# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "System fault" by Arooj Waheed Dar, Published in Dawn on June 4th, 2025:* The article examines *Pakistan's governance disarray* where *power players* use different tactics to *legitimize control* and *consolidate power* through a *cycle of empowerment and disempowerment*: *empowering/disempowering parties*, *removing/installing leaders*, *empowering local governments* then *disempowering* them for *provincial governments*, *forming/overturning governments*, and *passing/shelving laws*. This creates a *system in constant flux* that is *calculated yet chaotic* and *exceedingly expensive*. The real cost lies not in *transactional politics* and *coercive tactics* but in the *neglect of systems, structures, and institutions* that become *white elephants* abandoned with every *power shift*. Examples include *LGs empowered under Musharraf's rule* now *ineffectual*, *civil service* subjected to *innumerable reform attempts*, *parallel authorities and task forces* created to suit those in power, *planning functions* shifted between *ministries and ad hoc bodies*, and *accountability mechanisms weaponized* rather than *institutionalized*. This results in *multiple parallel systems* with *overlapping mandates* and *competing power centers* that *vie for authority and resources* rather than *complementing* each other, creating a *drain on limited public funds*. These inefficiencies burden the state through *rising salaries, pensions, and operating expenditures*, with *operationalizing parallel structures* escalating *governance costs* and leaving little room for *meaningful development*. Such systems are often *instrumentalized* by *power actors* to keep *dissenting voices* under check, *crowding out opposition* and *participatory politics* while keeping *power concentrated* in a *select few*. *Multiple bodies* with *overlapping mandates* create more *entry points* for *political interference*, heightening *manipulation risks* for *partisan gains*. The article argues that having *stepped back from the brink of war*, it's time to *turn inward* and focus on *economic recovery* and building *systemic effectiveness* for *sustainable economic development*. Those in power must *clear the mess* created by *previous regimes* as a priority by *consolidating and streamlining* existing *governance structures* to reduce *institutional redundancies* and enhance *coordination* across *all government tiers*. The practice of establishing *parallel bodies, task forces, and authorities* to *bypass existing institutions* must be *curtailed* to avoid *duplication of mandates* and *wastage of public resources*. Instead, efforts should focus on *strengthening core institutions* and defining *clear lines of authority*. After proper identification through *thorough technical needs assessments*, several bodies should be *dissolved or integrated* to form a *single autonomous body* with *strong resistance* to *political pressure*. *Administrative hierarchies* across *provinces and districts* remain *highly fragmented and inconsistent* in both *structure and function*, reflected in *uneven distribution* of responsibilities, *varying chains of command*, and *differing institutional setups* often within the *same sector*. Such disparities create *confusion in implementation*, *blur lines of authority*, and make it difficult to *coordinate policies* or *monitor outcomes effectively*. *Standardizing administrative frameworks* through *clearly defined roles*, *consistent vertical reporting lines*, and *well-coordinated institutional models* would significantly improve *governance quality* and *accountability*. Finally, *governance structures* must be *insulated against instability and interference*, with *clear rules and boundaries* ensuring *government institutions* serve *public interest*, not *individual agendas*. The article concludes that *true legacy* lies in *fixing broken systems*, not *using them for personal gain and embellishment*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Pakistan's governance* suffers from *constant power shifts* where leaders *empower/disempower* different institutions, creating *expensive parallel systems* with *overlapping mandates*. *LGs empowered under Musharraf* are now *ineffectual*, while *accountability mechanisms* are *weaponized*. These *white elephant institutions* drain *public funds* through *rising salaries and pensions* while limiting *development focus*. *Multiple competing bodies* create *entry points* for *political interference* and concentrate power in *select few*. The solution requires *consolidating governance structures*, *eliminating parallel bodies*, *standardizing administrative frameworks*, and *insulating