Autonomy within

Pakistan a land of striking paradoxes is drowning in a pool of institutional failures yet still manages to produce pockets of excellence. The writer opens with a jarring image of 38 million beggars generating billions daily, mocking our national pride especially when the Pakistani passport ranks among the world’s weakest. But right in this murky backdrop stands the Pakistan Air Force, a model of discipline and global recognition. The same people who are seen abroad with begging bowls have also produced one of the finest air combat forces, built not on vast resources but on organisational clarity, continuity in leadership and absolute autonomy. The writer drives home the point that when power and responsibility rest in the same hands, institutions can take off rather than fall flat.

The article then exposes the rot eating away at civil institutions where puppets pull strings while real authority lies elsewhere. From chief secretaries to federal secretaries, no one has any real say over their own departments. Political parties, while chanting democracy, follow no internal democratic structure. In contrast, the armed forces operate with defined chains of command and unwavering respect for leadership. What lifts one institution and sinks another is clear as daylight. It is autonomy, not mere slogans, that creates excellence. The dream remains to see every Pakistani institution run with the same grit, pride and purpose as the PAF.

Overview:

This article analyzes the dysfunctional structure of most civilian institutions in Pakistan while praising the effectiveness of the armed forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force, which thrives due to autonomy, leadership continuity and internal discipline. It advocates for institutional reform rooted in authority and accountability.

NOTES:

The article throws light on the glaring contradictions within Pakistan’s institutions by contrasting the excellence of the Pakistan Air Force with the disarray found in most civilian structures. It begins by highlighting the disturbing claim that around 38 million Pakistanis are engaged in begging, many of them operating in foreign countries, which tarnishes the nation’s image globally. Amid this shameful statistic, the Pakistan Air Force stands out as a symbol of discipline, efficiency and institutional success. The key to its consistent performance lies in organisational autonomy, uninterrupted tenures for leadership and a culture that respects internal command and hierarchy. Chiefs are granted at least three years without the threat of external interference, allowing them to plan strategically and elevate the force’s standards. The Army too is cited for its operational excellence as seen in the 67 Punjab Battalion’s gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol in the UK, a feat that underscores the effectiveness of autonomy and leadership continuity. In contrast, bureaucratic and political institutions are marred by invisible power brokers, lack of clear authority, and complete disregard for merit-based promotions or postings. The article critiques how political parties that champion democracy do not practise it internally and argues that any reform will be futile unless the core flaw of separation of power and responsibility is addressed.

Relevant CSS syllabus topics:

• Governance and Public Policy explores how institutions function, the balance of power, and the implementation of policies. This article provides a real-world example of how autonomy and stable leadership contribute to organisational success, which is a fundamental concept in this subject.
• Pakistan Affairs covers the historical and contemporary workings of the state, including its institutional structure. The comparison between the military’s operational integrity and the dysfunction in civil bureaucracy fits squarely into discussions about the role of institutions in Pakistan’s development.
• Essay paper often includes topics like institutional decay, reform, civil-military imbalance, or governance crisis. The content of the article serves as powerful material to build arguments for such themes, using examples, facts and analytical insight.

Notes for beginners:

This article teaches that organisations like the Pakistan Air Force work well because they are allowed to function without outside pressure. Their chiefs are given time and full control, which helps them make long-term plans. For example PAF leaders have never been removed mid-term in over 78 years, which creates stability. In contrast, in government departments and politics decisions are made by people behind the scenes, which leads to confusion and failure. A clear example of success is the Pakistan Army’s 67 Punjab Battalion winning gold at an international military competition in the UK in 2024, showing that with discipline and leadership, Pakistani institutions can shine on the world stage.

Facts and figures:

• 38 million people reportedly beg in Pakistan, collectively earning billions daily
• Pakistan’s passport ranks fourth worst globally
• The PAF has had uninterrupted leadership for 78 years
• 67 Punjab Battalion won gold at Exercise Cambrian Patrol in the UK in 2024

To sum up, this article urges us to stop spinning our wheels with cosmetic reforms and instead fix the foundation. The future of Pakistan lies not in imported models or hollow policies, but in replicating the proven success formula of the PAF across every public institution. Until then we will continue to chase dreams with broken compasses.

Difficult words and meaning: