Introduction:

Pakistan, located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, is a country
with significant potential for growth and development. With a population exceeding 240 million,
it is the fifth most populous country in the world, providing a substantial labor force that can drive
economic progress. Pakistan, a country with rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources.

Pakistan's wealth of natural resources, which can be harnessed for economic development such as:
Minerals, Energy Resources, Hydropower, Natural Gas, Agriculture, Fertile Land, Livestock,
Fisheries, Forestry and Biodiversity, Forests, Biodiversity etc.

Purpose of Assignment:

The objective of this assignment is to find out the significant factors that cause the people of
Pakistan to lag behind advanced countries. Additionally, it seeks to contextualize these challenges
within the broader framework of global development, allowing for a comparative analysis that
highlights areas for potential growth and reform. Ultimately, the assignment aspires to foster
critical thinking about the socio-economic dynamics at play in Pakistan and identify strategies that
could pave the way for sustainable development and improvement in the quality of life for its
citizens.

By analyzing key areas such as: Pakistani people lacks freedom of speech, educational
deficiencies, political corruption, and infrastructure shortcomings, the assignment aims to provide
a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles that hinder progress in Pakistan.
Pakistani people lacks freedom of speech:
The issue of freedom of speech in Pakistan can be examined through various lenses, including
social, cultural, and political factors. Here are some aspects that illustrate the challenges to freedom
of speech faced by many individuals in Pakistan:
Censorship and Restrictions:
Media outlets shutdown:
 “We are troubled by the decision by Pakistan’s regulator to suspend
Geo News’ license,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. “The
move to shut down one of Pakistan’s largest media outlets is short-
sighted and politically motivated, and runs counter to the spirit of the
 commitments Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made to CPJ. (Committee to Protect Journalists,
2014).
 In 2019, Pakistan's government took action against ARY News, one
of the largest news channels in the country, as part of a broader
crackdown on media outlets and journalists critical of the
government. ARY News, known for its outspoken editorial stance,
was targeted by the government over allegations of spreading
misinformation and critical reporting of the ruling party's policies. ARY News journalists,
particularly those involved in investigative reporting or critical analysis, were reported to
have faced harassment, threats, and even physical intimidation by security forces.
(Committee to Protect Journalists, 2019).
 Journalists harassment/abduction:
Since Khan came to power in 2018 with the backing of the military, journalists and civil
rights groups have spoken out against a steady erosion of press freedom. Violent attacks on
journalists are on the rise. In April, a senior Pakistani journalist was shot and wounded in
Islamabad, believed to have been targeted because of his reporting. The military now routinely
issues threats to ensure news stories which are negative about the military or Khan’s
government are pulled, critical journalists are fired and no coverage is given to opposition
politicians and rallies. (Ellis-Petersen, 2021).
 Hamid Mir said the people who were threatening him had
always been a part of the country’s strong military
establishment and they were conveying indifferent messages
to him. (Dawn News, 2014).
 Gathered before a solemn crowd, Hamid Mir, one of
Pakistan’s best-known journalists, spoke defiantly. “Do not
ever enter the homes of journalists again,” he said. “We don’t have tanks or guns like you,
but we can tell the people of Pakistan about the stories that emerge from inside your homes.”
(Ellis-Petersen, 2021).
 The Pakistani authorities increased pressure on media outlets for perceived criticism of the
government. Journalists reported government intimidation, harassment, and surveillance. The
government used laws regulating international organizations to impede the registration and
 functioning of humanitarian and human rights groups. On
May 11, journalist Imran Riaz Khan was arrested as he was
attempting to take a flight to Oman and detained arbitrarily
for four months before being released without
charge in September. (Human Rights Watch, 2024).
 A prominent Pakistani investigative journalist critical of the
country’s powerful military has been killed in Kenya nearly two months after he left
Pakistan. The 49-year-old journalist Arshad Sharif fled the country in August to avoid arrest
after he was slapped with multiple cases, including sedition charges over an interview with
Shahbaz Gill – a close aide of former Prime Minister Imran
Khan – during which Gill made comments deemed offensive
to the military. Alleging harassment by state institutions as
well threats to his life he moved to Dubai in August and later
relocated to Kenya. The channel ARY for which Sharif
worked for the last eight years was briefly taken off air in
August for airing “false, hateful and seditious” content. The channel announced late August
it was parting ways with the journalist, who was one of its top prime-time news anchors.
(Hussain, 2022).
International Rankings:
According to the International Federation of Journalists, Pakistan is the world’s fifth most
dangerous country for journalists. In its 2020 world press freedom index, Reporters without
Borders ranked Pakistan 145th out of 180 countries.73 journalists killed in Pakistan since 1992.
(Ellis-Petersen, 2021).
Blind Imitation:

Blind imitation, also known as blind following or taqlid, is a significant issue in Pakistan,
particularly in the context of religion and social norms. Religious leaders in Pakistan have been
known to wield significant influence over their followers, and in some cases, have been accused
of manipulating locals' emotions to serve their own interests or agendas. Political leaders use Pirs
for own agendas. (Sufi Strongholds of Pakistan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Bushra Bibi & Piri
Muridi in Politics @raftartv, 2024).
We are unable to think afresh and derive inspiration from the Quran. We keep on quoting only
certain imams and medieval authorities who have become more sacrosanct for us than the Holy
Quran. Blind imitation cause sectarianism.

Sectarian violence:

Pakistan as the second largest Muslim country of the world is facing an uphill task of curbing
intolerance, hate, extremism and violence targeting Shia or Sunni communities. Sunni population
in Pakistan is 75-80% of the total population while the Shia population is roughly 20%. Since
early 1980s, when sectarian violence got an impetus in Pakistan till today, thousands of people
have been killed in sectarian violence in different parts of the country. Countless suicide attacks
at the religious sites of Sunnis and Shiites not only deepened religious schism but also led to the
assassination of hundreds of professionals from the two sides. (Ahmar, 2008).

Modern Sectarianism:

Modern sectarianism in Islam, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims, has its roots in the
18th century. Here's a detailed overview:

18th Century: Wahhabism Emerges:

Wahhabi is any member of the Muslim reform movement founded

by Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhab in the 18th century in Najd,
central Arabia, and adopted in 1744 by the Saʿūdī family. Today
Wahhabism is prevalent in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. (Hamzei, 2017).

