A republic’s deterioration is not a phenomenon. It’s a procedure. It’s not a political matter. It’s in bulk. It never has boundaries or is contained. It is widespread and spreads more quickly than you can say “national,” “finance,” and/or “commission.”
There are repercussions to actions. There is more at stake than just the rule of law, constitutional principles, due process, or system integrity when the schemes of dishonest public sector employees go too far. They indicate a deterioration and weakening of the state’s overall body: Enter: the republic’s deterioration.
Canadian economist Dr. Anwar Shah spent many years working at the intersection of economics and public policy in developing nations, most recently in China. This is his 2012 evaluation of the financial and fiscal consequences of the 18th Amendment and the 7th National Finance Commission: “Although Pakistan’s federal finances are already in a precarious situation—with an operating deficit of roughly 100% of operating revenues—this development—the 18th Amendment—will drive the federal government even closer to the precipice unless corrective measures are taken, such as tax reform, department restructuring, and privatization. It has a less than stellar history of handling these problems.
