Politics, Political Systems

and Pakistan’s Political

Landscape
Section I-Political (Current Affairs)
Section XII (Pakistan Affairs)
Section I- Russian Revolution, Fascism, Nazism (IR Paper-II)
Section III- End of History (IR Paper-II)
English Essay Paper

Aftab Ullah
 Introduction

• Humanity has transcended various stages.

• Governance has remained a part and parcel of the societies.
• The origins of state system.
• Powerful groups claimed to provide protection.
• Revenue is the basic link.
• The system developed over time.
• It is an iterative process.
• The political system developed as a result of the above needs.
 What is Politics?
• The complex of decision making activities.
• Economics, friends, foes, peace, war, alliance etc.
• Some people act as the custodians (politicians).
• It originates from very basic level (society).
• State level politics is of utmost importance (strong influence of realpolitik).
• It also transcends state boundaries (international politics).
• It requires a specific mechanism or system to regulate it.
• The discipline covering the above aspects is called Political science.
• It give rise to the need of a political system.
 What is Political System?
• A set of formal legal institutions that form a government (Britannica).
• A set of rules and regulations.
• Legal, economic, strategic and social issues (governance issues).
• Within and without the state (scope).
• It gives the direction that how the state should be governed.
• It mentions who will run the state affairs (government).
• It also includes the course of politicians (how they will come to power).
• It is simply the type of rule by which a state is run.
• It differs along time and space and is still evolving as the set of legal
arrangements change as the need arises.
 Types of Political Systems
There are six ‘6’ major political systems:
1. Democracy ( a. Representative b. Direct ,Switzerland, on local levels ).
2. Republic ( a. Democracy b. Constitutional Monarchy c. Single Party Rule,
d. Federal Republic e. Unitary State f. Parliamentary Republic g. Oligarchy ).
3. Monarchy ( a. Absolute b. Elective c. Non-sovereign ).
4. Communism ( Based on the ideology of communism ).
5. Dictatorship ( Mostly military ).
6. Caliphate ( Based on religious doctrines, Ottomon Empire ).
Note: They mainly differ in terms of where and how much power rests with an
actor and how it is being exercised.
 Evolution of Political System
The political systems have evolved over the course of time to rectify the faults.
• The Greek System (Majoritarianism led to anarchy, it ended up in tyrannical
oligarchy, whims of the government prevailed).
• The Roman System (Fixed body of law not subject to the whims of majority,
minimal protection given to the subjects, 12 tables of the Roman law, Rome
prospered, Republic originated).
• The Democratic System (The republican shades gradually eroded and ended
up in oligarchy. It is still in evolutionary phase to achieve true republican
credentials).
 Effectiveness of Political Systems
The effectiveness of political systems is gauged from both its ability to deliver in times
peace and war and to withstand the crises.
A. Unstable Political Systems: The Russian Revolutions of 1905 and 1917, The French
Revolution, Hitler’s ascension to power, Colonial liberation movements etc are
examples of how failure of political systems to deliver ends up in overthrowing of those
systems. Legitimacy and quality of leadership are decisive factors.
B. Stable Political Systems: They withstand crises (protests, boycotts, wars etc) and have
open channels of political action and established ‘rules of the game’.
Britain in WWII, US after the Great Depression and Great Recession etc.
 What is Political Economy?
The interconnection of politics and economy highly influences the politics and
the political systems.
• The purpose of politics manifests the importance of economy to the
political systems because of the economic policies (taxation etc).
• It is opposite to the ‘House management’.
• It tells how the economy of a society or state is or shall be managed
political system.
• The political economy of a state shows how the state resources are being
regulated by political choices to fulfill the aspirations of the public.
• It highly influences the legitimacy of the government and the ensuing
political stability/instability.
 What is Political Economy?
Examples in Economic policies:
• Laissez-faire (minimal government control, market shall determine the
course of economy-invisible hand) by Adams Smith.
• Mercantilism and protectionism.

