Contents

GOVERNANCE AND DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN:WEAKNES ES,STRENGTHS AND PROSPECTS .................... 2

QUOTATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 2
FIGURES..................................................................................................................................................... 2
CONSTITUTION.......................................................................................................................................... 5
USA: ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
UN: ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Initial Difficulties Obstructing Democratic Governance ....................................................................... 6
Persisting Problems............................................................................................................................... 6
Immediate Challenges to Governance .................................................................................................. 6
Strength of Democratic Governance in Pakistan .................................................................................. 7
Conclusion: Guarded Optimism ............................................................................................................ 7
ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY .......................................................................................................................... 7
Growth of educated Middle Class....................................................................................................... 10
Religious Tolerance ............................................................................................................................. 10
Freedom of Press or Mass Media ....................................................................................................... 10
Civic Awareness................................................................................................................................... 10
Rule of Law .......................................................................................................................................... 11
THEORY & DEMOCRACY .......................................................................................................................... 11
RATINGS OF DEMOCRACY INDEX ............................................................................................................ 11
GOVERNANCE & DEMOCRACY ................................................................................................................ 12
DEMOCRACY & TYPES ......................................................................................................................... 13
DEMOCRACY & DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................... 13
DEMOCRACY & ECONOMIC REFORM ................................................................................................. 13
THE CONDITIONS FOR DEMOCRACY ................................................................................................... 13
DEMOCRACY PRACTICES & PAKISTAN .................................................................................................... 14
DEMOCRACY AND MEDIA ....................................................................................................................... 16
CIVIL MILITARY RELATIONS AND DEMOCRACY ....................................................................................... 17
The Military's Interests ....................................................................................................................... 18

1
 CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................... 18

GOVERNANCE AND DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN:WEAKNES

ES,STRENGTHS AND PROSPECTS

QUOTATIONS
“The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to
make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses” - Malcolm X

Let the people think they govern and they will be governed. William Penn

Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians. Chester Bowles

Whenever you have an efficient government you have a dictatorship. Harry S Truman

It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong. Voltaire

Fear is the foundation of most governments. John Adams

Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage. Henry Louis Mencken

The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But
when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression. Henry Louis Mencken

A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master. George Washington

FIGURES
Pillars of democracy

2
3
4
CONSTITUTION
USA: The US Foreign Policy mission statement makes bringing democracy to the world a top priority, and suggests
that by doing so, we will combat “widespread poverty’:

UN: The United Nations has declared September 15 as the International Day of Democracy.

INTRODUCTION
Pakistan had no worthwhile civil society and hardly any middle class in 1947 due to rampant illiteracy and absence of
an independent media. The masses were poor, the country was described an “economic desert” and there was an
unprecedented influx of refugees. The country lacked the necessary infrastructure and institutions. The capability to
develop them was lacking. The external and internal threats to the security of the country turned it into a security
state. Weak political leadership created space for civil-military bureaucracy. This led to the cut-off periods in
democratic governance, which was derailed thrice in 1958, 1977 and 1999. At present, the country is partially
developed, the middle class is growing and civil society is assertive; a vibrant media has come up, and majority of the
population is literate. There is an overall urge for peace. The people have demonstrated their preference for
constitutional government and the rule of law, and to have an independent judiciary to strengthen democratic
governance.

5
Pakistan and India emerged as independent democratic nation-states in August 1947, inheriting the same
constitution (i.e., Government of India Act 1935), the same system of civil administration, legal apparatus and the
armed forces.

Initial Difficulties Obstructing Democratic Governance

There are a number of factors responsible for initial setbacks to democratic governance in Pakistan. For instance:

1. Ramshackle Infrastructure
2. Leadership Void
3. Unprecedented Migration and Settlement of Refugees
4. Illiteracy and Extremism
5. Poverty and Scarcity of Essential Goods

Persisting Problems
1. Quasi-Federalism and Conflict between Eastern and Western Wings

One of the main bottlenecks in the constitutional development in Pakistan was that its two wings were separated
by about 1000 miles of hostile territory. In the 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-
modern thinking prevalent in certain segments of society lean towards a unitary or quasifederal state as against
a true federation

2. Religion vs. Secularism

3. Delayed Framing of the Constitution
4. Delayed Elections, Rigging and Violence
5. Civil-Military Bureaucracy vs. Politicians

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.” 28

6. Weak Political Parties and their Infighting

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. 17.

The weakness of political elites can be demonstrated from the fact that during seven years from 1951 to 1958, as
many as seven Prime Ministers had been changed. During 1988-1999, 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.

7. Kashmir Dispute and Security of the Country

The persistence of external and internal threats to its security converted Pakistan into a security state which
thwarted the country’s march towards democracy. The external threat resulted in Indo-Pak wars and border
clashes and threats of war a number of times (i.e., during 1947-48, 1951, 1965, 1971, 1984, 1999, and 2002)

Immediate Challenges to Governance

1. Corruption and Nepotism

According to Transparency International, Pakistan got a score of 2.7 out of 10 in 1998, followed by 2.2 in 1999,
2.5 in 2008 and 2.4 in 2009

2. Unprecedented Inflation and Rising Prices

6
 3. Terrorism and Extremism
4. Human Rights

Fundamental human rights are guaranteed in Chapter One of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan
but injustices against women and members of minorities continue.

Strength of Democratic Governance in Pakistan

1. Pakistan Movement and Traditions
2. Islamic and Cultural Traditions

Islam lays emphasis on the concept of Shura, i.e., consultation among people, which is the essence of
democratic culture. Culturally, in 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 than 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 an assembly of people, which is the essence of democracy

3. Growth of Education, Civil Society and Media

The country is on the path to achieve full literacy and progress towards higher standard of education in important
disciplines. 46

4. Growth of Economy and Middle Class

5. Security and Democracy

During the entire history of Pakistan, the country has faced military threats from the east. Now the country is
facing threats in the west also. It is a heaven-sent opportunity for Indians to be active on Pakistan’s western
borders so as to pressurize it from the east as well as the west. However, the factor of nuclear deterrence has
kept hostilities at bay on the country’s eastern borders.

Conclusion: Guarded Optimism

It was tragic that the country faced numerous problems and was “hijacked soon after independence by the ruling
classes belonging to feudalists, senior bureaucrats, incompetent politicians and ambitious military generals who
transformed it into an elitist system.”

