Different Approach to Address Budget 2024-25 Deficit

 

The Federal Budget for 2024-25 is a topic of intense discussion across various forums, marked by widespread criticism due to the daunting deficit of 8.5 trillion PKR. Amid these challenges, I looked into unconventional solutions by studying documents like the Payment System Review for Q2 FY 2024 and the Budget Brief for 2024-25.

The Payment System Review highlighted two primary transaction types: Large Value Transactions (LVT) and Retail Transactions. LVTs encompass government securities, interbank transfers, third-party transfers and ancillary clearing; while Retail Transactions include ATM withdrawals, POS transactions, internet banking, mobile banking, call centre operations, e-commerce, e-wallets, and over-the-counter transactions.

Examining Q2-24 data revealed significant transaction volumes:

- LVT transactions totaled 272.70 trillion PKR.

- Retail transactions amounted to 140.33 trillion PKR.

- Total transactions for the quarter reached 413.03 trillion PKR, indicating a 4% growth from Q1.

 

Based on this, it's conservatively projected that total transactions for 2024 could range between 1200 to 1300 trillion PKR.

 

Meanwhile, the Budget 2024-25 forecasts revenues of 18.877 trillion PKR through increased taxes and levies. To cover the 8.5 trillion PKR deficit, the government aims for total income of 27.377 trillion PKR.

 

Now, you might wonder how banking transactions relate to budget expenditures. Here’s where a different approach comes in: A modest 1% tax on all transactions within the prescribed payment systems could generate between 12 to 13 trillion PKR. Given that over 50% of Pakistan’s economy operates outside the banking sector, integrating this informal economy into the formal payment system, particularly the Retail System, could potentially increase tax collections to 24-30 trillion PKR. This strategy could render direct income taxes on individuals unnecessary, offering significant relief to salaried individuals by eliminating income tax and withholding taxes at various levels.

 

In essence, by incentivizing a shift towards 100% transactional transparency through formal payment systems and eliminating conventional taxes, the government could not only surpass its revenue targets but also alleviate the tax burden on ordinary citizens.

 

This approach represents a paradigm shift in fiscal policy, harnessing the vast potential of Pakistan’s payment systems to achieve fiscal sustainability while fostering economic growth and fairness for all taxpayers.

A shadow projection of revenue against Federal Budget 2024-25 is as under

Revenue Stream	in PKR Trillion	Remarks
Current Payment System	13	Refer SBP document on Payment System Review
Indirect Taxes (Customs, Sales, FED)	7.5	Refer Federal Budget 2024-25 Table 4(II)
Income from Property Enterprise	0.477	Refer Federal Budget 2024-25 Table 5(B)
Receipts from Civil Administration	2.5	Refer Federal Budget 2024-25 Table 5(C)
Misc Receipt	1.7	Refer Federal Budget 2024-25 Table 5 (D)
Total	25.177
Required Amount	27.377	Budget + Deficit
Surplus/Deficit	-2.2
Add undocumented economy to be brought in payment system	13	More than 50% is grey economy.
Final Surplus	10.8	Add marginal corporate IT ‘X’ = 10.8+X trillion
Note:- This income does not include any type of income tax, levy on cell phones, CVT, WWF & WPF contribution as mentioned in Table 4 and 5. Proper implementation of Payment systems will render all duties and taxes to be redundant.

 

Turn Around of Failing Economy

Today, on 9^th of Jun 2022; Pakistan is well set on the path of being a failed state, if no concrete corrective actions are taken.  Pakistan’s total external debt stands at PKR 53.3 trillion circa.  As per Monthly Economic Update & Outlook May 2022 by Government of Pakistan Finance Division Economic Adviser’s Wing, current account deficit stands at US$13.8 Billion with Total Forex reserve being US$16.1.  and Inflation touching 13.4%.  In same report following has been concluded under the heading of way forward.

