democracy in pakistan essay in english

Democracy in Pakistan Essay with Quotations

by Pakiology | Mar 25, 2024 | Essay | 1 comment

Explore the evolution, challenges, and progress of democracy in Pakistan in this in-depth essay . Gain insights into the nation’s rich history, the influence of the military, the pervasive issue of corruption, and the role of civil society in shaping Pakistan’s democratic landscape.

Title: The Evolution of Democracy in Pakistan: Challenges, Progress, and Prospects for the Future

Introduction.

Pakistan, a country characterized by its rich and diverse history, has embarked on a tumultuous journey in pursuit of democracy. Overcoming numerous obstacles, its citizens have tenaciously defended their democratic rights and worked diligently to forge a more equitable society. In this comprehensive essay, we delve into the current state of democracy in Pakistan, recognizing its historical context, addressing the persistent challenges it confronts, highlighting the progress made, and considering the prospects for the future.

The Historical Landscape

Democracy, at its core, is a system of government grounded in the principle of representation, allowing citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives. Regrettably, the implementation of democracy in Pakistan has been marred by a series of military coups and periods of martial law, intermittently disrupting its democratic trajectory. Despite these adversities, Pakistan now operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a president and prime minister at the helm.

The Military’s Influence: A Persistent Challenge

A major impediment to democracy in Pakistan has been the enduring influence of the military on the political landscape. Pakistan’s history is replete with instances of military interventions in civilian governance, including several coups and martial law declarations. This persistent interference not only undermines democratic principles but also erodes public trust in the democratic system. Additionally, intelligence agencies have faced accusations of wielding substantial influence in the political sphere, further eroding democratic institutions and processes.

Corruption as a Hindrance: A Deep-Seated Issue

Another significant challenge is the pervasiveness of corruption within Pakistan. Corruption has become deeply ingrained in the country, with numerous politicians and government officials implicated in embezzlement and bribery. This deeply rooted issue corrodes the legitimacy of the democratic process and erodes public trust in the government. The adverse effects of corruption are most acutely felt by marginalized communities, who suffer from a lack of essential public services and resources.

The Resilience of Democratic Aspirations: Signs of Progress

Despite these formidable challenges, the citizens of Pakistan persistently strive to defend their democratic rights and fortify democratic institutions. In recent years, the country has seen a notable rise in the number of civil society organizations dedicated to advocating for transparency, accountability, and the promotion of awareness regarding democratic rights and freedoms. Additionally, the media has played a pivotal role in promoting democratic values and holding the government accountable for its actions.

The Role of Civil Society

Civil society organizations have emerged as vital agents of change in Pakistan’s democratic landscape. They tirelessly work to bridge the gap between the government and the governed, acting as watchdogs for accountability and transparency. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and public mobilization, these organizations have managed to shine a spotlight on the pressing issues of democracy and governance in Pakistan. Their activities range from monitoring elections to exposing corruption and advocating for the rule of law.

Media as the Fourth Estate

The media in Pakistan has undergone a transformational journey, evolving into a vibrant fourth estate that plays a crucial role in promoting democratic values. While media outlets often grapple with challenges such as censorship and intimidation, they continue to serve as a check on government power and a forum for diverse voices. Investigative journalism has uncovered corruption scandals, challenged authoritarianism, and provided a platform for citizens to engage in political discourse.

In conclusion, democracy in Pakistan remains an imperfect yet indispensable system, despite the numerous setbacks and challenges it has encountered. The people of Pakistan ardently safeguard their democratic rights, and the fortification of democratic institutions and processes is pivotal for the nation’s future. The enduring challenges posed by military influence, corruption, and public mistrust can only be surmounted through persistent efforts and sustained citizen engagement in the democratic process. As Pakistan continues its journey towards a more robust democracy, the world watches with hope and anticipation, recognizing the nation’s potential to overcome its challenges and achieve democratic excellence. The path may be long and arduous, but the resilience and determination of Pakistan’s people offer a promising outlook for the future of democracy in the country.

Quotes Related to Democracy

Here are a few quotes related to democracy and its challenges in Pakistan:

“A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither. A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both.” – Milton Friedman, Economist

“The greatest threat to democracy is not the enemies from without, but the enemies from within.” – Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States

“I believe that the real solution to the problems facing Pakistan lies in true democracy and the rule of law.” – Imran Khan, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” – John Philpot Curran, Irish Orator and Statesman.

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Sir you have used a lot of bitter words in this essay which are enough to awake a nation.😭😭😭😭 But It’s reality I think inshallah one day we will achieve that original democracy which will prevent our basic rights and our motherland…..

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Democracy of Pakistan (English Essay With Outlines in 1200 Words)

English Essay on Democracy of Pakistan For College Students Democracy of Pakistan has suffered through several setbacks and challenges, but recent developments in the country have sparked a sense of optimism for change in the future.

Pakistan is a vibrant and resilient country. Democracy, despite its many flaws, has brought a lot of changes to the society and it is the only option for Pakistan. There are many positive changes being brought by democracy but one of the most significant problems is the lack of political awareness.

Pakistan is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world, but has recently faced serious internal issues and political instability. This essay explores the history of democracy in Pakistan and the challenges it faces.

Table of Contents

What is Democracy?

Democracy is the political system in which the people have the power to choose their own leaders.

Types of Democracy

Democracy is a system of government in which the people are sovereign, that is to say they have the power to rule. It is usually assumed that all modern democracies are liberal democracies. This is true in the sense that most democracies claim to be liberal and many are in fact liberal in their practice. However, there are a number of different types of democracy. Some of these are more liberal than others, and some are more authoritarian than others.

Pros & Cons of Democracy

There are many pros and cons to democracy. On the positive side, it allows for a high degree of public participation in government, which can lead to better policy decisions. Additionally, democracies often have low levels of corruption, because elected officials are held accountable by their constituents.

However, democracies also have their fair share of problems. For example, they can be more volatile and prone to political instability than other types of governments. And while they may offer citizens a greater level of freedom and civil rights than some other systems, they can also be less efficient in delivering these benefits.

Democracy Vs Dictatorship

Democracy is a system of government where citizens have the power to make decisions about their own lives. This system is based on the principle that all people have the right to participate in the political process and have their voices heard.

Dictatorship is a system of government in which one person or group has total control over all aspects of society. This system is based on the principle that one person or group can be trusted to protect the interests of the population and make wise decisions for them.

Democracy of Pakistan

The current form of democracy in Pakistan is a parliamentary democracy. The Parliament is bicameral and consists of the Senate and the National Assembly. The Senate is made up of 100 members, who are elected for six-year terms.

The Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the National Assembly. The Cabinet is the executive branch of the government and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the country. The judiciary is independent and consists of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts.  The head of the executive branch is the President.

According to the theory, democracy in Pakistan consists of three layers of government: federal, provincial and local. The central layer is represented by the federal government, while the provincial governments are the regional counterparts. The local governments are the last layer, and represent the community or the people.

Challenges For Democracy in Pakistan

Democracy of Pakistan in facing following challenges;

1. How can the government protect the rights of its citizens and ensure that they are able to express their views freely?

2. How can the government ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in the political process and have their voices heard?

The government can try to ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in the political process by providing information about the relevant candidates and the voting process. Additionally, the government can try to create a conducive environment in which citizens can freely express their views.

History of Democracy of Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with a population that spans all social and economic strata. The country’s complex history has led to a variety of political systems and ideologies. Democracy has been an official policy of the government since 1973, but prior to that, various forms of government had operated in Pakistan. The first democratic system was established during the British Raj, when elected representatives from each province convened a legislative assembly to draft a constitution. However, this assembly was dissolved by the British authorities just four years after its establishment. The second attempt at establishing democracy took place following independence in 1947. However, due to disagreements between Prime Ministers and Presidents, democracy was not fully established until 1973. Since then, successive governments have enacted various constitutional amendments to expand the rights of citizens and form a more democratic system. Pakistan has a long and tumultuous history of democracy. The first democratic elections in the country were held in 1979. However, the country has had a number of periods of military rule, which have been followed by periods of democracy.

Future of Democracy in Pakistan

Pakistani democracy is in a state of flux. The country has been through multiple transitions, including from military dictatorship to parliamentary democracy and then to an elected civilian government in 2008. However, the country faces several challenges that could undermine its future as a democracy.

The most pressing issue facing Pakistani democracy is the lack of trust in institutions. According to a 2018 poll by the Pew Research Center, only 22 percent of Pakistanis say they have a great deal or fair amount of trust in the government to do what is right, down from 53 percent in 2006. This dwindling trust is likely due to years of instability and corruption – both within institutions and among politicians – which has led to disillusionment among citizens. To make matters worse, this lack of faith has created an environment where extremist groups can thrive.

Despite these challenges, Pakistani democracy is still in relatively good shape overall. The current government – which was elected in 2018 after years of political instability and corruption – is considered to be relatively stable, and there have been no major crises or violence linked to the democratic process so far. In addition, the country’s judiciary is considered to be independent and effective, which helps to ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

Key Features of Democracy of Pakistan

1. The Constitution of Pakistan was adopted in 1956.

2. Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic.

3. The Head of State is the President, who is elected by the Parliament for a five-year term.

4. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in Pakistan.

5. There are three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

Final Thoughts on Democracy in Pakistan

In short although Pakistan is a democratic country, still democracy is in cradle here in Pakistan. Now a days there is a controlled democracy in Pakistan. Deep state is very strong in Pakistan. Concept of hybrid democracy, basic democracy, and non parties democracy were introduced in Pakistan. Creation of Pakistan was a result of democratic process, but as a nation we could never defend democracy of Pakistan . There is need of strengthening the democracy in Pakistan.

My Aim in Life

I am a professional content writer and have experience of 10 years. I also launched first ever English monthly magazine of human rights in Pakistan. Majority of content on this website is written by me.

Essay on “Democracy in Pakistan” for CSS, and PMS

• January 24, 2022
• Essay for CSS PMS and Judiciary Exam

This is an Essay on “Democracy in Pakistan” for CSS, PMS, and Judiciary Examinations. Democracy is a form of government in which the people have the authority to deliberate and decide legislation, or to choose governing officials to do so.” Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through freely elected representatives. As Democracy is a very popular topic so, here is a complete Essay on “Democracy in Pakistan” for CSS, PMS, and judiciary examinations.

What is democracy? Essentials of democracy Democracy in Pakistan

A brief history

• The early period from 1947-58
• Period of General Ayub and General Zia
• Political turmoil and General Pervaiz Musharraf

Causes of failure of democracy in Pakistan

• Delayed Framing of the Constitution
• Leadership Crisis
• Lack of education
• No independence of the judiciary
• Weak political parties and their infighting
• Delayed elections and rigging
• Corruption and nepotism
• Quasi-Federalism and Conflict between Eastern and Western Wings
• Terrorism and extremism

Pakistani Democracy Vs. Western Democracy

Suggestions

• Effective accountability of the politicians
•  Reforming judiciary
• Abolish feudalism
• Eliminate corruption
• Two parties system on the pattern of the USA, UK
• Amendment in the constitution
• Fair and free election
• Increase the education budget to educate people
• Uninterrupted democratic process
• Strengthening the institutions

Essay on “Democracy in Pakistan” for CSS, PMS, and Judiciary Examinations

“You have to stand guard over the development and maintenance of Islamic democracy, Islamic social justice, and the equality of manhood in your own native soil.” -Muhammad Ali Jinnah,

To acquire immunity to eloquence is of the utmost importance to the citizens of a democracy. – Bertrand Russell

Democracy is a form of government in which all citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal (and more or less direct) participation in the proposal, development, and passage of legislation into law. It can also encompass social, economic, and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination. While there is no specific, universally accepted definition of ‘democracy’, equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times. These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes.

For example, in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its citizens is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution.

Many people use the term “democracy” as shorthand for liberal democracy, which may include elements such as political pluralism; equality before the Jaw; the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances; due process; civil liberties; human rights ; and elements of civil society outside the government. In the United States, separation of powers is often cited as a central attribute, but in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the dominant principle is that of parliamentary sovereignty (though in practice judicial independence is generally maintained).

In other cases, “democracy” is used to mean direct democracy. Though the term “democracy” is typically used in the context of a political state, the principles are applicable to private organizations and other groups as well.

Democracy in Pakistan

Democracy in its true spirit has never been allowed to take root in Pakistan. Since its independence in 1947, a military-bureaucratic establishment has always governed the country. Army generals usurp power at their own convenience and quit only when they are forced to quit by mass political movements or by sudden unexpected death. When forced by external or internal pressures, democracy is given a chance but in reality, a group of army generals keeps controlling the decision-making.