Examples in Politics:
• Nationalism and nationalistic politics ( Fascism, Nazism ).
• Communism.
• Rising nationalistic politics in the current times.
• US, fissures in European Union, Rise of populist leaders.
 Ideal Political System

The ideal political system includes elements of stability, direction, progression

and flexibility irrespective of social and economic barriers.
• Strong legal institutions are a pre-requisite to a healthy political system.
• But what if these institutions don’t exist? The reverse can be the case.
• Must have elements of a republic.
• No unbridled powers.
• Stability in the times of peace and crises.
• Public ownership of the system.
 Democracy
• A form of government or political system.
• Public have the power to choose their representatives by any unanimous method.
• The word originated in ancient Greece city-state Athens in 508-507 BC.
• Demos means ‘common people’ and kratos means ‘strength’.

Types of Democracy
It has two ‘2’ major types:
A. Direct democracy ( on local government levels mainly ).
B. Representative democracy ( state level ).
Note: Every Republic is not a Democracy and vice verse.
 Fundamentals of Democracy
Each democracy has the following main principles/fundamentals in it:
• Different actors (politicians/political parties) vie for power in legitimate ways.
• Public has the freedom to elect.
• Each voice counts (in western capitalist democracy).
• The leaders are accountable to the opposition and the public at large.
• The power is delegated for a fixed term.
• The state institutions play due role within their domain.
• No suppression of legal dissent and peaceful protests etc.
 Requirements for Healthy Democracy
The ability of democracy to deliver requires inclusive institutions and an educated well-
informed population.
• Democracy means perfect equality of opportunity, especially in education (The
Republic by Plato).
• Public representatives should be duly vetted. No conflict of interest. (The Republic
by Plato)
• No illegitimate centralization of power. Power decentralization is preferred.
• The community should determine the ends to be pursued but only experts should
select and apply the means. So the choice should be democratically spread but the
office should be reserved for the best. (Aristotle)
• No shades of corporatocracy/plutocracy/oligarchy. (Modern political critics)
 Impediments in the Way of Democracy