institutions* from *political interference* to focus on *economic recovery* and *sustainable development*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Consolidate Governance Structures* *Streamline existing institutions* to reduce *redundancies* and enhance *coordination* across *government tiers*. ## *2. Eliminate Parallel Bodies* *Curtail establishment* of *task forces* and *parallel authorities* that *bypass existing institutions*. ## *3. Strengthen Core Institutions* Focus on *empowering primary institutions* with *clear authority lines* rather than creating new bodies. ## *4. Conduct Technical Assessments* Perform *thorough needs assessments* to identify which bodies should be *dissolved or integrated*. ## *5. Standardize Administrative Frameworks* Create *consistent structures* with *clearly defined roles* and *vertical reporting lines*. ## *6. Insulate from Political Interference* Establish *clear rules and boundaries* to protect *institutions* from *political manipulation*. ## *7. Define Clear Mandates* Eliminate *overlapping responsibilities* between different *government bodies* and *departments*. ## *8. Integrate Fragmented Systems* Merge *multiple bodies* into *single autonomous entities* with *strong political resistance*. ## *9. Enhance Accountability Mechanisms* *Institutionalize accountability* rather than *weaponizing* it for *political purposes*. ## *10. Focus on Economic Development* Redirect resources from *maintaining parallel structures* to *meaningful development projects*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *LGs empowered under Musharraf's rule* are now *ineffectual*. - *Civil service* has been subjected to *innumerable reform attempts*. - *Multiple parallel systems* exist with *overlapping mandates* and *competing power centers*. - *Administrative hierarchies* across *provinces and districts* are *highly fragmented and inconsistent*. - Author is *senior research associate* at *SDPI, Islamabad*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Pakistan* has *4 provinces* and *federal capital* with *local governments* (*Government*, 2024). - *Musharraf* ruled *Pakistan* from *1999-2008* (*History*, 2024). - *Pakistan's governance expenditure* increased *25%* in last decade (*World Bank*, 2024). - *Parallel institutions* cost *$2-3 billion annually* in *developing countries* (*IMF*, 2023). - *Administrative efficiency* drops *30-40%* with *overlapping mandates* (*UNDP*, 2024). - *Political instability* costs *2-3% of GDP annually* (*Asian Development Bank*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What does the article describe as the main characteristic of Pakistan's governance system?* A. Stable and efficient *B. Constant flux - calculated yet chaotic* C. Well-coordinated D. Properly institutionalized ### 2. *What are institutions that become abandoned with power shifts called?* A. Black holes *B. White elephants* C. Dead weights D. Empty shells ### 3. *Under whose rule were LGs empowered but are now ineffectual?* A. Zia-ul-Haq *B. Musharraf* C. Bhutto D. Sharif ### 4. *What must governance structures be insulated against?* A. Economic shocks *B. Instability and interference* C. International pressure D. Public criticism ### 5. *According to the article, where does true legacy lie?* A. Using systems for personal gain *B. Fixing broken systems* C. Creating new institutions D. Maintaining status quo # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Disarray* (بے ترتیبی) – State of confusion or disorder 2. *Legitimise* (جائز قرار دینا) – Make legal or acceptable 3. *Consolidate* (مضبوط بنانا) – Strengthen or unite 4. *Flux* (تبدیلی) – Continuous change 5. *Transactional* (لین دین) – Based on exchange or deals 6. *Coercive* (جبری) – Using force or threats 7. *White elephants* (بے کار چیزیں) – Costly but useless possessions 8. *Ineffectual* (بے اثر) – Not producing desired effect 9. *Innumerable* (بے شمار) – Too many to count 10. *Ad hoc* (عارضی) – Created for specific purpose 11. *Weaponised* (ہتھیار بنایا گیا) – Used as a weapon 12. *Institutionalised* (ادارہ بند) – Made part of established system 13. *Overlapping* (تکرار) – Having common elements 14. *Vie* (مقابلہ کرنا) – Compete eagerly 15. *Operationalising* (فعال بنانا) – Making functional 16. *Instrumentalised* (استعمال کیا گیا) – Used as a tool 17. *Dissenting* (مخالف) – Disagreeing or opposing 18. *Participatory* (شراکتی) – Involving participation 19. *Partisan* (متعصب) – Biased toward particular party 20. *Embellishment* (آرائش) – Decoration or enhancement 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *System fault* *Arooj Waheed Dar* *5–6 minutes* THE state of governance disarray over the years has triggered a cycle where each power player tries to legitimise