Sukkur

Elite Capture

A new debate is unfolding regarding how a country like Pakistan can achieve rapid economic growth despite the unsatisfactory global economic situation.

By Dr. Qasim Sodhar | February 2025

ELITE CAPTURE
Pakistan remains an underdeveloped country, with a significant portion of its population facing deprivation and myriads of socio-economic challenges. This predicament largely stems from the negligence of both former and current ruling elites. Regrettably, the country’s foundations were established on flawed principles; ultimately, the masses bear the burden of these errors. At the same time, the ruling classes and influential powers remain unaffected. Similar to many other nations, the class system plays a crucial role in Pakistan, where a substantial majority belongs to the lower class, and many individuals live below the poverty line.

Unfortunately, each government tends to blame its predecessors for economic decline, with few willing to take responsibility for enacting positive economic changes. When we compare the current political and economic landscape to previous eras, it becomes evident that the ruling elite has consistently relied on foreign funding. For instance, the country’s economy has historically depended heavily on foreign aid, which has been extended as a reward for various collaborations.

A notable example occurred in 1979 when the Soviet forces entered Afghanistan. The American president reached out to Pakistan’s then-president, General Zia-ul-Haq, seeking cooperation against the Soviet forces and the Soviet-supported Afghan government. In exchange, Pakistan received substantial financial assistance, and the president, who had attained power through questionable means, gained legitimacy in the eyes of the superpower. This collaboration lasted until the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Similarly, after the 9/11 attacks, the Bush administration sought assistance from the General Pervez Musharraf regime in Pakistan to combat the very same ‘Mujahideen’ that the US had previously helped to empower through its support. This led to the coining of terms like ‘Good Taliban’ and ‘Bad Taliban.’ Financial aid from the US continued until Pakistan shifted its diplomatic focus towards China, exemplified by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an unacceptable initiative to the United States. Consequently, the US has become increasingly reluctant to cooperate with Pakistan.

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