Why Pakistani Parliamentarians Must Embrace Science and Technology

In today’s fast-evolving world, science and technology have permeated every aspect of human life, shaping economies, societies, and even personal interactions. For Pakistan, a country navigating complex challenges and aspiring to become a competitive player on the global stage, the integration of science and technology into governance is no longer optional – it is imperative. Yet, the stark reality is that most parliamentarians in Pakistan do not have a background in science and technology. This creates a significant disconnect between the needs of a modern state and the expertise of its policymakers.

The Disconnect: Science and Technology Literate Policymakers in Pakistan

The increasing centrality of science and technology in public policy is undeniable. Issues like climate change, health crises, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence are not just global debates; they have immediate and profound implications for Pakistan.

For instance, Pakistan faces mounting pressure to transition toward renewable energy, manage its precarious water resources, and prepare for the socio-economic upheavals that climate change will bring. Likewise, advancements in healthcare, such as e-health, telemedicine, personalized medicine, and biomedical engineering, offer immense potential but also require careful regulation and ethical oversight. These challenges and opportunities demand policymakers who can understand complex technical concepts, analyze evidence, and make informed decisions.

Climate Change: A Crisis Requiring Science-Driven Policy

Unfortunately, Pakistan’s legislative assemblies often lack the necessary scientific literacy to navigate these issues effectively. Lawmakers are bombarded daily with lobbying, public inquiries, and media stories about emerging technologies and their impacts. Without a solid foundation in science, they risk being swayed by misinformation, vested interests, or superficial narratives. This knowledge gap poses risks not only to the effectiveness of governance but also to public trust. When decisions appear uninformed or contradictory to scientific consensus, citizens lose faith in their leaders, and the progress of critical initiatives can be stalled.

Take climate change, for instance – a crisis that exemplifies the urgent need for science-driven policymaking. Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, from devastating floods to prolonged droughts. The 2022 floods, which displaced millions and caused billions in damages, highlighted the nation’s fragility in the face of extreme weather events. Yet, Pakistan’s climate policies remain reactive rather than proactive, largely because of a lack of understanding among policymakers about the science behind climate change and the systemic measures required to mitigate its impacts. Policies often focus on short-term relief rather than long-term resilience, a pattern that undermines sustainable development.

The Regulation of Digital Technologies: A Key Challenge

Another glaring example is the regulation of digital technologies. Pakistan has seen rapid growth in its digital economy, yet issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence remain poorly addressed. Recent debates around internet censorship and digital rights underscore how unprepared policymakers are to balance innovation with individual freedoms. This lack of preparedness risks stifling the very innovation that could propel the country into a knowledge-based economy.

The absence of scientific expertise in parliament is not just a problem for Pakistan. It is a challenge faced by many countries worldwide. However, some nations have recognized this gap and are actively working to address it. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology provides legislators with independent and accessible analyses of complex scientific topics. Similarly, Canada’s Chief Science Advisor serves as a bridge between the government and the scientific community. This ensures that evidence-based recommendations remain at the forefront of policymaking.

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A Path Forward: Scientization of Democracy in Pakistan

For Pakistan to bridge this gap, a multi-pronged approach, for instance, Scientization of Democracy, is essential. Encouraging individuals with scientific and technological expertise to enter politics is an essential step. Pakistan’s political landscape often discourages professionals from technical fields from pursuing leadership roles. Addressing this cultural barrier requires creating level playing field for experts to contribute to public service, as well as reforming educational systems to produce leaders who are as comfortable with science as they are with governance.

The Stakes for Pakistan’s Future: Why Science Literacy Matters

The stakes are high. Without a science-literate parliament, Pakistan risks falling further behind in a world that is rapidly advancing. More importantly, the country’s ability to address existential threats like climate change, public health emergencies, and technological inequality will remain compromised. Bridging this gap is not just about improving governance; it is about securing Pakistan’s future.

In an increasingly interconnected and technologically driven world, the decisions made today will determine the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Pakistan’s parliamentarians must rise to the occasion, embracing science and technology as integral to their roles. By investing in scientific literacy, fostering collaboration with experts, and promoting a culture of evidence-based policymaking, the nation can position itself to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The time to act is now; the cost of inaction is far too great.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.

Mirza Abdul Aleem Baig

Mirza Abdul Aleem Baig is an independent observer of global dynamics, with a deep interest in the intricate workings of geopolitics, exploring how international relations, foreign policy, and strategic alliances shape the emerging world order. His experience spans healthcare informatics, education, AI, and biomedical research, complemented by a strong analytical focus on geopolitics. A published author, Baig’s work has appeared in journals and platforms such as Eurasia Review, The Diplomatic Insight, and Technology Times Pakistan.

South Asia Times

Why Pakistani Parliamentarians Must Embrace Science and Technology