Conflict between State and Society in Pakistan: An Analysis of Psychosocial Dimensions

Abstract

When the British transferred power and Pakistan emerged on 14 August 1947, the state remained colonial in nature. The psychosocial dimensions of values, attitudes and behaviour of the central authority and its structures remained unchanged. The fundamental paradigm of relationship between the state and society was, and still is, based on conflict between the “rulers and the ruled”. The state has manifested authoritarian and anti-people values and attitudes. The state institutions of civil and military bureaucracy, judiciary and police along with the coopted clergy- have become deeply interwoven in maintaining their hold over the society. On the other hand, the insecure Pakistani society has not been able to develop values and attitudes of trust and self-esteem, and unity in behaviour. The institutions of family, education, economy and politics are not producing strong, self-respecting, and aware individuals. As a result, the state has become fragile and the society has become more fragmented. The resolution of such a conflict requires transformation in the psychosocial dimensions.