One can question the credibility and merit of the index released by the US State Department's GPI, but two things tend to augment the level of alarm and caution as far as Pakistan's prevailing security, economic, socio-political conditions are concerned.
First, instability in Pakistan has reached a dangerous level because two out of four provinces (Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), including the tribal areas, are in the grip of insurgency, militancy, violence and terrorism.
The other two provinces, Sindh and Punjab, are also exposed to acts of terror and breakdown of the rule of law. Second, the human security index in Pakistan has also reached its lowest ebb in view of rampant corruption, deepening of economic divide, the low quality of life and the breakdown of infrastructure.
The state's failure to control prices of essential commodities and to provide good governance also enhances the level of frustration and anger in the vast segments of population.
It is not only the GPI which has warned of serious threats of instability in Pakistan because of the reasons mentioned earlier, other global organisations like Transparency International and the International Crisis Group have also expressed their concern over the collapse of state institutions.
It is high time that those who are the stakeholders in the state and society of Pakistan, regardless of their political affiliation, take notice of the chaotic situation in the country and take appropriate steps so that the country is saved from a tragedy. Unfortunately, in the last four or so decades, Pakistan has gone back in terms of development, education, rule of law and work ethics.
PROF DR MOONIS AHMAR
Karachi
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