“Pakistan is currently facing several severe challenges: accelerating inflation, high external deficits, exchange rate depreciation, declining foreign exchange reserves and mounting uncertainty. On the other hand, economic growth remains relatively high, but in the presence of macroeconomic imbalances may not be sustainable.

The primary contributors of increasing inflation are the surge in international commodity prices and the massive exchange rate depreciation. In fact, the depreciation of the rupee both against the USD and on a trade weighted basis against the currencies of Pakistan’s main trading partners is primarily reflection of inflation differential between Pakistan and its main trading partners. Further relatively high domestic inflation is compensated by Rupee depreciation. However, currency depreciation itself feeds into higher domestic inflation. In this sense, Pakistan is caught into a vicious inflation/currency depreciation spiral. In the short run a predicament to stop this cycle is to pursue restrictive fiscal and monetary policies, coupled with policies and announcements that restore market agent’s confidence.

In the longer run, Pakistan’s main problems can be solved by designing a credible sustainable future economic trajectory that inspires consumers and investors’ confidence. Economic decisions are based on expectations about the future economic path as well as on the degree of certainty/confidence of development prospects. An important component of such process is supply oriented policies. Pakistan’s propensity to invest is much lower compared to high growing emerging market and developing countries. Accelerating the share of Gross Fixed Capital Formation in GDP would create additional production capacity to meet the increasing demand of consumers and producers. Such supply-oriented framework designed to reallocate the use of national income from consumption to investment expenditures, may be accompanied by suitable demand management policies.”

It is disappointing to see this conclusion or way forward, from government experts and economic gurus. First para starts with a paradoxical statement. In solution it is just jugglery of jargons and rhetoric.   In current situation experts are expected to give specific line of action which would translate into positive economic growth. 

All the wizards of subject and media are criticizing governments act but are not proposing anything subtle solution to get this country out of this financial whirlpool.  Government is adamant to take political millage through budget expense, ahead of upcoming elections. Therefore, no good is expected from them.  In such conditions what is the solution?

On one hand economy is not crumbling but melting.  On the other hand, government has proposed a deficit budget of more than PKR 4 trillion. It plans hundreds of official free Hajj, upgrade of camp offices and list goes on.  In such frail economic conditions, it is planning to allocate a large sum towards free laptop schemes and likes.  They appear to be in no mood of reducing expenses. 

Mere reading of financial summary indicates that the country is virtually in a deficit of 100%.  Total reliance is on borrowing which 14% more then the amount allocated for interest repayment.

There is no simple solution to this.  It is essential that both government and public work, in unison to pull the country out of such dire situation; before people are on the streets and total lawlessness engulfs the country.  Where LEAs loses their worth and 220 million are pitched against a few hundred thousand, out of which most are guarding the elite.  Most important of all is avoiding bank run, which can only be avoided through sensible and patient approach by all the citizens.  It has already been observed that people are withdrawing cash and converting it into USD and Gold.  This practice is devaluing PKR by the day.

Focus  of government in this “Operation Resurrection of Economy” should be on reducing budget deficit and increasing tax net. To start with they should look into the aspect of pay and perks cuts for President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Senators, MNAs, MPAs, Judges, Star officers of Armed Forces and Grade 20 & above civil officers.  Reduction of 10% in all heads of expenditure.  Stop all unnecessary international travels and where necessary bare minimum participants should travel and that too in an economy manner.  No HiFi hotels and motorcades at destinations, enjoy local cheaper food. 

Referring to taxing high salaried individuals mentioned in monthly report; it is quite deceptive as against the actual budget.   Irrespective of high salary threshold, increased fuel and utility charges and devaluation of PKR has effected each salaried individual adversely.  They have lost buying power by almost 30-35%.  Further taxation will be a killer effect whereby their take away home will reduce, while inflation still stands at 13%+ or above.  Contrary to monthly report by Finance division, which proposes budget also, a reduction in taxes for individuals can be observed.  This change of mind appears to be politically motivated in anticipation of any forthcoming elections.

