CIVIL GOVERNMENT IN PAKISTAN

Final Project

Topic: Civil Government in Pakistan

Submitted to: Javaria Qais Joiya

Section C

Submitted by:

Faizan Ikram L1F18BBAM0623

Date of Submission

January 1, 2020
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Title of Book
Democracy In Pakistan : Crisis, Conflicts and Hope for a Change

Author : Ali Abbas Husanie

Publication Date : April 30, 2013

SUMMARY:

The book is a collection of the author's stories, speeches and press releases that have
been published in newspapers in Pakistan and abroad. He felt compelled to speak out against
deplorable conditions in Pakistan and give some practical advice after having thoroughly studied
the current political situation as well as the past of Pakistan along with its constitution.

The author must be commended for his frank, informative, unbiased and in-depth analysis of
Pakistan's recent history of instability, along with a comprehensive historical examination of the
early years following independence.The author explores and explains the difference between
voters in several developed countries and Pakistan, where the masses alargely uneducated, poor
and depend entirely on their "masters" or "lords" for food and shelter for their families.He claims
that these people are socially ill_informed and forced to vote for "them and their political
parties."The author notes that on August11, 1947, the first Governor General of Pakistan,
Quaid_e_Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, announced that the constitution of Pakistan would be
based on the guiding principles of "an inclusive and neutral government, religious freedom, rule
of law and equality for whole society”. Subsequently, on March 12, 1949, the Constituent
Assembly adopted and developed these principles. These guiding principles are contrary to the
prevailing situation in Pakistan. Mr. Hasanie poses a very sensible question: "What happened to
Pakistan in its 65-year history?"

This book deals with a variety of topics including national leadership, parliament,
national unity, plutocracy (instead of democracy), power of the people, role of government and
opposition (which is nonexistent for the author's reasons), dual_national individuals, justice and
the Supreme Court, corruption and fraud. The author argued strongly with 8 statements focusing
mainly on granting voting rights to individuals with dual citizenship of Pakistan and other
countries because they bring power, stability and prosperity in Pakistan. The author has a deep
desire to change the direction of Pakistan's politics and to reshape the country to the values of
Quaid-e-Azam stated in August 1947.The author stressed that the upcoming general election
would be a test for the people's power of Pakistan by analyzing the prevailing mode of
governance and the success of the various leaders and political parties before practicing their
valuable vote.
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Lastly, Mr. Husanie cites Albert Einstein who said: "The world will not be destroyed
by those who do evil, but those who watch them without doing anything". The author argues
that most Pakistanis are just watching the current situation without doing anything at the
moment. He urges Pakistani people to exercise their vote to ensure that all Pakistanis are safe
and secure in the future, and to guarantee their upcoming generations a bright and prosperous
future.

INTRODUCTION OF DEMOCRACY:
The word “Democracy” is derived from Greek words “Demos” mean “people” and
“Kratia” mean “Rule”. Democracy means rule by the people. Democracy allows ordinary people
to decide who governs the country and how they govern it.IT is based on a system of government
by all citizens of a country typically exercised through elected representatives. The concept of
democracy is broad and diverse. Every country has unique democratic system and countries will
therefore differently democratic.

Key Features of Democracy:

Here are some key feature of democracy. All of these featuresare essentials to enjoy the fruits of
democracy.

1. Respect of basic human rights

2. A multi-party system
3. A democratic voting system
4. Respect for the Rule of Law
5. Democratic governance
6. Citizen Participation

Respect of basic Human Rights:

Firstly, one of the most important key feature of democracy is the respect for some basic human
rights. Most democracies have constitutions that outlines human rights for each individuals. It
also include basic rights such as right to vote, freedom of speech and assembly, freedom of
religion, right to equality.