This direct or indirect military influence is the greatest impediment to the evolution of a stable governing system in Pakistan. Besides, the army is not solely responsible for this mass but it is our inefficient politicians who provide an opportunity for to army to take over.

A brief history of Democracy in Pakistan

Recalling the last 62 years of Pakistan, democracy is found only as an interval before the next military general comes to the scene. The future of democracy was doomed from the start when Liaquat Ali Khan, the first elected Prime Minister, was shot at a public gathering. Nobody knows to this day who did it and why. From now on, the balance of power was to shift in the favor of the military. A comparison tells us how this shift came up. From 1951-57 India had one Prime Minister and several army chiefs while during the same period Pakistan had one army chief and several Prime ministers.

The same army chief, the Sandhurst-trained general, Ayub Khan was to announce the first martial law in the country in 1958 and then a series of military rules were to follow.

General Ayub Khan could not withstand a popular national movement against him and transferred power to General Yahya Khan in March 1969. Under him, Pakistan lost its half which is now Bangladesh. Power was then transferred to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as the first civilian martial law administrator. Bhutto pursued an independent policy, which was against what generals and the US wanted, and he had to pay with his life.

Charged for compliance in murder, Bhutto was hanged by the next martial law administrator, General Zia ul Haq. The hanging of an elected Prime Minister was shocking news to the world and Pakistan was to have the effects years later. The general died in a mysterious plane crash.

Then came a ten years gap of experimentation with democracy and every two years each elected government was ousted by the special discretionary powers of the president . An end to this ten-year spell came with a new general coming to power ousting the incumbent elected government of Mian Nawaz Sharif. This time the Prime Minister was charged with conspiring against the state and was ousted from the country.

The immediate and foremost requirement of the Constituent Assembly was to frame a democratic constitution for the country. The constitution had to lay down the form of government, and the role of the judiciary, military, and bureaucracy. It had to decide the basic issues about provincial autonomy, religion and the state, the joint or separate electorate, representation of minorities and women in assemblies, fundamental rights, and civil liberties.

The debate over the representation of eastern and western wings of the country and religion versus secularism were the two main hindrances in the way of framing the constitution. As against India, which was able to frame the constitution of the country within two years of independence in 1949, Pakistan took nine years to finalize the constitution in 1956, which did not work for more than two years and was abrogated.

The second constitution was framed by a military ruler General Ayub in 1962 which could last as long as he was in power. Finally, it was after the separation of East Pakistan and a lapse of more than a quarter of a century (1947-1973) that the elected representatives of the people under the leadership of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto framed a consensus constitution envisaging a  federal, democratic structure for the country and a parliamentary form of government.

This constitution has survived in spite of the breakdown of democracy twice in 1978 and 1999 and hopefully has come to stay. But the delay in framing the constitution harmed the growth of political democracy, as it allowed the authoritarian rule of the Governor-General to continue for seven long years (1947-56), which set this inglorious tradition in the country.

The second obstacle in the way of democracy is the culture of feudalism. Democracy cannot develop in the suffocating atmosphere of feudalism. The history of feudalism in the subcontinent is not very old. It owes its origin to the war of independence in 1857 when different people were awarded large swathes of land by the British government because of their treacherous cooperation with the latter. Those feudal families joined Muslim League when they saw that Pakistan was going to be a reality and inherited power after the death of the founding father. Feudalism has now become a severe migraine for the nation. Democracy and feudalism are incompatible.

Change of faces at the wheel has not served any purpose. Even these feudal lords occupy more than 70 % of our land leaving the people to lead a miserable life. They are senators, ministers, MPAs, MNAs, and also the owners of major industries in Pakistan. There is a crying need to bring some structural changes in order to strengthen the political system. Industrialization has also played a significant role in the strengthening of democracy across the world. Great Britain is considered the mother of democracies on this planet.

Some analysts are of the view that democracy has its origin in the Magna Carta, Bill of Rights and Habeas Corpus, etc. But even after these developments very mighty rulers have ruled Great Britain. In fact, the invention of the steam engine led to the industrial revolution which eradicated the roots of feudalism and the evil of absolute monarchy. All this resulted in the development of democracy. In Pakistan, there is everything from adult franchises to the separation of powers between the three organs of government but no plan for that kind of industrial revolution.

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation and the first Governor-General, died just one year after the establishment of Pakistan on September 11, 1948, and his right-hand lieutenant Liaquat Ali Khan, who was the first Prime Minister, was assassinated on October 16, 1951. About the capability of other leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), the party which had successfully piloted the movement for Pakistan, Jinnah had ruefully remarked that “he had false coins in his pocket”.

Consequently, several ministers appointed initially were not politicians and did not have a seat in the Assembly. Similarly, in 1954, there were several members of the Prime Minister’s cabinet without a seat in Parliament. “The cabinet and other high political appointments reflected a paucity of talent among the politicians.”

It is indeed a sad commentary on the elected members of the first Legislature and Constituent Assembly of Pakistan that they could not find a suitable head of state from among their own ranks. Most of them came from the civil bureaucracy or the military. The civil-military bureaucracy did not have a favorable opinion about the competence of political leaders and often took decisions without consulting them. This adversely affected their political training, development, and growth.

The inability to control the Anti-Ahmadiya Movement in Punjab in 1953 was blamed on inept political leadership. This religious movement was spearheaded by the religious Ahrar Party which had opposed the establishment of Pakistan and now wanted again to come into the limelight. They were supported by other religious parties, i.e., Jamaat-i-Islami, JamiatuiUlema-i-Pakistan, and JamiatulUlerna-i-Islam. The movement was exploited by politicians in their own political interests.

But the civil-military bureaucracy was against the religious parties dominating the power structure either in the provinces or the center. To rescue the city of Lahore where Ahmadis were in a “virtual state of siege” and their properties were being “burned or looted”, General Azam Khan, the Area Commander, was ordered by the Defense Secretary, to impose martial law in Lahore. It was met with the general approval of the people.

It was demonstrated that the civil-military bureaucracy “would not let politicians or religious ideologues lead the country to anarchy”. This also laid down the foundations of the supremacy of the military and orchestrated the initial rehearsal for the recurring imposition of Martial Law in the country and its acceptance by the people.

Lack of education has remained an important impediment to the democratization of countries. This is not just a problem for Pakistan but of the whole Third world. Laski, a famous political thinker said that education is the backbone of democracy. Democracy is a system of governance in which the people choose their representatives through elections. Their strength lies in the ballot box. If people are not vigilant and educated enough to make a better choice, democracy will not flourish in that country.

This is the main reason that even in the countries apparently practicing democracy but the majority of uneducated people are among the under-developed nations. Masses in Pakistan have not found ways of compelling their rulers to be mindful of their duty. Their failures in this regard result from insufficiency of experience and training in operating modem democratic politics. Democracy puts the highest premium on constitutionalism, which is possible only with the predominant majority of people. Pakistan’s democracy can neither improve nor become viable as long as the majority of the population remains uneducated.

Judiciary is one of the most important pillars of a state and in a country where the judiciary is not imparting justice , democracy cannot develop. During the Second World War, someone asked British Prime Minister Winston Churchill whether the British would win the war. The Prime Minister laughed and replied that if the British courts were dispensing justice, no one would trounce the United Kingdom. In Pakistan since 1954 judiciary has remained docile to the wishes of the executive. As Shelley says, “If the winter comes; can spring be far behind”.

In fact, since its birth, Pakistan has been governed by bureaucratic, military, and political elites. The bureaucratic elite generally became more assertive, steadily increasing their power at the expense of the political elite. Ayub’s term of office (1958-69) was the golden era for the bureaucracy, which exercised its powers, unbridled by any political interference. The weakness of political elites can be demonstrated by the fact that during seven years from 1951 to 1958, as many as seven Prime Ministers had been changed.

From 1988 to 1999, four democratically elected governments were replaced on charges of corruption, inefficiency, security risk, etc. The civil-military bureaucracy has dominated governance owing to the inherent weakness of the political parties and their incompetent leadership, resulting in the derailment of democracy thrice in the history of Pakistan, i.e., in 1958, 1977, and 1999.

Pakistan was not created as a theocracy but as a place where an economically marginalized minority could operate a democracy independently. It was to save the people from religious discrimination and domination by an overwhelming religious majority. Moreover, it emerged as a territorial state in the Muslim majority areas of the subcontinent. But the religious and secular groups soon started making conflicting demands while formulating the constitution of Pakistan.

The speech of Mr. Jinnah on August 11, 1947, addressed to the first legislative and constituent assembly of Pakistan, advocated political pluralism and declared that the “religion or caste or creed has nothing to do with the business of the State”. This has not adhered to the Objectives Resolution passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, which pacified the demands of Muslim religious parties and elements but was not supported by religious minorities.

The compromise solution attempted to balance the values and the spirit of Islam with the requirements of secularism. Due to a lack of competent and visionary political leadership , and the fact that Muslims constituted 98 percent of the population, the conservative religious leaders, partly due to their conviction and partly owing to their parochial interests, advocated and preached the establishment of a religiopolitical system based on Al-Quran and Sunnah.

They were skeptical of the politico-social development of modem times and western political institutions and forms of government. Their dogmatic theology clashed with the democratic culture envisioned by the founding fathers. Another adverse impact of the adoption of religion as a guiding principle in the constitution, was the promotion of religious sectarianism, especially between the two major sects inhabiting Pakistan, i.e., Sunnis and Shi’as. Some sections of these sects, instead of peaceful negotiations to overcome their differences, often resort to violence, which is against the spirit of both Islam and democracy. These rivalries fostered reliance on the security forces for the maintenance of law and order, which eroded the hold of democratic institutions in governance.

For any healthy constitutional and political system to function smoothly, strong and well-entrenched political parties are essential. Unfortunately, political parties in Pakistan have failed to develop into strong vehicles of national political will. The main responsibility for safeguarding democracy in a country falls on political parties. Pakistan, since its inception, was lacking well-organized and well-established political parties that could carry the representative system of governance forward.

The All-India Muslim League, which had piloted the movement of Pakistan from 1940 to 47, was not a well-organized political party, but it was primarily a movement. Leading a movement and organizing a political party are two different things. Most of its leaders belonged to areas that became part of the Indian Union and their majority did not come to Pakistan. Those who were in Pakistan, barring a few exceptions, belonged to feudal and landowning classes that in their nature were in conflict with the democratic dispensation. In fact “the leadership of the Pakistan movement had few roots in the land that became Pakistan.”

Their incompetence and constant wrangling for power in the initial nine years (1947-1956) were also responsible for the delay in constitution-making. Instead of cooperation and mutual accommodation, there was ceaseless infighting. For instance, as early as 1953, a clash between the leadership of Punjab and the central government led to intense communal riots and the imposition of Martial Law in Lahore, the provincial capital. Even as late as the decade 1988-99 of civil supremacy, the fight between the PML and the PPP led to the repeated dissolution of national and provincial assemblies and the dismissal of prime ministers and their cabinets. Finally, it ended with the military takeover in 1999.

The representative character of the civilian parliamentary government during the first decade of Pakistan’s existence was eroded because the country was governed under the Government of India Act of 1935. The purpose of the Act was “to make the appointed governor-general exert dominance over the elected prime minister.” The Act introduced a representative and centralized system of bureaucratic governance, which was an imperative requirement of the colonial government but not of democratic governance. The first general elections in the country should have been held in 1951, i.e., five years after the previous elections in 1946, but this could not happen till 1970.

The reasons for the delay were that the ruling elite, i.e., civil bureaucrats, migrant political leadership, and weak political parties, had few roots in the masses. As a consequence, general elections could not be held for 23 years (1947-1970) of the country’s initial history. On the expiry of the five years term of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (1972-1977), the second general elections on the basis of the adult franchise were held on March 7, 1977, which the PPP won with a vast majority.

The opposition parties alleged that the elections had been “rigged on a massive scale”. It has been commented: Elections in Pakistan had been rigged before, notably the presidential election in 1965 and the Provincial Assembly,y elections in the early 1950s, but rigging in these instances did not arouse the mass uprising as it did in 1977. The people of Pakistan were evidently not of the same mind now as they were in those earlier periods.

Corruption in bureaucracy and among political leaders poses a grave threat to good democratic governance. Quaid-i-Azam had termed corruption as “poison” and asked to put that down with an “iron hand”. Now that the international Reconciliation Ordinance, .vnich had withdrawn from prosecution any person “falsely involved for political reasons or through political victimization” between 1986 and 1999, has lapsed on November 28, 2009, the concerned individuals should get themselves cleared in a court of law in a transparent manner. The tribal nature of society in Pakistan is susceptible to nepotism. As an antidote, accountability and transparency are necessary. It is a challenge to the people to reject those leaders and political parties which indulge in corruption and nepotism.