Solution to gather more tax is not taxing those who are willingly or unwillingly paying full tax on their income.  Idea is to increase the tax net.  Let’s take example of “Chai Khanas”.  Most of those are owned and operated by people from a neighbouring country which has been very ungrateful to Pakistan.  They are using infrastructure of this country without contributing a single penny in terms of income tax.  Yes, our police and local civil administration does get a subsistence on regular basis.  Clad in rags and torn shoes operating these chai khanas 24/7; these individuals are paying rents as high as 200,000 per month and almost same or more amount as gratification; yet encroaching footpaths and roads. Many won’t believe but their income is estimated 250,000 to 300,000 per day per establishment, much higher then any of so called high salaried individuals.  Such establishments need to be taxed, which in common terms known as grey economy.

To increase tax net, all transactions above PKR5000 (limit can be set at lower level) be made through banking channel, compulsorily.  In order to make physical transaction more difficult, currency notes worth PKR 500, 1000 and 5000 be removed from circulation.  Bank accounts of all citizens above 18 years should be opened, National Bank can play a vital role, if private banks face difficulty in doing that.  Heavy turnover tax for non-filers be imposed. 

Controlling inflation by increasing interest rates has never been able to deliver desired results.  It only ends up pushing up inflationary pressures.  At the end, effect of interest is always passed on to the end consumer. Instead, interest rates should be reduced and criterion for offering loans for industrial setup should be made more stringent and followed strictly.  Controls should be placed in to negate any advantage taken by people in power corridors, thus ensuring no write off takes place.

The concept of supply and demand is one of the main driving factors in price hike. Measures to curtail price hike due to this particular reason is extremely necessary to keep inflation low. Likewise, capitalistic approach of maximizing margins is another factor in price hike.  Both these factors play vital role in increasing Gini coefficient.  Glaring example is of banks which declare

Currently, government price control mechanism is very primitive and imprudent.  It is restricted to basic food commodity items and subsidy through utility stores at retail level or imposing government defined rates for daily commodity.  This methodology is unsustainable and irrational.  It is a burden for the government in shape of subsidy and loss for the retailer, provided they follow government rate list.  Price control should be done at source to ensure inflation remains under control. This control is not possible unless industrialist/producers are made to comply with bookkeeping laws and restricting profit margins When prices are controlled at source level inflationary pressure can be reduced. Concrete efforts can even take the country into negative inflation.  This in no way indicates a communist or socialist approach, but Islamic approach of fair profit and payments. Capitalistic approach is to hoard money, by few, as the system allows investors to earn unrestricted profits.  Failure of capitalist system started since 2008 and has been fluctuating since then.  World economy will not gain sustainability unless capitalist approach is rationalized and channelized.  As far as Pakistan is concerned everyone has to develop content and adopt austerity.  Each business must lower their profit margins in order to counter inflation.  It is matter of survival which takes priority on saving for future. Inflation is a vicious circle, increase in price of one commodity increases dependent products prices multifold.  Fuel is the ideal example increase in fuel prices increases price of everything and with higher ratio.  It is because product or service provider increases the margin to ensure higher profits and cater for increased expenses in associated area.  This cycle can only be reversed if ALL involved restrict their margin.  They have to convince themselves to adopt survival mode.  A prudent approach indicates increase in crime and lawlessness when have nots are pushed against the wall.  One should not forget French and Russian revolutions.  Peeping back in history reveals that an Estates Generals and Monarchy exists in our political system which is the reason for  economic disaster of this country too.  Seed of antidisestablismentarianism has already been sown, in no time crop will be ready to harvest.

