of treating the privileged as above the law has become commonplace.

As a nation, at this critical juncture, we cannot leave ourselves to the vagaries of time or at the mercy of systemic aberrations. We need to have a serious and meaningful national debate involving a review of our entire government system. It is high time for political, economic, judicial, educational and administrative reforms.

Shafi Ahmed Khowaja

Hyderabad