One of the main bottlenecks in constitutional development in Pakistan was that its two wings were separated by about 1000 miles of hostile territory. The eastern wing consisted of one province but was more populous’ than the western wing which was much larger in the area and had as many as four provinces.

The western wing was not prepared to concede majority representation to the eastern wing in the parliament. After a confrontation of nine years between the two wings, the solution was evolved in the l956 constitution in the shape of parity of representation in a quasi-federal structure, neutralizing the majority of the eastern wing and paving the way for the manipulated domination of the western wing.

The domination of the western wing in governance led to an insurgency in the eastern wing which culminated in the separation and independence of Bangladesh in 1971. In post-1971 Pakistan, it came to be realized that ideological moorings alone could not easily overcome ethnic and economic differences. Yet the anti-ethnic attitude and anti-modem thinking prevalent in certain segments of society lean toward a unitary or quasi-federal state as against a true federation.

The latest threat is emanating from extremism and terrorism, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). This is the spillover effect of the conflict in Afghanistan and is spreading to Pakistan. It is likely to continue as long as there is no peace and stability in that country. However, the military enjoying the support of the nation is successfully combating the extremists and terrorists under the supremacy of the civilian democratic government. It is hoped that the process would continue to its logical conclusion.

Due to the migration of literate Hindus and Sikhs to India, the literacy rate in Pakistan sharply declined. There was about 95 percent illiteracy in Pakistan in 1947, which acted as a hindrance to the growth of civil and democratic society. Feudalism and economic constraint did not permit any Pakistani government to launch a “crash course to expand literacy and grow higher standards.

The national economy has gone bankrupt and the national budget has become all foreign aid-dependent. Islam was the ideology that gave life to the Pakistan movement and later Pakistan itself but is now infested with sectarianism. Military policies gifted the country with cross-border terrorism and three million internally displaced people. Despite having the largest chunk of the national budget and being the seventh-largest army in the world, the Pakistan army is now in a mess of its own creation with little of its hard-earned prestige left to its credit.

The distorted face of the national system as a whole and the failure of the judiciary to guard the constitution of Pakistan are the major factors contributing to the change in the national mindset. The events of the last two years have clearly shown the preference of the people of Pakistan. The masses want democracy as a political and governing system for the country and a judiciary that guard the rights of the people. The military would be respected more if it stays in the barracks or guarded the national borders. The murder of Benazir Bhutto has taught new lessons.

If one compares Pakistani democracy with Western democracy it is said that for over 50 years, Pakistan remains occupied by three major interest groups in the time, opportunities, and resources of the besieged nation. The army, civil service, and the neo-colonial appointed landlords. If there was any rational tolerance scale, the Pakistani nation would certainly secure high marks on its standard of tolerance and survival under most unfavorable circumstances.

One of the pivotal factors supporting the notion of Western liberal democracies is that it provides opportunities for participation to ordinary citizens, right or wrong to culminate a sense of legitimacy for the election exercise and chose people of their interest to manage public affairs for a specified term. But the principles and standards for evil and good vary between the West and the Islamic world . Strange as is, in Pakistan, those who come to occupy the political offices never intend to quit the political power on their own except implication of military force through a coup.

Comparatively, on occasions, western democracies do” encourage educated and competent citizens to strive for their high ideas and ideals and come to the front stage and demonstrate their intentions and will power to seek the goal of ideal public service agendas. E.H. Carr defines the teaching-learning role of history and its value must not be ignored but preserved. Recall the Pakistani military dictators for the last forty-plus years, they each consumed a decade or more to relinquish power, that was not theirs in any systematic and logical context. Ayub Khan was ousted by Yahya Khan.

General Yahya with the complacency of Z.A. Bhutto surrendered East Pakistan to India (now Bangladesh) to share power with Bhutto but was put under house arrest as Bhutto assumed the power that did not belong to him based on the verdict of the people. Rightfully, it was Sheikh MujiburRehman, leader of the East Pakistan Awami League who should have been sworn in as the new leader of united Pakistan but it was treacherously undone by Yahya and Bhutto.

Both should have been tried as traitors in a court of law and punished. Not so, they were rewarded and Bhutto became the first civilian martial law administrator and self-made president of defeated Pakistan in December 1971. Dr.Ishtiaq Qureshi, editor of the Urdu Digest recorded for the history (“Sukoot-e-Dacca seyPurdhautha Hay”- Facts are revealed after the Dacca Surrender) that “in the quest for its survival Pakistan lost its destiny. Yahya and Mujib stabbed the body of Pakistan with one dagger and Bhutto will stab Pakistan with another dagger.”

Suggestions for Democracy in Pakistan

Fo1lowing are the suggestions for improving democracy in Pakistan:

An impartial system of accountability enhances public trust in the political system. It provides enormous strength to the democratic process. Moreover, it compels thousand who are charged with governance, to transparently discharge their official responsibilities. It ensures good governance and strengthens the political setup. In spite of facing innumerable challenges and showing unsatisfactory performance, Pakistanis have the capability to emerge as a democratic and progressive nation. Pakistan can road to democracy with the dedication, determination, commitment, courage, and patriotism of its political leaders.

Reforming the judiciary and incorporating Islamic laws can also soothe the deprived and poor masses who have been manipulated by the extremists due to the sheer negligence of the elected governments and ruling elite. This natura11y causes bitterness toward the present form of political setup.

Moving on, corruption and selfish attitudes are eating away at the institutional structure of our country and such practices never allow democracy to flourish. There is also a need for mature political leadership, which can think above its own gains. All this can only emerge after the formulation and implementation of strict accountability.

On the contrary, weak public institutions can be made strong and productive if the power and authority seep down. The example of many European countries is in front of us, where institutions are powerful and not politicians. Democracy in actuality can only be achieved through such measures.

Our constitution has been a source of constant controversy. Be it the realization of Islamic laws or the concentration of power in the head of the state, the constitution has served as a tool for the legitimization of alien changes and policies. Keeping the constitution intact has been long overdue. No one in power should be allowed to change it for prolongation of rule or appeasing any particular section. The Pakistani movement envisaged a democratic country with a federal structure.

In all Constitutions of Pakistan (1956, 1962, and 1973) the objectives of governance, in the words of Dr. Ainslie T. Embree, Professor Emeritus of Columbia University, are democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice as enunciated by Islam, giving Muslims freedom to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam, but with minorities having full freedom to profess their own religions.

Islam lays emphasis on the concept of Shura, i.e., consultation among people, which is the essence of democratic culture. Quaid-i-Azam, the founder of Pakistan had stated:

“We leamed democracy 1300 years ago. Democracy is i11 our blood. It is ill our marrows. Dilly centuries of adverse circumstances have made the circulation of that blood cold. It has got frozen, and our arteries are not functioning. But thank God, the blood is circulating again, thanks to the Muslim League’s efforts. It will be a People’s government. Culturally, ill the region of Pakistan, there is a concept of Jirga or Panchayat, i.e., an assembly of elders, to settle issues and disputes involving two or more two persons. This system has, been prevalent for ages, much before the advent of Islam. Thus, both religion and age-old tradition advocate the concept of consultation in decision-making through all assembly of people, which is the essence of democracy.”

During the period of British supremacy in the subcontinent, the practice of elections to assemblies (local, provincial and central) was introduced through various enactments. Finally, it was the Government of India Act 1935 under which the dominions of India and Pakistan functioned after independence till they framed their own constitutions. These enactments provided the groundwork for democratic governance. It may be of interest to note that even when the democratic rule was suspended by the armed forces, the military rulers always came with the promise to restore democratic governance .

For instance, in 1970, General Yahya Khan is credited with organizing the first-ever general elections in the country, which led to the establishment of democratic governments both in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Besides holding general elections in 2002 and 2007, General Musharraf’s introduction of a local government system introduced in 2001 is considered a “laudable model of governance” because of its principle that whatever can be done at the local level should not be done at a higher tier of governance.

The country is on the path to achieving full literacy and progress towards a higher standard of education in important disciplines. This is strengthening the civil society in ensuring the prevalence of democratic culture at the lower and higher level of governance. Secondly, the print and electronic media in Pakistan are vibrant and independent. A responsible media educates the masses, raises political consciousness, and thus promotes democratic values, norms, and culture. In addition, a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are playing an active role in the field of education and contributing to the growth of a vibrant civil society and good governance.

The essential step seems to stop interruption in the democratic process so that we may see more than promos. To judge something, it has to be allowed a chance to survive and act. The elected government must be allowed to complete its tenure in any case. The military has to play a positive role here and not interfere in the smooth democratic process.

As mentioned before, a part of the population wants greater Islamic character in the Govt. and laws. If we analyze this demand, it will be apparent that the enforcement of Sharia is more related to lawmaking. Therefore, what is immediately required is a change in the judicial setup, which has been unable to gain the trust of people until recently. Encouraging steps have already started in this case, but much more needs to be done.

Sadly, the same corrupted pool of thought keeps appearing with new faces and the deceived masses blindly follow them. This is due to the absence of any kind of accountability. Political compromises enhance this trend. Such practices are against moral, democratic as well as Islamic principles and should end immediately.

Next, the all-powerful bureaucracy and feudal politicians should be stripped of their unwarranted authority. It has been a slow evil that has weakened the country like nothing else. They are elected for serving people not to control them. The criteria of merit; the right to freedom and equal progress for common people have become a joke due to such an autocratic setup.

The people of Pakistan in general lack political psyche and consciousness. This is largely due to poor literacy and a never-ending feudalistic rule over 60% of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the masses and make them aware of their political rights. This can begin with greater political socialization by political parties and media.

In a democratic state, media has rightly been called the fourth pillar of the state. It can play a most important role in the present age for creating awareness. Our media has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. It, however, needs to play a positive constructive role and not become another compromised institution as well.

Finally, the strategic position and now the war against terror call forth unwanted attention from the international community sometimes. In the past, military rule has been covertly or openly supported by many countries to gain their own benefits in this region. The international powers must stop interfering in the democratic process and for that to happen, our own government, people and media need to be equally strong.

Politicians may have learned lessons from their past mistakes and are more mature politically. Consensus politics seem to be emerging in the country. In the past, the constant infighting amongst political parties had often led to interference and take-over by the armed forces.

Now a culture of reconciliation, accommodation, and dialogue is emerging. The ideological polarization is diminishing. After the general elections of February 2008, four major political parties, i.e., Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), PML – Nawaz (PML-N), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat-ulUlema-i-Islam – Fazalur Rahman (JUI-Fl and MuttahidaQaumi Movement (MQM) have joined hands to govern the country and re-establish the supremacy of the Parliament in accordance with the Constitution of 1973.

Our youth constitute 30% of the society they are representative of a new generation. Their participation may ensure structural improvements in the national paradigm. It has been witnessed that during the Pakistan movement youth played a vital role in opinion formation and mass awareness and so is the time now. There is a need to guide our youth to take responsibility for our tomorrow.

To sum up, it is the political leadership that can ensure the permanence of democratic governance. The prospects are, however, not as dismal as sometimes portrayed. Already, the literacy rate in Pakistan has increased to more than fifty-five percent. Efforts are afoot to improve the standard of higher education. Economic growth and industrialization have given birth to a vocal urban society and middle class, which is growing. and gradually lessening the influence of the feudal class.

The vibrant electronic and print media is playing an effective role in constructive criticism of the government and in educating the masses. Elections are being held regularly, representative political leadership and political parties are getting stronger and a peaceful mode of transfer of power is becoming the norm. The bureaucracy (both civil and military), though still powerful, may retreat gradually and submit to the people’s power and will and concede to democratic governance. The democratic process is progressing and, hopefully, will be obstructed and derailed, as in the past.

Expected question about this Essay:

• Why has democracy failed in Pakistan?
• What practical measures do you suggest for strengthening democracy in Pakistan?

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Democracy in Pakistan Essay with Quotations

Democracy in pakistan essay with quotations for fsc, class 10, class 12 and graduation.

This post contains an Essay on Democracy in Pakistan with Quotations for FSC, Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation. However, students of 2nd year can especially prepare this Democracy in Pakistan Essay. Some quotes are also available at the appropriate places in it. This is a sample essay taken from local notes. If you are a student in Pakistan, you can write this essay simply under the title essay on democracy, democracy essay, democracy in Pakistan essay and essay on Democracy in Pakistan. You will find more essays in Essays in English .

Essay on Democracy in Pakistan with Quotes for 2nd Year, B.A and BSC Students

“Democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Representative democracy involves the sele3ction of government officials by the people being represented. The most common systems involve the election of the candidates with a majority vote.

Pakistan is a democratic and Islamic country, but democracy in Pakistan has been the most irregular and unsatisfactory. The principles of democracy are equality, freedom and social justice which are, unfortunately, not being fully enjoyed by the people of Pakistan. The reason is that the dictators never allow the principles of democracy to flourish in our country.