These are some measures which can be taken in short term.  In long term government should look into the aspects of delinking PKR from USD and linking it to Gold. SBP has to build a gold reserve and declare PKR value against Gold.  Excess currency note printing has to be halted and PKR – Gold parity to be maintained at all cost when issuing additional currency notes.  Incentives should be offered for people who bring in Gold for selling to SBP without making international remittances. Share from Reko Diq should be taken in terms of Gold rather then PKR.  This will help increase State Bank gold reserves making PKR stronger progressively.  In not more than two years’ PKR will compete with any of the strong currencies of the world.  This improvement will always be resisted by exporters, but in long run their production cost will reduce and their market competitiveness will be maintained.

Facilitation of taxpayers by offering them incentive like post-retirement medical facilities in commensuration of their past status held and tax amount contributed.  Systems in place at Canada, Germany, Norway, etc can be explored to develop a viable solution for Pakistan. Reducing human interaction while filing and assessing tax returns.  Government has invested heavily in IRIS and yet tax officials want people to personally visit rather than taking advantage of technology to save time and money.

This generation must suffer either way.  It is our choice between IMF or self-reliance. IMF slavery will be for all future generations too, other option will give our future generations a free and prosperous country. Cost is sacrifice of our never-ending race for the seven sins.

 

 

 

Organised Political Fraternity And Supportive Administrative Reforms

 

Strong political system is the essence of any country’s progress and development.  A weak political system leaves the country at the mercy of predators and looters.  In a weak political system, it is easy to manipulate legislature and public office holders, through gratification in shape of kinds, cash or blackmail.  This has happened with Pakistan. Pakistan’s political system has corrupted itself to the core because of vested interests of individuals.   Election are manipulated through influence, power and money.  It is essential to understand underlying reasons for such manipulation.  Is it the desire to be in power corridors or accumulating more wealth through unfair practices? 

 One of the main reasons for ancestral politics and oligarchy in Pakistan’s politics is allocation of development funds and administrative authorities to members of legislative assemblies.  At times, it provides underprivileged, who are elevated to assemblies, an opportunity to change their status of have nots.  Such members not only accumulate wealth for their own self but also for their human deities, who provided them an opportunity reach high offices through party influence. 

Those who are already rich and considered among the elite class, join National and Provincial Assemblies to multiply their wealth.  Use state resources to flaunt  their authorities and power.  To achieve this objective, they allow people under their direct command to indulge into malpractices.

Through bureaucracy’s support politicians bring their dreams to reality.  Thus, all the ends of power, join hands in the business of loot and plunder.

If Pakistan must change its status from developing country to developed country it has to bring major and ruthless reforms in its political, judicial and managerial system. It must remove financial and administrative authorities from the jurisdiction of legislators and devolve it to lower echelons.   An effort by General Pervaiz Musharraf delivered some results; but local governments remained under the influence of political parties.

Political Reforms

To allow full and accountable functioning of local government it is essential to remove sway of political parties in affairs of local government.  This can only be achieved through development of organised political fraternity. An organised political guild will develop an institution like armed forces where training is at the core.  

It is easy to criticise any system; which has been done to the perfection by so called journalist through lip service.   Unless a solution is suggested, all criticism is rather otiose.

Now the question arises, as to how Pakistan political setup can be organised?  It requires an amendment in Constitution of Pakistan.  The system needs a transformation from parliamentary system to Presidential form of government.  Under current political scenario, it is almost impossible to have two third majority to amend or rewrite the constitution. 18^th Amendment has made it further challenging; where vested interests of elite are being protected by the constitution itself. Under this amendment, dynastic politicians have ensured that they cannot be kept out of legislative (monetary) assembly come what may.  Nevertheless, a combination of constitutional articles can help resolve this constitutional crisis.

