he ‘process’ is the cornerstone of governance, accountability and transparency in any state apparatus. The process encompasses the systematic and often legal methods through which decisions are made, policies implemented and actions executed.

It involves a series of steps that ensure the effective functioning of government institutions, prevent corruption and uphold justice in the exercise of power. In nations where a failure to respect these processes has contributed to socio-political crises, the importance of restoring due regard for process cannot be overstated.

However, the ‘process’ ought not to be hobbled by red tape, a typical ploy to slow down the process. Red tape is official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity that results in delay or inaction. In Pakistan, the ‘process’ is often circumvented to escape the arduous bureaucratic entanglements. That, unfortunately, is sometimes branded as efficiency and effective governance.

The concept of ‘process’ in governance refers to the organised sequence of actions, procedures, rules and regulations that guide decision-making, law-making, public administration and the exercise of power. It ensures consistency, fairness, accountability and legality in implementing policies and decisions. Crucially, it safeguards against arbitrary governance and protects citizens’ rights. These are necessary attributes to make an egalitarian society possible.

Effective processes in a government include checks and balances, transparency mechanisms and avenues for public participation. These are not mere formalities but vital components of maintaining legitimacy, accountability and social order.

In Pakistan, however, a tendency to prioritise outcomes over processes has frequently undermined governance, leading to political instability, corruption and legal crises. The rush for immediate solutions—whether in political, economic or security matters—often bypasses essential legal and institutional procedures, resulting in long-term negative consequences.

For example, Pakistan has experienced recurring cycles of political instability, military interventions and legal ambiguity. These crises often arise from a neglect of due process—such as fair elections, transparent policymaking and adherence to the rule of law. The disregard for process has eroded public trust in government institutions, exacerbated corruption and created frequent constitutional crises.

The neglect of process is also reflected in the way policies are formulated hastily, without adequate consultation or deliberation. As a result, decisions that may address short-term concerns frequently fall short of long-term stability.

The absence of due process in Pakistan’s governance systems has significantly contributed to the entrenchment of authoritarian tendencies and the rise of powerful, unchecked mafia conglomerates across various sectors. The lack of a robust framework for ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability has created an environment where corruption and nepotism thrive, allowing powerful groups to operate without the fear of consequences.

From the sugar mafia to the petroleum mafia, even the real estate mafia, these groups exert disproportionate control over critical resources and markets, manipulating systems for personal gain and further entrenching their influence.

The education sector, both at the lower and higher levels, is similarly affected, with the lack of due process preventing necessary reforms. This has led to the commercialisation of education so that quality and merit are secondary to profit and political influence. Without due process, the vital principles of transparency and accountability cannot be realised, as there are no reliable mechanisms to expose corruption or enforce the rule of law.

This fosters a climate where the public institutions that should protect citizens’ rights are instead captured by powerful elites, leading to an overall erosion of trust in the state’s ability to provide just governance and equitable opportunities for all. Consequently, the absence of due process in governance in Pakistan perpetuates an authoritarian grip on power, consolidating the influence of a few while sidelining the needs of the rest of the population.

A healthy democracy thrives on the strength of its processes. Democracy is not merely about electing leaders; it’s also about establishing and respecting the processes that govern power. These processes ensure that decisions are made transparently, fairly and in accordance with the law, rather than being driven by personal interests or political expediency.

The rule of law, a cornerstone of democratic governance, cannot be realised without adhering to these processes. In Pakistan, the absence of consistent processes has undermined the rule of law, as evidenced by the inefficiencies in the judicial system and the public’s growing disillusionment with its delays. Justice delayed, as the saying goes, is justice denied. Ironically in the appointment of judges to the superior courts, there is hardly any set criteria whereby their eligibility can be ascertained.

It is not without any concrete reason that Islamic thinkers have long underscored the importance of process in ensuring just rule. Al-Farabi, a prominent philosopher of politics, emphasised that the ruler’s role is not merely to govern but also to ensure the well-being of society through justice. He argued that justice cannot be achieved through arbitrary decisions, but must be rooted in systematic, law-bound governance.

Ibne Khaldun, a pioneering figure in the realms of sociology and education, warned that the absence of a fair legal system incapacitates rulers from delivering justice, leading to social unrest. His ideas resonate strongly in the context of Pakistan, where a lack of consistent, transparent processes has fuelled public discontent and undermined social stability.

Al-Mawardi, another Islamic scholar, emphasised the centrality of process in governance, asserting that rulers must be guided by the rule of law and avoid arbitrary decisions. His perspective underscores that governance is not just about leadership but also about adhering to a framework that ensures fairness, transparency and social cohesion.

Similarly, political theorists from the 19th and 20th Centuries have stressed the primacy of process in ensuring stable governance. John Stuart Mill, in his advocacy for liberal democracy, emphasised that governance must be based on the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law—principles that can only be upheld through systematic processes.

Max Weber, known for his theory of bureaucratic governance, argued that a rational-legal authority, governed by established procedures and rules, is essential for ensuring efficiency and legitimacy in government. The absence of such processes leads to what Weber called “charismatic domination,” where decisions are based on personal power rather than institutional norms, leading to instability and potential corruption.

In the 20th Century, political theorists like Hannah Arendt and Michel Foucault warned similarly against unchecked power that bypasses institutional processes. Arendt, in her analysis of totalitarian regimes, highlighted that the erosion of political processes can lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few, undermining democracy and justice. Foucault’s exploration of power dynamics underscored the importance of institutional structures and processes in preventing the abuse of power.

The neglect of due process in Pakistan has led to an environment where personal power is often prioritised over institutional integrity. Policies are made with short-term interests in mind, and without the proper checks and balances, leading to long-term instability. Corruption thrives in the absence of institutional processes, as those in power are free to act in their own self-interest, without accountability or transparency. This erodes public trust and weakens the legitimacy of the political system.

By respecting institutional processes and ensuring that power is exercised in accordance with the law, Pakistan can overcome its current crises and move towards a more prosperous and just society.

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