Pakistan Needs a New Social Contract: Rebuilding the State-Citizen Relationship
The foundational relationship between a state and its citizens is shaped by a social contract—an implicit agreement outlining mutual rights, responsibilities, and expectations. In Pakistan, this contract has frayed. While the state demands loyalty, obedience, and taxes, it often fails to provide justice, equality, and basic services in return. Decades of authoritarianism, institutional erosion, elite capture, and socio-economic exclusion have created a legitimacy crisis. Citizens feel alienated, and trust in public institutions is at an all-time low. This essay argues that Pakistan urgently needs a new social contract—one that centers on equity, constitutionalism, participatory governance, and inclusive development—to renew public trust and build a cohesive, democratic future.
Theoretical Basis: What Is a Social Contract? Social contract theory, espoused by philosophers like Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau, posits that governments exist to protect the natural rights of citizens in exchange for consent to be governed. A legitimate social contract is built on mutual accountability. When the state neglects its duties—security, justice, and welfare—citizens lose faith and compliance declines. In Pakistan, the current social arrangement is marked by a lopsided exchange: the state expects compliance without delivering meaningful protections or opportunities.
Historical Context: Pakistan's Broken Promises Since independence, successive regimes have promised democracy, justice, and development but failed to deliver. Military coups, manipulated elections, judicial compromises, and suppression of dissent have undermined the constitutional order. The state has historically favored elites—feudals, industrialists, and military bureaucracies—while excluding the masses. Repeated constitutional abrogations and weak federalism have diluted public ownership of the political process. As a result, many citizens, especially in marginalized regions like Balochistan and interior Sindh, feel disconnected from the national project.
Institutional Decay and Elite Capture The erosion of public institutions is at the heart of Pakistan’s governance crisis. Parliament is weakened by patronage and dynastic politics. The judiciary, while occasionally assertive, remains inconsistent and susceptible to pressure. Accountability bodies are politicized, while local governments are undermined. Elites capture policy through informal networks, leaving little space for the common citizen to influence decision-making. This exclusionary architecture perpetuates inequality and fosters cynicism.
Social and Economic Inequality A viable social contract must address growing disparities. Pakistan faces entrenched inequality in wealth, education, health, and access to justice. The top 10% of the population controls a disproportionate share of national resources, while millions remain impoverished. Women, religious minorities, and informal workers experience systemic discrimination. The absence of social mobility undermines the idea of shared nationhood and fuels resentment. Without inclusive economic reforms, no contract can be durable.
Democratic Deficits and Citizen Disillusionment Democracy in Pakistan has often been procedural rather than substantive. Elections are regularly marred by interference, voter suppression, and a lack of transparency. Political parties are rarely internally democratic. Civic spaces are shrinking, with activists and journalists facing censorship and intimidation. When citizens see their voice ignored and rights suppressed, the legitimacy of the democratic order suffers. A new social contract must guarantee political inclusion, freedom of expression, and accountability mechanisms.
The Youth Dividend and Future Expectations With over 60% of the population under the age of 30, Pakistan’s youth represent both a challenge and an opportunity. They demand transparency, jobs, education, and participation. However, the current system offers little in terms of meaningful engagement. Many turn to apathy, protest, or even extremism. Rebuilding the social contract means creating pathways for youth empowerment through education reform, civic training, and employment policies that prioritize dignity over patronage.
Elements of a New Social Contract A reimagined social contract for Pakistan should include:
- Constitutional supremacy and rule of law across all institutions.
- Equitable resource distribution and fiscal justice.
- Decentralized governance and empowered local bodies.
- Guaranteed civil liberties and protection of human rights.
- Merit-based public services and institutional reform.
- Transparent, inclusive, and responsive political processes.
- Strong social safety nets and universal access to health and education.
Counterarguments and Nuanced Challenges Some may argue that Pakistan must prioritize stability over reform due to security threats and economic fragility. Others claim that reforms are idealistic in a polarized political culture. However, without renegotiating the social contract, instability will persist. Suppressing reform in the name of order leads to further alienation. Real stability arises when citizens feel heard, respected, and protected.
The time has come for Pakistan to forge a new social contract—one that reflects the aspirations of its diverse populace and corrects the injustices of the past. This requires political will, institutional courage, and civic engagement. Only through a shared commitment to justice, participation, and dignity can Pakistan transition from a fragile state to a resilient democracy. The future of the nation depends not on stronger rulers, but on stronger relationships between the state and its people.