The failure of democracy to deliver to the public is due to the hijacking of the system at
the hands of the few who exploits or molds the system for their own vested interest.
• Power centralization in the hands of the few (Oligarchy/plutocracy).
• Power struggle between powerful state groups (Dictatorship, autocracy, monarchy).
• Interference of foreign powers in the domestic politics (Weimer republic etc).
• Weak state institutions (judiciary, political and economic institutions).
• Weak or extractive political parties (patronage, kinship, clientalism, dynastic parties).
• Population dynamics (poverty, illiteracy, nationalism, class based societies,
majoritarianism).
 Democracy in the Developed World
• The western capitalist democracy prevails in the developed world but it has passed
through a number of deadly experiences to achieve this state.
• However, the western capitalist democracy, too, is in doldrums due to the
nationalistic elements on the rise.
• This is evident specially from the evolving situation after post-9/11.
• The Arab spring and the subsequent migrants issue has flared up the issue of
nationalistic politics.
• Thus, democracy in many of the developed countries is falling victim to the whims of
majoritarianism.
• The strength of institutions and choice of the public in these countries will decide the
future political landscape. (Noam Chomsky)
 Democracy in the Underdeveloped World
Democracy in the underdeveloped world has either not taken its roots in the first place
or is gradually moving towards an inclusive democratic political system.
There are four ‘4’ scenarios in this case:
A. No Democracy ( mainly countries in the Middle East and African continent ).
B. Nascent Democracies ( Myanmar, Sudan, Nepal, Central Asian states etc ).
C. Democracies moving towards stability ( Pakistan, Turkey etc).
D. Democracies moving in the reverse ( India, Hungary, Poland etc ).
There is hope for the countries moving towards democratic stability while the threat to
peace will mainly came from states where the established democracies are being
eroded due to rising populism mainly due to political economy and religious jingoism.
 The Future of Democracy
Major views about the future of democracy falls into the following four ‘4’ categories:
However, there is no serious challenge to the western capitalist democracy in the
foreseeable future.
A. Western Capitalist democracy is the final form of government ( The End of History
and the Last Man by Francis Fukuyama ).
B. Western Capitalist democracy needs some serious overhauling ( Noam Chomsky ).
C. The Western Capitalist democracies will fail and one party systems will prevail.
( Post-Corona pandemic, the rise of China ).
D. Islamic Political System ( Keeps the principles of ideal political system in account ).
The form of political system to dominate in the future depends upon the fruitful
demonstration of that system by its protagonists.
 Critical Analysis
‘I have cherished the ideal of democratic and free society in which all persons live
together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for
and to achieve’. [Neslon Mandela]
• The dream of true democratically governed society is yet to be realized in its letter
and spirit.
• There are hurdles, but we have come a long way to achieve this state of political
systems where the distinction can be made between the right and wrong.
• However, the journey towards a universal political system or a system of peaceful co-
existence is a distant, yet not an impossible objective, given the onset of the
information era and unleashing of the technological advancements.
 Suggested Readings/Videos:
• Chapter#01, Plato, p#41-48, The Story of Philosophy by Will Durrant.
• Chapter#02, Aristotle and the Greek Science, p#102-114, The Story of Philosophy by Will
Durrant.
• Chapter#06, Immanuel Kant and German Idealism, p#366-371, The Story of Philosophy by
Will Durrant.
• World Politics, Trends and Transformations by Charles Keigley.
• Who Rules the World by Noam Chomsky. (Only main ideas)
• On Anarchism by Noam Chomsky. (Only main ideas)
• Political Economy lecture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gag3xY7blLE&t=943s)
• Laissez-faire Economics Video lecture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q780PsgAaHg)
 Suggested Readings/Videos:
• Mercantilism lecture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7o491V4_nA)
• Basic Forms of Governments lecture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJEuZrvNYg0)
• Socialism, Communism and Capitalism lecture (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0mwfkrx2wk).
• Russian Revolution video lecture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmgtqZ_AE7o).
• Fascism and Nazism video lecture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXEcfyAK-rM).
• The End of History and the Last Man by Francis Fukuyama (https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcJuKub_FnQ).
 Political History of Pakistan
Pakistan has a chequered political history due to a number of domestic, regional and
international influences. However, it has evolved greatly in the last two decades.
The political history of Pakistan can be divided into four ‘4’ eras:
A. Weak Political hold with strong bureaucratic control over the power (1947-1958)
B. Direct Military Rule (Dictatorships) with no or minimal political maneuvering (1958-
1969, 1969-1971, 1978-1988, 1999-2008).
C. Rule of Troika with fragile political stability (1988-1998).
D. Gradual consolidation of Democracy with key institutions also holding political
power (1971-1978 dormant military political power, 2008-present military exercise
political power from the shadows).
 Political Vision of the Founding Father
The founding fathers of Pakistan had a very clear vision about the political system of the
country, which in their terms ought to be purely democratic in line with the
fundamental teachings of Islam.
