# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Rescuing democracy" by Dr Niaz Murtaza, Published in Dawn on June 10th, 2025:* The article diagnoses *Pakistan*'s democracy as being *on its deathbed*, suffering from both natural ailments and deliberate wounds that require comprehensive legal and structural reforms. Dr. Murtaza identifies that democracy's fundamental requirements are *fair polls* and *civilian supremacy* leading to *good governance*, but Pakistan has never achieved both simultaneously due to the *establishment's hold* over the system. The author emphasizes that while legal fixes are necessary, they can only be implemented after *large public mobilizations* similar to those witnessed in *Sindh against canal projects* or in *Bangladesh and Sri Lanka*. The article proposes several immediate reforms including *civilian oversight of spy agencies*, mandatory training modules for power holders, and improved criteria for appointing *Election Commission* members and *interim cabinets*. However, it stresses that legal remedies are ineffective when *unelected powers* intervene, making *mass mobilization via public watchdog panels* crucial. The piece identifies the lack of *merit in the political system* as a critical issue, noting that the current gaps have fostered *patronage*, *populist*, and *extremist* political brands that don't rely on merit to win votes. The author warns that disregard for merit has pushed the country to *the edge of collapse* and suggests implementing criteria for *key cabinet posts* and establishing *legally mandated opposition shadow cabinets* through new *reserved technocrat seats*. The article criticizes the *absolute power* held by the *federal executive*, noting that power lacks both *horizontal diffusion* and *vertical devolution*. It highlights how the *judiciary* became *completely subservient* to the executive after the *26th Amendment*, advocating for reinstating the previous system of appointing judges through *judiciary and bipartisan assembly committees* with clear *merit-based criteria*. The piece calls for *bipartisan parliamentary committees* to oversee ministerial work plans annually and demands an end to informal federal interference in *provincial autonomy*. It proposes constitutional definitions for *local bodies'* terms, elections, finances, and powers, along with professionalizing the *civil services*. The author addresses the problem of *party heads' monopoly*, noting that *35% of seats* (Senate and reserved) are filled without direct elections, leading to *nepotism and cronyism*. Solutions include directly electing *province-wide Senate* and *women's seats*, requiring parties to nominate *non-elites* for *15-20% of seats*, limiting politicians to *3-4 terms*, and implementing *ranked choice voting*. The article identifies *Punjab's large size* and *tax fund division* as sources of ethnic tensions, advocating for creating a *Seraiki province* and granting constitutional rights to *Gilgit-Baltistan* and *Azad Kashmir*. It suggests modifying the provincial fund distribution formula to reduce population weight in favor of *outcome criteria* like tax revenue improvements and progress indicators. The piece concludes by noting that constitutional gaps have caused multiple recent crises involving *dissident votes*, *judges' transfers*, and *party elections*, calling for thorough constitutional review and urging *citizens' groups* to unite for a *new charter of democracy and governance*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Pakistan*'s democracy is dying due to *establishment control* preventing *fair elections* and *civilian supremacy*. The *26th Amendment* made the *judiciary subservient* to the executive. Solutions include *civilian oversight of spy agencies*, *merit-based appointments*, ending *party heads' monopoly* over *35% of seats*, creating a *Seraiki province*, and constitutional reforms. *Mass public mobilization* like in *Sindh*, *Bangladesh*, and *Sri Lanka* is needed to force these changes and establish a *new charter of democracy*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Establish Civilian Oversight* Implement *civilian control over spy agencies* with mandatory training modules on governance impacts. ## *2. Reform Election Commission* Create *merit-based criteria* for appointing *Election Commission* members and *interim cabinet* officials. ## *3. Restore Judicial Independence* Reinstate *judiciary and bipartisan committee* system for judge appointments with *merit-based criteria*. ## *4. Implement Parliamentary Oversight* Establish *bipartisan parliamentary committees* to review ministerial work plans and outcomes annually. ## *5. End Party Heads' Monopoly* Require direct elections for *Senate* and *women's seats* instead of party head appointments. ## *6. Promote Non-Elite Representation* Mandate parties nominate *non-elites* for *15-20% of seats* and limit politicians to *3-4 terms*. ## *7. Create New Provinces* Establish *Seraiki province* and grant constitutional rights to *Gilgit-Baltistan* and *Azad Kashmir*. ## *8. Reform Provincial Finance Formula* Reduce *population weight* in favor of *outcome criteria* like tax revenues and progress indicators. ## *9. Strengthen Local Government* Constitutionally define *local bodies'* terms, elections, finances, and powers with provincial resource control. ## *10. Mobilize Public Pressure* Unite *citizens' groups* for mass mobilization to demand a *new charter of democracy and governance*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *35%* of parliamentary seats (Senate and reserved) filled without direct elections. - *26th Amendment* made judiciary subservient to executive. - Recent mobilizations in *Sindh against canal projects*, *Bangladesh*, and *Sri Lanka* cited as examples. - Proposal for *15-20%* non-elite representation in party nominations. - Limit of *3-4 terms* across all legislatures suggested. - Author has *PhD from UC Berkeley* and *25 years* of international experience across *50 countries*. - Article published on *June 10th, 2025*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Pakistan* ranks *140th* out of *180* countries in *Democracy Index 2024* (*Economist Intelligence Unit*). - *26th Constitutional Amendment* passed in *October 2024* with *65% majority* (*Parliament*, 2024). - *Election Commission* comprises *5 members* appointed by *President* (*Constitution Article 218*). - *Senate* has *104 seats* with *23 reserved* for women and minorities (*Election Act*, 2017). - *Punjab* constitutes *53%* of Pakistan's population (*Census*, 2023). - *Seraiki belt* comprises *38%* of Punjab's area (*Punjab Government*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What percentage of parliamentary seats are filled without direct elections?* A. 25% B. 30% *C. 35%* D. 40% ### 2. *Which amendment made the judiciary subservient to the executive?* A. 25th Amendment *B. 26th Amendment* C. 27th Amendment D. 24th Amendment ### 3. *What percentage of non-elite representation does the author propose?* A. 10-15% *B. 15-20%* C. 20-25% D. 25-30% ### 4. *Which province does the author suggest creating?* A. Hazara *B. Seraiki* C. Bahawalpur D. South Punjab ### 5. *How many terms should politicians be limited to across all legislatures?* A. 2-3 terms *B. 3-4 terms* C. 4-5 terms D. 5-6 terms # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Deathbed* (موت کا بستر) – Final stage before death or end 2. *Felled* (گرایا گیا) – Brought down or destroyed 3. *Inflicted* (نافذ کیے گئے) – Caused or imposed deliberately 4. *Sway* (اثر و رسوخ) – Power or influence over others 5. *Infested* (بھرا ہوا) – Filled with harmful elements 6. *Patronage* (سرپرستی) – Support given to someone in return for favors 7. *Populist* (عوام پرست) – Appealing to ordinary people's concerns 8. *Subservient* (تابع) – Prepared to obey others unquestioningly 9. *Bipartisan* (دو جماعتی) – Involving two political parties 10. *Devolved* (منتقل) – Transferred or delegated power 11. *Monopoly* (اجارہ داری) – Exclusive possession or control 12. *Nepotism* (رشتہ داری) – Favoritism shown to relatives 13. *Cronyism* (دوستی داری) – Favoritism shown to friends 14. *Mandates* (مینڈیٹ) – Official orders or requirements 15. *Run-offs* (دوبارہ انتخاب) – Additional elections to determine winner 16. *Seraiki* (سرائیکی) – Language and region in southern Punjab 17. *Outlays* (اخراجات) – Expenditures or spending 18. *Earmarked* (مخصوص) – Set aside for specific purpose 19. *Dissident* (اختلاف رائے) – Person who opposes official policy 20. *Magnifying glass* (بڑھنے والا شیشہ) – Careful detailed examination 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. Please be reminded not to remove the attribution label affixed to this article. It is crucial to acknowledge the source and the effort invested in creating this summary. We discourage any unauthorized distribution without proper credit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔍 ⚡ *Explore More Summaries, Solutions, and Vocabulary Meanings* 💡 Join our WhatsApp Channel for timely and comprehensive summaries of the latest articles, along with well-crafted solutions and helpful vocabulary meanings. 