In an era marked by political polarization, economic instability, and a trust deficit in public institutions, Pakistan is at a crossroads. The recent remarks by Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, before the National Security of Parliament underscores an urgent and critical point: a country cannot function effectively as a “soft state.” It must evolve into a “hard state”—a state where the rule of law is supreme, institutions are robust, and governance is disciplined.

The term “soft state,” coined by economist Gunnar Myrdal, describes a state where laws exist but are seldom enforced. This situation is evident in Pakistan today, with rampant smuggling, widespread tax evasion, land mafias operating unchecked, and delayed or selective court decisions. These failures have eroded both the authority of the state and the public’s trust in its institutions.

The lack of strong institutional control, coupled with a culture of impunity, has allowed criminal organizations, land mafias, and economic irregularities to flourish unchecked

Pakistan has long been considered a “soft state,” a term used to describe countries where laws exist but are weakly enforced, and governance is often reactive rather than proactive. This is evident in the country’s persistent issues with corruption, politicized institutions, lawlessness, and inconsistent application of justice. The lack of strong institutional control, coupled with a culture of impunity, has allowed criminal organizations, land mafias, and economic irregularities to flourish unchecked. As a result, public trust in the government and its institutions has eroded, hindering progress and stability. This “soft state” environment must be transformed, if Pakistan is to achieve lasting economic and social prosperity.

This is the essence of the “hard state” model—not authoritarianism, but a disciplined, capable, and reform-driven state that prioritizes justice, strengthens institutions, and serves the national interest above political expediency

Pakistan’s current challenges—from economic mismanagement to internal security threats—cannot be addressed through short-term fixes or political rhetoric. What the country needs is a transformative shift towards governance where laws are enforced consistently, institutions are strengthened, and policy continuity is maintained beyond political cycles. This is the essence of the “hard state” model—not authoritarianism, but a disciplined, capable, and reform-driven state that prioritizes justice, strengthens institutions, and serves the national interest above political expediency.

China’s transformation from a rural economy to a global economic powerhouse was driven by disciplined governance and strategic planning

Countries around the world offer valuable lessons for Pakistan as it seeks to reinforce governance. Singapore, once a nation plagued by corruption and poverty, emerged as one of the world’s most efficient states by establishing strong institutions, enforcing the rule of law, and promoting merit-based governance. Similarly, China’s transformation from a rural economy to a global economic powerhouse was driven by disciplined governance and strategic planning. Even Turkey, facing regional pressures and internal challenges, demonstrated how a nation could prioritize national cohesion and economic independence while reinforcing state strength. These examples show that the path to becoming a hard state is not only possible for Pakistan, but imperative for its survival and success.

Only through collective commitment can Pakistan rebuild trust in its system and ensure long-term stability

The transformation from a soft state to a hard state requires more than just military or executive action. It demands a national consensus involving political parties, the judiciary, civil society, the media, and the public at large. Only through collective commitment can Pakistan rebuild trust in its system and ensure long-term stability. The time has come for Pakistan to embrace the hard state model—not as a distant ideal, but as a national imperative.

A hard state is not about authoritarianism; it is about effective governance, rule of law, and national discipline. Countries that have successfully transformed themselves, such as China and Singapore, have done so by embracing strong governance, unwavering commitment to the rule of law, and fostering institutional integrity.

To build a hard state, Pakistan must take concrete and sustainable steps. The country must:

Introduce Institutional Reforms: Depoliticize civil services, police forces, and regulatory bodies, ensuring they function on merit and performance.

Judicial Overhaul and timely justice: Ensure speedy, transparent, and equal access to justice, eliminating delays and ensuring accountability within the judiciary.

Upholding the Rule of Law, A depoliticized and effective police force is essential for the impartial enforcement of laws. When the police is free from political influence, it can apply the law fairly, without bias or favoritism. This ensures that all individuals, regardless of their status, face the same legal consequences for their actions, which is a hallmark of a hard state.

A transparent and corruption-free environment is fundamental for a hard state, as it ensures that laws are enforced impartially and public trust in institutions is restored. This integrity fosters economic growth, strengthens governance, and promotes long-term stability by eliminating the corrosive effects of corruption on society.

Economic Sovereignty: Bring the informal economy into the formal tax system, tackle smuggling and hoarding, and coordinate enforcement across state agencies.

Strengthen Local Governance: Empower local bodies with the resources, training, and autonomy needed to address citizens’ needs at the grassroots level.

Promote National Unity: Counter divisive narratives, whether ethnic, sectarian, or political, by implementing inclusive policies and fostering civic education.

Strategic Communication: Engage the public proactively, combat misinformation, and reinforce a collective sense of national responsibility.

Depoliticization of Bureaucracy: Public institutions should operate on merit, free from political influence.

 Enforce the Rule of Law: Implement laws consistently and impartially, ending selective justice and political victimization

 Consistent Policy Implementation: Policymakers must adopt long-term strategies beyond electoral cycles to ensure continuity and stability.

Public Trust and Accountability: Citizens must see that the law applies equally to all, and accountability must be enforced fairly.

Civic Education and National Dialogue: Fostering a sense of civic responsibility and patriotism among citizens, especially youth, will be essential for long-term national cohesion.

Reforms in taxation; Pakistan urgently needs effective taxation reforms to widen the tax base, ensure fair and consistent revenue generation, and reduce reliance on external debt. A streamlined tax system would enhance government capacity to fund essential services, infrastructure, and social welfare. Reforms would also help curb corruption, improve compliance, and foster economic stability for sustainable growth.

Pakistan needs a fair and transparent National Finance Commission (NFC) award to ensure equitable distribution of resources across provinces and especially for every district of Pakistan through District Finance Commission, promote economic stability, and address regional disparities. A just NFC allocation fosters national unity by providing all provinces with the financial means to meet their development needs. This is essential for achieving long-term socio-economic growth and reducing tensions between federal and provincial governments.

By focusing on civic responsibility, critical thinking, and unity, such a syllabus contributes to building a disciplined, informed, and united citizenry vital for state stability

A common education syllabus is essential for a hard state as it promotes national cohesion by fostering a shared sense of identity and values across all regions. It ensures that all students, regardless of their background, receive a standardized, quality education that prepares them for the challenges of modern governance. By focusing on civic responsibility, critical thinking, and unity, such a syllabus contributes to building a disciplined, informed, and united citizenry vital for state stability.

The time has come for the country to embrace this transformation—not as an option, but as an urgent national imperative

Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. The security challenges it faces are not solely external; they are deeply rooted in governance failures and institutional weaknesses. The concept of a hard state is not merely an ideal but a necessity for Pakistan’s future. A hard state, characterized by strong institutions, the consistent rule of law, and impartial governance, is essential to overcoming the challenges that have long hindered the country’s progress. It requires a commitment to depoliticized policing, judicial reforms, economic discipline, and national unity.

By ensuring that laws are enforced equally, empowering institutions to function without political interference and fostering a culture of accountability, Pakistan can begin to rebuild the trust of its citizens and create a stable, prosperous future. The time has come for the country to embrace this transformation—not as an option, but as an urgent national imperative. Only through the establishment of a hard state can Pakistan truly secure its future and guarantee justice, security, and economic opportunity for all its citizens.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.