Wahhabism first appeared near the Nejid region in eastern Arabia

toward end of the 18th century under the leadership of Muhammad
ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who died in [Link] foundation of this sect are based on 14th- century
scholar named Ibn Taymiyyah who came from Harram, which are ancient city located in
southeastern Turkey. (Bugra Ekinci, 2015).
This is, within Wahhabism, at the core of the Cult and its follower’s discipline, which has led
groups like Al Qaeda, ISIS, and Taliban (enforcers of strict Wahhabi codes) to carry out some of
the most grisly acts against their captive. (Hamzei, 2017).
9th Century: Deobandism:
In order to develop religious leaders for the Muslim community, Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi
(1832–80) and Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (1828–1905) launched the
Disband Movement in 1866 at the Darul Uloom (or Islamic academic
centre) in Saharanpur district (United Provinces). They both originated
from ‘ulama households, were raised in Doab towns, and were inspired
by Delhi’s intellectual scene. (Study IQ, 2024).
Deobandi madrasas have been criticized for neglecting modern education, such as science,
mathematics, and critical thinking. Deobandism has been accused of promoting sectarianism,
particularly against Shia Muslims and other minority groups. Deobandism are blind believer of
imams specially Imam Abu Hanifa r.a (Journal of Conflict Studies, 2017).
19th Century: Barelvism Emerge:
Barelvi Islam” or “Barelvism” is a Sunni Islamic movement and
school of thought that is widely spread in South-Asia. Its roots
can be traced back in 19th and 20th century. The name “Barelvi”
traces its history with the Northern Indian town Bareilly where
the founder of the sect, Ahmad Raza Khan Bareilly (1856-1921),
was born. He was a revivalist and his teachings influenced many.
Barelvis identify themselves with his teachings. (Pirzada, 2018).
Some critics argue that Barelvi madrasas and institutions often
neglect modern education, such as science, mathematics, and
critical thinking. The Barelvi practice of shrine worship has been criticized by some Muslim
groups, who view it as a form of idolatry or innovation. Barelvis have been accused of promoting
sectarianism, particularly against Deobandis and other Sunni groups, which has contributed to
violence and tensions in Pakistan.
Start of Sectarians in Pakistan:
Sunni militant groups sunk their roots in Pakistan during General Zia-ul-Haq’s military
government (1977-1988). The anti-Soviet jihad in Afghanistan, efforts to curb Shia militancy in
response to Iran’s 1979 revolution, the regime’s Islamisation program – all these Zia-era policies
prepared the ground for organisations with sectarian agendas to flourish. The SSP and, later, its
ostensibly separate armed wing, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi – both of which draw their support from
among Deobandis, an orthodox and often hardline Sunni sub-sect – waged a violent campaign
aimed at excluding Shias from public life, including clashes with militant
Shia groups. In the 1990s, the military-sponsored insurgency in Indian-
administered Kashmir allowed these groups to consolidate their presence.
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi continued to target Shias until the mid-2010s, when
police action decimated its leadership and sectarian attacks declined.
ISKP’s original core in Afghanistan comprised many former Pakistani Taliban militants.
Disgruntled with their leadership, often over succession disputes, these fighters, despite mostly
being Deobandi, also joined the Salafi outfit. Together with other recruits, including from
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, they have helped the ultra-sectarian ISKP gain traction in Pakistan. (The
International Crisis Group, 2022).
Yet General Pervez Musharraf’s military government (1999-2007),
despite purported crackdowns on some groups, ended up breathing new
life into Deobandi sectarianism. Pressured by Washington to clamp down
on jihadist outfits following the 11 September 2001 attacks in the U.S.,
Musharraf banned the SSP in January 2002. But the group soon re-
emerged, first as Millat-e-Islamia, and after that incarnation, too, was outlawed in 2003, as Ahle
Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ). Launching his election campaign from prison, ASWJ leader Azam
Tariq won a National Assembly seat in the October 2002 elections. Released just before the
election, Tariq cast the deciding vote for Zafarullah Khan Jamali, the Musharraf-backed Pakistan
Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) candidate, to become prime minister. (The
International Crisis Group, 2022).
Intra-Sunni conflict has also featured prominently in Pakistan’s sectarian
landscape. Orthodox Deobandis in particular perceive the Barelvi shrine
culture as idolatrous. In the 1990s, this conflict intensified as a Karachi-
based Barelvi group, Sunni Tehreek, was set up to counter its Deobandi
rival Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. In 2006, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi killed Sunni
Tehreek’s top leadership in a suicide bombing targeting a religious congregation at Karachi’s
Nishtar Park. Deobandi militants also targeted major Barelvi shrines, including the May 2005
suicide bombing of Islamabad’s Bari Imam, which killed twenty people; the October 2010
bombing of Lahore’s Data Darbar, which killed 37; and the November 2017 suicide attack at
Sehwan’s Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, which killed more than 80 people. (The International Crisis
Group, 2022).
Major players in the Sectarian conflict:

S. No Name of Player Type Role

01 STATE Neutral but sometimes Blamed of not
taking sides controlling the
sectarian violence

02 MILLAT-E-ISLAMIYE Sunni Held responsible for

PAKISTAN (MIP) previously fanning sectarian
known as Sipah-Sahaba-Pakistan conflict
banned by the Musharraf regime.
03 LASKHAR-EJHANGVI Sunni (Banned by the Involved in targeting
Musharraf regime) Shias

04 ISLAMI TAHRIK-EPAKISTAN Shiite Militant Shia

(ITP) previously known as Tehrik-I- organization held
JaffariaPakistan responsible for
targeting Sunnis
05 SIPAH-EMUHAMMADI Shitte (Banned) Militant Shia
PAKISTAN (SMP) organization

