IS COLONIAL MENTALITY IMPEDING PAKISTAN’S PROGRESS? I. Introduction Attempted imitation of erstwhile colonial masters by the elite of Pakistan, due to a perceived inferiority complex, is obstructing the political, economic, social and cultural growth of Pakistan.
II. Contextualization The Key Variables Colonial Mentality: a complex of feelings, thoughts, attitudes and behaviour of trying to imitate former colonial masters due to a perception of inferiority to them Progress: a holistic term for social, economic, political and human capital development III. How Is Colonial Mentality Impeding Pakistan’s Progress A. Economic Dependence on the West – a facet of Colonial mentality $X Billion between 1948 and 2016 from the USA B. Hefty Military spending has left human development in tatters Education 1% of GDP, Health 1% of GDP and Military 20% of GDP C. Obsession with Foreign brands owing to the perception of Foreign products being superior to the local ones D. Feudalism: Which seeks to keep people subjugated and opposes land reforms, is a product of colonial legacy E. Getting embroiled in wars upon the US order – a manifestation of colonial mentality Zia decision to get involved in Afghan war Musharraf decision to join the war on terror F. Blind imitation of the type and nature of western education shows colonial mindset Perception of the English as elite language G. Colonial mindset results in brain drain from Pakistan H. Caste system causing social polarization IV. A Framework To Break The Shackles Of Colonial Mentality Institutional Harmony Constructive Role of Media Rooting out Feudalism IV. Conclusion It is a crying need of the hour for Pakistan to break the shackles of colonial mentality on a priority basis