It was visualized that the people of Pakistan may “either remain under the feudal stranglehold for ever or gain
direct access to political and economic rights by freeing our political culture from the exploitative elitist and feudal
political structures.”The latter alternative may now be succeeding. Unlike the past assemblies, at present almost
half of the new members of legislative assemblies are young and educated. All stake holders seem desirous to
establish the supremacy of the parliament. Certain clauses of the 17th amendment to the Constitution of
Pakistan which impinge on the supremacy and sovereignty of the parliament or any other anti-democratic
constitutional provisions may be scrapped under the pressure of civil society and public opinion.

Secondly, a vibrant and responsible media can also educate the masses and keep them well informed.
Currently, dozens of newspapers and journals, and as many as fifty television channels are operating. To sum
up, it is the political leadership which can ensure permanence to 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.

ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY

Scholars and theoreticians have long argued about the compatibility of Islam and democracy. Bush
administration support for export of democracy to the Middle East has brought the debate to the forefront
of policy circles. Millions of the world's 1.4 billion Muslims live in democracies, ample proof that there is

7
no inherent discord between the two ideas, that is Islam and democracy. But Islam, like almost all
religious traditions, can be interpreted in different ways, and some interpretations--such as those favored
by al Qaeda and radical Islamists--conflict with democratic ideals. The validity of the different
interpretations is a complex question debated by religious scholars.

The notion has increasingly been heard that Islam is essentially incompatible with democracy because it
emphasizes God's sovereignty rather than that of human beings; because it values men over women; and
because it discourages dialogue and pluralism. Many Muslims contest such views by arguing that God
has granted sovereignty to humans to govern themselves; and that Islamic justice disallows
discrimination based on class, race or gender (because the noblest humans are the most pious). The
shared frame of these opposing views tends to draw them into an often sterile philosophical-theological
terrain. In general, little effort has been made to understand the politics of religious affiliation, and how in
practice Muslims perceive their religion in relation to democratic ideals.

Is islam a reason that muslim countries are not democratic?

Most scholars say no, and point to a mix of historical, cultural, economic, and political factors--and not
Islam as a religion--to explain why democracy has failed to take root in many Muslim countries, especially
in the Arab world. Recent Pew Global Attitudes surveys, in fact, show that majorities in the Arab world
favor democracy as a form of government.

The Arab world, home to 18 percent of the world's Muslims, is a democracy-free zone, according to
many scholars. Syria, Libya, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia are the least democratic nations in the Arab
world, according to a study by Daniel Brumbergof the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Other Arab nations fall somewhere between autocracy and democracy: they may have legislatures, labor
unions, and political parties, but their ruling party, president, or king exercises final control. On a spectrum
from most to least democratic, these countries are: Morocco, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Algeria,
Qatar, and Yemen. Lebanon was a fully functioning democracy in the early 1970's, but years of civil war
and conflict have transformed it into a more repressive nation.
Poorly. According to Freedom House, a nonprofit organization that tracks democracy worldwide, "the last
30 years have seen a trend diametrically opposite to the global trend toward political
liberalization" in Muslim nations. This is particularly true for nations in the Arab world, many of which
have taken steps backward in terms of political liberties and electoral democracy in the last 10 years.
However, some scholars argue that the "democracy gap" that appears to separate Muslim nations from
the rest of the world applies only to the Arab world. In other regions, argues Alfred Stepan in the July
2003 issue of Journal of Democracy, Muslim nations are on par with--or outpace--comparable non-Muslim
developing nations in terms of civil liberties and free and fair elections.

What are the main reasons so few Muslim nations are democratic?
There are many, says Marc Plattner, the co-director of the International Forum for Democratic Studies at
the National Endowment for Democracy. In the Arab world, for example, oil has been a factor,
entrenching elites and slowing the development of market economies and the political freedoms that can
accompany them. Tribalism and patriarchal social systems also play a role. Political manipulation of the
Arab-Israeli conflict, in which Muslim leaders channel domestic unrest into criticism of Israel and the
West, is also a factor. Other scholars point to additional issues: repression by monarchies and military
governments; the lack of independent secular political parties; traditional mindsets that consider Western-
style democracy a foreign, non-Islamic invention; an ideological obsession with unity; and a long-standing
policy of U.S. and Western support for many autocrats in the Arab world.

8
Why have Western nations supported Arab autocrats?

Because they are friendly to Western interests, which mainly have to do with oil and other national
security concerns. Another key reason has been the fear that, if autocrats fell, they would be replaced by
radical regimes. The most powerful opposition to entrenched leaders in many Arab nations are Islamists,
groups that embrace a political view of Islam and reject secular forms of government. In many cases,
these groups are anti-Western in outlook; some advocate the use of violence to bring about change.

What are the religious ideals within Islam that could favor democracy?
The Koran, the holy book of Islam, contains a number of ideas that some Islamic scholars say support
democratic ideals. One is shura, or consultative decision making. The other isijma, or the principle of
consensus. However, Muslim scholars disagree about whether these terms have political applications.
Is shura obligatory or merely desirable? Binding or non-binding? Another powerful argument for
democracy emerges from the principles in theconstitution of Medina, which was written by the prophet
Mohammed in 622 A.D, according to Muqtedar Khan, the director of international studies at Adrian
College in Michigan. The document sets down the rules of the community of Medina, as agreed to by
Muslims and Jews of the city--and grants equal rights to Jews and Muslims who follow its laws.

What are the religious ideals within Islam that may oppose democracy?
At core is the fact that in Islam, God is the giver of laws, and men have only limited autonomy to
implement and enforce God's laws. These laws, known as sharia, apply to all aspects of religious,
political, social, and private life. Interpreted literally, they can clash with Western democratic ideals. An
Islamic democracy has to navigate tensions created by Islam's traditional rules, such as those that give
lesser weight to women's testimony in Islamic courts and those that dictate corporal punishment, such as
death by stoning for female adulterers. Modern Islamic democracies have reinterpreted or chosen not to
enforce some or all of these laws. Some Muslim scholars argue against democracy because they see it
as a system in which the whim of the majority is the source of law. The counterargument to this, says
John O. Voll, professor of Islamic history at Georgetown University, is that all nations create laws--
whether they are monarchies, dictatorships, or democracies. And in a democracy, more checks exist on
man's whim than in an autocracy.

Are these tensions delaying the acceptance of democracy?

In some countries, yes. But scholars differ about whether democracy for the Muslim world can wait until
these theological questions are better resolved. "There's an interesting argument happening among
Muslims about sequencing," Plattner says. "Some say you first have to reinterpret Islam, then you can
build a democracy. There are others who say that if you establish a democracy first, that's the best way to
get a reformation in Islam. It's kind of a 'chicken and egg' problem."