06 SIPHAH-I-SAHABA PAKISTAN Sunni (Banned) Militant Sunni

organization

07 SUNNI TEHRIK Brelvi Sunni To counter the

influence of Deobandi
and Wahabi Sunni
groups

How Political Leaders Use Religion For Getting Votes:

 A shaky video of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan and his
wife Bushra Maneka arriving at Pakpattan to pay their respects at
Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar’s shrine went viral within hours of being
made available on social media on [Link] is not unusual for
politicians to visit shrines of Sufi saints. The Sharif family have visited Data Darbar in
 Lahore several times. A few days before her assassination in 2007, former Prime Minister
Benazir Bhutto paid her respects to Lal Shahbaz Qalandar at his shrine. (Shafiq Butt and
Masood, 2018) (Sufi Strongholds of Pakistan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Bushra Bibi & Piri
Muridi in Politics @raftartv, 2024)
 Observers believe that the ex-premier’s pilgrimage was aimed at
affecting opinion of the masses about himself and his party, which
remained under attack by some religious circles on account of a
change of word in the Elections Bill, 2017 about oath. It was an
unusual activity of the PML-N supremo as the last time he had visited
the shrine about four years ago, when he was prime minister, at Urs
time to lay chador at the grave then. However, his daughter Maryam Nawaz used to visit the
shrine more often than not. Two days before his scheduled return to prison barracks, former
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the shrine of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, better known as Data
Sahib. (Mahmood, 2019) (Sufi Strongholds of Pakistan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Bushra
Bibi & Piri Muridi in Politics @raftartv, 2024).
How Establishment Use Political Parties For Own purpose:

 Pakistan’s History is repeatedly ruled by military dictators and establishment’s created