Multi-Party system and Political Tolerance:

The second key feature of democracy is multi-party political system paid with the tolerance for
different political views. In multi-party system or at least two party system is an important
component of any democracy. The presence of multiple strong political parties contesting
elections ensures a choice for voters and the representation of diverse and competing views and
interests in Parliament. In a democracy, active opposition parties monitor and debate the work
done by ruling party or ruling parties in case of correlation. This can increase the ruling party’s
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accountability to the electorate. Multi-party system requires political tolerance in words and
actions by all individuals including political representatives. Political tolerance means accepting
and respecting the views of individuals and groups whose views differ from one’s own. People
should be able to express their opinions and views freely as long as they do not interfere with
someone else’s rights. Democracy tells that both rights differ as well as the acceptance of these
differences by others. Democracy implies respect for different views and the use of dialogue as
a mean to resolve conflicts.

Democratic voting system:

The third key feature is democratic voting system. In a representative democracy we are like
representatives to pass legislation and govern the country instead of having one person making
all the decisions. This happens through regular elections aligned with the country’s constitution.
Democratic voting system are characterized by the following:

 All adult citizens have the right to vote

 Elections are held at regular known intervals
 Elections are free and fair
 Majority rule

Rule of Law:
The rule of law refers the principle that public officials can only exercise power and make
decisions if authorized to do so by law. They must act in terms of laws which are clear, publicized,
and stable and are evenly applied. The process by which laws are enacted, administered and
enforced must be transparent, fair and efficient. It also means that all decisions need to be made
in accordance with the law. In short, nobody is exempt from or above the law. Public officials
cannot act arbitrarily and without being allowed to act by law because under this system citizens
are protected from the arbitrary exercise of power. Independent Courts upholds the rule of law.
Only independent court can find the people guilty of committing a crime. Court can also declare
the invalid the actions of public officials not authorized by law. The society in which rule of law is
not protected would be unpredictable and human rights of the citizens would not be guaranteed.
The correct application of the rule of law enable the citizens to enjoy the fruits of democracy.

Democratic governance:
It concerns the way in which a democratic government is organized and functioned. What
happens between elections is very important for vibe of democracy .democratic government is
characterized by the separation of powers. State power is divided into three branches

 The executive
 Legislature
 Judiciary
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Each branch checks the power of other two branches.so that there is balance of powers
between them. The legislature is responsible for passing rules. Executive is responsible for
administration and implementation of laws and policies. Together with this goes the
independence of judiciary in the interpretation and enforcement of laws. This system of
checks and balances is designed to prevent the abuse of power.

Democratic government should be guided by the principles and practices of transparency,

responsiveness, effectiveness, efficiency and accountability to the electorates.

Citizen participation:
The last key feature of the successful democracy is citizen participation. The democratic
system ends to empower the individual. Democracy of the ordinary people like you and
me is the opportunity to participate freely in social and political life and to contribute in the
success of our society and country. Successful democracies need active citizens. So what role
we should play as contribution in democracy of our country?

In practical terms it means you can and should participate in elections either by voting or even
joining a political party. Active citizens also monitors the Government performance and mobilize
other ordinary people on issues of importance. All of us can be a part of successful democracy by
becoming active citizens. When these six features will present it indicates a strong democracy.
This is the only way to enjoy the fruits of democracy.

INFLUENCES OF DEMOCRACY:
Now let’s have a cursory look on the influences of democracy. Democracy puts tremendous
effects on character life, social existence, political life and economic lifestyles. Democracy
flourishes individual existence to top notch extent. Public say has been promoted in the
presence of democracy. It provides large possibility inside the improvement process. Demands
of people were viewed. Opportunities were given to human beings regarding job. Society blooms
in the presence of democracy. Every department whether government or non-public paintings
in a prepared manner. Democracy puts high quality effects on political life. If political parties
work with sincerity in the establishment, and then it proves to be gain. Embezzlement of finances
creates hurdles within the route of democratic process. Political stability has been needed within
the established order of democracy. Democracy gives very smooth direction to monetary
development. Both are interconnected. Funds were utilized within the socio economic
improvement which paves the way for a success established order.
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Democracy in Pakistan:
Democracy is the cornerstone on which Pakistan was established in 1947. Pakistan is recognized
in the Muslim world as the world's largest Islamic democracy. The most remarkable thing about
democracy is that people select their leader and participate actively in the decision of the
government.

Hurdles of democracy in Pakistan:

After emergence Pakistan faced strong influence of bureaucracy. In the initial year of
establishment handiest two establishments were effective to stand the project of early status
quo. Quaid-e-Azam gave risk to army elite and bureaucrats to complete the mission of
established order. Soon after completing the challenge, they maintained robust control over the
state organization which created numerous problem for Pakistan. Low degree of political
socialization in Pakistan has been considered on account that independence. For democratic
fulfillment political socialization is necessary. Weak civil society is a risk for democracy. It creates
a large gap within the establishment of democracy. Both are reliable on every other. Extremism
has been spreading like ulcer in Pakistan. It has deep roots within the past history. It creates a
whole lot of hurdles inside the improvement process. How can democracy flourish in the
presence of hassle makers?

Dictatorship is also a bug hurdle in the way of democracy in Pakistan. Pakistan’s history is
unfortunately full of such incidents when dictators came and diminished the democratic rule and
established their rule. Following are some incidents from the History when Dictators came and
build their rule.

First Democratic Rule (1988-1990)

1st open elections were held in november1988 and the Pakistan People Party won. But in 1990
Pakistani Army came and diminished the democratic government and took the charge of the
country by using eighteenth amendment.

2nd Democratic Rule (1990-1993)

PML (N) got a chance to rule in 1990. Nawaz Sharif became the Prime Minister of Pakistan. In
1993 Nawaz Government encountered a similar fate and was deposed by military.

3rd democratic Rule (1993-1996)

Elections were held again and Pakistan Peoples Party won the elections. Mohtarma Benazir
Bhutto became the Prime Minister. The corruption was at its height and in 1996 President Farooq
Laghari deposed this government.

4th Democratic Rule (1997-1999)

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In 1997 again PML (N) won and again became Prime Minister. Chief of Army Musharraf took over
the government.

MILITARY ERA (2001-2002)

Musharraf legitimized his rule. Elections held in 2002 brought PML (Q) into the government who
proved to be the loyal supporters of President Musharraf and he ruled Pakistan for more than 8
years.

Reasons for failure of Democracy in Pakistan:

Because of Pakistan's turmoil, the fluctuation in Pakistan's democracy has been observed from
the beginning, whether it is military or civilian government. Some of the main reasons for failure
of democracy in Pakistan are:

 Political Factors (management crisis, constitutional dilemma, military rule, political

parties' failures, inter-institutional rift, political disparity, political hatred, loss of political
consensus, rigging in elections)
 Administrative Factors (Political influence, lack of consistency in policies, corruption, lack
of responsibility and transparency, mismanagement, bad governance, voter's registration
dilemma, inefficient prison system, favoritism, infrastructural mess)
 Social Factors (poverty, illiteracy, loss of awareness, feudal nature, ladies status,
nepotism)
 Economic Factors (lack of funds, aid-ridden budgets, inflation main to mistrust in
democracy)
 Religious-cultural Factors (agenda and propaganda of so called supporters of Islamic
emirate/caliphate system, Indus valley culture, historically unaware of democratic
lifestyles style)

The clarification for this is Pakistani people's less understanding of how real democracy
operates. This is likewise the same purpose that may have a great effect on the destiny of
Pakistan. Furthermore, a loss of political subculture and democratic pluralism is some other
dangerous image of the future. Lack of duty is known as danger for any institution. In the
absence of responsibility no country can keep its sturdy foothold. It causes quite a few
trouble. Since inception, Pakistan has been dealing with the assignment of lack of
accountability. This is main cause of democratic downfall.

