On Tuesday, 17^th February 2026, Dr. Muhammad Zakria Zakar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Poonch Rawalakot and the University of Kotali, AJK, delivered a lecture to the participants of the 39^th SMC at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Lahore, on the topic “Pakistan: State and Society”.

In the beginning, Dr. Zakar explored the interaction between the State, civil society, and market that determines the quality of governance in any country. He emphasised inherent tensions between the State and civil society and argued that a strong and vibrant civil society nurtures democratic norms. Under authoritarian rule, however, the public sphere contracts, curtailing citizen empowerment and silencing dissent. Discussing the foundational attributes of a State, Dr. Zakar emphasised its monopoly over legitimate violence and its authority to extract resources. He further argued that the States use knowledge as an instrument for legitimising power, including through manipulating public opinion, and defining national priorities.

Dr. Zakar also explored the evolving nature of sovereignty in an era of globalisation. He stressed that sovereignty has become decentred and is no longer confined to the nation-states. Similarly, transnational migration reshapes social contracts, as welfare states both attract and facilitate cross-border mobility.

In Pakistan’s context, Dr. Zakar identified challenges undermining social cohesion and hampering the State’s capacity to deliver inclusive development. He called for a recalibration of the balance among State, Civil Society, and Market.

The session ended with an engaging Q&A session.