“When people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty”

The existence of feudal system controls the lives of millions of villagers and farmers. They are in the majority in the country, but they do not enjoy even the rights of the minority. The uneducated people will continue the vote for their lords and they will always remain illiterate, backward and down-trodden. The members of our elected national and provincial assemblies are big guns. Their own benefits keep the country backwards. The big industrialists also jump into politics to share the political and commercial benefits with their “jagirdaar” brothers. These “jagirdaars” and industrialists have always joined hands with the military dictators. The result is that Pakistan has a history of martial-laws and dictatorial democracies.

Our top political leaders, ministers, chief ministers, prime ministers and presidents have been coming from upper classes. They do not understand layman’s problems because they do not have the required ability and vision.  They are responsible for martial-laws. Democracy cannot flourish in the country in the absence of suitable leaders. Selfish leaders destroy the process of democracy and keep the country poor and backward.

“Be not overcome by evil but overcome evil by good.” (Romans)

The rise in terrorism, the growth of provincialism and sectarianism, population explosion and bad economic policies have also damaged democracy. For the last sixty years, there have been dictatorial governments in Pakistan which have led the country to irreparable losses. Every ruler promised to redress the grievances and miseries of the common people of Pakistan but always proved to be oppressor, tyrant, and destroyer of the country. The opposing forces are still working hard to sabotage the democratic process. We need another Quaid-e-Azam to free us from the mental slavery and put the country back on the track of true democracy, progress and prosperity.

In a democracy, the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme.”  (Aristotle)

Democracy did not fail in Pakistan because of illiteracy or caste or ethnic differences or any of the other reasons put forward. The real reason is the ideology; Pakistan is wedded to. Sadly this is true of any Islamic country. The current argument can be finished on these words of “ Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve” . (G.B.Shaw)

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Short and Long Essay on Democracy in Pakistan

Democracy in pakistan essay (450 words).

The progress of democracy in Pakistan has been most irregular (fitful) and unsatisfactory, Pakistan was supposed to have a completely democratic system of government within an Islamic framework. However, democracy was not allowed to work well.

Firstly, more than 80 percent of our people are either thoroughly illiterate or only some of them know how to write their names or how to write the basic ABC. They do not understand what is happening around in the country or the world. They cannot vote intelligently at all.

The prime duty of our first governments was to introduce a universal education programme in the whole country on a war footing (when the population was also much smaller). They did not do this to the utter (complete) harm of the nation.

Secondly, the existence of the formidable (difficult to defeat or deal with) “zamindari” or feudal system allowed the big landowners to control and direct the lives of millions of farm laborers and farmers working under them. These laborers and petty farmers and their families still constitute (form) the majority of the country’s total population. They are almost all illiterate and most backward.

Seeing the political strength of the “jagirdars” in the assemblies, the biggest industrialists or magnates also jumped into the political arena (scene). The political history of Pakistan, thus, is that of these “jagirdars” and industrialists at the top joining hands with military dictators and bureaucrats / (civil servants) and facilitating military rule. The stage for the enactment of the tragedy of democracy in Pakistan was prepared and erected by the first political leaders after the Quaid-e-Azam.[the_ad id=”17141”]

In the whole political set-up of the country, intellectuals, scholars, teachers and truly devoted and able patriots were mostly kept out of the electoral process or the power corridors.

Thirdly, democracy in Pakistan has been seriously hampered (checked from developing) by other factors between 1979 and the present war in Afghanistan, the rise of drug culture in and out of the country, the rise of terrorism, the growth of provincialism and sectarianism (division of society into sects or groups of their own faith), population explosion and rapid economic decline.

The separation of East Pakistan was the result of mismanagement of state affairs in the political and economic fields. We should take a lesson now at least and decide to create the best social, political and economic conditions for the promotion of national unity and democratic progress. Democracy will die its natural death if we do not put an end to the major evils like illiteracy, terrorism, bribery, corruption, economic inequality, and feudalism or the “jagirdari” system

Democracy in Pakistan Essay with Quotations (1000 Words)

Democracy is called and acknowledged as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Role of people in democracy has proved to be the key factor in making it the most desired and admired form of government. Democracy offers freedom to people which other forms of governments forbid. A bird’s eye view of the system of governments around the globe shows that democracy is the most frequently applied form of government. Going through the pages of the history of Pakistan, it can be said that Pakistan has a history that shows that democracy could never prosper here.[the_ad id=”17142″]

“Democracy is a charming form of Government.”

It is a fact that democracy is the most dominant form of Govt. all over the world. But unfortunately, it has never enjoyed full bloom in Pakistan. Democracy has many drawbacks Democracy cannot be defined comprehensively and perfectly. So some elements i come together to explain democracy. These are called the essentials of democracy. The five essentials of democracy are people, majority, equality, political parties and patience.

“Democracy is a civilizing force.”

Democracy offers people the freedom to choose their leaders. Only the educated and the nations with the sense of responsibility successfully do this. Otherwise, this freedom proves to be a curse as people choose wrong leaders and pay the price.

Democracy gives people the chances of regular elections. This exercise is a big blessing as the use of right to vote can be used as a double blessing: one to choose right people and two, to remove wrong people. This contribution of the people does make a difference to the fate and history of the country. No other form offers such a chance to its people.

Democracy offers elected governments the best chances to make right decisions. The policy-making and application is done in a better way. People have and they can exercise their influence in guiding the leaders in the right directions. People of the country can perform the role of opposition against the govt.

Democracy demands the nation to be educated, conscious of their rights and aware of their strengths only then it improves the society on the individual as well as the national level. The leaders offer the chances for improvements in these areas and increase the chances of the prosperity of the nation. Political education of the nation is a big advantage of democracy.[the_ad id=”17150″]

All in all, it can be said that the freedoms offered by democracy are very useful in nation-building. The nation has the freedom to choose, to make amends to decide the present and the future and to speak their minds, shape their opinions and implements their ideas. Democracy lends people a chance to rule the country as they wish. It is a test of their maturity and perfection as well.

“In democracy, the people are the ultimate source of power”

The essentials of democracy play a very vital role in the development of democracy. But all these elements have never enjoyed unity. Sometimes the majority gave a wrong decision. And Sometimes equality could not be maintained. Sometimes democracy was hanged at the altar of political clashes. Thus Sometimes dictators lost patience and crushed democracy.

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• The People: Democracy is known as the Govt. of the people, by the people and for the people. it starts with the unity of the people and ends due to the disunity of the people. Public opinion is the base of democracy. But unfortunately, it is newspapers or media based and personality oriented.

“A majority can never replace the man just as a hundred fools cannot make one wise man.”

• Equality: it is another pillar of democracy. There are two faces of equality. One is that democracy creates equality, as it is the Govt. of the people. Another aspect is a demand of democracy that all the citizens should be equally interested in the affairs of the state. But both these principles do not exist. Equality is neither implemented nor maintained. In Pakistan, people are more concerned with their family problems than democracy.[the_ad id=”17144″]
• Political Parties: Politics in Pakistan has never been a pleasing issue. There have been differences than consents among the political parties. The democratic Govt. rules in the most undemocratic atmosphere. So the time is wasted in personal clashes.
• Patience: Democracy demands patience. But in Pakistan, it has never been observed. The impatient leaders, opposition and other factors never allow democracy to prosper. Leg pulling and corruption, no confidence and new elections are the routines of democracy in Pakistan.

“Democracy is the best Revenge.”

Unfortunately, democracy has never been implemented in Pakistan. It has failed badly. Since birth Pakistan has faced the problem of unstable Govt. The greatest causes of this fall are the illiterate masses, political leaders and parties, and the dictators. If these evils are removed then democracy will prosper.

In Pakistan, democracy has also failed due to its inherent problems such as political inequality, poor policies, malpractices, weak and poor leadership, injustice in sharing of power and distribution and misuse of influence.

“The love of democracy is that of equality.”

In the end, we can say that it is a universal truth that with all its drawbacks democracy is far better. than any other form of Govt. because it makes the masses happier and more responsible than any other system of Govt. As Quaid-e-Azam said

“Democracy disciplined and enlightened is the finest thing in the world.”

Democracy in Pakistan Essay (350 Words)

• Introduction
• Failed democracy
• Legacies of the military regimes

Democracy is a system of government in which all the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives. Through this system, the aim is to create stability and certainty in society. Public approval of a political party to form government gives it political legitimacy and social support to manage public affairs, and formulate and implement policies. At the center of this system is the idea of fundamental rights, political equality, social justice and individual freedoms.

According to the resolution of the Constituent Assembly, Pakistan adopted democracy within an Islamic framework as a form of government since its birth. Unfortunately, the application of the democracy in the country remained irregular and unsatisfactory for the following reason:

Democracy works successfully anywhere when the people, as a whole, are educated and well informed. As a large number of people in the country are illiterate, they do not know what is happening in the country. How a poor and illiterate can make sensible decisions in the electoral process?[the_ad id=”17151″]

Pakistan is an agricultural country where most of the people earn their living from field labour. The landlords exploited this situation to control and direct the lives of millions of farm labourers. Feudal lords prevented these land workers to get educated and rise up socially. Industrial bigwigs and military educators also kept the common people out of political arena.

In this sorry state of affairs, intellectuals, scholars, learned and devoted people are mostly kept out of the electoral process or power corridors. Consequently, the ruling elite are always selected from the rich and the affluent and the same ruling families return to power again and again.

The development of democracy, let us not forget, has been hampered by the troublesome legacies of the military regimes, including war in Afghanistan, the rise of drug culture, the rise of terrorism, the growth of provincialism and sectarianism. The arrival of the Afghan refugees caused a free flow of arms into the country.

Sindh in particular has become the hotbed of crimes. The production and smuggling of drugs like heroin not only increased the number of drugs addicts but also enriched the drug merchants. The drug mafia began controlling politics, offering bribes in assemblies to boost their parties.

Democracy is a natural system for an ethnically diverse and culturally pluralistic society like Pakistan. And this is why after every failed and discredited dictatorship, we turned to democracy. We need to make out democracy better in the interest of the common man. And it is a collective social enterprise that we cannot leave to the dominant elites.

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A Short Essay: Democracy in Pakistan

Pakistan ranks 104 th in the Democracy Index of 2021 (compared to 105 th in 2020). Its democracy score is only 4.31 . It implies that there is no true democracy in Pakistan. Rather it has a hybrid regime. Norway has the highest score on this index(9.75). On the poverty index, we can see that Norway is once again at the top. It implies that it has the least amount of poverty. So, democracy and less poverty are directly proportional. Uncertain political conditions reduce foreign investment which creates inflation. Ultimately, the country becomes the victim of poverty.

A country having a better ranking in the Democratic index will be having a better ranking in the poverty reduction index. So there is a connection in both and we clearly obtain result that democracy is a solution for poverty reduction in a nation. Robert petric

Introduction

Democratic governance means a government system in which all the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives. The government in turn runs the country according to the mandate given by the people.

A controlled democracy existed in the 1950s, and a simple democracy did so in the 1960s. A socialist democracy existed in the 1970s, a guided democracy existed in the 1980s, and a sham democracy existed in the 1990s. India and Pakistan, two gained independence in 1947. They had the same constitution, the Act of India 1935 . However, governance was the issue. Unlike India, Pakistan experienced an alternative system of government; civil and martial administration.

Pakistan saw several pitfalls. But, now Pakistan is convinced that strengthening democracy in Pakistan can be shaped with hard work. It can be done by the supremacy of the constitution, independence of the judiciary, and rule of law.

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Causes of Failure of Democracy in Pakistan

There are a number of following factors responsible for the failure of democracy in Pakistan.

1. Institutional Imbalance

Since the creation of Pakistan, it is experiencing institutional imbalance. Its roots go back to the British period. Pakistan’s institutional imbalance is due to civil and military bureaucracies and non-democratic parties. Besides, weak political institutions are also causing an imbalance in Pakistan.

Pakistan always lacked a system that could hold free and fair elections. Free and fair elections should be based on a universal franchise. If there was such a system, it could provide a conducive environment for democracy to grow.

2. Intervention of Military

The democratic failure in Pakistan left so much gap to give an opportunity to the military to fulfill that gap. Formal involvement of the military in civilian matters began in 1953. They intervened to contain the riots between Sunnis and Ahmedis. But, in 1958 military intervention resulted in the martial law period.

From 1958 to 1969, Field Marshal Ayub Khan ruled Pakistan. Generals Yahya Khan from 1969 to 1971, Zia-ul-Haq from 1977 to 1989, and Pervez Musharraf from 1999 to 2008 ruled Pakistan. All martial law rulers banned political parties during their regime periods. Moreover, even constitutional abolitions and desired amendments have been there relentlessly.

