A small republic in every classroom

Pakistan's population is overwhelmingly young, with two out of every three citizens under the age of 30. This generation has the potential to shape the nation, but the country's current structure suggests they may not be prepared. The constitutional gap between what is on paper and what works in practice presents a challenge that this generation must address.

Growing up under martial law and the subsequent rise of authoritarianism, the writer learned the lesson that power, when unchecked, can lead to submission. This lesson was ingrained in the institutions of Pakistan, where caution eventually morphed into accommodation, which then became submission. The courts themselves have found doctrines to justify every political move, from revolutionary legality to necessity to validation.

Rather than being formed by protest, the next generation will be shaped by argument. The writer suggests that this generation must build character first, through exposure to diverse experiences and ideas. This can be achieved through education, specifically by running university classrooms as small republics where students debate and contest ideas.

Every discipline, from law to medicine to engineering, should engage in open discourse, with students electing office bearers and facing the consequences of losing elections. This multidisciplinary approach will foster a democratic mindset, where individuals learn to question and challenge authority, even when they believe they are wrong.

By experiencing the real-world consequences of their arguments, students will be better prepared to confront and resist unelected power. The writer emphasizes that this education will take time, requiring a commitment of at least two decades. In the meantime, the generation can begin by filling the gap between the constitutional ideals and the reality on the ground.

By learning to hold power accountable, starting with classroom debates and elections, this generation can shape Pakistan's future and bring it closer to the constitutional promises.