he term neo-colonial polity refers to a contemporary form of governance where the structural and institutional legacies of colonialism persist, often manifesting in continued exploitation and control of resources by a ruling elite.

This concept differs significantly from a post-colonial state, which typically suggests a formal end to colonial rule although it might still grapple with the socio-economic and political ramifications of its colonial past.

Political theorists, such as Kwame Nkrumah and Frantz Fanon have critically examined these distinctions, highlighting how neo-colonialism involves external powers and local elites collaborating to maintain control, thus undermining sovereignty and democratic participation.

Pakistan occupies a unique position in this framework, distinguishing itself from other nation states that achieved independence at the same time. While many of the countries have since navigated their post-colonial journeys toward stability and development, Pakistan’s trajectory has been marked by a series of distinct challenges and complexities.

This divergence highlights the particular historical, political and social factors that have shaped Pakistan’s identity and governance, setting it apart from its peers in the quest for self-determination and progress.

Historically, colonial regimes drained resources from their colonies through extractive mechanisms, ensuring that wealth flowed to the colonisers rather than benefiting local populations. This exploitative dynamic has been reconfigured in many post-colonial states, where local elites replicate these extractive practices, often making current exploitation even more detrimental.

While colonial powers operated under the guise of a civilising mission, which sometimes included establishing rudimentary health facilities and educational systems, many contemporary local elites prioritise personal enrichment over public welfare. Under the colonial rule, some degree of rule of law and public services existed, albeit primarily serving the colonisers’ interests.

In many neo-colonial contexts, lack of accountability and governance is resulting in a significant deterioration of services, leaving citizens without access to education or healthcare.

The current state of affairs, marked by a profound moral decay among the privileged, prompts a stark comparison. The priorities of these individuals seem glaringly misaligned with the nation’s interests and the welfare of its citizens. Their actions often suggest that self-interest and power struggles overshadow any genuine commitment to the public good. In this context, one cannot help but view the colonial era, with all its flaws, as having more principled governance. There was at least a semblance of focus on national integrity and collective progress.

Grasping the nuances between neo-colonialism and post-colonial governance is crucial for a comprehensive analysis of the situation. In this context, neo-colonialism reveals itself through oppressive governance practices and the pervasive absence of inclusive institutions. These dynamics not only sustain but also exacerbate existing cycles of inequality and disenfranchisement among the populace.

The implications are profound: the state’s failure to foster equitable systems of representation and justice further entrenches social disparities, limiting opportunities for marginalised communities and hindering national progress. Thus, a thorough understanding of these concepts is not merely academic; it is essential for addressing the challenges facing Pakistan and striving for a more just and inclusive future.

In Why Nations Fail, Daron Acemoglu and James A Robinson argue that the differing economic and political institutions within nations are fundamental to their success or failure. This analysis provides a critical lens through which to view the neo-colonial state, which can be seen as a continuation of colonial governance structures that perpetuate inequality and exploitation.

The neo-colonial state serves the interests of elite, sidelining the welfare of its citizens. According to Acemoglu and Robinson, inclusive institutions—those that allow broad participation in economic and political life—are vital for sustainable development. The governance models in neo-colonial states often employ technologies of control, such as surveillance, coercive legal systems and propaganda, to maintain power and suppress dissent. These methods reinforce the authority of the ruling class and stifle inclusive economic growth and democratic participation.

The state of human rights, civil rights and the rule of law in contemporary Pakistan is illustrative of the consequences of these dynamics. The policies enacted by the ruling elite have led to widespread oppression and a systematic erosion of democratic norms.

Human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances and suppression of free speech, are rampant. These are creating an environment where citizens feel increasingly powerless. The lack of accountability and transparency particularly in the most powerful institutions further exacerbates the situation, leaving the populace disenfranchised and disillusioned.

The recent passage of the 26th Amendment to the constitution has significantly undermined the public’s right to justice, effectively diluting the judicial system and rendering it subservient to the capricious demands of the Executive branch.

This alarming development has compromised the integrity of legal processes and eroded the essential safeguards meant to uphold fairness and accountability in governance. As a result, the very foundation of justice is at risk, leaving citizens vulnerable to arbitrary decisions and diminishing their trust in the rule of law.

The extractive economic structures established during colonial times remain largely unchanged. The elite leverage their control over state mechanisms to siphon resources from the local economy, redirecting wealth to secure locations like London or Dubai.

This practice mirrors historical colonial extraction, where the benefits flowed out of colonised regions, leaving local populations impoverished and disenfranchised. Acemoglu and Robinson emphasise that such extractive institutions lead to stagnation and inequality, preventing nations from realising their full potential.

The reliance on foreign investments and partnerships often deepens this extractive dynamic. Global corporations, frequently in collusion with local elites, exploit natural resources and labour while repatriating profits. This not only exacerbates wealth disparities but also undermines the establishment of inclusive institutions that could foster equitable growth. Without inclusive economic institutions, nations are unlikely to achieve lasting prosperity.

Pakistan is an example of a neo-colonial state where the legacies of the past dictate the present and future. Technologies of control ensure that power remains concentrated and perpetuate poverty and dependency.

The policies pursued by the elite jeopardise the prospects for a more just and equitable society. A fundamental restructuring of political and economic institutions is necessary to break this cycle. By fostering inclusive governance and equitable resource distribution, nations can move towards sustainable development and genuine empowerment of their citizens, fulfilling the promise of more resilient and prosperous societies.

The writer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore.