For the millions of young graduates entering Pakistan’s job market today, a degree is no longer a ticket to a career; it is merely a piece of paper in a game where the rules are written by social capital. In Pakistan, the traditional question “what do you know?” has been systematically replaced by “who do you know?“. This pervasive culture of Sifarish (nepotism), Biradari (brotherhood/clan-based networking), and the search for the elusive “apna banda” (my man) is not just an administrative quirk—it is a form of “elite capture” that is hollowing out our institutions and driving our brightest minds abroad.
At the heart of this crisis is the “mera banda” mindset. Sources indicate that the practice of hiring a loyal surrogate rather than a competent professional is deeply embedded in every layer of Pakistani society, reportedly influencing even the highest-level appointments in the land. This paternalistic management style prioritizes loyalty and indebtedness over competence; in some strategic sectors, managers admit that loyalty can count for 60% of a promotion decision, leaving a mere 40% for actual skill.
This system is reinforced by ancient cultural mechanisms like Biradari and Vartan Bhanji (the reciprocal exchange of gifts and services). While these patterns once provided social solidarity, in the modern workplace, they act as “group social capital” that protects in-group interests at the expense of merit. For those outside these powerful circles—whether based on caste, family, or political ties—the professional world is a closed door.
The burden of this system falls most heavily on Pakistani women. Even when women overcome significant macro-level barriers like patriarchal ideologies and misinterpreted religious guidelines, they find themselves trapped in a “bursting pipeline”. For instance, while over 70% of medical students in Pakistan are female, only about 23% of registered doctors actually practice, often due to social roles that prioritise caregiving over careers or a lack of supportive workplace policies. When they do enter the workforce, women frequently lack the “old boy” networks and Biradari ties that their male counterparts use to navigate the system, making them even more vulnerable to discrimination and harassment.
The consequences of this merit-free environment are devastating. We are witnessing a massive “brain drain”; in just the first seven months of 2023, over 450,000 Pakistanis left the country in search of dignified work, disillusioned by a system where “Sifarish” is the only currency. On social media platforms and in the streets of cities like Karachi, the youth express a profound sense of hopelessness, noting that they often have to compete with thousands of candidates for low-reward work while elite “uncles and aunties” secure high-ranking positions for their own kin.
If Pakistan is to survive the economic and social challenges of the 21st century, we must dismantle this culture of favouritism. The government must move beyond rhetorical slogans of “youth empowerment” and implement strict, monitored meritocratic hiring in both public and private sectors. We cannot afford to let our institutions become the “fiefdoms” of a well-connected minority. It is high time we stop asking who a candidate’s father is and start asking what they can contribute to the nation. Only then can we offer our youth a reason to stay and build a future here.