Elite Capture and its Implication for Pakistan 2018-2022

Abstract

Elite capture is a burning issue, common across the world and particularly in Pakistan. It is an unavoidable issue. In Pakistan, the historical pedigree of this phenomenon is deeply rooted in the interplay of power, economic interest, and governance structures. The country has been bitterly entangled in the nutcracker of elite capture since its birth. However, various political developments between 2018 and 2022 have further transformed the country into a purely elitist state. During this era, elite capture remained a critical barrier to meaningful reforms and equitable governance. This study aims to investigate the implications of this phenomenon in the country from 2018-2022. The study adopts qualitative research where both primary and secondary sources have been used for data collection. Procedurally, data has been collected by conducting interviews with experts in the relevant field, which has then been codified and analyzed through the thematic data analysis technique. The study found that elite capture has negatively impacted the society, democracy, and governance of the country. It has increased inequality and created disparity among the masses. Elite capture in Pakistan can be discouraged by establishing a system in which everyone contributes according to his ability and gets according to his needs.

      Keywords: Elite, elite capture, inequality, crime, democracy, corruption, social unrest, drug addiction, brain drain