Respected Readers,
No individual human being is perfect. We all have limitations. That is why no single person or small group can design a complete and lasting system for an entire society. Whenever this has been attempted, the system collapses sooner or later — because it reflects the narrow interests of a few, not the collective wisdom of the people.
Pakistan’s history is a clear example of this truth. Every system we have seen was built by individuals or powerful factions, serving their own needs. The results are in front of us today.
The 1973 Constitution – A Hope Betrayed
For a short time, we saw consensus when powerful groups agreed on the 1973 Constitution. But even that hope was short-lived. Why did it fail?
Personality Worship – Instead of building institutions, we placed all our trust in leaders. When they fell, the system fell with them.
Unclear Wording – The constitution was filled with vague terms and contradictions, open to endless interpretations.
Concentration of Power – Too much authority was placed in single offices, whether President or Prime Minister.
Incompetent Implementation – Those given authority lacked the skill, honesty, and vision to carry it out.
In the end, the constitution became less about solving people’s problems and more about protecting rulers.
The Trap of Authority
Power attracts everyone. Once a leader or group has it, they want to keep it at all costs. Instead of devolving power to provinces, local governments, or ordinary people, our rulers have always fought to keep it in their own hands. That is why Pakistan’s history is filled with new constitutions and endless amendments — all designed to adjust who gets to hold the stick, not how the people are served.
The Competence Problem
There has never been a proper system to assess the competence of those in authority. People are chosen based on loyalty, family, or personal preference — not ability. This is why incompetence spreads across every profession. Without principles to guide leadership and without a standard to measure competence, how can progress be possible?
The Root Problem
At the heart of it all is intention. Our constitutions were not made to serve the people; they were made to rule the people. That is why, even after decades, ordinary lives have not improved.
The Way Forward
We cannot repeat the same mistake. Systems built by a handful of elites will always collapse. The only way forward is to involve ordinary citizens directly, to set principles collectively, and to build laws that reflect those principles.
That is what Hallaqa aims to achieve — a platform to test principles, refine them, and shape a system that can practically work for everyone, not just the rulers.