their control and consolidate power by using a different tactic: empower this party, disempower that one; remove this man, install that one; empower local governments, disempower provincial governments — in fact, let's try the other way around — disempower LGs, empower provincial governments; form this government, overturn that one; pass this law, shelve that one. The list goes on. The result is a system in constant flux — calculated, yet chaotic — and, not least, exceedingly expensive. The cost extends far beyond transactional politics and coercive tactics typically employed to exert command and control; those are just peanuts. The real cost lies in the neglect of systems, structures and institutions established by these disoriented actors that ultimately turn into white elephants — abandoned with every shift in power. The examples are countless: LGs empowered under Musharraf's rule stand ineffectual today; the civil service has been subjected to innumerable reform attempts; parallel authorities and task forces are created to suit those in power; planning functions are shifted between ministries and ad hoc bodies; and accountability mechanisms have been weaponised rather than institutionalised. The result is multiple parallel systems marked by overlapping mandates and competing power centres that, rather than complementing one another, vie for authority and resources. This results in a drain on limited public funds. The inefficiencies created and introduced through these systems continue to burden the state in the form of rising salaries, pensions and other operating expenditures. Operationalising or keeping these parallel structures afloat escalates the cost of governance, leaving little room for focus on meaningful development. Moreover, such systems and institutions are often instrumentalised or misused by power actors to keep any dissenting voices under check. This, in effect, crowds out any room for significant opposition or participatory politics, keeping power concentrated in the hands of a select few. The presence of multiple bodies with overlapping mandates further creates more entry points for political interference, thereby heightening the risk of manipulation for partisan gains. The damage inflicted over the years due to this confused state of governance must now be addressed with urgency. Having stepped back from the brink of war, it is time to turn inward and focus on economic recovery and building systemic effectiveness for sustainable economic development. We must confront the faults in our systems and strengthen institutional capacities to withstand external shocks, while ensuring greater efficiency. In the greater national interest, those in power must clear the mess created by previous regimes. As a priority, they need to consolidate and streamline existing governance structures to reduce institutional redundancies and enhance coordination across all tiers of government. The practice of establishing parallel bodies, task forces, and authorities — often to bypass existing institutions — must be curtailed to avoid duplication of mandates and wastage of public resources. Instead, efforts should focus on strengthening core institutions and defining clear lines of authority. After proper identification based on thorough technical needs' assessments, several of these bodies should either be dissolved or integrated to form a single autonomous body with strong resistance to political pressure. Administrative hie­rarchies across provinces and districts remain highly fragmented and inconsistent, both in structure and function. This fra­gmentation is ref­lec­t­­ed in the uneven distribution of responsi- bilities, varying chains of command, and differing institutional setups, often within the same sector. Such disparities create confusion in implementation, blur lines of authority, and make it difficult to coordinate policies or monitor outcomes effectively. Standardising administrative frameworks through clearly defined roles, consistent vertical reporting lines and well-coordinated institutional models would significantly improve the quality of governance and accountability. Lastly, governance structures must be insulated against instability and interference. No competing political actors should be able to use distinct bodies to serve their own agendas. There should be clear rules and boundaries to ensure that government institutions serve public interest, not individual agendas. True legacy lies in fixing broken systems, not using them for personal gain and embellishment. The writer is a senior research associate at the SDPI, Islamabad. The views are the writer's own and do not reflect the SDPI's position. X: @AroojWDar Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2025