The social contract in Pakistan—achieved through millions of sacrifices—has broken down to a great extent. There are multiple dimensions which exemplify how the country has regressed into a sort of state of nature.
2) Historical and philosophical origins of social contract
3) Modern-day application of social contract and relevance to Pakistan
4) Social contract in Pakistan has broken down significantly:
a) The Feeble Leviathan: The state’s inability to address surging terrorism.
b) Lack of state writ in hinterlands alludes to Hobbesian anarchy.
c) Power imbalance between state institutions has compromised the principle of separation of powers.
d) Justice denied: The very institutions which were supposed to protect democratic governance have eroded it.
e) Blatant touting of a “hybrid” system hints at the real agent of the sovereign people.
f) The denial of freedom of speech through “black laws”.
g) Rousseauian “general will” versus the will of the elites.
h) Political witch-hunting among rivals alludes to the Hobbesian “state of nature”.
i) Rising inequality due to elite capture.
j) Cronyism and the hijacking of government departments through patronage.
k) Lack of economic arenas contributing to increasing poverty.
l) Overexploitation: Denial of the Lockean theory of value.
m) Non-existent welfare system, depriving people of a dignified life.
n) Vulnerable sections of the population have been forsaken due to a lack of a robust welfare system.
o) Lack of protection for minority rights unveils the state’s disregard for its responsibilities.
p) Education has become a privilege, rather than a right.
5) Conclusion
In a nutshell, the social contract in Pakistan remains severely compromised even after more than seven decades of existence. Rising terrorism, conflicts among state institutions, and authoritarianism have rendered the state ineffective in fulfilling its end of the bargain. Elites have further sabotaged governance and the smooth functioning of institutions to the detriment of citizens. Denial from participating in economic affairs has caused misery, increasing inequality, and pushing people to rely on an insufficient, overburdened welfare system. Deprivation of education, evident in out-of-school children, and the absence of safeguards for minority rights show leaders’ neglect of their duties. Nevertheless, despite years of instability and bad governance, Pakistanis remain resilient. While the current scenario paints a poignant picture, the future does not have to be so gloomy. As the famous social contractualist Jean-Jacques Rousseau himself proclaimed, “The prosperity of a nation requires the vigilance of its citizens” (The Social Contract, 1762). This quote highlights that Pakistan’s destiny depends not just on its rulers, but on the people’s vigilance, unity, and resolve to hold the state accountable and renew the social contract.