3. Evasion of Land Reforms

The greatest factor responsible for the failure of democracy in Pakistan is the evasion of land reforms in Pakistan. Feudal hold has increased since its creation. Supreme bureaucracy and feudalism are the two main consequences of the evasion of land reforms.

4. Lack of Vision in Politicians

Lack of vision and lack of competence in leaders is being seen in Pakistan. Pakistan’s conservative clerics and leaders have concocted theology with democratic culture. They have not even established the correct system according to religion. Moreover, they didn’t want the development of modern times.

5. Manipulated Election Process

“Free and fair elections” is one of the necessary elements of democracy. Democratic government is actually the most popular government which can only be achieved by free and fair elections. Only free and fair elections guarantee the genuine representation of people in Parliament. Furthermore, only elections are the source of peaceful regime change. People create a nuisance if they can’t represent their needs and desires.

In this regard, Pakistan has a disappointing image. All general elections except 2006 and 1971 , have been manipulated in different ways. Some of them were manipulated during the pre-phase of elections and some were manipulated during elections. Besides, some of them were manipulated in the post-phase of elections.

6. External Threats & Internal threats

Since the creation of Pakistan, it is facing huge threats from everywhere. Some of the threats are from strong neighbors and the remaining are from extremist Pakistanis. Both threats, whether it is external or internal make it compulsory for the armed forces to become involved in civilian matters. Subsequently, this involvement weakens democratic decision-making.

7. Corruption

Corruption is rampant in Pakistan and pushing our nation to a dead end. It includes the misappropriation of public funds, debts, nepotism, bad debts, misuse of power, and favoritism. The corrupt mafia has blocked the development of Pakistan. Subsequently, people have lost their trust in democratic government. Besides, corruption poses a great threat to Pakistan’s development in the future.

8. Sectarianism

Sectarianism is engulfing Pakistan since 1947. The adoption of religion as a guiding principle in the constitution is causing uncertainty in Pakistan. Basically, it is due to two major sects inhabiting Pakistan i.e. Sunnis and Shias.

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Way Forward

Recommendations for political parties:.

• Political parties should develop well-defined people-friendly ideologies.
• They should expand their organizational network.
• All political parties should have an outlook on democracy as a culture, rather than a process.
• They should train their staff for imparting democratic education.
• They should counter the supremacy of non-political institutions.

Recommendations for State

• First of all, the state should make sure of the supremacy of constitutions.
• There should be immediate steps taken to abolish feudalism in Pakistan.
• Some new laws should be introduced to ensure free and fair elections in order to prevent rigging.
• An independent judiciary should be ensured to implement the rule of law.
• Moreover, there is a dire need for civil-military cooperation in Pakistan. it should be ensured.

Recommendations for Youth

• Youth is an indispensable role in democracy. They should register their votes and take an active part in elections.
• They should join political parties after education.
• All youth members should participate in the election considering it a responsibility.
• They should be aware of political parties and institutions in Pakistan

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Essay on Democracy in Pakistan with Quotation

• December 19, 2023

Kainat Shakeel

Democracy in Pakistan has been a system of government that has faced multitudinous challenges and lapses since the country’s commencement in 1947. It’s defined as the” government of the people, by the people, and for the people”. The adult citizens of Pakistan have the right to vote for their favorite candidate, contest in elections, join any party, and form their party. Still, democracy in Pakistan has been hindered by various factors, including corruption, bad governance, institutional imbalance, and the low living norms of the people. 

 “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Expectations for democracy in pakistan:.

There are opportunities and hurdles for democracy in Pakistan. Some of the positive aspects of democracy in the country include the smooth transfer of powers by popular parties, enhancement in the performance of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and mindfulness among the people regarding mercenary rule. These factors have created a stopgap for democracy in Pakistan.

 “Dictatorships are one-way streets. Democracy boasts two-way traffic.”

Hurdles for democracy in pakistan:.

Despite the positive aspects, democracy in Pakistan has faced several hurdles. These include the circular hindrance of the service in popular governments, the feudal lord’s system, and corruption of popular leaders, the intimidating ignorance rate, and poor frugality. These factors have made it difficult for the republic to flourish in Pakistan. 

“Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.”

Key features of democracy:.

The crucial features of democracy in Pakistan include the;

• Electoral System: Pakistan follows an electoral system where adult citizens have the right to vote for their favorite applicant, contest in choices, join any party, and form their own party. 
• Separation of Powers: The separation of powers is one of the crucial features of the republic in Pakistan, with the superintendent, legislative, and judicial branches performing singly to help the attention of power. 
• Checks and Balances: Democracy in Pakistan incorporates checks and balances to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too important, maintaining a balance of power and precluding abuses.
• Multi-party System: Pakistan has a multi-party system, allowing for different political parties to contend in choices and represent the interests of different parts of society. 
• Independent Judiciary: An independent judicatory is a pivotal aspect of democracy in Pakistan, assuring that the rule of law prevails and guarding the rights of citizens. 
• Freedom of Expression: Democracy in Pakistan guarantees freedom of expression, allowing individuals to express their opinions and ideas without fear of persecution or suppression.
• Protection of nonages: The Republic in Pakistan promotes the protection of nonage rights, assuring that all citizens are treated with equivalency and fairness.

Despite these crucial features, democracy in Pakistan has faced multitudinous challenges, including corruption, bad governance, institutional imbalance, and low living norms of the people. To strengthen democracy in Pakistan, it’s essential to address these challenges and make on the positive aspects of the country’s popular system. 

“If you want to raise a crop for one year, plant corn. If you want to raise a crop for decades, plant trees. If you want to raise a crop for centuries, raise men. If you want to plant a crop for eternities, raise democracies.”(Shirin Ebadi)

Main challenges to democracy:.

The main challenges to democracy in Pakistan include the;

• Lack of timely, free, and fair choices: Pakistan has faced issues with conducting timely, free, and fair choices, which are essential for a performing democracy. 
• The gap between the political elite and the public: there’s a significant gap between the political nobility and the general public, making it delicate for politicians to address the enterprises and requirements of their ingredients. 
• Martial laws and civil-military relations: The use of martial laws and pressures between civil and military establishments have challenged the stability and functioning of democracy in Pakistan. 
• Lack of education and mindfulness: A lack of education and political mindfulness among the population has made it difficult for the republic to thrive in Pakistan. 
• Feudal Lords System: The influence of feudal lords in Pakistan has been a chain for democracy, as they frequently ply control over political authorities and opinions. 
• Corruption: Corruption among popular leaders has undermined the credibility and effectiveness of democracy in Pakistan. 
• Economic challenges: Pakistan’s floundering frugality and low living norms have made it delicate for the republic to flourish, as people prioritize introductory requirements over political participation. 
• Politicized corruption trials and repression of dissent: The government has targeted opposition leaders in politicized corruption trials, and security forces have cracked down on differing voices, further eroding the foundations of the republic in Pakistan. 

Addressing these challenges is pivotal for the survival and growth of democracy in Pakistan. By diving issues similar to electoral reforms, perfecting political leadership, and promoting clearness and responsibility, Pakistan can work towards strengthening its popular institutions and assuring a stable and prosperous future for its citizens.

Kainat Shakeel is a versatile Content Writer Head and Digital Marketer with a keen understanding of tech news, digital market trends, fashion, technology, laws, and regulations. As a storyteller in the digital realm, she weaves narratives that bridge the gap between technology and human experiences. With a passion for staying at the forefront of industry trends, her blog is a curated space where the worlds of fashion, tech, and legal landscapes converge.

The Future of Democracy in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects

• Current Affairs , Essays, Outlines
• May 29, 2023
• Noshin Bashir

Table of Contents

Introduction

Democracy is a form of government that rests on the principles of freedom, equality, and participation of the people. In Pakistan, democracy has been a tumultuous journey, with periods of military rule interspersed with civilian governments. As the country continues to navigate its path towards a stable democratic system, the future of democracy in Pakistan presents both challenges and prospects.

Challenges to the Future of Democracy in Pakistan

One of the foremost challenges to the future of democracy in Pakistan is political instability. Pakistan has faced frequent changes in government through military coups, dismissals of elected governments, and political crises. This has resulted in a lack of continuity in policy-making, weak governance, and erosion of public trust in democratic institutions. Additionally, corruption and nepotism have plagued the political landscape, undermining the credibility of elected representatives and diminishing public faith in democracy.

Another challenge is the rise of extremism and terrorism. Pakistan has been grappling with the menace of terrorism for decades, with militant groups posing a serious threat to the democratic process. These groups often seek to undermine democratic institutions, impose their own extremist ideology, and perpetrate violence to disrupt the democratic system. The presence of such radical elements in the country poses a significant challenge to the consolidation of democracy in Pakistan.

Furthermore, socio-economic disparities and inequality are persistent challenges that affect the future of democracy in Pakistan. A large portion of the population lives in poverty, lacks access to basic education and healthcare, and faces discrimination based on gender, religion, and ethnicity. These disparities can fuel grievances and disillusionment among marginalized groups, leading to social unrest and undermining the inclusivity of the democratic system.

Moreover, the issue of political polarization and intolerance poses a threat to the future of democracy in Pakistan. Political parties often engage in divisive rhetoric, promoting sectarianism, and exploiting ethnic, religious, and regional differences for their own gains. This polarization can lead to a breakdown of social cohesion, weaken democratic institutions, and hinder the progress of democracy in the country.

Prospects for the Future of Democracy in Pakistan

Despite these challenges, there are prospects for the future of democracy in Pakistan. One of the key prospects is the growing awareness and participation of the youth in the democratic process. Pakistan has a large youth population, and the increased access to information and technology has empowered young people to demand accountability, transparency, and good governance from their elected representatives. The youth can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of democracy in Pakistan through their active engagement in civic activities, advocacy for democratic reforms, and promotion of democratic values.

Furthermore, the role of civil society and media in Pakistan can also contribute to the prospects of democracy. Civil society organizations, human rights groups, and media outlets have been vocal advocates for democratic principles, exposing corruption, promoting accountability, and safeguarding fundamental rights. Their efforts can help in strengthening democratic institutions, fostering transparency, and building public trust in the democratic system.

Moreover, the consolidation of democratic institutions and processes can contribute to the prospects of democracy in Pakistan. This includes strengthening the judiciary, ensuring an independent and impartial election commission, and promoting a free and fair electoral process. A robust system of checks and balances, effective accountability mechanisms, and respect for the rule of law are essential for the sustainability of democracy in Pakistan.

The future of democracy in Pakistan presents both challenges and prospects. Political instability, extremism, socio-economic disparities, and polarization are significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a stable and inclusive democratic system. However, the growing awareness and participation of the youth, the role of civil society and media, and the consolidation of democratic institutions can contribute to the prospects of democracy in Pakistan. As the country continues to strive for a democratic system that upholds the principles of freedom, equality, and participation, addressing these challenges and leveraging these prospects will be crucial for the future of democracy in Pakistan.

Read Also: Failure of Democracy in Pakistan: Causes, Solutions, and Consequences

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Democracy in Pakistan Essay A government system in which people vote to elect their leader and representatives and people have the power to make decisions is called democracy. Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage and a turbulent political history. Democracy has brought hope and concern to the country. Since 1947, Pakistan has faced challenges in […]

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The basic prerequisite is education

Democracy has proven the best form of government, prevailing in the developed nations, whose smooth functioning is conditioned on certain factors. Its two-prong approach of direct elections and representative government makes it viable developing nations, as well. It’s a tried and tested governing system, ensuring the political participation of all stakeholders regardless of literacy status, socio-economic know-how, and level of political consciousness. People exercise their right of electing a leader of their choice through a transparent election process. A government constituted by the people’s choice not only comes up with solutions for public issues, but also elevates a country’s trajectory in the political, economic, and foreign affairs realm.

Rousseau in The Social Contract advocated a direct democracy, where the ultimate source of sovereign power is the people, who have a right to elect a legitimate government for the execution of laws. And if it fails to deliver, it can be ousted and replaced. Later, through Second Treatise another political philosopher, Locke, supplemented Rousseau’s views. These fundamental views laid down the foundation of democracy for scholars, and state leaders, who advocated for the adoption of this governing system to run a country. Most notably, US ex-President Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as “it is the government of the people, by the people, for the people” and further believed that “ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Because it equips an individual with a fundamental right to vote through which one can exercise his or her freedom and can make a difference by electing a government of his or her choice.

Allama Iqbal endorsed democracy as equipping an individual with ultimate freedom and further ensuring a conducive environment to grow according to their capabilities. Paradoxically, he was also a strong critic of western democracy. Because of its quantitative approach, it overlooks important differences such as mental calibre, educational background, and other aspects of an individual which he necessitated for perfect democracy.

