Development Challenges
Development Challenges: Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan officially identify themselves as Islamic states. Their experiences show different levels of success in promoting justice, economic growth, education, and public welfare. These goals reflect important Islamic values.
Afghanistan’s Development Crisis
Afghanistan has experienced many political changes. It moved from monarchy to communist rule, then to the mujahideen, the Taliban, Western-backed governments, and back to the Taliban. Unfortunately, these changes have hurt the country’s development. Many educated people, including teachers, professionals, and business owners, have left the country. This brain drain has weakened the economy. The Taliban have restricted girls’ education and women’s employment. These policies increase inequality and limit future growth. They also damage Islam’s image, even though Islam encourages knowledge, justice, and human dignity.
Economic Hardships
Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Its per capita income is about $420. Poverty and food shortages affect millions of people. Literacy remains low at about 37 percent. Female literacy stands at only 27 percent. Women have nearly five children on average. The economy depends heavily on foreign aid and imports. Although security has improved, economic activity has not grown significantly. Trade with Pakistan has also declined because of border tensions and closures.
Human Capital Development
Iran has followed a different path. The 1979 Islamic Revolution created a new political system. Since then, Iran has faced sanctions, war, and international pressure. Despite these challenges, it has invested heavily in education, science, and technology. Adult literacy has reached about 93 percent. Almost all young people can read and write. Iran has nearly eliminated the gender gap in basic education. Women make up about 60 percent of university students. Many study medicine, health sciences, and engineering.
Scientific and Industrial Progress
Iran has built strong capabilities in nanotechnology, biotechnology, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and stem cell research. It produces many scientists and researchers. It has also developed a diverse industrial economy. Per capita income has increased from about $2,500 in 1980 to nearly $5,000 today. Iran exports pharmaceuticals, steel, cement, and agricultural products. Better healthcare and living conditions have raised life expectancy from about 50 years to nearly 78 years. However, inflation, currency problems, and political restrictions continue to create public frustration.
Economic Rise and Decline
Pakistan started with limited resources after independence in 1947. Yet it achieved strong economic growth for several decades. Between 1950 and 1990, the economy grew by about 6 percent annually. During this period, Pakistan often outperformed India. Since the 1990s, growth has slowed to around 3 to 4 percent. Weak governance, poor policies, and institutional decline have reduced economic performance. An elitist economic structure has also limited opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Current Challenges
Pakistan’s economy is worth about $400 billion. Per capita income stands near $1,600. Population growth remains high at about 2.5 percent per year. Women have about 3.5 children on average. Nearly 30 percent of the population lives in poverty. Climate change creates serious risks for water, food, and energy security.
Adult literacy is about 60 percent, while female literacy is slightly above 50 percent. Many graduates cannot find suitable jobs because education often does not match market needs. Regional, rural-urban, and gender inequalities continue to widen. Pakistan invests too little in research, innovation, and higher education. As a result, it performs poorly in technology and scientific development.
Different Development Paths
The three countries show very different outcomes. Iran invested in education, science, and industry. As a result, it improved human development and strengthened self-reliance. Pakistan showed that good governance and sound economic management can produce strong growth. However, weak institutions and unequal development have limited its progress. Afghanistan moved in the opposite direction. Dependence on aid, restrictions on women, and economic isolation have slowed development and reduced opportunities.
Islamic State Performance
An Islamic state should not rely only on religious slogans or constitutional titles. People should judge it by its actions. A successful Islamic state promotes justice, reduces poverty, expands opportunities, and protects the dignity of all citizens.
Published in Dawn, 30th May 2026