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* *Rescuing democracy* *Dr Niaz Murtaza* *5–6 minutes* OUR democracy is on its deathbed, felled by natural ills and inflicted wounds. These issues need legal fixes. But our elite rulers can adopt them only after large public mobilisations, such as those seen in Sindh against the canal projects, or even Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Democracy's two basic traits are fair polls and civilian sway that slowly ensure its ultimate trait — good governance. Unlike regional trends, we have not seen both traits together even once due to the establishment's hold, which even legal remedies have not ended yet. Both gaps exist today, as they have all along, and boost all our other defects. New legal fixes may help, like civilian oversight of spy agencies, mandatory modules for the powers that be with regard to the effects of their actions, and better criteria for appointing the members of the Election Commission and interim cabinets. But legal fixes are of no use when unelected powers intervene. So mass mobilisation via public watchdog panels is important. If these two gaps are fixed, the next focus would be merit in the political system. The two gaps have infested the system with deep-rooted political brands — patronage, populist and extremist — that don't win votes via merit. Disregard for merit has already propelled us to the edge of collapse. Some say parliamentary systems or even democracy can never ensure merit; they demand presidential or technocratic rule. Politicians must urgently start infusing merit in state policies to curb such demands. Given political will, easy short-term legal options exist even in the current system till merit starts to emerge naturally by, for example, putting in place criteria for key cabinet posts and filling them and legally mandated opposition shadow cabinets via new reserved technocrats seats. Absolute power held by our federal executive leads to two more defects. Power isn't diffused horizontally. The judiciary is now completely subservient to the executive after the passage of the 26th Amendment. The earlier system of appointing judges via the judiciary and bipartisan assembly committees was a globally applicable good practice to cut the executive's hold over the judges. We must reinstate and improve this system via clear merit-based criteria and open applications to reduce the hold of chief justices in the process. Bipartisan parliamentary committees must oversee the work plans, and review the outcome of these, of ministers and their ministries annually. Power is also not devolved vertically. The informal ways that the federal set-up uses to cut provincial autonomy must be ended legally. The Constitution must define the terms, election schedules, finances and powers of the local bodies. The many ideas expressed to professionalise and empower the civil services must be adopted. Gaps in our Constitution have led to multiple crises. Party heads' monopoly causes ills too. About 35 per cent of the seats (Senate and reserved ones) across both Houses are filled by party heads without direct elections, leading to nepotism and cronyism. Directly elected province-wide or multi-district Senate and women's seats make sense. But since party heads will still choose all election candidates, new legal fixes must ensure the inflow of new faces and non-elites in assemblies. Laws must require parties to nominate and fund non-elites (based on family assets) on at least 15-20pc of the seats they won in the last elections and limit people to at the most three to four terms across all legislatures. Ranked choice voting can boost party mandates without time- and money-consuming run-offs. Punjab's large size, which masks complaints from its Seraiki areas, and the division of tax funds across provinces cause considerable ethnic tensions. Creating a Seraiki province and giving constitutional rights to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir in the federation should be priorities. The weight of population in the formula must be reduced in favour of outcome criteria, for example, improvements in tax revenues and progress indicators attained by the provinces. Total control of the provinces with regard to local natural resources must be ensured. Outlays must be earmarked for the poorest districts. Gaps in our Constitution have led to multiple crises recently, for example, on counting dissident votes, judges' transfers and party elections. All constitutional clauses must be read with a magnifying glass to remove such gaps. Many citizens' groups are mobilising on different problems that all emerge from the lack of democracy. They must urgently unite to struggle for a new charter of democracy and governance to stop unelected elements from gaining total dominance. The writer has a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, in political economy and 25 years of grassroots to senior-level experiences across 50 countries. [email protected] X: @NiazMurtaza2 Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2025# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Rescuing