In the wake of post-colonial, hybrid, and neoliberal regimes, critical thinking and sustainable development are facing a dire crisis in countries like Pakistan. The death of critical insight in the diseducation project, driven by the alliance between post-colonial power structures and neoliberalism, has led to an inverse relationship between critical thinking and prevailing power dynamics. Consequently, the ruling elite has captured and controlled the means of production and resources necessary for sustainable development, leaving the general public trapped in a cycle of consumer behavior dictated by the same power structure.
Pakistan’s political landscape has been shaped by hybrid governance, where elements of both civilian and military rule coexist
This hybridity has led to fragmented decision-making processes, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. As a result, critical thinking regarding sustainable development has been stifled, and the country struggles to develop consistent and comprehensive policies addressing environmental degradation, poverty, and inequality. Furthermore, the concept of the overdeveloped state, as proposed by Hanza Alvi, highlights the uneven distribution of resources and power within the nation, leading to economic disparities, social injustices, and ecological imbalances. Emphasizing the need for equitable and sustainable development that addresses the needs of all citizens while ensuring environmental preservation.
The post-colonial framework exposes how colonial powers exploited and suppressed indigenous cultures, economies, and knowledge systems, leaving a lasting impact that continues to influence development approaches and policies. In the context of sustainable development, the post-colonial system challenges dominant Western-centric models and advocates for locally-driven, culturally sensitive, and context-specific strategies to address environmental and social issues.
Since the 1970s and 1980s, the entanglement of post-colonial power structures with neoliberalism has significantly damaged critical and innovative abilities within societies, replacing them with a consumer-centric mindset that perpetuates the status quo. Sustainable development, however, relies heavily on critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication.