Pakistan's various sects obey their own set of rules, and these different ideologies open the door
to political revolution. Break the laws and navigate the wave of corruption, money laundering,
and other deceptive tricks are discovered by the political parties themselves. Knowledge will
build ways to improve when understanding is the key to resolving issues in any region.
Unfortunately, democracy in Pakistan has never flourished. It has been plaything in the hands of
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the fortune seekers. Pakistan has faced the problems of unstable government. It is still a dream.
The causes of instability are illiterate masses, political leaders and Dictators. The inefficient
people elect who don’t know their role in government. After their election, they feather their
nest and pave the way for corruption. The bribery, nepotism and favoritism prevail over the
society. Such inefficient representatives remain busy in party clashes. They forget their duties aur
cause failure of democracy. In my point of view, today democracy in Pakistan is a hypocrisy not
a democracy.

Democratic countries are making a good change in the world however this modification is
likewise induced when human beings understand plenty and the literacy rate is high. When the
authorities thinks about its human beings and those regard its government decisions. Many
believed that the future of Pakistan is nowhere seeing the political situation and much less
informed democratic rules. The cutting-edge government has given the most important hopes to
Pakistanis however the modern-day financial situation doesn’t show a terrific sign for at least
coming five years

Measures for the survival of democracy

Now let’s have a look at the measure for the survival of democracy in Pakistan. Uninterrupted
democratic technique, curtailment in the position of military, efficacious accountability, breakage
in strength accumulation, judicial reformation, position of media, limited global interference and
political socialization. UN interruption in democratic process should be enforced. This can play
very powerful role in the establishment of democracy. Since independence, army intrusion has
been considered which created hurdles in the direction of democracy. Massive intrusion within
the democratic method have to be controlled.

Corruption must be controlled. Proper machine of accountability have to be released to remove

this unlawful activity. Accountability is essential for the right working of institutions. Breakage
inside the strength accumulation manner has paved the way for democracy. Feudal elegance has
been engage in the accumulation of energy. They are strength lusty. This electricity should be
snatched from them for proper go with the flow of democracy in Pakistan.

Judicial reforming is very critical for the established order of democratic practices. Judiciary is
very effective department of government. It needs reformation in its very own spheres. Media is
referred to as the fourth pillar of state. It is now grow to be more powerful than nuclear. It is
effective manner of expression. It offers boost to democracy. Limitation in international
interference is wanted. Massive global interference is a threat to Pakistan sovereignty. It is also
a menace to democracy in Pakistan.

Political socialization is needed. Awareness and mass awareness approximately politics has been
required for the power of democracy. It is the most powerful way of selling democracy in our
country. Political cognizance in needed in each walk of life. Poor populace is easily cheated by
using sensible politician. Awareness can simplest be promoted by media. Thus it's far clear that
democracy is the most feasible and powerful foam of government. It gives platform to general
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loads in the decision making process. It creates a bridge among Government and human beings.
Massive role of people has been welcomed in democracy. It creates recognition among masses.

Dynamic leadership is missing in Pakistan. After the demise of Powerful leader Quaid-e-Azam
Pakistan has been facing democratic vacuum. No chief is like Father of nation. Quaid-e-Azam
proved to be marvelous. Since independence no leader has proved himself as mighty Quaid-e-
Azam.

In a nutshell, it is a very long way to attain democracy in genuine foam in Pakistan. It calls for
sincerity and efforts within the establishment. Democracy is not handiest foam of government
however it is a whole philosophy which covers all components of rights and freedom. It needs
public collaboration in authentic sense.

Conclusion
When all the key features like respect for human rights, a democratic voting system, and respect
for rule of law, democratic governance and citizen participation will be adopted in our society
then we can enjoy all the fruits of democracy (respect for human dignity, equality, justice,
freedom, peace and good governance). This all will happen if we all follow these features of
democracy and a well-functioning society will come into being. We all can contribute in building
good governance by becoming active citizens of Pakistan. As Albert Einstein said: "The world
will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but those who watch them without doing
anything".