Governance Challenges and Democratic Instability in Pakistan: An Islamic Perspective on Justice, Accountability, and Sustainable Development

Abstract

This article examines Pakistan's democratic instability and governance problems through an Islamic lens, emphasizing major issues such as poor infrastructure, a weak educational system, an ineffective judiciary, pervasive corruption, energy shortages, and widespread poverty. Although Pakistan is a parliamentary republic, its democracy remains non-liberal, resulting in political instability and a failure to address the needs of its people. The study highlights the significance of Islamic principles, including justice (Adl), accountability (Mas'ooliyyah), transparency (Shafafiyyah), and public welfare (Maslaha), in fostering good governance and sustainable development. Governance in Pakistan has significantly influenced its progress, underscoring the need for adherence to the rule of law, public participation, and ethical leadership as emphasized in Islamic teachings. This study employs a qualitative research approach, drawing on content analysis of academic literature, policy reports, and case studies from countries with similar governance challenges. A comparative framework is used to analyze governance structures in Pakistan against successful governance models in Malaysia and Turkey. Additionally, Islamic governance principles are examined to assess their relevance in addressing Pakistan’s governance issues. Reports from international organizations such as the IMF, World Bank, and Transparency International are also analyzed to provide empirical context.The article also presents recommendations for improving governance, such as strengthening democratic institutions, increasing public engagement, addressing the energy crisis, and building a resilient economy in line with Islamic values of equity and social justice. The findings suggest that Pakistan must implement comprehensive reforms rooted in both modern governance practices and Islamic principles to enhance democratic processes, promote economic growth, and prioritize the well-being of its people for long-term stability and development.