A Day in the Life of Pakistan's Prime Ministercy: A Pakistani Perspective

Imagine stepping into the shoes of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for just one day. The experience is far from glamorous, as portrayed vividly in the following detailed account. The role is not only demanding but also shrouded in bureaucracy and limitations, primarily due to the army's immense influence over governance.

The Typical Schedule of a PM for a Day

The day begins early with a 4 AM start for washing and namaaz (morning prayers). This religious practice is non-negotiable for many Pakistani leaders, setting the tone for the day's priorities. After these early hours, a full day ahead awaits, including important rituals and responsibilities:

Swearing-in Ceremony: The process can take up to four hours, serving formality and political theater. Reception of Dignitaries: Greeting prominent figures like the sidewalk artist Sidhu, an unexpected but fitting example of the charismatic yet flamboyant nature of public figures. Parliamentary Meetings: Four hours of reading congratulatory messages from world leaders, mixed with operational challenges like coordinating with neo-Mongol leader Narendra Modi and issuing simultaneous orders for military actions. Nation Address: A crucial two-hour session to address the nation, including repetitive insults to India, highlighting the tension in the region. Senatorial Address: Closing remarks to the Senate, with thunderous applause, leading to a hug from the Army General and leaving the office at 20 hours.

Wish List for a Day as PM

Given the opportunity to lead for one day, many Pakistanis would seek sweeping reforms that cut across multiple sectors. This article outlines three significant areas of focus: removing religious clergy, dismantling nuclear weapons, and overhauling the education system.

Remove the Clergy

One of the most contentious issues in Pakistan is the influence of religious clergy, which is perceived as a barrier to progress. Over two million people have lost their lives in religious conflicts globally, and Pakistan is no exception. The clergy are seen as the primary obstacle to development, as exemplified by the achievements of secular leaders like Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in Turkey. The happiest and wealthiest nations are often the least religious, raising questions about the need for religious influence in governance.

Destroy the Nuclear Arsenal

Pakistan's nuclear program, while a source of national pride, is viewed with mixed feelings. The country's strategic goal was to protect its citizens from foreign aggression, but the reality is different. The nuclear arsenal, which has the fastest growth in the world, is seen as a drain on resources that could be better utilized to alleviate poverty and hunger. Almost a quarter of the population goes to bed hungry every night, yet the country is expected to become the third-largest nuclear power in a decade, behind the US and Russia.

Visual aid: The cartoon provided below illustrates the disparity between Pakistan's nuclear ambitions and the social issues it faces, highlighting the need for a shift in focus.

Revamp the Education System

The education system is often criticized for its inefficacy and lack of accessibility. According to official statistics, only 60% of the population can read and write, with many of those still only capable of writing their names. The actual literacy rate is reportedly even lower, with substantial portions of the population being illiterate. This lack of education stifles development and progress, as evidenced by the diagram showing the number of out-of-school children in each province.

Visual aid: Diagram from PakAlumni Worldwide and The Express Tribune showing the out-of-school children in each province.

Conclusion

The role of Prime Minister in Pakistan is complex and laden with challenges. From the early morning prayers to the grueling schedules and the constant pressure of addressing national crises, the position demands a significant amount of skill and resilience. However, if given the chance, many Pakistanis would push for drastic changes that prioritize development, reduction in religious influence, and the well-being of its people, with education at the forefront of these reforms.

References

PakAlumni Worldwide: The Global Social Network 10 alarming statistics about Pakistan’s out-of-school children 22 population is undernourished in Pakistan reveals Global Hunger Index - The Express Tribune