politicians. The development of Pakistan is currently based on democracy, but pure
democracy can be the only solution. If the positive and pure role is played by our leaders,
sitting in assembles, then we can rid us of establishment and thus Pakistan can become a real
democratic state. (Barech, 2021).
 In many country establishments’ plays a role in state politics but it is vital and positive role,
but unfortunately in Pakistan establishment plays very negative role in politics. Every policy
is for the satisfaction of that "informal political system". From General Zia-ul-haq's era, the
very disappointing role is played by establishment in our politics, our political parties are
controlled by them, our elections are controlled by them, it is pre-planned before the election
that which political party has to win elections and come into power. This game is all played
by this “informal political system” for their own nefarious and self-driven agendas. (Barech,
2021).
 Establishment can never bear the huge influence of Political parties and political figures on
 common citizens and it is against the policies and interest of establishment. That’s why they
destabilize the famous political parties and figures in past such as, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto,
Nawaz Shareef, and the future of Imran Khan until the conversion Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf
(PTI) to PTI-L (Lotas) with the heavy support and participation of establishment. (Barech,
2021).
 In 2013, Nawaz Shareef became the prime minister of Pakistan for the
third time but history repeated itself for the third time again when
Nawaz shareef was disqualified in 2015 and establishment once again
got success in its aim of interfering in politics and taking part in
country’s policies by throwing out a democratic elected prime
minister. Nawaz wished to make change by boosting economy and
improve business sector and that wasn’t acceptable by establishment. Disqualification of
Nawaz shareef was establishment’s win and this is what happens in Pakistan always, the
democracy is disordered under the face of accountability. (Barech, 2021).
 When Khan became Pakistan’s prime minister in August 2018 after
winning elections, his rivals claimed that the military facilitated his
triumph. Four years later, Khan accused the military of orchestrating
his removal from power through a vote of no confidence. The
military has rejected both those accusations and the claims that it
plays kingmaker in Pakistani politics. While Khan was released two
days later, he was arrested again in August. The police had by that time arrested thousands of
PTI workers and party leaders. An already tense relationship between Pakistan’s military and
the PTI ruptured, descending into public hostility. PTI Pakistan’s most popular political force
in February national elections, even though its talismanic leader was behind bars and despite
a crackdown against it, faces questions over its future. (Hussain, 2024).
How Establishment Use Islamic leaders for own purpose:
Pakistan's establishment, including the military and bureaucracy, has a history of using Islamic
leaders and groups to further their own interests. Here we discuss only Tehreek-e-Labbaik
Pakistan (TLP).
2017 Faizabad Dharna:
The TLP's protests in Faizabad, Islamabad, were allegedly supported by the establishment to
 pressure the PML-N government into accepting their demands.
 Political analysts like Mosharraf Zaidi have argued that the TLP's
protests were part of a broader strategy by some within the
establishment to destabilize the PML-N government and force it into
a more compliant stance regarding military interests. (Zaidi, 2017).
 A report indicates that political and religious groups occasionally
receive backing from the establishment to exert pressure on the
government. This perspective aligns with the historical context of the military’s influence
over political parties and movements in Pakistan. (Rahman, 2018).
2018 General Elections:
General elections, allegedly with the support of the establishment, to split the conservative vote
and weaken other political parties.
 The TLP aimed to consolidate the religious vote, which traditionally belonged to other
parties like the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
Analysts believe that the establishment's backing helped the TLP effectively siphon off votes
from these parties, thus contributing to the political fragmentation of the conservative base.
(Dawn, 2018).
2020 Anti-France Protests:
The TLP led protests against France, allegedly with the support of the
establishment, to divert attention from domestic issues and to
demonstrate Pakistan's commitment to Islamic values.
 Several political commentators have noted that the TLP's
mobilization during this period appeared to align with broader
political strategies that benefit certain factions within the
establishment. Journalist and analyst Raza Rumi discussed how such protests served to
reaffirm Pakistan’s identity as a leading Islamic nation, potentially creating an advantageous
distraction from internal governance issues. (Rumi, 2020).
Religious card:
The TLP's extremist ideology has been exploited by the establishment to play the "religious
card" and justify their actions, such as the crackdown on dissenting voices.
 The TLP’s demonstrations often coincide with government crackdowns on civil society,
journalists, and political dissenters. For instance, the government's heavy-handed response to
peaceful protests, often justified under the premise of maintaining public order against
religious extremists, demonstrates how the establishment utilizes the TLP's extremist
ideology to suppress opposition. (Dawn, 2019).
Unawareness of Education:
Pakistan's educational landscape is indeed fraught with challenges, affecting children's access to
quality education. Some of the major issues include:
Gender Disparities:
According to the Pakistan Education Statistics 2020-21 report by the Academy of Educational