Are democratic interpretations of Islam gaining ground in the Muslim world?

So far, it's difficult to know for sure. Among Muslim intellectuals, they are certainly having an impact, but
"it's not a political trend," Brumberg says. Liberal Islamists have had problems building an organized
political base in the Muslim world, he adds--in part because they are often restricted from participating in
politics by the same laws that ban more radical Islamist political parties. "Clearly, they haven't been
winning the population as a whole over," Plattner says.

Is the desire for democracy gaining ground?

It appears so, but at the same time support for organized Islamist parties with inherently anti-democratic
views is also strong, Brumberg says. The complexity of the political situation in the Muslim world is
reflected in the recent Pew survey, which found both that majorities in the nine predominately Muslim
nations surveyed believe that democracy can work in their countries--and that Osama bin Laden is one of

9
their three "most trusted" world leaders. Respondents also favored a prominent--in many cases
expanded— role for Islam and religious leaders in national politics, but majorities in most countries also
said they valued ideals associated with democracy, such as freedom of the press.

In many Arab nations, Brumberg says, Islamist parties command the support of between 35 percent and
40 percent of the population. "When people say they want democracy," he says, "you have to ask, 'What
would that mean? Whose interests would the democracy serve?'"

The Muslim world is passing through a phase between kingdoms and dictatorships. Some countries like
Afghanistan had a kingdom but went back to tribal fiefdoms. It is extremely difficult for a democracy to
survive if the society is in the tribal or feudal phase. For a short period, the democracy can be forced from
the top in countries like Afghanistan but it will go back as soon as the external force is removed.
Democracy in my opinion requires certain preconditions and basic requirements. As these requirements
are fulfilled in a society, the democracy starts to grow in that country. People in the Muslim World are no
different than those living in the western democracies. People around the World have similar hopes and
aspiration at basic human level. However, the conditions do not exist in Muslim countries that lead
towards democracy. The required conditions are as follows:

Growth of educated Middle Class

I have not seen a single country that has a democracy without a solid middle class. In all non-democratic
countries the rich are very rich while masses are at or below poverty level. The middle class in Muslim
countries is very small as compared to western democracies. The educated middle class stabilizes the
society and acts as a buffer between the rich and poor. In Pakistan, the landlords, tribal chiefs still control
the power and money. The middle class is emerging at a very slow pace. So with all of the elections, it
cannot be termed as a democratic country.

Religious Tolerance
This is perhaps the most important requirement in the Muslim world. Western democracies have
developed secular constitutions and separated religion from the affairs of the state. The freedom of
religion is enshrined in the constitution. Everyone is free to practice religion but the state does not
impose any religion. In Muslim world the secularism is defined as atheism. Democracy in any religious
country can easily become a tyranny of majority. It has manifested in various forms of religious
sectarianism like, Shia, Sunni, Wahhabi and Brelvi in the Muslim World

Freedom of Press or Mass Media

It seems like you can fool all people all the times if you control the mass communication media. The free
press and freedom of speech go hand in hand. This is window through which people see the World
around them. If this window is tinted then they see green all around them.

Civic Awareness
This closely follows the freedom of press. By civic awareness, I mean the people who understand their
individual and collective responsibilities. In majority of the Muslim World they want government or
Almighty to take care of their problems. I have seen garbage piling up in the streets in many third world
countries. The people generally blame the government for the lack of cleanliness. Everyone claims that
the government is corrupt and does not take care of the street repairs, water drainage system and street

10
cleaning. However the same people do not pay taxes. The people do not volunteer to find a solution to
their problems.

Rule of Law
Rule of law is required under all forms of governing practices. Common people get much more benefit
from protection under the old laws instead of chaos under new democracy.
In Muslim and many third world countries, the rich and powerful get different treatment as compared to
common folks. This causes resentment at a grass root level and manifests itself in various forms of
lawlessness.

THEORY & DEMOCRACY

In political science, Third Wave Democracy, also known as Democracy's Third Wave, refers to the
third major surge of democracy in history. The term was coined by Samuel P. Huntington, a political
scientist at Harvard University in his article published in the Journal of Democracy and further expounded
in his 1991 book The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century.

Huntington describes global democratization as coming in three waves, the first beginning in the early
19th century with the third being a current event.[1]

The first wave of democracy began in the early 19th century when suffrage was granted to the majority of
white males in the United States ("Jacksonian democracy"). At its peak, the first wave saw 29
democracies in the world. This continued until 1922, when Benito Mussolini rose to power in Italy. The
ebb of the first wave lasted from 1922 until 1942, during which the number of democracies in the world
dropped to a mere 12.[1]

The second wave began following the Allied victory in World War II, and crested nearly 20 years later in
1962 with 36 recognised democracies in the world. The second wave ebbed as well at this point, and the
total number dropped to 30 democracies between 1962 and the mid-1970s. But the "flat line" would not
last for long, as the third wave was about to surge in a way no one had ever seen. [1]

The Third Wave

In 1974 the third wave began its upward climb, doubling the number of democracies in just a few
decades. Today there are some 60 democracies in the world, the most to date.[1]

Many political scientists and theorists believe that in accordance with history, this third wave has crested
and will soon ebb just as its predecessors did. Others believe that there are still more democracies to
come, saying that this is still the beginning of the current wave. A common belief is that the third wave will
ebb only to quickly be replaced with a fourth wave as early as the first half of the 21st century. [citation needed]

Huntington agrees that these predictions are certainly possible and that to a degree each is valid,
however he notes that no such events can truly be predicted, even with years of history as a model.

RATINGS OF DEMOCRACY INDEX

11
India has climbed a point up and Pakistan slid a position downward in the newly released Democracy
Index measured by the Economists Intelligence Unit for 2011 that placed Pakistan in Hybrid Regime
category where corruption tends to be pervasive, rule of law weak and political culture intolerant. India
that was ranked at 40th position in 2010, out of 115 countries, has improved its rating having been placed
at 39th rank in 2011. Pakistani in contrast has been in reverse gear as it slid down from 104 to 105,
further one point below. Pakistan falls in hybrid regimes.
The following table constitutes the number of countries in each category according to 2010 survey. [4]

Type of regime Countries % of countries % of world population

Full democracies 25 15.0 11.3

Flawed democracies 53 31.7 37.1

Hybrid regimes 37 22.2 14.0

Authoritarian regimes 52 31.1 37.6

1. Full democracies—scores of 8 to 10.

2. Flawed democracies—scores of 6 to 7.9.
3. Hybrid regimes—scores of 4 to 5.9.
4. Authoritarian regimes—scores of 0 to 3.9.