Constitutional Provisions

Article: 58 Dissolution of National Assembly

	Dissolution of the National Assembly: (1) The President shall dissolve the National Assembly if so advised by the Prime Minister; and the National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, stand dissolved at the expiration of forty-eight hours after the Prime Minister has so advised.   (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (2) or Article 48, the President may dissolve the National Assembly in his discretion where, a vote of no-confidence having been passed against the Prime Minister, no other member of the National Assembly commands the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, as ascertained in a session of the National Assembly summoned for the purpose. ………….   (5) Where the President dissolves the National Assembly, notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), he shall- (a) appoint a date, not later than ninety days from the date of the dissolution, for the holding of a general election to the Assembly; and (b) appoint a care-taker Cabinet  in accordance with the provisions of Article 224 or, as the case may be, Article 224-A”
Article: 245	Functions of Armed Forces.  (1)]  The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so. (2) The validity of any direction issued by the Federal Government under clause (1) shall not be called in question in any court.   (3) A High Court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the Armed Forces of Pakistan are, for the time being, acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245: Provided that this clause shall not be deemed to affect the jurisdiction of the High Court in respect of any proceeding pending immediately before the day on which the Armed Forces start acting in aid of civil power. (4) Any proceeding in relation to an area referred to in clause (3) instituted on or after the day the Armed Forces start acting in aid of civil power and pending in any High Court shall remain suspended for the period during which the Armed Forces are so acting.
Article: 94	Prime Minister continuing in office. The President may ask the Prime Minister to continue to hold office until his successor enters upon the office of Prime Minister.
Article: 48	President to act on advice, etc. (1) In the exercise of his functions, the President shall act on and in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or the Prime Minister: …………… .............. (6) If at any time the Prime Minister considers it necessary to hold a referendum on any matter of national importance, he may refer the matter to a joint sitting of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and if it is approved in a joint sitting, the Prime Minister may cause such matter to be referred to a referendum in the form of a question that is capable of being answered by either "Yes" or "No".   (7) An act of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) may lay down the procedure for the holding of a referendum and the compiling and consolidation of the result of a referendum.

 Dissolution of National Assembly and Execution of Referendum

Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve National Assembly with following remarks.

“Parliamentary system has failed to deliver desired results of true democracy.  Constitution of 1973 has been modified multiple times to facilitate ancestorial politics and provide loopholes for financial corruption.  Hence, a referendum may be called for change in political system from Parliamentary to Presidential system and new elections may be called for constitutional assembly instead of legislative assembly.”

A combination of available constitutional provisions can set grounds for improved political ethics and behaviour. Though, constitution provides clear headway to Presidential form of government through a referendum.  Only hitch is approval by joint sitting of parliament.  Interestingly article 48(6) does not require 2/3^rd majority to approve a referendum.  Therefore, first stage of organising political fraternity can be achieved, though not that comfortably, but through deliberate efforts.

Election of President and Governors

President and Provincial Governors to be elected through direct vote of citizens, respectively.

Criterion

1.       1. Should hold a verified college degree.

2.       2. Should be mentally and physically fit to advice the President. (Medical should be conducted against pre-defined criterion)

3.       3. Should not hold dual nationality or at least three years should have lapsed after surrendering foreign nationality.

4.       4. Should be residing in Pakistan for 7 years.

5.       5. Should be an active taxpayer, if not crossed superannuation age in case of non-businessperson.

A Framework to Organise Political Fraternity.  

1.       1. Emergency be declared.

2.       2. Army be called in to provide support under Article 245 of the constitution to ensure free and fair referendum.

3.       3. President to take charge as caretaker President of Pakistan anticipating envisaged change in political system. Existing Governors to take charge of existing 4 provinces, 5 incase of GB. 

4.       4. President/Governor should select a small council of 6 Technocrats as advisor to run affairs of country for a defined period (One Year).  After completion of one year Presidential/Governor election be conducted and subsequent President/Governor holds the office for 4 years along with selected 6 advisors.  This ends an army of federal ministers, minister of states and provincial minsters.

5.       5. People selected to remain disqualified for life to hold any public office.

a.       Foreign Affairs

b.       Finance

c.       Media Affairs

d.       Commerce and Trade

e.       Election Commissioner

f.        Law

Pre-requisite for Advisors

1.       1. Should hold a verified college degree.

