Domains of Conflict, Governance, and the NGO Sector in Pakistan: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Pakistan inherited a multitude of conflicts at the time of her birth. The poor functioning of the governance system in the first six decades of her existence got worse as the successive governments, operating in the hands of vested economic interests as well as conservative political elite, were not able to let the modern, liberal and progressive outlook to grow in an uninhibited manner. Democracy remained a dream yet to be cherished in its true spirit. A strong democracy could have supported the civil society and vice versa, but the two could not evolve in a manner that could enhance the confidence of the masses, who were also subjected to fissiparous forces. Emerging divisions enhanced the intensity and diversity of the prevalent conflicts, thus posing new challenges for the society with every passing year.