CITIZENS DEMAND REFORM!
A country’s well-being hinges on its citizens’ active participation in shaping its trajectory and destiny within a functioning democracy. Three quarters of a century after establishing an independent country, Pakistanis find themselves in the unenviable position of having to confront a multitude of existentialist challenges. These include foreign interference in matters of national interest and security, internal uprisings, terror attacks, an unsustainably high population growth rate, crumbling national and civic infrastructure, an energy crisis and grave economic mismanagement and its consequences: dwindling industrial and productive capacity, high inflation, unsustainable debt, regressive taxation, growing poverty and income disparities with policy controlled by unaccountable elite and vested interests, the collapse of the middle class and increasing levels of brain drain and migration. Adding to Pakistan’s woes is an almost complete institutional breakdown, ineffective governance controlled by political dynasties and their backers, a sybaritic and bloated bureaucracy, a non-performing judiciary, a politicised police force and a clampdown on freedom of expression and representation – all of which hamper any real attempts at reform. Meanwhile, people continue to suffer from rising food insecurity, malnutrition, stunted growth and deteriorating education and healthcare standards. The marginalization of minorities and vulnerable groups including women and children, child abuse and attacks on citizens’ physical safety continue to escalate. Grave environmental threats consequent to many years of resource plunder, water-insecurity and climate change also threaten our collective future.
The most damaging threat to the fabric of Pakistani society, however, is the erosion of hope in a better tomorrow.
Pakistan’s founders envisioned a land of liberty and prosperity — a nation based on the principles of social justice, democracy, equality of all and the rule of law. These aspirations derived their strength from an unwavering commitment to eliminate despotism, prejudice, oppression and exploitation. It now falls upon us, the collective citizenry and the inheritors of this trust, to safeguard, uphold, and diligently strive toward implementing the values enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan.
ACT Now! is a collective of citizens hailing from diverse backgrounds, united in a call for reforms across the country. Together, we engage in contemplation, advocacy, consensus building, and inclusive alliance building, committed to make the voice of ordinary Pakistanis heard in the exercise of nation building.