Planning and Management, the literacy rate for females (47%) is significantly lower than that for
males (70%), indicating systemic barriers to girls’ education. (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics,
2021).
Early Marriage:
The UNICEF report titled "Child Marriage in Pakistan" highlights that over 21% of girls in
Pakistan are married before the age of 18. Early marriage often leads to the end of formal
education for girls, as they are expected to take on familial and domestic responsibilities.
(UNICEF, 2018).
Economic Barriers:
The World Bank's "Pakistan's Education Sector Response to COVID-19" report notes that
economic hardship exacerbated by the pandemic has led families to prioritize education for boys
over girls due to financial constraints. Families often require girls to contribute to household
chores or to work, which can prevent them from attending school. (World Bank, 2020).
Cultural Norms:
Research published in "The Journal of Educational Planning and
Administration" indicates that cultural attitudes in many Pakistani
communities place higher value on educating boys, which reflects in
families' decisions regarding school attendance. These norms can
discourage investment in girls' education, with poorer families often
prioritizing resources for sons. (Durrani. N, 2016).
Insufficient Training for Teachers:
The Role of Teachers in Improving Education Outcomes in Pakistan,” emphasizes that many
teachers lack the necessary training and professional development opportunities. The report
indicates that about 60% of primary school teachers in Pakistan are unqualified and do not meet
the minimum qualification requirements set by the government. Teacher’s professional
development is limited, with most training programs being short-term and without follow-up
support, resulting in low implementation of teaching strategies in classrooms. (Oxfam, 2019).
Outdated Curricula:
The State of Education in Pakistan, points out that the national curriculum is often outdated and
fails to meet the current educational needs. The curriculum does not sufficiently emphasize
critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for modern education. There is a
strong acknowledgment that the curriculum “does not equip students with the necessary skills to
thrive in the labor market and engage with global challenges.” (LUMS, 2020).
Spiritual Leaders and Blind Imitation cause Unawareness of Education:
Haq Khateeb:
 Haq Khateeb has been accused of making false prophecies and
claims, such as predicting the downfall of the Pakistani government.
Haq Khateeb has been accused of making hate speeches against other
Muslim sects and minority groups. Haq Khateeb has been accused of
misinterpreting Islamic texts, such as the Quran and Hadith, to
support his own views and agendas. Promoting Sectarianism: Haq
Khateeb has been accused of promoting sectarianism and hatred against other Muslim sects.
Haq Khateeb’s speeches and teachings have been linked to violent incidents, such as clashes
with law enforcement agencies. Haq Khateeb's controversies have led to a loss of credibility
among many Pakistanis. Haq Khateeb's teachings and practices have damaged the image of
Islam in Pakistan, perpetuating negative stereotypes about the religion. Haq Khateeb's
promotion of sectarianism has contributed to increased sectarian tensions in Pakistan. (Haq
Khatteeb EXPOSED By Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza,
[Link] 2022) (Saqib Raza Mustafi
about haq khatteb Hussain, [Link]
(Haq Khateeb Ky Mureedo Ny Is Ka Sara Bhanda Phor Diya | Exposed Of Haq Khateeb |
 Duniya Fani, [Link] (Peer Haq
Khateeb Vs Mufti Akmal Attari Vs Mufti Muneeb Ur Rehman Vs Mufti Shafiq,
[Link] (Mufti Tariq Masood Sahab
Ne Qasam Kha Kar Batai Peer Haq Khateeb Fraudi Hai, [Link] /GxoAa6w3kHc?
si=elWBVFHBabrNorVX, 2024).
 Mainstream Islamic scholars have criticized Haq Khateeb's teachings
and practices, arguing that they are contrary to established Islamic
knowledge. Pakistani media outlets have exposed Haq Khateeb's
controversies, including his hate speeches and false prophecies. Haq
Khateeb has faced backlash on social media, with many criticizing
his teachings and practices. (Haq Khatteeb EXPOSED By Engineer
Muhammad Ali Mirza, [Link] RSXMNHA, 2022)
(Mufti Tariq Masood Sahab Ne Qasam Kha Kar Batai Peer Haq Khateeb Fraudi Hai,
[Link] 2024).
Dawat-e-Islami:
Dawat-e-Islami was founded in 1980 in Karachi, Pakistan, by a Sufi Man
called Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri Razawi sahib. This movement has
now spread to all continents of the world. It is active in more than 66
[Link] claim to be following the Quran and Sunnah but actuallly
they are a Hardcore Sufi Organization which accomidates all the
Branches of the Sufi Sect Qadiriyyah, Chishti Order, Naqshbandi and
Suhrawardiyya. (Salem, 2009).
Deviations from Islamic Teachings:
Here are some evidence with references regarding Dawat-e-Islami's (DI) deviations from Islamic
teachings and un-Islamic practices:
Bid'ah:
Dawat-e-Islami has been accused of introducing innovations in Islamic practices, such as the use
of musical instruments in religious gatherings. (TRUTH Exposed about Dawat-e-Islami &
Maulana Ilyas Qadri ‫ !!! ہللا ح فظہ‬Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza,[Link]
j3Jo0g?si=5xncd5OhTXwRm2vA, 2023)
Shirk:
Some critics argue that Dawat-e-Islami emphasis on the importance of
their leader, Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri, borders on shirk. (Reply to
Peer ILYAS Qadri ‫ہللا ح فظہ‬ on "SHIRK &
Shaitani_TAWHEED”! Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza,
[Link] yJsVAEhZx8s=s tb8 ujJ-MPxeJEmL, 2024).
Taqlid:
Dawat-e-Islami encourages its followers to blindly follow their leader and teachings, which is
contrary to Islamic principles of critical thinking and individual responsibility. (Taqleed
Wajib...??? Truth Exposing Clip by Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza sb,
[Link] 2021).
FG