GOVERNANCE & DEMOCRACY

 The concept of governance has been used in the literature in two senses, one narrow and the
other broad. The World Bank, for example, which uses it in the narrow sense, defines good
governance as “sound development management” encompassing public sector management,
accountability, the legal framework for development and, information and transparency.”
 The broader definition of the term governance refers to “good government of society”. These
broader definitions of governance generally imply the legitimacy of authority, public
responsiveness and public accountability of government. These conditions can be satisfied only
by a democratic regime. Thus good governance means democratic governance.

12
DEMOCRACY & TYPES
When we talk about the nature of democracy we come across different types which includes Radical
Democracy, Guided Democracy, Liberal Democracy, Socialist Democracy, and Consociational
Democracy and democratic melting pot.

DEMOCRACY & DEVELOPMENT

Until relatively recently what was usually measured as development was growth of national output.
However, now it is generally recognized that this is too narrow a definition of development. Development
defined as sustained and equitable growth that is environmentally sustainable and which takes place in a
climate of freedom that gives the people civil and other liberties to enhance their choices is a more
complete and meaningful definition. At the theoretical level there are two opposing theses.

1. Those who believe that democracy does not help development point out the following. Firstly,
democracy encourages ethnic and other cleavages and creates instability that jeopardizes
development. Secondly, political elites respond to pressure groups that causes distortions in
resource allocation. Third, democracy puts pressure on the rulers to redistribute ahead of
growth. What is required for development is more savings and less consumption. That is easier
to achieve under an authoritarian regime that can take unpopular decisions.
2. On the other side stand those who belong to the compatibility school. They argue that
democracy promotes civil and political rights, property rights, free information flows and the rule
of law, all of which are seen as pre-conditions to development.

DEMOCRACY & ECONOMIC REFORM

A connected issue is the relationship between democracy and market-oriented economic reform to which
almost every developing country is now committed.

THE CONDITIONS FOR DEMOCRACY

1. Economic Development
2. Political Attitudes and Behavior
3. Interelite Relations
4. Social Structures and Interactions Between Social Groups
5. Political Institutions
6. Sequences in Development
7. External Influences

13
DEMOCRACY PRACTICES & PAKISTAN
In a democratic political set-up, three institutions play the basic, but the most important, role in the
management of the country’s domestic and international affairs. These institutions are
1. Legislative: The legislative formulates amends and promulgates laws and regulations governing
individual and collective behaviour of the population;
2. Executive: the executive enforces those laws and if those laws are violated, the judiciary ensures
that the violators are punished and laws passed by people’s representatives are upheld.
3. Judiciary: The executive supports the judiciary in upholding the verdicts announced and ensures
the sanctity of laws.
In Pakistan, however, we observe a deliberate tug of war between these three branches of the
government. As a result, these august branches of our political set-up are losing their respect among the
masses.

As the Pakistani parliament passes a landmark resolution endorsing the supremacy of the constitution
and democracy, the tug of war between the civilian government and the military is also accelerating. On
Monday, the Pakistani parliament passed a resolution supporting the rule of civilian democracy in the
country in an apparent show of strength by the governing Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which is facing
serious corruption allegations. On the same day, Pakistan's Supreme Court issued a contempt of
court notice to the country's prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, over his reluctance to reopen a
corruption investigation against President Asif Ali Zardari. The court has summoned the prime minister on
January 19 to clarify his position.

14
In a latest move, the apex court also suspended the license of federation lawyer and former law minister,
Babar Awan, in another contempt of court case, exacerbating the crisis. Many in Pakistan view the
current predicament as a clash of institutions - these being predominantly the armed forces and the
parliament. Political observers are of the view that in Pakistan - a country which has been governed by
the military for more than three decades cumulatively and where the judiciary has mostly been
subservient to the powerful military establishment - civilian governments are always bound to lose.

Our politicians constantly blame martial laws and military dictators for the deterioration of national
institutions, which may be true to some degree. The track record of our politicians in this respect does not
stand out in comparison. Military dictators being absolute rulers did influence all three branches to
achieve their political ends; yet, they kept a façade of respect for all the branches of the government. One
neither witnessed physical assaults on the courts, nor observed public ridicule of judiciary. The legislative
and the executive also seemed to work in cooperation without any friction. The civilian rulers, in contrast,
have a dismal record. Despite being the elected representatives, once in government they also adopt
dictatorial methods in running its affairs. They behave in a manner, which demonstrates that they are not
there to serve the law; law has to serve them.

All our political leaders once elected to Parliament shamelessly exhibit an attitude that amply shows that
law is subservient to them. Though they pay lip service to the supremacy of law, they react in an
intolerant manner, even on trivial matters. Recently, the nation witnessed on a television channel that a
parliamentarian belonging to a party that claims to stand for the peoples rights, publicly threatening a
police officer, who had rightly checked his car parked in a no-parking zone; they yell “violation of
privileges” when they are checked on as minor a breach as using prohibited tinted glass windows on
their vehicles. They amply show that they are above the law; law is for those who have no political clout,
wealth or social status.

This defiance of law and court rulings is now becoming a common phenomenon in Pakistan; rulings of the
apex court are not only disobeyed and disregarded, but also publicly subjected to sarcasm and ridicule.
And this is done by the members of that party, who pride themselves as the upholders of law and order.
This attitude by the ruling elite undermines the position of the courts and their orders across the entire
social milieu. When people observe that court verdicts are not implemented, they tend to take law in their
own hands and administer street justice. We have witnessed such events in Sialkot, Faisalabad and
other places where alleged offenders were lynched in streets in front of spectators. Such episodes
usher in political anarchy where the entire civilian edifice crumbles. The NRO legal battle has been settled
and orders of the Supreme Court have been announced.

