Pakistan in Crisis: How PML‑N Policies and a Broken Justice System Fail the People

By: Mishal Zia 

Dateline: March, 2023

Recent year 2023, Pakistan remains mired in political instability, systemic corruption, and a failing justice system that continues to undermine the rights of its citizens. The Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML‑N), which has been in and out of power for decades, has shown a consistent inability to implement reforms that address the deep structural problems of governance. Instead of prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the people, the party’s policies have often served narrow political interests, enriching elites while leaving ordinary citizens in economic and social distress.

Economic mismanagement has been a hallmark of the PML‑N government. Inflation rates have soared, essential commodities have become unaffordable for millions, and unemployment has reached alarming levels. While the government touts large infrastructure projects, these initiatives frequently lack proper oversight, resulting in massive financial leakages, substandard construction, and delayed completion. Meanwhile, ordinary Pakistanis bear the brunt of these policy failures, struggling with rising costs of living and declining access to public services.

The country’s justice system, nominally independent, continues to fail the people. Cases of corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power go unpunished, creating a culture of impunity for those connected to political elites. High-profile political figures, often implicated in financial and administrative misconduct, face minimal consequences, while ordinary citizens encounter delays, inefficiencies, and systemic bias. This erosion of trust in the judiciary and law enforcement not only weakens the rule of law but also perpetuates a cycle of injustice that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

Moreover, the PML‑N’s approach to governance has often been reactive rather than proactive. Policy decisions appear driven more by short-term political calculations than long-term national interest. Critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare remain underfunded and mismanaged. Initiatives that could empower citizens and reduce inequality are either inadequately implemented or neglected entirely, further entrenching social disparities.

In 2023, Pakistan’s citizens are left to navigate the consequences of decades of political mismanagement and institutional decay. The PML‑N’s track record highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms, transparent governance, and a justice system that truly serves the people rather than shielding the powerful. Without accountability and meaningful policy changes, Pakistan risks perpetuating a cycle of political opportunism, economic instability, and judicial failure that undermines the very foundations of the state.