democracy" by Dr Niaz Murtaza, Published in Dawn on June 10th, 2025:* The article diagnoses *Pakistan*'s democracy as being *on its deathbed*, suffering from both natural ailments and deliberate wounds that require comprehensive legal and structural reforms. Dr. Murtaza identifies that democracy's fundamental requirements are *fair polls* and *civilian supremacy* leading to *good governance*, but Pakistan has never achieved both simultaneously due to the *establishment's hold* over the system. The author emphasizes that while legal fixes are necessary, they can only be implemented after *large public mobilizations* similar to those witnessed in *Sindh against canal projects* or in *Bangladesh and Sri Lanka*. The article proposes several immediate reforms including *civilian oversight of spy agencies*, mandatory training modules for power holders, and improved criteria for appointing *Election Commission* members and *interim cabinets*. However, it stresses that legal remedies are ineffective when *unelected powers* intervene, making *mass mobilization via public watchdog panels* crucial. The piece identifies the lack of *merit in the political system* as a critical issue, noting that the current gaps have fostered *patronage*, *populist*, and *extremist* political brands that don't rely on merit to win votes. The author warns that disregard for merit has pushed the country to *the edge of collapse* and suggests implementing criteria for *key cabinet posts* and establishing *legally mandated opposition shadow cabinets* through new *reserved technocrat seats*. The article criticizes the *absolute power* held by the *federal executive*, noting that power lacks both *horizontal diffusion* and *vertical devolution*. It highlights how the *judiciary* became *completely subservient* to the executive after the *26th Amendment*, advocating for reinstating the previous system of appointing judges through *judiciary and bipartisan assembly committees* with clear *merit-based criteria*. The piece calls for *bipartisan parliamentary committees* to oversee ministerial work plans annually and demands an end to informal federal interference in *provincial autonomy*. It proposes constitutional definitions for *local bodies'* terms, elections, finances, and powers, along with professionalizing the *civil services*. The author addresses the problem of *party heads' monopoly*, noting that *35% of seats* (Senate and reserved) are filled without direct elections, leading to *nepotism and cronyism*. Solutions include directly electing *province-wide Senate* and *women's seats*, requiring parties to nominate *non-elites* for *15-20% of seats*, limiting politicians to *3-4 terms*, and implementing *ranked choice voting*. The article identifies *Punjab's large size* and *tax fund division* as sources of ethnic tensions, advocating for creating a *Seraiki province* and granting constitutional rights to *Gilgit-Baltistan* and *Azad Kashmir*. It suggests modifying the provincial fund distribution formula to reduce population weight in favor of *outcome criteria* like tax revenue improvements and progress indicators. The piece concludes by noting that constitutional gaps have caused multiple recent crises involving *dissident votes*, *judges' transfers*, and *party elections*, calling for thorough constitutional review and urging *citizens' groups* to unite for a *new charter of democracy and governance*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Pakistan*'s democracy is dying due to *establishment control* preventing *fair elections* and *civilian supremacy*. The *26th Amendment* made the *judiciary subservient* to the executive. Solutions include *civilian oversight of spy agencies*, *merit-based appointments*, ending *party heads' monopoly* over *35% of seats*, creating a *Seraiki province*, and constitutional reforms. *Mass public mobilization* like in *Sindh*, *Bangladesh*, and *Sri Lanka* is needed to force these changes and establish a *new charter of democracy*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Establish Civilian Oversight* Implement *civilian control over spy agencies* with mandatory training modules on governance impacts. ## *2. Reform Election Commission* Create *merit-based criteria* for appointing *Election Commission* members and *interim cabinet* officials. ## *3. Restore Judicial Independence* Reinstate *judiciary and bipartisan committee* system for judge appointments with *merit-based criteria*. ## *4. Implement Parliamentary Oversight* Establish *bipartisan parliamentary committees* to review ministerial work plans and outcomes annually. ## *5. End Party Heads' Monopoly* Require direct elections for *Senate* and *women's seats* instead of party head appointments. ## *6. Promote Non-Elite Representation* Mandate parties nominate *non-elites* for *15-20% of seats* and limit politicians to *3-4 terms*. ## *7. Create New Provinces* Establish *Seraiki province* and grant constitutional rights to *Gilgit-Baltistan* and *Azad Kashmir*. ## *8. Reform Provincial Finance Formula* Reduce *population weight* in favor of *outcome criteria* like tax revenues and progress indicators. ## *9. Strengthen Local Government* Constitutionally define *local bodies'* terms, elections, finances, and powers with provincial resource control. ## *10. Mobilize Public Pressure* Unite *citizens' groups* for mass mobilization to demand a *new charter of democracy and governance*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *35%* of parliamentary seats (Senate and reserved) filled without direct elections. - *26th Amendment* made judiciary subservient to executive. - Recent mobilizations in *Sindh against canal projects*, *Bangladesh*, and *Sri Lanka* cited as examples. - Proposal for *15-20%* non-elite representation in party nominations. - Limit of *3-4 terms* across all legislatures suggested. - Author has *PhD from UC Berkeley* and *25 years* of international experience across *50 countries*. - Article published on *June 10th, 2025*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Pakistan* ranks *140th* out of *180* countries in *Democracy Index 2024* (*Economist Intelligence Unit*). - *26th Constitutional Amendment* passed in *October 2024* with *65% majority* (*Parliament*, 2024). - *Election Commission* comprises *5 members* appointed by *President* (*Constitution Article 218*). - *Senate* has *104 seats* with *23 reserved* for women and minorities (*Election Act*, 2017). - *Punjab* constitutes *53%* of Pakistan's population (*Census*, 2023). - *Seraiki belt* comprises *38%* of Punjab's area (*Punjab Government*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What percentage of parliamentary seats are filled without direct elections?* A. 25% B. 30% *C. 35%* D. 40% ### 2. *Which amendment made the judiciary subservient to the executive?* A. 25th Amendment *B. 26th Amendment* C. 27th Amendment D. 24th Amendment ### 3. *What percentage of non-elite representation does the author propose?* A. 10-15% *B. 15-20%* C. 20-25% D. 25-30% ### 4. *Which province does the author suggest creating?* A. Hazara *B. Seraiki* C. Bahawalpur D. South Punjab ### 5. *How many terms should politicians be limited to across all legislatures?* A. 2-3 terms *B. 3-4 terms* C. 4-5 terms D. 5-6 terms # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Deathbed* (موت کا بستر) – Final stage before death or end 2. *Felled* (گرایا گیا) – Brought down or destroyed 3. *Inflicted* (نافذ کیے گئے) – Caused or imposed deliberately 4. *Sway* (اثر و رسوخ) – Power or influence over others 5. *Infested* (بھرا ہوا) – Filled with harmful elements 6. *Patronage* (سرپرستی) – Support given to someone in return for favors 7. *Populist* (عوام پرست) – Appealing to ordinary people's concerns 8. *Subservient* (تابع) – Prepared to obey others unquestioningly 9. *Bipartisan* (دو جماعتی) – Involving two political parties 10. *Devolved* (منتقل) – Transferred or delegated power 11. *Monopoly* (اجارہ داری) – Exclusive possession or control 12. *Nepotism* (رشتہ داری) – Favoritism shown to relatives 13. *Cronyism* (دوستی داری) – Favoritism shown to friends 14. *Mandates* (مینڈیٹ) – Official orders or requirements 15. *Run-offs* (دوبارہ انتخاب) – Additional elections to determine winner 16. *Seraiki* (سرائیکی) – Language and region in southern Punjab 17. *Outlays* (اخراجات) – Expenditures or spending 18. *Earmarked* (مخصوص) – Set aside for specific purpose 19. *Dissident* (اختلاف رائے) – Person who opposes official policy 20. *Magnifying glass* (بڑھنے والا شیشہ) – Careful detailed examination 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. Please be reminded not to remove the attribution label affixed to this article. It is crucial to acknowledge the source and the effort invested in creating this summary. We discourage any unauthorized distribution without proper credit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔍 ⚡ *Explore More Summaries, Solutions, and Vocabulary Meanings* 💡 Join our WhatsApp Channel for timely and comprehensive summaries of the latest articles, along with well-crafted solutions and helpful vocabulary meanings. Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *www.dawn.com* *Rescuing democracy* *Dr Niaz Murtaza* *5–6 minutes* OUR democracy is on its deathbed, felled by natural ills and inflicted wounds. These issues need legal fixes. But our elite rulers can adopt them only after large public mobilisations, such as those seen in Sindh against the canal projects, or even Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Democracy's two basic traits are fair polls and civilian sway that slowly ensure its ultimate trait — good governance. Unlike regional trends, we have not seen both traits together even once due to the establishment's hold, which even legal remedies have not ended yet. Both gaps exist today, as they have all along, and boost all our other defects. New legal fixes may help, like civilian oversight of spy agencies, mandatory modules for the powers that be with regard to the effects of their actions, and better criteria for appointing the members of the Election Commission and interim cabinets. But legal fixes are of no use when unelected powers intervene. So mass mobilisation via public watchdog panels is important. If these two gaps are fixed, the next focus would be merit in the political system. The two gaps have infested the system with deep-rooted political brands — patronage, populist and extremist — that don't win votes via merit. Disregard for merit has already propelled us to the edge of collapse. Some say parliamentary systems or even democracy can never ensure merit; they demand presidential or technocratic rule. Politicians must urgently start infusing merit in state policies to curb such demands. Given political will, easy short-term legal options exist even in the current system till merit starts to emerge naturally by, for example, putting in place criteria for key cabinet posts and filling them and legally mandated opposition shadow cabinets via new reserved technocrats seats. Absolute power held by our federal executive leads to two more defects. Power isn't diffused horizontally. The judiciary is now completely subservient to the executive after the passage of the 26th Amendment. The earlier system of appointing judges via the judiciary and bipartisan assembly committees was a globally applicable good practice to cut the executive's hold over the judges. We must reinstate and improve this system via clear merit-based criteria and open applications to reduce the hold of chief justices in the process. Bipartisan parliamentary committees must oversee the work plans, and review the outcome of these, of ministers and their ministries annually. Power is also not devolved vertically. The informal ways that the federal set-up uses to cut provincial autonomy must be ended legally. The Constitution must define the terms, election schedules, finances and powers of the local bodies. The many ideas expressed to professionalise and empower the civil services must be adopted. Gaps in our Constitution have led to multiple crises. Party heads' monopoly causes ills too. About 35 per cent of the seats (Senate and reserved ones) across both Houses are filled by party heads without direct elections, leading to nepotism and cronyism. Directly elected province-wide or multi-district Senate and women's seats make sense. But since party heads will still choose all election candidates, new legal fixes must ensure the inflow of new faces and non-elites in assemblies. Laws must require parties to nominate and fund non-elites (based on family assets) on at least 15-20pc of the seats they won in the last elections and limit people to at the most three to four terms across all legislatures. Ranked choice voting can boost party mandates without time- and money-consuming run-offs. Punjab's large size, which masks complaints from its Seraiki areas, and the division of tax funds across provinces cause considerable ethnic tensions. Creating a Seraiki province and giving constitutional rights to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir in the federation should be priorities. The weight of population in the formula must be reduced in favour of outcome criteria, for example, improvements in tax revenues and progress indicators attained by the provinces. Total control of the provinces with regard to local natural resources must be ensured. Outlays must be earmarked for the poorest districts. Gaps in our Constitution have led to multiple crises recently, for example, on counting dissident votes, judges' transfers and party elections. All constitutional clauses must be read with a magnifying glass to remove such gaps. Many citizens' groups are mobilising on different problems that all emerge from the lack of democracy. They must urgently unite to struggle for a new charter of democracy and governance to stop unelected elements from gaining total dominance. The writer has a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, in political economy and 25 years of grassroots to senior-level experiences across 50 countries. [email protected] X: @NiazMurtaza2 Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2025