Pakistan finds itself ensnared in the throes of a profound humanitarian crisis, where millions grapple with the relentless scourges of hunger, disease, and displacement. Across the nation, lifelines like clean water, healthcare, and education remain elusive, leaving countless lives teetering on the edge of despair. Adding to this bleak reality are waves of displacement driven by natural disasters, terrorism, and political instability, plunging many into unrelenting cycles of poverty and desperation.
The statistics are grim. Nearly 10 million children in Pakistan bear the silent burden of stunting, a direct result of chronic malnutrition, while eight in ten children are deprived of the right type and quantity of food needed to nourish their growing bodies, perpetuating alarming rates of stunting and wasting.
According to the Pakistan Nutrition Humanitarian Overview 2022, approximately 910,000 people were internally displaced in 2021. Conflict, poverty, and lack of resources prevent many from returning to their homes, and with ongoing political instability, displacement is expected to rise, exacerbating the nation’s hunger and malnutrition crisis.
Currently, only about 63.1 percent of households are considered "food secure, " meaning they have access to sufficient and nutritious food. However, high food prices and severe flooding in 2022 have worsened the food security crisis, affecting the livelihoods of approximately 33 million people, especially in southern areas.
A Legacy of Exploitation
At the heart of this humanitarian catastrophe lies the stranglehold of elite capture — a corrosive legacy of colonial rule that has ossified over generations. This entrenched system has allowed a privileged few to hoard resources, manipulate the levers of power, and perpetuate their dominance at the expense of the majority. Strengthened by relentless privatisation drives, these elites have systematically suppressed dissent and hollowed out the foundations of grassroots democracy, leaving ordinary citizens voiceless and vulnerable.
Elite capture in Pakistan traces its origins to the colonial era when British administrators centralised power and resources to extract wealth from the region. To secure their dominion, they forged alliances with local collaborators — landlords, bureaucrats, and nascent business elites — who were rewarded with privileges and positions of authority. This system institutionalised inequality, concentrating wealth and decision-making power in the hands of a few while disenfranchising the majority.
Following independence, rather than dismantling these exploitative structures, successive governments adapted them to serve their interests. Policies such as land grants, subsidies to large landowners, and selective industrialisation ensured that wealth and power remained concentrated. Meaningful land reforms were systematically avoided, further entrenching inequities.
The privatisation drive of the 1980s and 1990s magnified these disparities. Under the guise of economic liberalisation, state-owned enterprises, and public resources were sold off to politically connected elites. Far from promoting efficiency or competition, privatisation deepened inequalities, depriving ordinary citizens of affordable healthcare, education, and utilities. The state’s retreat from its responsibilities left the majority vulnerable while enriching the already privileged.
Dismantling elite control is not merely an act of rebalancing power; it is a lifeline for millions trapped in cycles of poverty, hunger, and despair
Stifling Dissent and Democracy
One of the most insidious consequences of elite capture is the systematic suppression of dissent and erosion of democratic accountability. To safeguard their privileges, the ruling elite has weaponised colonial-era laws to silence voices advocating for equity and justice.
Journalists, activists, and political opponents are targeted for exposing corruption or speaking out against systemic injustices. Media outlets are censored, co-opted, or shut down, leaving the public bereft of unbiased information.
Simultaneously, elections are frequently marred by allegations of rigging, and parliament remains a forum dominated by dynastic families and wealthy elites. The judiciary, intended to act as a check on power, is often compromised, leaving little room for genuine accountability.
The absence of vibrant local democracy further compounds the problem. Local governments, which could serve as a platform for citizen participation, are either non-existent or heavily influenced by centralised authorities. This disconnect between the people and their representatives creates a vacuum where elites operate unchecked, perpetuating inequality and marginalisation.
Why to Rebalancing Power
To address Pakistan’s humanitarian crisis, it is imperative to dismantle the structures of elite control that have perpetuated systemic inequalities and mismanagement. At its core, this requires redistributing resources equitably, empowering grassroots democracy, and ensuring democratic accountability.
A robust local government system would allow communities to address their specific needs, be it rural underdevelopment or urban overcrowding. Decentralised decision-making ensures that governance reflects the priorities of the majority, fostering resilience against hunger, disease, and displacement. Local democracy also bridges the gap between political parties and the masses, creating channels for citizen engagement and resource distribution that are fair and transparent.
Decriminalising dissent is another vital step. A society where individuals can voice grievances and demand justice without fear is essential for fostering responsive governance. Freedoms of speech, protest, and association must be protected to ensure that public institutions prioritise welfare over privilege. A culture of accountability, driven by citizen empowerment, compels political leaders to address the root causes of deprivation rather than protect elite interests.
Democratic accountability must be strengthened at every level. Transparent electoral processes, an independent judiciary, and a free press are indispensable for holding the powerful to account. A judiciary that operates without influence, combined with an unfettered media, can expose and rectify injustices, dismantling the mechanisms that perpetuate elite dominance.
Additionally, combating corruption is essential. A transparent and fair economic system, coupled with stringent anti-corruption measures, ensures that public funds are channelled into infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social safety nets rather than lining the pockets of a privileged few.
Towards Justice and Equity
Dismantling elite control is not merely an act of rebalancing power; it is a lifeline for millions trapped in cycles of poverty, hunger, and despair. By breaking the monopoly of the few, Pakistan can pave the way for equitable resource distribution and sustainable development. Grassroots democracy, bolstered by decriminalised dissent and democratic accountability, offers a path toward justice, transparency, and resilience.
In a nation scarred by historical inequities and systemic failures, dismantling elite capture represents the only viable route to alleviating the humanitarian crisis. It is a call to reclaim dignity for the dispossessed, a demand for governance that serves the many, not the few, and a vision for a Pakistan where justice and equity reign supreme.