Elite Apathy: The Consequence of Elite Indifference in Pakistan
by Riaz LaghariThe article discusses the negative effects of the ruling elite's inactivity and passivity toward the nation's urgent economic and social issues. Pakistan is dealing with a number of economic and social issues, such as a slow GDP, growing inflation, high unemployment, and pervasive poverty. The country's ruling elite and elite class, however, are mainly ineffective and uncaring about these urgent challenges.
The situation of the economy today reflects the absence of The current status of the economy as a result of inaction on the part of the government and a lack of investment. Given their ability to influence economic growth and development, the ruling elite and the elite class have a heavy burden in this area. They don't seem to care about the misery of the general populace, though.
Many things, such as corruption, a lack of accountability, and a lack of political will, contribute to the governing elite. This inaction has a terrible effect on the populace as a whole, causing poverty, unemployment, and other social and economic issues to persist.
It will need a coordinated effort from many parties, including the government, civic society, and the media, to address this issue. In order to address the underlying reasons of apathy, such as corruption and a lack of accountability, the government must take the initiative. In order to hold the ruling elite and the elite class accountable and increase public knowledge of these issues, civil society and the media must play a critical role.
Pakistan's economy can be strengthened by studying the economies of its neighbors, namely Bangladesh and India. Both India and Bangladesh have advanced significantly in recent years, especially in the fields of manufacturing and technology. For instance, India has risen to become a centre for IT services and innovation, while Bangladesh has become a major exporter of ready-made clothing. Pakistan must give priority to important economic sectors and make investments in the advancement of its human capital if it wants to follow in their footsteps. For Pakistan's elite, who are essential in advancing the economy of the nation, this is extremely significant. They may take the lead by supporting good governance and transparency, and investing in innovation, entrepreneurship, and education. Pakistan can construct a better future for its people and generate prospects for progress and wealth by taking a proactive approach to economic development and by following the lead set by India and Bangladesh.
The rise of India's economy through the expansion of its information technology (IT) industry was greatly aided by the founding of IT universities in that nation. India was able to use its human resources to boost innovation and competitiveness in the IT sector because to the universities' objective to generate highly competent technology experts. This has consequently aided India's overall economic development. Pakistan should take inspiration from India's experience and think about creating similar institutes to develop its own talent and promote the expansion of its IT industry as it works to better its own economic status. Pakistan may take advantage of the potential of its human capital to promote innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth by investing in education and developing a highly trained workforce.
The elite class has a special potential to effect beneficial change in the nation because of their influence, income, and knowledge. They ought to put their money to work boosting the economy, bringing about employment growth, and assisting small and medium-sized businesses. They ought to use their power to support laws that advance development and growth, as well as to lessen corruption and advance accountability. In order to raise the standard of living for the general populace, the top class should also fund health and education efforts, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. The elite class may contribute positively and constructively to ensuring a better future for all Pakistanis by acting responsibly and pro-actively.
Pakistan's top class has a significant opportunity to raise the nation's situation in innovation and competitiveness.. They can help with this in a variety of ways, such as:
The affluent can spend in research and development projects that are designed to create new technologies and procedures to raise productivity and competitiveness.
The privileged class can encourage entrepreneurship by giving young business owners guidance and seed money to help them expand and scale their operations.
Promoting Education: The wealthy can help fund educational programmes that encourage the nation's creativity and entrepreneurship. In order to encourage students to pursue jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), they can also offer scholarships to those students.
Boosting Innovation in the Private Sector: The elite class can use their influence to persuade businesses in the private sector to make investments in new technologies and innovations.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem: The elite class can collaborate with the state and other interested parties to establish technology parks, incubation facilities, and accelerators in order to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
By making these decisions, Pakistan's elite class may encourage innovation and competition, which will boost Pakistan's economic potential through research and development.
In conclusion, improving the economic and social conditions in Pakistan requires tackling the inaction and inefficiency of the ruling elite and the top class. To effect change and build a brighter future for the nation, all stakeholders must work together. For the benefit of all Pakistanis, the ruling elite and the elite class must now assume leadership and accountability.