Around the globe, western democracies have educated their people to raise socio-political awareness and empowered them to choose the best leadership for governing a country. Education plays an integral part in strengthening democracy because it enlightens citizens about their constitutional rights, frees them from mental poverty, and enhances the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. Pakistan has recorded the lowest literacy rate in 2021, which translates into 60 million people in Pakistan having no education. Lack of educational institutions in underprivileged provinces such as Baluchistan, and the Waziristan area saw a sharp rise of militancy, eventually posing threats to Pakistan national security, as in the APS Peshawar attack. Despite the commitment under Article 25-A to provide free education until 16, over half the population remains uneducated. Until  the masses are educated, a true democracy cannot be established.

Unfortunately, feudal culture has tainted the country’s history. In pursuit of personal gains and thirst for political power, feudals joined politics to grow their unchecked influence on underprivileged residents, who mainly consisted of poor peasants and their families living and working on their lands. They were prone to physical and mental abuse and had no autonomy to exercise their constitutional freedom, including the right to vote. Despite land reforms in 1959 to break the massive land holdings into smaller ones among poor peasants. And small farmers were a step to shatter the feudal mindset, and politically strengthen underprivileged landless peasants in Pakistan. However, later in the 1980s, under military rule, the land reforms were declared repugnant to Islam. Since then, political clout has been enjoyed by landlords, who easily sweep elections, owing to a plethora of votes cast by their peasants, workers, and others under their influence.

The Quaid-e-Azam wanted to hoist a flag of democracy in the country. Sadly,his untimely demise within a year of independence left the country in shambles and chaos. Despite a tumultuous journey, the Constituent Assembly managed to give Pakistan its first constitution in 1956. It provided a constitutional commitment of a parliamentary form of government, and its most important feature was the separation of powers. It ensured conflict-free functioning of the provincial and federal institutions, which was an initial step towards sustainable democracy. Owing to a series of political events that caused instability, institutional mismanagement was evident, economic crisis, and external threats were sufficient reasons to pave the way for the first coup in 1958.

In between infamous military rules, democratic regimes, though inconsistent, continued their effort to bring the country on a democratic track by providing it with another constitution in 1962 based on the presidential model. However, that was abrogated too in 1969. Pakistan’s history is tainted by dictatorial rules, massive corruption, and leaders’ myopic attitude towards national interest, and strengthening state institutions was never on their agenda. In 1973, Pakistan got its last constitution that is still in force with a few major amendments. It was suspended in 1977 til 1985, and later in 1999 until 2003, when the country was handed back to a democratic regime through transparent elections. Throughout the tumultuous journey of being under totalitarian regimes. Pakistan was run in absence of legislatures for years, thus without any effective policy formulation needed in the crucial years of the country.

Since 2008, every single general election has been a point of contention between the winning political party and its opposition, followed by long marches, creating a law and order situation, and slurring against the military establishment for involvement in compromising the transparency of elections. This has become a norm. After being expelled from the country’s political scene, the establishment tried to manipulate election results to achieve favourable outcomes that could strengthen its hold on the country.

A country with a strong judiciary maintains rule of law, ensures freedom of speech, and deters any unconstitutional activities by other state institutions. However, Pakistan’s apex court platforms were used by military rulers to justify their tenure and unconstitutional activities. During Pakistan’s last military rule, the NRO was introduced to write off debts, and cancel criminal and political charges against politicians in exile. The ordinance was annulled by ex-chief justice of the Supreme Court, who was unconstitutionally ousted from his office but later his successor ratified the Ordinance. This gross violation of the Constitution by the judiciary proved detrimental.

Pakistan has struggled hard since its earlier days to achieve political stability to withstand internal and external threats. However, it’s still a long way to go for a country marred by massive corruption, misgovernance issues, unending political warring, and civil-military rifts until the country’s leadership comes forward to work towards a common goal of achieving a viable democracy. However, the situation is not so gloomy. There is always a way to move forward to achieve goals for the betterment of a country and its forthcoming generations

In Pakistan, the civil institutions are scapegoated for misgovernance issues and poor institutional management. Hence, the public has begun losing trust in the state institutions which, if unaddressed, creates a democratic crisis. Courts are already struggling to clear the  huge backlog of cases. Their failure to dispense timely justice, owing to political interference in judicial proceedings as witnessed by granting bails and acquitting senior members of the political mafia. From time immemorial, the judiciary has held a strong foothold in societies, committed to rule of law. However, Pakistan’s judicial history is tainted with political appointments of senior judges in the apex court, and in return, favorable verdicts are rendered.

Democracy Index’s global ranking in 2020, landed Pakistan at 105th position among165 independent nations, and it remained classed a “Hybrid Regime”, out of the four types of regimes: “full democracy”, “flawed democracy”, “hybrid regime” or “authoritarian regime.” Countries falling in the hybrid category are those where transparent elections reportedly have substantial irregularities, like us. Oppressed civil society, a feature of Third World countries, is coerced not to speak against state-sponsored violence.

In Pakistan, the establishment makes repeated attempts to knock down members of civil society, who raise the issue of enforced disappearances across the country. Media in the modern world plays an important role in creating public awareness and educating the masses about issues faced by a country, is subjected to censorship in Pakistan through stringent laws, which has become a norm for the government to clamp down on dissenting voices. Other factors of the hybrid regime, include misgovernance, including unchecked corruption and massive looting in government institutions is the key factor why our institutions haven’t surpassed the developmental stage to achieve sustainability.

For Pakistan to become a sustainable democracy, there are several steps for it. The prevalence of education should be the government’s foremost priority to help elevate thevoters’ mental stature and raise their political consciousness. To break feudal-based political clout, there is a dire need to reinstate land reforms. Frequent, free, and transparent elections are mandatory to hand over power to those who can efficiently and smoothly run a country.

Also, political participation of all stakeholders, and creating an environment of inclusiveness, is required. This promotes a sense of participation among the minorities, religious and inclusion of marginalized groups often ignored in the country’s decision-making process. Military and civil institutions should have a good working relationship based on cooperation and harmony, and most importantly the concept of separation of power must be understood and implemented.

Institution building is yet another feature of a viable democracy in developed nations, ensuring a corruption-free society by checks and balances, and formulating robust policies in favour of rule of law to remove key impediments causing governance crisis.

Pakistan has struggled hard since its earlier days to achieve political stability to withstand internal and external threats. However, it’s still a long way to go for a country marred by massive corruption, misgovernance issues, unending political warring, and civil-military rifts until the country’s leadership comes forward to work towards a common goal of achieving a viable democracy. However, the situation is not so gloomy. There is always a way to move forward to achieve goals for the betterment of a country and its forthcoming generations.

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Democracy Of Pakistan Essay

Table of Contents

Here we will discuss the Democracy Of Pakistan Essay. The progress of democracy in Pakistan has been irregular and unsatisfactory for several different reasons that we will discuss in this article. At the start, it may be clearly emphasized that according to the objective resolution passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949 that Pakistan was a completely democratic system of government within an Islamic framework. Firstly, the successful working of democracy anywhere is possible when the people, as a whole are educated and well-informed. It is the ugliest fact of our social life that more than 80 percent of our people are either thoroughly illiterate or only some of them know how to write their names or how to write the basic ABC. Secondly, in Pakistan the existence of the formidable feudal system allowed the big landlords to control and direct the lives of millions of farm laborers. As we know the general elections of Pakistan 2013 will be held in the month of May. Now the question is that what is the Democracy Of Pakistan Essay? In this informative article, we will discuss the importance of and Democracy Of Pakistan Essay. The word democracy means people’s rights and representation. On the other hand, dictatorship means absolute power as well as totalitarianism. If we analyze the main difference between democracy and dictatorship then we should say that there is huge difference between these two terms.

We would like to mention that in Pakistan democracy needs time in order to spread its roots. Moreover, the democratic system in Pakistan has gone through a maximum period of evolution. The most important reason that Pakistan has a weak democratic system is the lack of political leadership in Pakistan. Pakistan has so many politicians and few statesmen. Pakistan desperately needs great leaders like Churchill and Lincoln. But unfortunately, Pakistan got people such as Ayub, Iskandar Mirza, and Zia. Pakistan needs a man who looks at the past and strives in order to secure the future of Pakistan. Moreover, Pakistan needs leaders who are willing to sacrifice their wealth, lives, and health for Pakistan. Furthermore, the role of ISI plays a major and negative obstruction in the Democracy Of Pakistan Essay. We would like to mention that Pakistan Premier Spy Agency has funded parties, had different rigged elections, and created so many problems in the past few years. If we talk about an outside situation then they show a very strong look but on the other hand when we look inside then the picture is not very impressive. When any politician enters into the corridors of power then the most important thing in his mind is corruption.

On the whole, after discussing the above-mentioned Democracy Of Pakistan Essay it is easy to conclude that it’s the need of the great hour that Pakistan needs a strong democratic system. It is only possible if honest politician takes responsibility for Pakistan. In short, the success of Pakistan’s democracy holds great importance and significance.

Failure of Democracy in Pakistan

Pakistan is a semi-democratic country. Pakistan does not have a fully established democracy because it is facing many challenges in achieving a stable and effective democratic system. Jinnah’s death in 1948 soon after the independence of Pakistan (1947) created a leadership vacuum that contributed to the failure of democracy in Pakistan.

This was largely due to the lack of strong political leadership following his death and the absence of a single individual who could effectively bring together all of the disparate factions of the Pakistani political landscape. The other major challenges that have led to failed democracy in Pakistan are mentioned below;

Students who are getting an education in different grades like Matric, Inter, and Graduation and others who do CSS or PMS are now looking for material about this topic. So, all material is mentioned because this is one of the major topics.

Military Intervention in Political Affairs of Pakistan

The military has been a powerful force in Pakistan since the country’s founding in 1947. The military has been accused to suppress democracy by overthrowing elected governments, imposing martial law, and suppressing civil liberties. The military’s influence in Pakistan has been detrimental to democracy.

The military has been accused of using its power to suppress democracy, manipulate elections, and restrict freedom of expression. This has led to a lack of transparency and accountability, as well as a lack of trust in the government. As a result, democratic institutions have been weakened, economic growth has been limited, and social change has been hindered.

The solution to this problem is for the military to move away from politics and focus on its core mission of defending the nation. The military should build better relationships with the civilian government and work with them to strengthen democratic institutions and foster a culture of respect for civilian rule.

• Hyper Nationalism & Democratization Failure

Hypernationalism in Pakistan has been a major source of instability since the country’s inception in 1947. This form of extreme nationalism has been exploited by successive governments in the pursuit of political power and to distract attention away from other social issues. As a result, democratic institutions and processes have been undermined, leading to a lack of genuine representation and participation in the political system.

• Stroking Religious Tensions

The government has also used hyper-nationalism to stoke religious tensions, leading to a polarization of society and a decline in social cohesion or solidarity. This has been particularly evident in the form of state-sponsored Islamist movements, which have undermined the rule of law and encouraged an atmosphere of intolerance and violence.

• Mistreatment of Minorities

Hypernationalism has been used to justify violations of human rights by the extremists, such as the mistreatment of minorities and the suppression of dissent. This has led to a lack of trust in the government, resulting in a breakdown in the rule of law and a decline in the quality of democracy.

• Violent and Corrupt Political Culture of Pakistan

Pakistan has a long history of political violence and a culture of corruption that has long held back the development of its democracy. The lack of an effective political system has led to powerful individuals and groups being able to influence political decisions.

This has resulted in a lack of accountability and transparency in government which leaves citizens feeling powerless and frustrated. In addition, the country has struggled to create an environment of political pluralism, with different types of political parties having difficulty competing for power.

To address these problems, such as hyper-nationalism and violent, corrupt political culture, the government must focus on creating an environment of tolerance, respect, and accountability. This includes strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that all citizens have access to justice and equal rights and the government must ensure that all political parties are free to compete for power and that the political process is open and transparent. Only then can the country move forward and its democracy can truly flourish.

• Terrorism & Democratization Failure

Terrorism has posed a major challenge to the country’s democratic efforts. It caused a great deal of violence, fear, and instability throughout the country and hampered the ability of the government to effectively govern the country. Terrorists have targeted civilians, politicians, security forces, and other important figures in the country. This has caused widespread distrust of the government and a lack of confidence in its ability to protect its citizens.

Furthermore, the presence of terrorist organizations has made it difficult for political parties to reach out to the people and carry out their campaigns. Terrorism has also caused a great deal of economic hardship in the country. The threat of terrorism has caused many foreign investors to pull out of the country which has had a devastating effect on the economy.

