DEMOCRACY

OUTLINES:
- Introduction
- Importance of democracy
- Historical Overview
- Why democracy is flop in Pakistan
- Remedial measures
-Conclusion


INTRODUCTION:
Democracy is the most essential and fundamental element for managing the affairs of
society systematically. Democracy and participatory governance are popular political
patterns in the modern world. In a broader sense democracy encompasses the leading
features; fair and free election process, supremacy of the constitution, the rule of law, and
freedom for the people. In other words democratic state must practice the principles of
equal citizenship irrespective of religion, caste, ethnicity and regional background. It must
also ensure equality of opportunity to all for advancement in social, political and
economic domains and guarantee security of life and property to its citizens.
IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY:
It is fact that democracy is the major constituent for social, political and economic
development. It is considered as the backbone of the system, without which an effective
running of system is impossible. The crucial importance of democracy can be observed by
the experience of East Asian countries. Between 1965 and 1990, several countries of this
region registered the highest growth rate and proved it with high living standards. The
most important factors behind this economic miracle are good governance. It is not that
Swiss and Swedes are inherently blessed with greater honesty and integrity than
Pakistanis. But actually difference lies in the institutions, laws and work procedures.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Pakistan, like India, adopted the Government of India Act, 1935 as the Interim
Constitution, 1947 to meet the immediate requirements of an independent state. It
provided parliamentary form of government, although the Governor General enjoyed
special powers and the federal government exercised some overriding powers over
provinces. Pakistan's early rulers did not pay especial attention to
democratization otthe political system because their major concern was how to ensure the
survival of the state in view of internal and external challenges. The fear of the collapse of
the state encouraged authoritarian style of governance.
Pakistan had faced serious administrative and management problems during the partition
process. These problems were the division of civil and .military assets of the British
government between India and Pakistan, communal riots, the migration of people to and
from Pakistan, and the troubled relations with India, including the first war on Kashmir,
1947-48. In this critical situation when Pakistan was facing initial administrative and
humanitarian difficulties, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation, died on
September 11, 1948, thirteen months


after the establishment of Pakistan. The separation of Quaid within a short span of time
undermined the already weak political institutions and fragmented the political setup.
Most of the post-Jinnah political leaders had no nationwide fame and appeal to
reorganize the massive crowd again as a result regional politics within the state
flourished. This critical situation, made it difficult for the political parties and leaders to
pursue a coherent approach and gather under one leadership. They were unable to
develop consensus on single point, meanwhile the assassination of Liaqat Ali khan
shocked the entire democratic system. Though Liaqat Ali Khan laid the foundation of the
constitution by introducing objective resolution but several years later constitution of
Pakistan was introduced (March 23, 1956) which even could not get popular support of
all major parties, leaders and regions. By the time the constitution was introduced a
strong tradition of violation started, the political parties were divided and the assembly
was unable to assert its primacy. In this situation power was shifted to the Governor
General/President Iskander Mirza, who had military background. Iskander Mirza took
support of top bureaucracy and the military. This contributed to the rise of the
bureaucratic-military elites in Pakistani politics which further suppressed future of
democracy.
WHY DEMOCRACY IS FLOP IN PAKISTAN:
Army Interference: Since the establishment of Pakistan Army has always had a strong
desire to have a permanent place in the political setup of country. The four military
regimes are the proof of this. The first Martial Law was imposed by Ayub Khan in 1958
and lasted till 1969. He abrogated the constitution of 1956. He also introduced
presidential system with indirect elections. In April 1969, General Yahya imposed second
Martial Law and lasted till 1971. He had abrogated the constitution of 1962, banned all
political activities and dissolved National and Provincial assemblies. Again Martial Law
intervened in 1977 and the popular leader elected by the common people through dubious
elections was hanged. Zia's Martial regime was supposed to be the shortest one but it
turned out to be the longest in the history of Pakistan. Zia did not abrogate the
constitution of 1973 but suspended. He also passed his famous 8
th
amendment to restrict
the power of head of government through article 58 2(b) and provided significant powers
to the president who could dissolve National Assembly whenever he think that need has
arisen. In 1999, again military intervened in political setup led by General Musharraf.
The Army was yet again in power promising of smooth transfer of power to grass root
level within three years.
Corruption and nepotism: It is fact that democratic governments in Pakistan have
been witnessed of corruption, mal-administration, and

