HISTORICALLY, the political landscape of Pakistan has witnessed two charters: one, the `charter of democracy`, and, two, the `charter of economy`. Unfortunately, they both could not take root in the true sense because the documents were elite-centric, protecting the interests of a few at the cost of public interest. As such, sustainable consensus could never be achieved on either of them.

The time has now come for devising a new public-friendly social contract. Let us call it the `charter of society`. It will require human capital development, especially in education, health, economic and environmental security, as well as improvement in public service delivery at the ground level. This will produce a politically aware, socially responsible, and democratically engaged youth, which will prove to be the ultimate foundation for success.

As such, the proposed charter of society should be part of the manifestos of all political parties, and it should be accorded priority in the policy-making process by whoever gets to be in power after the forthcoming general elections.

Aamir Ali Talpur Kazi Ahmed