In order to address this issue, the Pakistani government must take steps to combat terrorism. Which includes strengthening the security apparatus, pursuing a more effective counter-terrorism strategy, and investing in counter-radicalization programs.

• Lack of Institutional Counterbalance

The lack of institutional counterbalance in Pakistan has been a major contributing factor that has made it difficult for the country’s democracy to thrive. Without the ability to check and balance the power of the executive, the government is free to ignore the laws and manipulate the electoral process to ensure its own power.

This has resulted in a lack of accountability, corruption, and political instability. The lack of strong civil society organizations and labor unions has prevented citizens from exercising their rights and holding the government accountable for its policies and actions. All of these factors have contributed to the failure of democracy in Pakistan.

The solution to this problem is to strengthen the institutions of democracy in Pakistan. This includes strengthening the independence of the judiciary, providing greater autonomy to the provincial governments, encouraging participatory decision-making, and increasing accountability and transparency. Additionally, it is important to ensure that resources are equitably distributed so that all citizens have access to basic services and economic opportunities.

• Economic Instability in Pakistan

The instability of the economy has had a major impact on democracy in Pakistan. Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan has gone through multiple economic downturns, including a period of slow growth, high inflation, and rising unemployment. This has caused a decline in public confidence in the government, leading to increased levels of distrust and dissatisfaction among the citizens.

Moreover, the lack of economic opportunities has also led to political unrest and a rise in extremism. This has resulted in a weakened political system and has significantly hindered the development of a functioning democratic state.

In order to address this issue, the Pakistani government must focus on implementing comprehensive economic reforms, such as reducing public debt, reforming the tax system, and improving the country’s business environment, etc… Additionally, the government must prioritize job creation and promote entrepreneurship, focus on strengthening the financial sector, providing access to credit, and increasing access to financial services.

Digital Democracy in Pakistan

Rapid digitization is transforming almost every aspect of life on the globe, from the economy to governance to the interaction of the citizens. The Internet is the largest and most powerful connecting link ever invented by man. It has a huge impact on everyone’s life. Whether elections, governance, communication, knowledge exchange, shopping, entertainment, or even cultural interactions. Further, Digital Democracy in Pakistan is described below.

In a digitally-driven society, the emergence of technology has given birth to digital democracy.  From e-voting, online discussion, e-commerce, and decision-making to online tax payment and obtaining a driver’s license everything in a digital democracy revolve around technology.

any advanced countries have chosen the digital democracy system and have made significant progress. The main strength of a digitally well-equipped state is that it adapts digital democratic practices to provide transparency, accountability, performativity, and mass engagement in socio-political and economic practices or processes.

Digital Landscape of Pakistan

In Pakistan, digital technology has changed the way people live and work. With a population of over 200 million people, Pakistan’s digital landscape has expanded. Over 165 million mobile phone customers, 70 million active internet users, and 60 million Smartphone users live in the country.

Digital Media`s Role in Democracy

The role of social media in changing regimes, toppling governments, and bringing social change to society is important and it is the supporting wheel in a digital democracy. In Pakistan, social media encourages young people to participate in politics. The majority of young people are using it to engage in political involvement which helps to enhance the democratic process. Citizen’s democratic engagement is being facilitated by social media which is promoting democratic dialogue.

Social Media & Pakistan Democracy

In this digital age, social media is widely regarded as a powerful tool for political communication around the globe. It has also transformed the way people talk about politics in Pakistan. Political figures have used social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to address political problems with their followers. Social media is the most effective tool for improving democracy.

Furthermore, in recent years it has made political leaders in democratic regimes more accountable. For Pakistan’s youth, social media is now providing a greater grasp of the country’s political structure. Users particularly youth are active on social media. Both male and female teenagers are using social media for political purposes. Furthermore, youngsters are using social media to raise political awareness about the voting process, political leaders, and political parties which is strengthening Pakistan’s democracy.

Challenges of Implementing Digital Democracy in Pakistan

As Pakistan is a developing country with limited technology infrastructure, it has numerous hurdles in implementing digital democracy across the country. Pakistan has a scarcity of wide-ranging technology networks or availability, and the country also has a low degree of digital literacy.

• There are still certain locations in Pakistan that do not have access to the Internet. Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, and the frontier Regions are notable examples in this regard.
• As a result, these areas lose their ability to exercise democratic rights such as access to the internet and participation in political processes.
• Due to security concerns, internet services have been stopped in some areas across Pakistan.  Digital democracy in Pakistan cannot work properly in such an ad hoc environment.

How can we overcome the challenges?

Choosing or practicing true digital democracy in Pakistan requires sincere efforts. If Pakistan intends to adopt true digital democracy policies for digital democracy must be developed and implemented across the country. There should be equal access to the internet connection and a  network of technology infrastructure across the country.

In this context, the provision of digital skills and training services would be transformative in the digitization process. But, first and foremost a digital and technological chain or network across the country is required for digital democracy.

To combat Internet-related crimes and challenges a cyber security cell, similar to a cyber-troops mechanism should be established. Overall, if a country is serious about taking timely actions, the web of technology counts the most in this process and practice to support the flourishing of democratic culture.

I am professional education consultant and Teacher, my primary goal is to support students in accessing educational services through Pakistan's rapidly expanding educational website. I strive to provide valuable guidance and assistance to help students make informed decisions about their academic paths and future careers.

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can i get a literature review on current issues of Pakistan or some notes please?send me on my e mail if you have.i shall be highly thankful

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• Democracy Essay for Students in English

Essay on Democracy

Introduction.

Democracy is mainly a Greek word which means people and their rules, here peoples have the to select their own government as per their choice. Greece was the first democratic country in the world. India is a democratic country where people select their government of their own choice, also people have the rights to do the work of their choice. There are two types of democracy: direct and representative and hybrid or semi-direct democracy. There are many decisions which are made under democracies. People enjoy few rights which are very essential for human beings to live happily. 

Our country has the largest democracy. In a democracy, each person has equal rights to fight for development. After the independence, India has adopted democracy, where the people vote those who are above 18 years of age, but these votes do not vary by any caste; people from every caste have equal rights to select their government. Democracy, also called as a rule of the majority, means whatever the majority of people decide, it has to be followed or implemented, the representative winning with the most number of votes will have the power. We can say the place where literacy people are more there shows the success of the democracy even lack of consciousness is also dangerous in a democracy. Democracy is associated with higher human accumulation and higher economic freedom. Democracy is closely tied with the economic source of growth like education and quality of life as well as health care. The constituent assembly in India was adopted by Dr B.R. Ambedkar on 26 th November 1949 and became sovereign democratic after its constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950.

What are the Challenges:

There are many challenges for democracy like- corruption here, many political leaders and officers who don’t do work with integrity everywhere they demand bribes, resulting in the lack of trust on the citizens which affects the country very badly. Anti-social elements- which are seen during elections where people are given bribes and they are forced to vote for a particular candidate. Caste and community- where a large number of people give importance to their caste and community, therefore, the political party also selects the candidate on the majority caste. We see wherever the particular caste people win the elections whether they do good for the society or not, and in some cases, good leaders lose because of less count of the vote.

India is considered to be the largest democracy around the globe, with a population of 1.3 billion. Even though being the biggest democratic nation, India still has a long way to becoming the best democratic system. The caste system still prevails in some parts, which hurts the socialist principle of democracy. Communalism is on the rise throughout the globe and also in India, which interferes with the secular principle of democracy. All these differences need to be set aside to ensure a thriving democracy.

Principles of Democracy:

There are mainly five principles like- republic, socialist, sovereign, democratic and secular, with all these quality political parties will contest for elections. There will be many bribes given to the needy person who require food, money, shelter and ask them to vote whom they want. But we can say that democracy in India is still better than the other countries.

Basically, any country needs democracy for development and better functioning of the government. In some countries, freedom of political expression, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, are considered to ensure that voters are well informed, enabling them to vote according to their own interests.

Let us Discuss These Five Principles in Further Detail

Sovereign: In short, being sovereign or sovereignty means the independent authority of a state. The country has the authority to make all the decisions whether it be on internal issues or external issues, without the interference of any third party.

Socialist: Being socialist means the country (and the Govt.), always works for the welfare of the people, who live in that country. There should be many bribes offered to the needy person, basic requirements of them should be fulfilled by any means. No one should starve in such a country.

Secular: There will be no such thing as a state religion, the country does not make any bias on the basis of religion. Every religion must be the same in front of the law, no discrimination on the basis of someone’s religion is tolerated. Everyone is allowed to practice and propagate any religion, they can change their religion at any time.

Republic: In a republic form of Government, the head of the state is elected, directly or indirectly by the people and is not a hereditary monarch. This elected head is also there for a fixed tenure. In India, the head of the state is the president, who is indirectly elected and has a fixed term of office (5 years).

Democratic: By a democratic form of government, means the country’s government is elected by the people via the process of voting. All the adult citizens in the country have the right to vote to elect the government they want, only if they meet a certain age limit of voting.

Merits of Democracy:

better government forms because it is more accountable and in the interest of the people.

improves the quality of decision making and enhances the dignity of the citizens.

provide a method to deal with differences and conflicts.

A democratic system of government is a form of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodic free elections. It permits citizens to participate in making laws and public policies by choosing their leaders, therefore citizens should be educated so that they can select the right candidate for the ruling government. Also, there are some concerns regarding democracy- leaders always keep changing in democracy with the interest of citizens and on the count of votes which leads to instability. It is all about political competition and power, no scope for morality.

Factors Affect Democracy:

capital and civil society

economic development

modernization

Norway and Iceland are the best democratic countries in the world. India is standing at fifty-one position.

India is a parliamentary democratic republic where the President is head of the state and Prime minister is head of the government. The guiding principles of democracy such as protected rights and freedoms, free and fair elections, accountability and transparency of government officials, citizens have a responsibility to uphold and support their principles. Democracy was first practised in the 6 th century BCE, in the city-state of Athens. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all the political power, in a democracy people rule themselves and also respect given to diverse groups of citizens, so democracy is required to select the government of their own interest and make the nation developed by electing good leaders.

FAQs on Democracy Essay for Students in English

1. What are the Features of Democracy?

Features of Democracy are as follows

Equality: Democracy provides equal rights to everyone, regardless of their gender, caste, colour, religion or creed.

Individual Freedom: Everybody has the right to do anything they want until it does not affect another person’s liberty.

Majority Rules: In a democracy, things are decided by the majority rule, if the majority agrees to something, it will be done.

Free Election: Everyone has the right to vote or to become a candidate to fight the elections.

2. Define Democracy?

Democracy means where people have the right to choose the rulers and also people have freedom to express views, freedom to organise and freedom to protest. Protesting and showing Dissent is a major part of a healthy democracy. Democracy is the most successful and popular form of government throughout the globe.

Democracy holds a special place in India, also India is still the largest democracy in existence around the world.

3. What are the Benefits of Democracy?

Let us discuss some of the benefits received by the use of democracy to form a government. Benefits of democracy are: 

It is more accountable

Improves the quality of decision as the decision is taken after a long time of discussion and consultation.

It provides a better method to deal with differences and conflicts.

It safeguards the fundamental rights of people and brings a sense of equality and freedom.

It works for the welfare of both the people and the state.

4. Which country is the largest democracy in the World?

India is considered the largest democracy, all around the world. India decided to have a democratic Govt. from the very first day of its independence after the rule of the British. In India, everyone above the age of 18 years can go to vote to select the Government, without any kind of discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, religion, gender or more. But India, even being the largest democracy, still has a long way to become perfect.

5. Write about the five principles of Democracy?

There are five key principles that are followed in a democracy. These Five Principles of Democracy of India are -  secular, sovereign, republic, socialist, and democratic. These five principles have to be respected by every political party, participating in the general elections in India. The party which got the most votes forms the government which represents the democratic principle. No discrimination is done on the basis of religion which represents the secular nature of democracy. The govt. formed after the election has to work for the welfare of common people which shows socialism in play.

Democracy in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects

• Quratulain Babar
• February 11, 2024
• CSS , Css Essays , CSS Solved Essays

Democracy in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects | CSS & PMS Solved Essays

Quratulain Babar , a Sir Syed Kazim Ali student, has attempted the CSS essay “ Democracy in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects ” on the given pattern, which Sir  Syed Kazim Ali  teaches his students. Sir Syed Kazim Ali has been Pakistan’s top English writing and CSS, PMS essay and precis coach with the highest success rate of his students. The essay is uploaded to help other competitive aspirants learn and practice essay writing techniques and patterns to qualify for the essay paper.

1-Introduction

Although Pakistan’s democracy is still in its early stages, facing challenges, such as public unawareness, a distorted political culture, and a widening gap between political parties and the electorate, democracy holds a crucial role in the country’s society, emphasizing the necessity of immediate free and fair elections and improved governance as essential steps to overcome the current political turmoil.