In the past four years, the government has failed to deliver. Its election manifesto was vague and it rode
to success on sympathy votes that came its way due to the unfortunate and tragic assassination of its
leader, who commanded great respect and prestige in the masses. During these years, the government
has been plagued by the
1. Haj financial scam

15
 2. NILC scandal
3. electricity blackouts
4. gas load shedding
5. immense price hikes in electricity, gas, petroleum products and everyday food and consumer
commodities
6. Gas termination in industrial plants has rendered thousands of workers jobless with no hope of
any revival in the near future
Large government organizations, like the
1. Railways,
2. Steel Mills
3. PIA
They have become inoperable and are running in losses threatening the closure of these corporations.
The political battles must be fought politically and legal battles need legal handling. The judiciary is an
important organ of the State that endeavours to uphold the law of the land; its role and functions are well
defined in the Constitution. A demoralised and discredited judiciary cannot uphold law and dispense
justice. If this pillar of the State crumbles under the arrogance of the powerful, people will take the law in
their hands and we will witness large-scale dispensing of street justice, which will spread anarchy in the
country. If one pillar of the State apparatus is endangered, the others will not remain unaffected. This
trend needs to be halted and our media can play a positive role in it; instead of broadcasting cat
fights among the politicians on non-issues in their talk shows, the media should bring on saner
intelligentsia to project importance of State organs and methods how that could be achieved. We need to
stress that everyone is subject to law and must submit to it

The instability of government, inefficiency of political parties, and a weak political culture create the
scenario for a politically instable state. Political instability has become a serious problem especially for the
developing and underdeveloped countries. This problem is associated with a series of problems in
various fields. The problem of political instability generates more serious for a society which is multi
ethnic, having people of diverse cultural attributes. In a politically stable state all sections of society get
their due shares and are satisfied being a part of a multi ethnic society which ultimately leads towards the
nation-building. In stable conditions people are empowered and exert their energies for the development
of nation. Incase of instability the case is vice versa, people feel unsatisfied and powerless, lose their trust
on institutions and they prefer their own interest in front of state and ultimately society leads to split.

The political stability can be understood more by defining the causes of the instability in developing
states. There are five issue areas as described by Leonard Binder, which many states are facing while
trying to maintain the stability needed in their political system. These areas are: "Identity crises, legitimacy
Crisis, Penetration crisis, Participation crisis and distribution crisis”

DEMOCRACY AND MEDIA

 Today, media is considered the fourth pillar of the state all over the world; first and foremost
British Member of Parliament Lord Macaulay had given this status to the media. Media plays a
crucial role in shaping a healthy democracy. It is the backbone of a democracy.

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  Media makes us aware of various social, political and economical activities happening around
the world. It is like a mirror, which shows us or strives to show us the bare truth and harsh
realities of life.
 The media has undoubtedly evolved and become more active over the years. It is the media only
who reminds politicians about their unfulfilled promises at the time of elections.
 T.V news channels excessive coverage during elections helps people, especially illiterates, in
electing the right person to the power. This reminder compels politicians to be upto their
promises in order to remain in power.
 Television and radio have made a significant achievement in educating rural illiterate masses in
making them aware of all the events in their language. Coverage of exploitative malpractices of
village heads and moneylenders has helped in taking stringent actions against them by
attracting government’s attention.
 The media also exposes loopholes in the democratic system, which ultimately helps government
in filling the vacuums of loopholes and making a system more accountable, responsive and
citizen-friendly. A democracy without media is like a vehicle without wheels.
 In the age of information technology we are bombarded with information. We get the pulse of
the world events with just a click of a mouse. The flow of information has increased manifolds

CIVIL MILITARY RELATIONS AND DEMOCRACY

Since last six and a half decade, Pakistan has witnessed four different eras where the Army chief has
ruled the country. The political analysts all around the world feel that one of the reasons behind the
political instability of Pakistan is the interference of Army in the political affairs. Civil–military
relations (Civ-Mil or CMR) describes the relationship between civil society as a whole and the military
organization or organizations established to protect it. More narrowly, it describes the relationship
between the civil authority of a given society and its military authority. Studies of civil-military relations
often rest on a normative assumption that civilian control of the military is preferable to military control of
the state. The principal problem they examine, however, is empirical: to explain how civilian control over
the military is established and maintained. The history of civil-military relations can be traced to the
writings of Sun Tzuand Carl von Clausewitz, both of whom argued that military organizations were
primarily the servants of the state. However, in his book The Man on Horseback, Samuel E.
Finer countered some of Huntington's arguments and assumptions, and offered a look into the civil-
military relationships in the under-developed world. Finer observed that many governments do not have
the administrative skills to efficiently govern which may open opportunities for military intervention—
opportunities that are not as likely in more developed countries. n his seminal 1957 book on civil-military
relations, The Soldier and the State, Samuel P. Huntington described the differences between the two
worlds as a contrast between the attitudes and values held by military personnel, mostly conservative,
and those held by civilians, mostly liberal.

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The Military's Interests

Among the Pakistani military's major interests and concerns, six stand out:

National security is obviously paramount. During the Zia era, the military directly controlled
nuclear policy and the conduct of the Afghan War. Nuclear policy has remained their close
preserve, even under civilian rule. Benazir Bhutto complained in September 1991 that she was
denied information about highly sensitive aspects of the country's nuclear programme during her
first term as Prime Minister.
Overseas weapons and equipment procurement is another military interest with foreign-policy
implications. The three military services thus press the civilian government to pursue foreign
policy to facilitate this objective.
The military is opposed to any unilateral cut in defence expenditure by civilian leaders.
The repeated exercise of power under martial law has enabled officers to accumulate
considerable perks and privileges, which the military inevitably wants protected - along with
generally improving service conditions.
The military also expects a civilian government to ensure socio-political stability. The senior
commanders therefore constantly review the government's political and economic management,
especially its interaction with the political adversaries, the handling of law and order, and such
issues as corruption, use of state machinery and patronage.

The military's primary consideration is not direct exercise of power, but protection and advancement of its
professional and corporate interests. If these interests can be protected, it would prefer to stay on the
sidelines. On a number of occasions, top Army commanders have used their influence to moderate a
conflict among the politicians and/or forced them into a settlement when they felt that a confrontation
would cause a major constitutional or political breakdown. They supported the President in removing
civilian governments in August 1990, April 1993 and November 1996, having concluded that these
governments could no longer ensure domestic peace, stability and order. In December 1997, on the other
hand, the Army ultimately supported the Prime Minister in his bitter confrontation with the President and
the judiciary.

