Quick March, Quick March: 23rd March

The Pakistan Resolution passed on March 23, 1940, laid the foundation for an independent Muslim state where justice, equality, and sovereignty would prevail. It envisioned a country where the rights of every citizen would be protected, and the state would function as an Islamic welfare state. Under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, this vision turned into reality on August 14, 1947. However, as we mark another Pakistan Day in 2025, the country finds itself grappling with serious challenges that threaten the very foundation of the state. Political instability, economic uncertainty, terrorism, inflation, law and order issues, disharmony among provinces, lack of the rule of law, and tensions among the judiciary, executive, and legislature have left Pakistan far from the ideals of the Pakistan Resolution.

The core objective of the Pakistan Resolution was to create a nation where people could live with dignity and security, free from oppression and injustice. Yet, 85 years later, Pakistan is struggling to provide even the basic necessities to its citizens. The political landscape remains volatile, with frequent power struggles, weak governance, and corruption impeding national progress. Political leaders prioritize personal interests over national development, leading to repeated crises and instability. This lack of continuity in policies and governance has resulted in an ineffective administration that fails to address the pressing needs of the people.

Pakistan’s economic crisis is another major concern. The country faces record-breaking inflation, which has made it nearly impossible for the average citizen to afford basic goods and services. The cost of living has soared, pushing millions below the poverty line. The rupee continues to depreciate, foreign reserves are at dangerously low levels, and external debts have crippled economic independence. The reliance on international financial institutions, coupled with poor financial management, has further weakened the country’s economic standing. Despite being an agricultural nation, food shortages and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities have added to the struggles of the common man.

Law and order remain fragile, with increasing incidents of crime, terrorism, and sectarian violence. While Pakistan has made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, the threat is far from over. Extremist elements continue to disrupt peace, making it difficult for citizens to feel secure. In addition, the deteriorating law and order situation has led to a rise in street crimes, kidnappings, and violence in urban areas. The failure to effectively implement justice has emboldened criminals and eroded public trust in the state’s ability to maintain peace.

Disharmony among provinces is another alarming issue. Instead of fostering unity, political and administrative conflicts have widened the divide between the federating units. Issues related to resource distribution, provincial autonomy, and governance have fueled tensions, creating a sense of alienation among different regions. The absence of a fair and transparent system for

addressing provincial grievances has further deepened mistrust and weakened national cohesion. If not addressed, this growing discontent can pose a serious threat to the integrity of the federation.

The rule of law, one of the fundamental principles envisioned in the Pakistan Resolution, remains largely absent. Powerful individuals and elites continue to operate above the law, while the common citizen struggles for justice. Corruption within institutions has weakened the judicial system, making it difficult for the poor to access fair trials and due process. The weak implementation of laws, political interference in judicial matters, and lack of accountability have further eroded public confidence in the justice system. Without strict adherence to the rule of law, achieving social and economic justice remains an unattainable goal.

Another major crisis Pakistan faces today is the increasing tension among the three key pillars of the state: the judiciary, the executive, and the parliament. Instead of working within their constitutional boundaries, these institutions are engaged in power struggles that are weakening democracy and governance. The executive is often accused of overstepping its authority, the judiciary faces allegations of bias and selective justice, and the parliament struggles to assert its supremacy. This constant tug-of-war has resulted in a dysfunctional state, where governance takes a backseat while political battles take centre stage. If this instability persists, it will further paralyze the country’s ability to function effectively.

Despite these mounting challenges, Pakistan still holds immense potential to rise above its difficulties. The dream of the Pakistan Resolution can still be revived if the country adopts a collective approach to address its core issues. Political stability is crucial for national progress. Leaders must prioritize national interests over personal gains and work together to establish a system based on democratic values, transparency, and accountability. A long-term, consistent policy framework is essential to ensure that governance is not disrupted by political rivalries.

Economic reforms must be implemented urgently to revive Pakistan’s financial health. The government should focus on strengthening local industries, reducing dependency on imports, expanding the tax net, and creating job opportunities for the youth. Encouraging foreign and domestic investment, developing the agriculture sector, and promoting IT and digital exports can help stabilize the economy and reduce inflation. Additionally, measures should be taken to ensure that wealth distribution is equitable and that social welfare programs effectively support the underprivileged.

Law and order can only be restored by strengthening institutions responsible for maintaining peace and security. Police and law enforcement agencies must be depoliticized, adequately trained, and provided with the necessary resources to combat crime and terrorism. Judicial reforms are also essential to ensure swift and fair justice for all citizens. A transparent and impartial legal system will help rebuild public trust in state institutions.

To address provincial disharmony, the government must adopt an inclusive approach that ensures fair resource distribution and gives all provinces an equal voice in decision-making. Strengthening the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and implementing constitutional provisions that guarantee provincial autonomy can help bridge the gap between the centre and federating units. Unity among provinces is critical for national strength and stability.

The judiciary, executive, and parliament must recognize their constitutional roles and work together rather than against each other. Each pillar of the state must function within its defined limits to ensure smooth governance. Political and institutional conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and legal frameworks instead of confrontational tactics that weaken democracy. A balanced and harmonious relationship among these institutions is vital for the country’s long-term stability.

As we commemorate Pakistan Day on March 23, 2025, it is imperative that we reflect on whether we have lived up to the vision of the Pakistan Resolution. Unfortunately, the reality is that we have strayed far from the principles that were meant to define this nation. However, all is not lost. If we acknowledge our mistakes and collectively work towards addressing our challenges with sincerity and determination, Pakistan can still emerge as a strong and prosperous nation.

Pakistan was founded with the dream of justice, equality, and prosperity for all. That dream has not yet been fully realized, but it is not beyond reach. By embracing unity, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the ideals of the Pakistan Resolution, we can still build a brighter future for the generations to come.