ormer federal minister Atta-ur-Rahman argues that Pakistan’s economic challenges require merit-based governance, stronger institutions and measurable government performance.
WEB DESK: Pakistan’s recurring economic difficulties are rooted in deeper governance challenges, including weaknesses in meritocracy, accountability and institutional performance, according to former federal minister and educationist Atta-ur-Rahman.
In an opinion article published by Geo News on August 19, Atta-ur-Rahman argues that Pakistan needs to build a political system in which knowledge, integrity, professional expertise and measurable results play a greater role in determining who is entrusted with governing the country.
Jinnah’s vision and the question of governance
The writer refers to a handwritten reflection by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Pakistan’s constitutional future, reproduced in The Jinnah Anthology. According to the article, Jinnah had considered whether a presidential system might be more suitable for Pakistan, although the reflection was not presented as a completed constitutional blueprint.
Atta-ur-Rahman says the issue today should not be framed as a choice between democracy and authoritarianism, but as a search for a democratic system capable of delivering competent government.
He highlights principles associated with Jinnah’s speeches, including public welfare, equality, protection of minorities, accountability, elimination of corruption, education, science and technology, law and order, and integrity in public service.
Call for merit-based appointments
The writer proposes that government ministries should be led by people with demonstrated expertise in their respective fields.
He suggests that finance should be handled by leading economists or financial experts, health by experienced health professionals, education by distinguished educationists, and science and technology by accomplished scientists or innovators.
He further argues that seniority alone should not determine appointments to specialised government positions. Instead, professional achievements, institutional performance, innovations, publications, patents and other measurable accomplishments should be considered.
Performance-based government
Atta-ur-Rahman also proposes four-year performance contracts for ministers and senior officials, accompanied by independent annual evaluations.
Under his proposed model, government performance should be assessed through measurable outcomes rather than announcements, publicity campaigns or ceremonial projects.
The article also calls for greater investment in education, science, research and innovation, arguing that these sectors are essential to Pakistan’s long-term economic development.
Focus on exports and the knowledge economy
The writer argues that Pakistan cannot achieve sustained prosperity by relying on borrowing and low-value exports.
He advocates a transition towards technology-driven and knowledge-based exports, including artificial intelligence, software, pharmaceuticals, electronics, engineering, modern agriculture, processed minerals and renewable-energy technologies.
He suggests that individual sectors should be given clear export-development targets and evaluated on their ability to generate additional foreign exchange and employment.
Stronger local governments
The article also proposes transferring greater financial authority to elected local institutions so that essential services such as sanitation, drinking water, primary healthcare and local infrastructure can be managed closer to communities.
Atta-ur-Rahman additionally suggests examining the creation of smaller administrative provinces based on population, geography, accessibility, economic viability and administrative efficiency rather than ethnic or linguistic considerations.
Democracy and competence
The writer stresses that the proposed reforms do not require weakening democratic institutions.
He argues that parliament, the judiciary, Election Commission, media and other constitutional institutions should remain independent, while elected governments must remain subject to oversight and accountability.
The central argument, he concludes, is that Pakistan does not have to choose between democracy and competence, but needs both to address its longstanding political and economic challenges.