Threats to Democracy in Pakistan:

a) Internal Threats

1) Political Threats

i) Lack Of Leadership
ii) Confrontation Between The Organs:
iii) Poor Relations Or Distrust Between Centre And Provinces:
iv) Military Role In Politics:
v) Meddling With The Constitution
vi) Strong Bureaucracy And Feudal System:
vii) Political Disharmony
viii) Rampant Corruption:
ix) Absence Of Accountability

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x) Crisis Of Governance:
xi) No Rule Of Law And Ethnic Crisis:
xii) Media Hype About Political Activities
xiii) Faltering Judiciary:

2) Social Threats:
i) Weak And Poverty Stricken Society
ii) Illiterate Masses:
iii) Low Level Of Political Socialization
iv) Social Injustice:
v) Domestic Violence And Sense Of Insecurity:

3) Economic Threats:
i) Economic Instability:
ii) Energy Crisis
iii) Unemployment
iv) Inflation And Food Crisis:
v) Recent Natural Calamity

4) Religious Threats:
i) Extremism And Terrorism:
ii) Religious Intolerance And Sectarianism:

b) External Threats:
i) Recurring Foreign Intervention In Our National Affairs
ii) Us Influence
iii) Tarnished Image Of Pakistan Across The Globe

• Suggestions To Meet The Threats

1. Strengthen Of Political Parties And Political Culture

2. Sovereignty Of Parliament And Other Statuary
3. Independence Of Judiciary
4. Eradication Of Illiteracy
5. Political Awareness
6. Democratic Norms
7. Economic Uplift
8. Emergence Of New Leadership

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9. Participation Of Youth In Political Process
10. Mature And Tolerant Politics
11. Independence Of Media
12. Accountability

Pakistan, since its day of inception, has faced several challenges to establish a true
democratic system, which could guarantee its survival, stability and development. Every
democratic period has been followed by the military rule. Unfortunately, the plant of
democracy has not taken its roots deep enough to make the country, “a durable democratic
state.” This is the reason that until now democracy in Pakistan is prone to many threats.
These threats emanate from internal as well as external factors. Internal threats include
political, social, economic, as well as religious which have resulted in the weakening of
democracy in Pakistan. Lack of mature leadership, confrontation between the main organs
of the state, poor relations between the centre and the provinces, rampant corruption,
distrust among the politicians, strong bureaucracy and crisis of governance are the
immediate threats to democracy in Pakistan. Furthermore, meddling with the constitution
has also dealt a severe blow to democracy in Pakistan. In addition to this, terrorism, energy
crisis, ethnicity and sectarianism, domestic violence, religious intolerance, economic
instability, unemployment, and recent natural calamity is posing a great threat to
democratic government in Pakistan. Not only this, but recurring foreign interventions in our
national affairs, our country’s tarnished image across the world, and weak diplomacy is also
contributing in destabilizing democratic setup. Fuelling to the fire, Government’s indifference
towards people and its inability to resolve these problems is mounting frustration among the
masses. This frustration is proving venomous and it could derail the process of democracy in
Pakistan.

Lack of leadership is one of the greatest threats to democracy in Pakistan. Since the
tragic demise of the great Quaid we have been devoid of mature and competent leadership.
Absence of visionary leadership has been the biggest dilemma for the country. Our leaders
have always served their own vested interests and have divested the nation of the basic
amenities of life. In such conditions, democracy has suffered a lot and is still suffering. The
malignant intentions of our political spearheads, have not only smudged the image of
Pakistan before the globe, but have also proved fatal for the democratic survival.

For a sturdy political environment, the conformity between all the institutions of the
government is pivotal. In the absence of mature and sensible leadership, the
confrontation between institutions is prevailing. For instance, the government’s non-
compliance with implementation of the decisions of the Supreme Court on various matters
of national importance (including the NICL corruption case) is a point of concern.
Consequently, there is surfacing a government-judiciary mismatch. By thwarting an
oversight of the court, the government is trying to run its affairs, in which the top priority is
to complete the tenure. The clash between the main organs of the state has been leading to
the catastrophe of the democratic state.

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Poor relations between centre and the four provinces of the country are also a
threat to democracy. Coordination between them is essential to run the machinery of the
state smoothly. On the contrary, the centre and provinces have always been at loggerhead
with each other. Disharmony over natural resources and other issues have kept democracy
under strain. The tragic fall of Dhaka was the result of such contentious relations. That’s
why; Pakistan has always been experiencing political instability. These conditions have
again and again provided army a rationale to topple the civilian government.

The ongoing turmoil has started a new debate about the military role in the democratic
setup. Due to lack of political insight, our politicians have frequently invited the military, to
topple the democratic government by opting unconstitutional means. Thus our incompetent
leaders have endangered the survival of political and democratic values of the country.
Resultantly, the seed of a great democratic culture, sowed by the great Quaid, never
appeared to turn into a strong tree.

In addition, meddling with the constitution has caused ineffaceable damage to

democracy. A constitution is considered as a guardian of democracy. Unfortunately, the
constitution, which was drafted after nine years of the independence in 1956, was strangled
after military coup by Ayub Khan in 1958. A proper constitution was formulated in 1973, but
every dictator trimmed this constitution in accordance to his own personal interests.
Moreover, our political forces have also played a horrible role in deteriorating the original
draft of the constitution. Resultantly, we have remained unable to protect the strong
democratic traditions.

Strong bureaucracy and feudal system are another threat to democracy. Their secret
coalition is hindering the growth of democracy in a smooth way. Their compromise with
each other has resulted in the accumulation of power in fewer hands. Even the universal
suffrage could have not been effective. Thus, the circulation is power in a handful families is
making the structure hollow. Today we will hardly see people from middle class and lower
class in politics, because of sheer force and influence of these politicians, such class could
not get free hand to participate in politics that is absolutely against the Democracy. Noam
Chomsky has rightly said about derailing of democracy that” if you want to restrict
democracy transfer power of decision making from public arena to unaccountable
institutions, kings and princes, priestly castes, military juntas, and feudal Lords.”

Political disharmony is proving to be venomous for the democratic setup. All the major
political powers are busy in point scoring and blame game. They are least concerned with
addressing the problems of the nation, and hence, a sense of deprivation among the people
is replicating immensely. Without cooperation between the political supreme, the dream for
a durable democratic state would remain a fantasy.

Adding fuel to the fire, rampant corruption is proving catastrophic for democracy to
survive. Corruption remains a substantial obstacle for Pakistan and democratic system.
Transparency International (TI) has ranked Pakistan 34th most corrupt nation in the world.
First government of PPP in 1988 was sacked because of charges of corruption, similarly

21
elections held in 1997 were accused of such charges, and the recent compromise on
corruption in the form of NRO, has raised many questions in the minds of nation against the
credibility of political elite. The menace of corruption is hollowing the roots of already weak
democracy.

