FIELD Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has repeatedly emphasized that good governance is not merely a political ideal but a strategic necessity for Pakistan.

He envisions: good governance is the cornerstone of national stability, economic resilience and comprehensive national security. He has consistently called for institutional rebuilding, people-centric policies and a transparent governance framework that ensures sustainable development and public trust. According to Field Marshal Asim Munir, the essence of good governance lies in ethical, effective and accountable management of public affairs and resources. It is guided by principles such as transparency, inclusiveness, rule of law, responsiveness, consensus-building, equity and efficiency. These principles ensure that decisions are made with public consent, for the collective good and in a manner that protects human rights while promoting sustainable development. He has particularly stressed infrastructural development and a people-centric approach as the key pillars of his governance vision.

The formative years of Pakistan reflected relatively better governance compared to what is witnessed today after more than seven decades of independence. Instead of improvement and institutional reforms, Pakistan has experienced a gradual decline in governance standards. This is both unusual and alarming, as most states face greater difficulties in their early years due to limited resources, institutional weaknesses and shortage of skilled manpower. Over time, however, states generally mature and strengthen their governance structures. In Pakistan’s case, the opposite trend has........

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