Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar Criticises ‘Hard State’ Theory, Warns of Grave Risks to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Former senator and leader of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan), Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, has strongly criticised the concept of a “Hard State,” warning that it is causing irreparable harm to Pakistan and could lead to serious consequences if not reconsidered.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Khokhar said that the theory of a “Hard State” is inflicting irreversible damage on the country. He argued that states comprising diverse ethnicities, languages, and cultures cannot function as hard states, adding that Pakistan is neither Egypt nor China, nor North Korea.
He maintained that Pakistan can only be governed through mutual cooperation among its people and nationalities, stating that the Constitution itself embodies this principle of cooperation. According to Khokhar, an inclusive and constitutional framework is essential for maintaining national cohesion.
یہ”ہارڈ سٹیٹ “ کی تھیوری پاکستان کو ناقابلِ تلافی نقصان پہنچا رہی ہے۔ جِس خِطہ میں مختلف قومیں اور زبانیں بولنے والے لوگ ہوں وہاں ہارڈ سٹیٹ نہیں بنا کرتے۔ ہم مصر و چین نہیں اور نہ ہی شمالی کوریا۔ یہاں صرف ایک دوسرے سے تعاون کی بنیاد پر ہی ریاست چل سکتی ہے اور افراد اور قوموں کے…
— Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar (@mustafa_nawazk) July 28, 2026
The former senator further claimed that Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are facing severe challenges, alleging that freedoms have been curtailed, elections have become meaningless, and the country’s economy is in a deteriorating condition. He questioned whether these developments were not indicative of a failing state.
Khokhar emphasized that Pakistan does not need a “Hard State” but rather a constitutional state that guarantees the rights of its citizens and constituent nationalities.
Offering his advice to policymakers, he said, “Every issue cannot be answered with imprisonment or bullets. Let reason prevail.” He also warned that Pakistan is “not far from a major implosion” if the current trajectory continues.
