It is time to eradicate the curse of elite capture in this country. Nobody is indispensable; the world’s graveyards are proof enough of that. Our ruling elite, obsessed with the Dubai model, has lost touch with ground realities. Pakistan is rich in human resources, which, if equipped with education and skills, have the potential to transform the country.
Historical Context of Elite Domination
Ever since 1954, Pakistan has remained hostage to the vested interests within the ruling elite, whose collective failures continue to haunt the nation. We must prioritise development in science, technology, economics and medicine. Yet we cannot even produce a balanced budget because powerful lobbies within the ruling elite are unwilling to bring every citizen—whether salaried, a trader or an industrialist—into the tax net.
Teenage Girl Shot Dead Over Refusal to Marry
In a separate incident highlighting societal issues, a teenage girl was shot dead over her refusal to marry, and police have launched a manhunt for the suspects. The case underscores the need for legal and social reforms to protect women's rights.
Call for Accountability of Leaders
Members of the ruling elite, including the President, Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, who refuse to live in official residences and insist on maintaining camp offices should either resign or be removed. The federal budget is glaring evidence of their failure. The only areas showing growth are drug abuse, street crime, smuggling, tax evasion, insider trading and institutionalised corruption—problems that should be declining, not increasing.
Environmental and Agricultural Decline
Unplanned urban sprawl on the outskirts of cities has replaced fertile farmland, reducing agricultural productivity and creating environmental problems that threaten public health. As long as Pakistan’s corridors of power remain dominated by real estate mafias, sugar barons, tobacco interests and IPP owners, ordinary citizens will continue to suffer. Our struggling economy is testimony to the incompetence and lack of commitment of those in power.
Priorities for a Better Future
Pakistan does not need globe-trotting members of the ruling elite travelling on private jets while millions of people live in poverty. A clean, healthy environment is a top priority in Attock, as stated by Deputy Commissioner Attock. The nation must focus on education, skills development, and equitable taxation to break free from elite capture and build a prosperous future.