The spectre of corruption is growing stronger in absence of true

accountability. Accountability which aims at strengthening the roots of democracy is
lacking in our country. The national anti-corruption agency, National Accountability Bureau
(NAB) which was created in 2002 and endowed with the powers of investigating and
prosecuting the cases against the corrupt leaders, has failed to play its role effectively. .
Thus, in the absence of accountability everyone, whatever illegal he does, thinks it as his
right. It is a sort of deluge which is weakening the democracy to its roots and posing a great
threat.

Lack of accountability coupled with crisis of governance is posing a challenge to the

smooth running of the system. Pakistan is facing a constant dilemma of poor governance. It
has generated mistrust and has undermined the proficient and transparent delivery of public
services and the implementation of programs in an efficient manner. Poverty has been
growing in the country at an alarming level and in just last three years of democratic
regime, it has reached to 40 per cent from 17.13 per cent in 2008. Owing to increasing
poverty, people find themselves challenged even to procure basic staples such as flour and
pulses. Pakistan’s level of human development is low and its education indicators are the
worst in South Asia. Despite having huge natural resources, our country has entered into a
stagflation, which is the worst-ever scenario. Investment is rapidly flying from Pakistan due
to unfavourable economic environment in the country which is not a good omen for
democracy.

Owing to poor governance, the government is losing control over law and order
situation. When individuals put themselves ahead of institutions, they set a bad example.
Suicide attacks, target killing, robbery and other crimes have become norm of the day.
Innocent people have been killed on ethnic basis and government seems helpless in this
regard which is also a dangerous sign for democratic rule.

The current pathetic situation of conflicts and distrust are solely the outcomes of a weak
democratic setup. Media plays a pivotal role in moulding and reshaping the beliefs of a lay
man. Unfortunately, the recent media hype in relation to the political activities has been
aggravated the situation. Media’s biasness has ignited a flame of political imbalance and
disharmony which in turn, has been weakening the roots of democratic culture in Pakistan.

Another matter remains to be one of the major threats to democracy is the weak judicial
system of Pakistan. Every now and again when the democratic rule was deposed by the
military ruler the weak judiciary played a crucial rule in strengthening the hands of military.
The weak judiciary has provided every military a legal cover under the pretext of
expediency. In current scenario, there is again a threat that history could repeat itself if the
guardians of democracy continued to disrespect the norms of democracy and judiciary.

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Above mentioned threats to democracy relate to the political sphere which are collectively
giving rise to social threats. Poverty stricken society, illiterate masses, social injustice,
domestic violence, sense of insecurity and frustration among the masses are sowing the
seeds of hatred for democracy.

Weak and poverty stricken society, gives birth to resentment. A society, lacking food
security, is least concerned with their rights. Fraternity and impartiality could not be the hall
mark of such a culture, where more than half of the total population of the country is living
below the poverty line. Consequently democratic trends cannot prevail in such an
environment where the people are paying tax even on the purchase of a match box and the
grain is getting beyond their reach.

Furthermore, illiterate masses, have also contributed in deteriorating the political system
of the country. A nation with such a low literacy rate can only breed a frail political and
democratic culture. An educated person is aware of his rights and can fight for the
principles, and resultantly, his voice cannot remain unheard. Contrary to this philosophy, an
ignorant society weakens the democratic values.

Sadly, the political psyche of the people is also very negative due to low level of
political awareness and socialization. And this trend allowed the hegemonic forces to keep
media, educational institutions, peers and public forums from incorporating a political
consciousness into the people. The masses are even not able to resist the Martial Laws, and
the civil society is always succumbed to the military rule.

In context to Pakistan social injustice is a prevalent feature. Citizens of Pakistan are

unaware of social justice concept and its effects on society. Pakistan’s civil and military
rulers and elite class have been plundering this country since independence. Social justice is
a norm, value and principle of the healthy society and identity of a prosperous peaceful
country, one should realise the fact that social injustice does not only affect the life of a
common man but also jeopardize national machinery. It is what on which whole system is
based on and if it’s unstable than the country would be in line of where now Pakistan
stands.

Increasing domestic violence is also proving detrimental for democracy to prevail.

Day to day target killing, extortion, kidnapping for ransom and other crimes made people
vulnerable. Sense of insecurity is increasing and people insecure even within their homes.
Protection of the life and property of the common people is the first and foremost duty of
the government. But owing to government’s failure is breeding frustration among the
masses which in turn is giving rise to unfavourable conditions for democracy and paving
path for anti-democratic forces to come into play.

Economic stability is a hallmark of a democracy. It plays the role of a backbone for

democracy. On the other hand, economic instability serves as toppling factor for democracy.
Despite having all the resources and authority the government has been unable to manage
the economy efficiently and come up with viable policies to improve the lives of common

23
people. Our economy which, has already been suffering heavily at the hands of terrorism, is
hit hard by recent turmoil in Karachi and floods in 2010 and 2011. Agricultural sector is
witnessing a worst scenario ever. Instead of showing upward turn GDP is constantly going
down. All these factors are leading Pakistan to the brink of political instability.

Energy crisis is further adding fuel to the fire. Energy is just like fuel for the economy;
similarly existence of energy crisis makes the economy vulnerable and adversely affects the
industrial sector. For instance, the textile industry of Pakistan is badly hit by the energy
crisis. Many textile units in Faisalabad have been closed down. In fact, the whole country is
suffering from the scheduled and unscheduled power outages, which indeed have disturbed
both domestic life and economic activities in the country. People have started agitating in
streets and damaging public property. Thus, the energy imbalance has become a threat to
the economic growth and prosperity of Pakistan.

Not only this, but energy crisis is also giving rise to unemployment. Deteriorating
conditions of agricultural and industrial sectors and government’s inability to provide
employment to its masses is indirectly weakening the roots of democracy. The ongoing
chaos in many Arab countries is the result of the failure of the rulers to provide employment
and other necessities of life to their people.

Incessant inflation coupled with food crisis is also a dangerous sign for democracy. Food
commodities are getting beyond common man’s reach. The world’s financial experts have
placed Pakistan on a list of 36 countries that face a serious food crisis, warning that if the
situation worsen people may raid storage facilities for food. Causes of food insecurity are as
various as its consequences but government’s frail management has made this issue
complex and not only threatening the lives of more than 83 million Pakistanis.

The recent natural calamity, in the shape of floods, which has paralysed our economy, is
real test for the government. All the sectors of the economy, especially agriculture and
industry, have been severely hampered by tis devastation. Under the above said pitiful
conditions, the failure of the government to tackle this challenge would be a failure of
democracy itself.