2.       2. Should be mentally and physically fit to advice the President. (Medical should be conducted against pre-defined criterion)

3.       3. Should not hold dual nationality or at least three years should have lapsed after surrendering foreign nationality.

4.       4. Should be residing in Pakistan for 7 years.

5.       5. Should be an active taxpayer.

Qualification for members of UC, DC, PA, NA & Senate

1.  Should be residing in the constituency from where elections are contested for at least preceding three years.

2.  Should be residing in respective province for at least 5 years and in Pakistan for last 7 years.

3.  Should be resident of ward for at least one year and have permanent or temporary address, registered in the same ward.

4.  Should be Mentally and Physically fit to hold seat of respective conclave. (Medical should be conducted against pre-defined criterion).

5.  Should hold minimum of graduate degree duly attested by HEC. (May be waived for UC level)

6.  Should not hold nationality of any other country; if dual nationality previously held, should have been surrendered at least 3 years before contesting elections.

7.   Should be an active taxpayer in Pakistan.

Delimitation

Delimitation of constituencies to be done based on 2017 census results, though controversial. New provinces be made depending upon increase in population whereby keeping maximum population of a province to be between 1-1.5 million.  In the beginning for cities like Karachi and Lahore a one-time waiver can solve the problem; later these cities can also be bifurcated in further provinces. 

A pseudo structure of Provinces can be drawn from existing divisional administrative structure, based on Census 2017.  Each province to have maximum population of 11-15 million. To simplify the process initial demarcation of provinces can be done based on current divisional population

 

1.  Re-delimitation of Union Council, District and Province should be done for better administrative purposes.

2.    Delimitation be done based on 1000-1250 people per ward. Administrative units having thin per Km² population may comprise of 10 villages per Ward. 

3.   One representative from each ward be elected through direct vote i.e. one representative per 1000-1250 people, in other words 1 person per 100 -125 people will make access of public office representative easier for the people of constituency. No democracy can be perfect, nevertheless this system will reduce margin of error to minimum. Such type of system also provides an opportunity to representative of each Mohlla to participate in country’s politics.

4.   Each Union Council to have 10 wards.

5.   Each district to have 30 UCs

6.     Each UC to elect one member among elected candidates to act as UC representative in District Council. Thus, District Council to have 30 members.

7.    Each Province should comprise of 40 districts represented by two members from each district council in Provincial Assembly.  These two members be elected by members of DC from within. These representatives of DC will act as direct link of district in Provincial Assembly.

8    Each Province to elect 5 members from within to represent the province in National Assembly. National Assembly be responsible for accountability of President and appropriate legislation.      

All provinces to have equal representation in NA. 

This will ensure that each decision taken in NA or PA is fully supported by the lowest level of political hierarchy, as NA or PA members would be required to vote after approval of respective lower.

Note: Each institution to elect a chairperson/Speaker and Deputy Chairperson/Deputy Speaker from among the group members.

Electoral Reforms

1.       President and Governors to have maximum of two terms.  After two terms, becomes ineligible for contesting the election.  Governors may contest election for President after completion of two terms.

2.       Candidate for UCs should be allowed to contest election from only one constituency.

3.       Should be residing in the constituency for last three years and will should continue to live in same constituency for the term in public office.

4.       Term for public office in NA/PA should be 4 years.  Thus, paving grounds for fresh blood to re-energise the system.

5.       Consistency in national policies can only be attained by avoiding not changing PA/NA in totality. Therefore, first NA/PA should have 25% members retiring after each year. Subsequent replacements to have full four years, unless impeached by their own electoral college, demise, voluntary retirement or medically unfit.

6.       Maximum of two tenures be allowed to holder of public office, unless an elevation to higher house takes place; whereby another two terms be allowed.  If no elevation to upper house within two tenures would qualify the candidate to retire from politics.