nepotism. The people reluctantly visit public institutions because they know that without
any favor or bribe it is very difficult to get any work done from the public officers.
Moreover, due to malpractices of the public official and misappropriation of public fund the
infrastructure of public institutions has been cracked and a situation like chaos is prevailing
all over the country.
In 1990 the government of PPP was dissolved due to corruption charges set against
Benazir Bhutto by the President of that time. The next government of Nawaz sharif was
also dismissed in 1993 by Ghulam Ishaq khan on plea of corruption and nepotism. Again
elections were held in 1993 and Benazir became PM but this government was also
dissolved on corruption charges in 1996.
Royal style of politics: All the governments after Junejo were characterized by the royal
style of the Prime Minister that was true in case of Benazir and Nawaz Sharif because of
their extravagant style of living i.e. Raiwind palaces and Surrey palace respectively.
Authoritarian style of politicians: All the previous heads of governments both civilian
and military and also the politicians exercised absolutism in style and mentality. They did
not realize their foremost duty was to serve the people not just to misrule them.
Politicians during the last 50 years have not shown responsible attitude.
Abuse of powers: People elect the PM, his cabinet and the members of assemblies
through ballot. But it has often happened that an indirectly elected president comes and
dismisses the government. This is highly undemocratic, unconstitutional" and it has been
happening in our political history due to the 8
th
amendment passed by the Zia regime. Zia
dismissed Junejo government and Ghulam Ishaq dissolved Benazir and Nawaz Shari
governments respectively. This is the main reason that has wrecked the entire setup of
politics.
Lack of accountability: Our constitution does not provide an effective system of check
and balance. That is why every elected civilian government becomes omnipotent and
powerful which give rise to corruption and mal-administration. There is no effective
system of governance which can keep proper check on the decisions and the steps taken
by PM and his cabinet. Judiciary must be made strong enough to keep a strong check
over these important matters.
Lack of continuity: In Pakistan except Bhutto's government, no government has
completed its expected life span. After Junejo, many governments were disbanded in the
period of nine years. This game of power musical chair has seriously affected the economic
and social progress of our country.


REMEDIAL MEASURES:
-The honest and competent people should be elected form the grass root to the highest
level through fair and transparent democratic process.
-Direct system of election must be introduced and governments must be allowed to
complete their tenure.
-In order to attain the quality of good governance, senior high officials, think tanks and
previous failed rulers must ask for participation in decision making and execution of
policies through a democratic consultative process.
-For good governance the role of army in the political setup of the country must be
discouraged and constitution must clearly define the areas of operation of all institutions
of the state like army, bureaucracy and the government.
-Independence of judiciary must be maintained which can exercise an effective system of
check and balance on each and every institution and prevent politicians from abuse of
power.
-People must be educated without which they can not protect their rights. Education
creates confidence which empower people to defend their social, political and economic
rights.
-Media should also playa positive role in creating awareness among people regarding
their problems and their solutions. In this way people will be able to demand their rights
and will perform their duties and responsibilities in a more organized way.
-In order to develop an effective system of governance participation of women should be
encouraged as according to latest count, women ratio
is .48:52 respectively.
Conclusion: This is the high time that consensus must be developed among the people of
Pakistan that what system of government can suit them better. Keeping in view the
pluralistic society of Pakistan, federal government can serve people in a better way
through giving sufficient powers to the provinces in order t 0tackle problems of ordinary
citizen effectively. Direct system of election must be introduced and governments must be
allowed to complete their tenure.
- See more at: http://greondaily.blogspot.com/2013/07/css-essay-democracy-complete-
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