Muhammad Faiq Shah
In the 76 years since Pakistan’s inception, our people have been led astray by broken promises, political instability, and rampant corruption. Traditional political parties and their leaders have repeatedly failed to deliver on their commitments, leaving the nation mired in economic crises, social injustice, and moral decay. Time and again, we have witnessed politicians use populist slogans to manipulate the masses, only to engage in self-serving agendas once in power. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Pakistan ranks 140th out of 180 countries, highlighting the severe corruption that has infiltrated our political system.
For decades, Pakistan’s political landscape has been dominated by a few elite families, perpetuating a system of patrimonial politics. Leaders from parties like the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) have ruled alternately, but neither have effectively addressed the country’s pressing issues. In the last decade alone, Pakistan has experienced chronic political instability, with four different prime ministers in just six years—a clear indication of the deep-rooted dysfunctionality in our leadership.
Unemployment remains a pressing issue. According to Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics, the official unemployment rate stands at around 6.5%, but the reality on the ground is often much worse, particularly for the youth. Over 31% of Pakistan’s youth population is unemployed, a statistic that reflects the government’s failure to create viable employment opportunities. Economic policies have either favored the wealthy or have been ineffective due to lack of implementation, leaving the majority of Pakistanis struggling with rising inflation, which hit a staggering 38% in May 2023, the highest in the nation’s history.
The situation in public services such as education and healthcare is equally dire. Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia, standing at 58%, far below regional peers like India and Bangladesh. Similarly, the healthcare system is underfunded and overwhelmed, with less than 1% of the GDP allocated to health services. This lack of investment has resulted in inadequate hospitals, poor infrastructure, and limited access to even basic medical care for millions of Pakistanis.
Years of mismanagement have also damaged Pakistan’s international standing. Despite being an atomic power, Pakistan continues to struggle on the world stage, often seen as a nation fraught with internal conflict, economic mismanagement, and political instability. Pakistan’s foreign policy has been reactive rather than proactive, allowing external pressures to dictate national interests.
It is time for a paradigm shift in our political landscape. The Amun Taraqqi Party (ATP) is not just another political entity but a movement—a beacon of hope—that aims to restore the dignity of the people of Pakistan, empower the youth, and establish a corruption-free, prosperous, and powerful nation. At the heart of ATP’s vision is a profound belief in the power of the people. Our party is built on the principle of decentralizing power, giving ordinary citizens a voice in decision-making processes, and ensuring justice and authority at the grassroots level. Unlike the entrenched political elites who have perpetuated systems of autocracy and patrimonial politics, we believe that policies and collective governance should take center stage.
A just society is the cornerstone of a strong nation. The ATP is determined to reform Pakistan’s justice system, removing the oppressive “Thana culture” and replacing it with a transparent, accessible, and swift legal system. We believe in delivering justice to the people’s doorsteps, ensuring that the law serves all citizens equally, regardless of their wealth or status. Our pledge to end corruption goes hand-in-hand with our justice reforms. ATP’s vision is to create an environment where bribery, favoritism, and power struggles are a thing of the past. With the implementation of a merit-based system, Pakistan can finally emerge as a nation that values integrity and upholds the rule of law.
Our society’s moral fabric has been damaged by years of neglect and a pervasive culture of vulgarity. The ATP is committed to restoring Pakistan’s ethical values, ensuring that our social and legal frameworks reflect Islamic principles and moral integrity. Through religious harmony, dialogue, and respect for diversity, we will build a society that fosters peace and mutual respect. As an atomic power, Pakistan has the potential to become a formidable force on the world stage. However, this requires a strong internal and external policy framework. The ATP’s comprehensive defense and foreign policy strategies aim to protect our nation from both internal and external threats, while also positioning Pakistan as a global leader. We envision a Pakistan that is self-reliant, with a vibrant economy that is free from the shackles of interest-based systems. Our aim is to rank Pakistan among the world’s most developed nations, elevating it to the status of a global superpower.
One of the unique aspects of ATP’s governance model is the establishment of the Board of Wisdom and Honesty (BWH). This body will ensure that decisions are made with integrity, transparency, and the welfare of the people in mind. Comprising individuals of impeccable character, the BWH will oversee the implementation of policies at both the provincial and national levels, ensuring that governance is rooted in ethical principles. The BWH represents a departure from traditional, personality-driven politics. Instead, it promotes leadership that is accountable to the people and guided by wisdom and honesty. This model will allow us to build a government that truly serves the interests of all Pakistanis, rather than the narrow ambitions of political elites.
Pakistan is at a crossroads. We can either continue down the path of broken promises, corruption, and division, or we can embrace a new future—a future where power is returned to the people, where justice is swift and accessible, and where our youth lead us toward prosperity. The Amun Taraqqi Party stands ready to guide Pakistan toward this brighter future, but we cannot do it alone. We urge all Pakistanis to join us in this movement. Together, we can build a nation that is just, prosperous, and glorious—a nation that stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the entire world. The time for change is now. Let us unite under the banner of the Amun Taraqqi Party and make Pakistan the nation it was always meant to be. Join us in creating a new Pakistan. Together, we will make history.
Muhammad Faiq Shah is the Founder of the Amun Taraqqi Party (ATP) in Pakistan and the Founding Chairman of the Friends of Society Organization (FSO). He can be reached via Email: [email protected]