2-Understanding Democracy and its prerequisites?

3-State of Democracy in Pakistan

4-Challenges to Democracy in Pakistan

• Case in point:  According to Barbara Crossett, a New York Times reporter, in Pakistan, the baradari system plays a crucial role in the party’s choice of candidates
• Case in point:  The average voter turnout for the past nine general elections is just over 45 per cent.
• Case in point:  Major political parties like PPP and PML (N) hold no internal elections for party offices, which are filled through nominations and appointments.
• Case in point:  According to the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Pakistan is ranked at 140th position among 180 countries.
• Case in point:  The inability of the civilian governments to complete their five-year tenure.

5-Prospects of Democracy in Pakistan

• Case in point:  It was stated at a Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency’s roundtable discussion on the International Day of Democracy that 63 per cent of Pakistanis believe that a civilian government can govern the country.
• Case in point:  The study conducted by the University of Karachi on a sample of students shows that political awareness among the youth is due to mass media.
• Case in point:  Many Chief Justices have considered missing persons, and a particular cell has been made to deal with the cases.
• Case in point:  The lawyers’ movement of 2007-08
• Case in point:  The punishment of paramilitary personnel who recklessly shot a criminal suspect in Karachi, which followed an expose of the brutal shooting by a television channel .

6-How to Counter the Challenges to Democracy?

• ✓By restructuring the political parties
• ✓By promoting a culture of cooperation among political parties
• ✓By holding free and fair elections 

7-Conclusion 

Democracy, in its present form, has taken a long time to emerge, bolstered by many developments – from 1215, the English Magna Carta, to the French and the American Revolutions in the eighteenth century, to the adult franchise spread in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in North America and Europe. But since the latter half of the twentieth century, democracy has been established as a form of government to which every nation is entitled – whether in Europe, America, Asia, or Africa. The flowering and reach of democratic practice are, however, a continuing process. Likewise, democracy in Pakistan, still in its juvenile stage, is undergoing the same evolution as it is yet to solve many problems that threaten its democracy. For instance, unawareness among the masses about the nature of democracy, distorted political culture, deteriorating political crisis, and, among others, the widening political gap between the political parties and the electorate are significant hurdles in democracy. Despite these challenges, it is irrefutable that democracy has attained a special place in Pakistan, and if it continues to flourish, its prospects can be multiple. To illustrate, the wide acceptance of democracy, the emergence of an assertive judiciary, and a more vibrant civil society are the rays of light in the darkness, indicating that there is no viable political solution other than democracy for Pakistan’s political turmoil. Thus, the political elite should pull Pakistan out of this dilemma by holding immediate free and fair elections and improving governance to fill the void between the government and the masses.

Democracy is a system of government in which laws, policies, leadership, and significant initiatives of a state or other political entity are determined directly or indirectly by the “People’. Historically, this group was often a minority, such as all male adults in ancient Athens or all sufficiently propertied male adults in 19th-century Britain. However, the concept has evolved to encompass all or nearly all adult citizens in the modern era. Like any other form of government, democracy has its fundamentals, without which it cannot flourish in any state. For instance, free and fair elections are the prerequisites of democracy. Moreover, free media, newspapers, and television cannot be ignored in the contemporary era because they are essential to creating political awareness among the general public. Another vital precondition of democracy is education, which generates a well-informed electorate. In addition, freedom of speech and expression, particularly on societal and political issues, is the critical essence of democracy. All these elements and a fair and impartial judiciary form the main pillars of democracy.

Currently, Pakistan is experiencing a complete breakdown of democracy with a powerless interim setup at the centre provinces serving beyond their constitutional mandate, a divided judiciary that is being openly defied, and an increasingly censored media. Moreover, the post-2018 period has seen democratic reversals and regression as the hybrid arrangement entailed the military establishment, giving it an expansive role in politics, governance, and even the economy.  According to the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency, the phase that ended with the Parliament’s dissolution in August this year is the period of democratic decline rather than democratic consolidation.  Further, this has been accompanied by primarily politically motivated corruption cases against opposition leaders, the jailing of political leaders and activists, the defiance of the rule of law, and the marginalization of the Parliament.

There are many culprits behind the sorry state of democracy in the country. First, one of the significant challenges to informed choices is Pakistan’s flawed political culture. Political culture refers to peoples’ attitudes toward the political system and its various parts and attitudes towards the self in the system. In the case of Pakistan, the political structure is greatly influenced by caste and the radar system. In this system, people are divided into social hierarchical communities, and each community has its place in the social hierarchy, remaining constant generation after generation. Moreover, individual opinions have no value; these are bound by the decisions of the biradari, who make decisions on every political and social aspect.  According to Barbar Crossette, a New York Times reporter, the biradari system in Pakistan plays a vital role in the party’s choice of candidates . Further, the backward rural areas of the country have feudalism-like political structures regulated by feudal lords. As a result, the leading political parties maximize their vote by harnessing landlords and factory owners. Thus, in such a political culture, informed choices become a dream for individuals whose opinions do not stand a chance before the biradari or landlord.

Another factor that poses a challenge to democratic stability is what might be called the political gap between the existing political parties and the electoral system, and several factors have transformed the national landscape. To illustrate, recent years have seen a wave of urbanization – a shift in the centre of economic power from rural areas to cities, the expansion of modern communication technologies, and greater public awareness brought about by broadcast and social media. However, representative or electoral politics have lagged and failed to reflect these changes. This has created a growing disconnect between traditional politics and new social dynamics. A telling symptom of the gap between electoral politics and changing public aspirations is the falling voter turnout.  For instance, the average voter turnout for the past nine general elections is just a little over 45 per cent, which means that more than half of the voters do not even participate in electing their new governments at the federal and provincial levels . Thus, the archaic nature of Pakistani politics puts it at odds with the changing society and its needs, making it difficult for democracy to evolve. 

Moreover, the weak institution of political parties also hampers the development of democracy.  For example, major political parties like PPP and PML(N) hold no internal elections for party offices, which are filled through nominations and appointments.  As a result, party officials are not representatives of the workers who feel frustrated about this imposition from the top. These party officials tend to come from the ruling classes and care little about the workers and the need to remain in touch with the problems of ordinary citizens. They turn into sycophants for the leader at the top and end up insulating and isolating him from political realities, thus creating a void between the party and its voters and allowing non-political actors to come into play.

Further, bad governance is another major hurdle in democracy, as the country is performing poorly at all governance indicators: transparency, accountability, service delivery, and the rule of law. It is manifested in governance based on clientelist politics geared to rewarding networks of supporters rather than the needs of citizens. This encourages rent-seeking behaviour and corruption.  According to the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Pakistan is ranked at 140th position among 180 countries.  Regarding other governance indicators, the government cannot provide public goods to its citizens and uphold the rule of law. For example, according to a report released by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), the government cannot provide even safe drinking water to its citizens, let alone other necessities of the masses. Thus, the inability of the government to govern and cater to the needs of the masses does not allow democracy to flourish in the country.

Further, political instability is one of the significant challenges to democracy.  This is manifested in the inability of civilian governments to complete their tenure.  It happens due to the lack of cooperation and tolerance between the ruling party and the opposition. This results in the apolitical forces to come into play, leading to political instability. Thus, the clashes and conflicts between the political parties are the major impediments to the development of actual democratic norms.

Nonetheless, no matter how significant these challenges are, they cannot obstruct the dawn of democracy in the country. As is evident from changing socio-political dynamics, only the future of democracy in Pakistan is feasible. In this regard, significant trends favouring the consolidation of democracy are discussed below.

First, political actors – political parties and other stakeholders and participants in the democratic process – now have a shared stake in the continuance of democracy. However, this was not always so in the past when one or another political party looked to the army to resolve their political disputes. But now, there is wide acceptance and public consensus that military intervention is not the answer or the option.  In this consideration, it was stated at a Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency’s roundtable discussion on the International Day of Democracy that 63 per cent of Pakistanis believe that a civilian government can govern the country.  The military even supports this consensus, which is moving toward accepting the principle of civilian democracy. This has added to the delegitimization of military rule in the country. Thus, the broad consensus on the democratic form of government indicates the prospects for democracy in the country.

Moreover, the growth and expansion of media – broadcast and social, has made it a powerful political force, paving the way for democracy. It is exercising this power to hold rulers to account, expose corruption and injustice, and become a platform for sustained demands for accountable governance. Undoubtedly, the media in Pakistan has become more open, direct, and proactive, highlighting societal wrongdoings. As a result, it has become an effective tool that creates political awareness among the masses, enabling them to participate in the political process effectively.  For instance, the study conducted by the University of Karachi on a sample of students shows that political awareness among the youth is due to mass media.  Consequently, political awareness has led the youth to have political discussions and political participation in different forums. Thus, the rise of media as a robust political force indicates the bright future of democracy in the country. 

Like the media, another emerging force is the assertive judiciary that is contributing to the consolidation of democracy. To illustrate, it is seeking to operationalize democratic checks and balances, limit the excess of executive power and focus government attention on pressing issues, for example, the breakdown of law and order in Karachi, increasing corruption, and the cases of missing persons. Among many cases going on at present in the Supreme Court is an investigation of missing persons allegedly picked by the country’s security forces.  In this regard, many Chief Justices have considered missing persons, and a particular cell has been made to deal with the cases.  In this way, the judiciary tries to ensure that ill practices are subject to the law and that Pakistan’s democracy is anchored in the rule of law and does not degenerate into elected autocracy or kleptocracy.

In addition, the rise of a large, more assertive urban middle class also has an essential bearing on democratic consolidation.  It has unleashed new political dynamics as it wants a more prominent political voice, expressing itself first in the lawyers’ movement of 2007-08.  This saw months of street action by lawyers and members of civil society in support of judges ousted by President Pervaiz Musharaf and in defense of the rule of law. Two waves of protests led to the restoration of the Chief Justice and his colleagues. Although the campaign had a single-point agenda, it reflected broader liberal-democratic aspirations and was spearheaded by middle-class professionals, with politicians following, not leading. Thus, the urban middle class wanting to play a role in the country’s politics affords opportunities to align Pakistan’s governance with the forces of demographic change and the modernizing impulses of a social class whose universe is quite different from the stagnant, patrimonial world of traditional politics. 

Similarly, the well-informed civil society is another countervailing force, increasing the odds of democracy in the country. In this regard, unjust practices at national and international levels are now challenged more frequently and confidently. Examples abound of citizens taking their cases to the media, the media mounting pressure, and the judiciary taking action in a mutually reinforcing manner.  This is exemplified by the punishment of paramilitary personnel who recklessly shot a criminal suspect in Karachi, which followed an expose of the brutal shooting by a television channel.  This and other cases illustrate a new form of citizen-driven accountability.

So, to ensure the country’s democratic evolution, specific measures are suggested to avert the challenges to democracy. For example, the restructuring of political parties is of utmost significance. This institution needs to be strong by involving all members in decision-making. In addition, all the parties must carry out regular elections within their respective parties so new leaders can emerge. Local governments are the ideal nurturing grounds for political leadership as the people serving in the union councils are aware of the ground realities and needs of the people and, thus, are more deserving of coming up in the political hierarchy of their concerned political parties. This would ultimately lead to a strong leadership with a well-defined political ideology, leading the country on a democratic path.

Furthermore, there is a dire need for a cooperation-based system where all political stakeholders collaborate for the greater national good regardless of their diverse ideologies. This can be done by enacting a charter of democracy, as in the past, so that an environment of tolerance can prevail. This is necessary for the smooth functioning of the government as it would prevent the exploitative elements from taking advantage of the differences between the ruling elite and the opposition.

No less importantly, in the contemporary scenario, the most widely advocated solution to the challenges to democracy is the prompt conduct of free and fair elections. As a result of the ousting of the previous government, most citizens feel betrayed as they do not believe in the legitimacy of the current interim setup. Thus, fair general elections would lead to political stability, ultimately opening up the avenues for democratic stability of the country.  

In summary, democracy in Pakistan has specific challenges like weak political parties, bad governance, the gap between the masses and the government, and political instability. Still, the future of democracy in Pakistan is feasible due to the emergence of new acts changing the country’s political dynamics. For instance, the government is witnessing an interplay between a recently empowered judiciary, vigorous media, and citizen activism. These are excellent signs to argue that democracy has a future in Pakistan. Thus, to overcome the impediments of democracy, there is a need to restructure the political parties, hold free and fair elections, and improve governance.

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Democracy in Pakistan Essay PDF

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Great to see my essay democracy here. I have so many essays like this for aspirants. But this essay is uploaded without any email permission so should I sue this website or not? Thank you all stay blessed Advocate Sayyed Basit Muneer 03450736622

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