7.       Any seat falling vacant to be filled as fresh tenure of 4 years. Process of filling the seat remains bottom up.  Thus, no requirement of conducting general elections.

8.       Institutional reforms should be done to make each institution independent of political influence.

9.       Civil servants to provide administrative support for municipal services to Union councils.

10.   Reserved seats be abolished.  Women and minorities to enter political fraternity through normal channel.

Tenure and Terms of First NA/PA

First National Assembly to be Constitutional Assembly having a tenure of 4 years. Its sole duty should be to rewrite a constitution free of bias, nepotism, elite pack syndrome and obstruction to justice. 

Reforms in Bureaucracy

State institutions like armed forces and civil services were considered among upright and honourable jobs.  Unfortunately, over eons the reputation has tarnished, many citizens do not hold a very positive image of these institutions. Between the two, armed forces, still holds better respect, relatively. Bureaucracy has turned into total disappointment. Though, Armed forces are still maintaining some stature.

Reason for civil servants going astray, point towards our political system.  Postings, promotions and benefits are being controlled by politicians or at least under their influence, has made bureaucracy subservient to political elite.  Due to plurality of command bureaucracy is involved in scratching each other’s back.  Thus, whole system gets effected adversely.

To keep bureaucracy on track it needs a personnel management system like armed forces.  Where check and balance remain under supervision of one single commander rather than politicians.  Bureaucracy should be kept independent like armed forces with clearly defined duties, yet under strict departmental scrutiny.   Civil servants’ protection law needs to be amended and brought inline with the laws of armed forces.  Court protection against dismissal through departmental action is one of the reasons of impunity in behaviour of civil servants.  Authorities needs check and balance, through strict accountability against any misuse. A robust and fair internal accountability system can ensure efficient and right deliverables by civil services.  It is civil services duty to look after day to day affairs, take decisions in the interest of country, administration, maintaining law & order and ensure all civic facilities are available to common man.

Judicial Reforms

Law has been viewed as a noble profession, where bar and bench together endeavour to dispense justice.   World history is witness of great men and legends like M A Jinnah, Allama Mohd Iqbal, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln and many more, who changed the course of history; these were all officers of law.  For them dispensation of justice was essence of life.  Unfortunately, this profession has turned itself into a fraternity which protects delinquents in lieu of monetary benefits. Misleading of evidence has become hallmark of success.  Judges sell conscious and prove that justice is blind.  Justitia is blindfolded to ensure justice across the board, but now adays it seems that this blindfold is towards commoners with inclination towards elite and powerful.   Power which is mustered through partnering with criminals.

Most of the career judges in Pakistan are those who were average and could not make their place among successful lawyers.  Though, induction goes through a process of testing and interview by senior judges, but quota system, political appointments and nepotism has provided an opportunity to average lawyers making their way into the most important pillar of state. Have nots get the unchecked power, which is subsequently used to improve lifestyle. This serves objectives of corrupt elite; thus, complete system of justice is plagued and justice to commoners is denied or delayed.  A very common saying “Justice delayed is also justice denied”.  It is depressing to see innocent people spending their lifetime in prison, until their exoneration is announced after their death. Malpractices in Pakistan’s judicial system is keeping it among tail enders in international ranking.

Judicial reforms are essential for correct and fair dispensation of justice.  And the buck stops at correct induction with continuous professional training. A system like armed forces is needed to induct, train and retain judicial officers. The worst enemy of justice, the Quota system, needs to be abolished completely and lateral induction of judges should end forever. A systematic career growth for competent judges will help in improving deteriorating judicial practices.  It goes without saying power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely; robust accountability is imperative to keep a check on unbridled power.  Sanctity of courts can only be established by accountability of judges.  They should be questioned, interrogated and held accountable for any incorrect or unfair orders passed.  Unless, judges are made accountable for their wrong judgements, system will not deliver desired results.