Session 4

A state could be defined as an inanimate, immaterial, nonphysical entity run by a body of affluent individuals who can enforce law and order by exercising power. A state could, however, also be recognized as a sovereign power that individuals are dependent on for their welfare and for stability and security. The state is a political body whereas the government is what constitutes the body. Where the government keeps changing, the state or the structure a country remain the same.

When it comes to the state of Pakistan, however, the fine line between the government and the state is not distinctive enough. Where the state is considered to be sovereign, people often fool themselves into thinking that they themselves, and not the state, are sovereign and people’s loyalties should be to them and not to the state.

Andrew Heywood highlights five features of an organizational state- it is sovereign, its institutions are recognizably public, it exercises legitimacy, it is an instrument of domination and is a territorial association.It is a state's duty to protect the interests of everyone living within its geographical boundaries; yet we see recurring episodes of minorities being exploited and mistreated by the Pakistani government.Keeping in mind the current situation in Lyari, Karachi, there are various outrageous cases of gang war, mugging, and vandalism, which are not being subdued effectively.