Think of a country that counts not only the number of tanks and missiles it has, but also the health of children who are born on the territory, the literacy of its people, and the economic opportunities available even in the smallest of its villages.

Indeed, in Pakistan’s National Security Policy (2022-2026), there remains an inspiring vision for a country secured not just by borders and armies but also by the well-being of its people.

This policy addresses the supposed linkage between conventional security systems and the much more overlooked idea - human security. It warrants national unity along with a more substantial social contract.

However, one question remains salient: whether Pakistan would succeed in achieving the goals set out by this new NSP. Or will it turn out to be yet another empty effort?

Undoubtedly, this seems to be a citizen-centric policy that believes what John Locke said: “Government’s Legitimacy comes from the Citizens.” This unity depends on democracy: a government listens to and addresses people’s needs. Here, the local government, the closest tier of governance to the citizenry, becomes critical.

A local government is a channel through which citizens can express complaints, seek solutions to ills, and forge trust in the state—the essence of the instruments created for........

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