The current stream of extremism and terrorism has brought forth a new ideology. This
new ideological approach is also the most immediate threat to democracy in Pakistan today.
These extremist elements equally manipulate the government and the common people.
Their own version of Islam has become a means of playing with the sentiments of the
already deprived masses. Hence, the bearers of this new ideology of governance consider
democracy non Islamic and thus completely useless for an Islamic state. The prevailing
conditions of the country and the demand for implementation of sharia (their own version),
is a testimony to this ideological belief. For these elements, the concept of democracy is
western thus against Islam.

Religious intolerance and Sectarianism are further inflicting a heavy damage to

democracy in Pakistan. The seed of religious intolerance, that took its roots in 1979 after
the Islamic Revolution in Iran, has now grown into a strong tree. Every successive

24
government has failed to provide security to minorities. Recent incidents of blatant killings
of the people of Shia community have further exposed the government’s failure in
protecting the minorities. In a report regarding religious freedom released by Washington
Pakistan was cited among 10 countries, “failing to sufficiently protect religious rights”. The
report includes a long list of case studies of violence and discrimination against Ahmedis,
Christians, Sikhs, Hindus and other Muslim sects.

Recurring foreign intervention into our national and domestic issues is also proving
hazardous for democracy to sustain. A country, with sturdy democratic norms, does not
allow any foreign power to intervene into its matter of domestic and national interest.
Countries, especially America, are more interested in framing Pakistan’s policies than that of
its own. Our national integrity is at stake due to our political disharmony and democratic
redundancy. US have always exerted its influence on every government, whether it’s a
democratic or military, to serve its covert interests. Its staunch support to every military
ruler has caused an ineffaceable damage to democracy and has never given a fair chance to
elected democratic government to survive.

Finally, Pakistan’s tarnished image across the world as a true democratic polity is not
less than a threat in itself. Above all the military and quasi-military rule strangled the
democratic rule in the country. World Bank and other financial institutions have persistently
laid sanctions upon the Pakistan. These financial penalties and restrains upon trade is the
outcome of weedy democratic in the past and frequent military coups.

From the above discussion it is evident that democracy has many threats some are internal
and others from external front. The need of the hour is to show the sincerity of purpose.
Following are the pragmatic solutions to fortify the flimsy democratic culture in the
country.

• Political parties must be strengthened to promote political culture and avoid political
disharmony.
• Sovereignty of parliament must be ensured to protect democracy from threats posed by
anti-state actors.
• Judiciary should be made independent and its decisions must be respected to promote
coordination among institutions.
• Educational reforms should be introduced. Government should revise its educational policy
and make it much more effective both in letter and spirit.
• Political awareness must be created among the masses.
• The role of feudal lords and bureaucrats in politics must be minimised to promote
democratic culture.
• Viable economic policies must be put in place to prevent economic instability and improve
the lives of common people.
• There is a dire need of mature leadership avert the threats to democracy.
• Youth participation in political process must be encouraged.
• The government should furnish a worthy foreign policy and shall clearly define its level of
interaction and cooperation with the world.
• An effective and efficient system of check and balances is the dire need of the hour to

25
strengthen the democratic process.
• There are few anti-government channels that try to highlight the pessimistic side of the
country, such programs should not be broadcasted as they deteriorates the image of
country.

To conclude, it can be said that democracy doesn’t just spring out of thin air, it is a
gradual process taking decades sometimes centuries. Our leaders must realize the
importance of democracy and must respect the power delegated to them through vote.
Though democracy is facing a multi-dimensional threats yet they can be tackled efficiently if
will is there. Our leaders must shun their vested interests and join hands in hands to fight
against all the anti-political forces. They must coordinate and utilize public power in right
direction to create awareness. All the institutions must work in conformity with each other
to strengthen democracy. All the contentious issues between provinces and centre must be
resolved on priority basis. Good governance must be ensured to encourage democracy.
Democracy can be bolstered by competent leadership who realizes and understands the real
cause of failed democracy in Pakistan. The government should furnish a worthy foreign
policy and shall clearly define its level of interaction and cooperation with the world. If we
have to survive as a nation, we all should make collective efforts to nurture the feeble plant
of democracy into a fruit and shelter giving plant.

CONCLUSION
In last ten years and the emergence of the electronic media has created political awareness in the
country and now there is a general perception in Pakistan that every institution should remain in its
domain. The process of dismantling of the Nexus, now has started, first with the bold stand taken by the
Chief Justice of Pakistan in March 2007, and subsequently, the very momentous decision by the Chief of
the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani, for “not to engage or involve the Army in the election
process of 18th February 2008” made all the difference. It changed the course of democracy in Pakistan. It
also defeated the American – Musharraf plan for winning the 2008 elections in the manner, they had won
in 2002. And from this point onwards, a great opportunity offers itself to the civil-military leadership to
carve-out a new destiny for Pakistan. The judiciary is independent and has discarded the mantle of Law
of Necessity. The Army has found its proper place in its equation with the civil authority. The political
opposition is not interested for regime change, despite the provocations. The lawyers and the media
movement, has created a new awareness for change amongst the broad masses. The stage therefore is
set for a bold decision to correct the course. Three steps are needed to set the fundamental direction
right:

Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mahoob, executive director, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and
Transparency(PILDAT) opened the discussion with an overly optimistic note and observed: “Democracy
in Pakistan has never been as good as it is today.” He noted that it is the first time in history of Pakistan
that three state pillars, those are Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature are carving out their respective
ways out of this challenging political environment and it is a good omen for young democracy. In the past,
judiciary was under the influence of executives, but now it is independent and assertive. Parliament in a
democracy is always considered a vital state pillar, but again it tried to overpower the other state organs.
Then if we look towards media, we have a robust and independent media, which explicitly does not seem
under the influence of government.

Former lawmaker from Swat, Mr. Adnan Aurangzeb said that in Pakistan “—the gap between political
representatives and the represented is widening relentlessly” and this is not healthy sign for the future of

26
democracy in the country. He underlined that there are structural problems, which are not letting the
democratic culture take hold in Pakistan. He said that unfortunately, the legislators in Pakistan are not
well connected with their constituencies, and therefore the people feel marginalized. According to him,
there lies huge social, cultural, economic and political void between the rulers and the ruled. And this
pertinent factor will continue to haunt the dream of a peaceful and prosperous democratic Pakistan

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