• “Democracy is in the blood of the Muslims, who look upon complete equality of
mankind, and believe in fraternity, equality, and liberty”- Jinnah
• The constitution of Pakistan has yet to be framed by the Pakistan Constituent
Assembly. I do not know what the ultimate shape of this constitution is going to be,
but I am sure that it will be of a democratic type, embodying the essential principles
of Islam. Today, they are as applicable in actual life as they were 1,300 years ago.
Islam and its idealism has taught us democracy”- Jinnah
 Political Vision of the Founding Father
• “The great majority of us are Muslims. We follow the teachings of the Prophet
Mohammed (may peace be upon him). We are members of the brotherhood of Islam
in which all are equal in rights, dignity and self-respect. Consequently, we have a
special and a very deep sense of unity. But make no mistake: Pakistan is not a
theocracy or anything like it.”- Jinnah 
• “With the removal of foreign domination, the people are now the final arbiters of
their destiny. They have perfect liberty to have by constitutional means any
government that they may chose. This cannot, however, mean that any group may
now attempt by any unlawful methods to impose its will on the popularly elected
government of the day. The Government and its policy may be changed by the votes
of the elected representatives ”- Jinnah
 Political System of Pakistan
The political system of Pakistan, with the exception of 1962 Constitution Presidential
System, is Constitutional Federal Parliamentary Republic per the incumbent constitution
of Pakistan.
• Three ‘3’ branches of this system ( A. Bicameral Legislature B. Executive C.
Judiciary ).
• Prime Minister and Cabinet directs the executive at the center (Article 90-100).
• The Prime Minister needs to be a Muslim of age not less than 25 years.
• President is Head of the State, with ceremonial powers after 18th Amendment (Article
41-49).
• The President needs to be a Muslim of age not less than 45 years.
 Political System of Pakistan
• Chief minister and the cabinet heads the provincial executive (Article 129-140).
• Governors represents the center at the provincial level with ceremonial powers
(Article 101-105).
• There is a distinct power sharing formula between the center and provinces ( Fourth
Schedule of the 1973 Constitution ).
• True essence of federal republic has been realized after the 18th Amendment (2010)
in the supreme law of the land (Concurrent list abolished).
• Council of Common Interests under the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination
serves as a bridge to between the center and the provinces (Article 153).
• Article 149 and the role of judiciary.
 Political Process in Pakistan
The political process of Pakistan proceeds through general and local bodies election
after a stipulated period of five ‘5’ years in case of general election for the national and
provincial assemblies as envisaged by the constitution through adult franchise direct
elections. The members of Senate are elected by the provincial assembly members for a
term of six ‘6’ years.
• Election Commission of Pakistan is responsible for the free and fair elections in the
country (Article 218 and 219).
• The normal course of political process has been derailed several times in the past
due to tensions in the civil military relations (Civil-military relations).
• The impediments to a smooth political process are making of the complex actors
involved (political parties, state institutions).
 Political System Instruments in Pakistan
The element of ‘Republic’ is present in all political instruments of Pakistan’s political
system with Objectives Resolution (1949) serving as the preamble in the last three
documents given below.
There are four ‘4’ such instruments:
1. Government of India Act 1935 with some amendments (1947-1956)
2. Constitution of Pakistan of 1956 (1956-1958)- Federal Republic
3. Constitution of Pakistan of 1962 (1962-1969)- Federal Republic
4. Constitution of Pakistan of 1973 (1973-present)- Federal Republic
“Pakistan has been characterized since independence as highly centralized unitary state
rather than a truly federal form of government”. [Dr. Ishrat Hussain]
 Political System’s Structure in Pakistan
The executive powers are derived from the constitution by a three-tier system of
governance.
A. Federal government (Prime Minister + Cabinet) with 27 ministries and a number of
divisions and autonomous bodies etc- post-18th Amendment situation.
B. Provincial government (Chief Minister + Cabinet)- Autonomous in their decisions
over the subjects in the provincial list.
C. Local government ( Article 140A )- Each province has its own local government
system with political, administrative and financial authority devolved from the
provincial governments.
 Political Parties Outlook in Pakistan
The political parties setup in Pakistan is diverse with elements of left wing and right
wing political groups, encompassing geographic, class and ethnic diversities.
Pakistan have a multiparty system in politics with ‘126’ political parties currently
registered with the ECP.
They can be categorized mainly into four ‘4’ major groups:
A. Political parties with countrywide presence
B. Political parties with provincial presence
C. Political parties with ethnic support base
D. Political parties with small support base
 Political Parties with Countrywide Presence
These political groups have a strong footprint in the power structure of the state and
are frequently in power or constitute the opposition or a part of it.
These parties have the following common traits:
• They have organized presence in every geographic region of the country.
• They are founded by charismatic leaders of huge popular support.
• They have evolved over a long period of time and have inclusive manifestos.
• They include mostly powerful/influential politicians or electables.
• They have at least one political stronghold.
• They mostly follows dynastic politics.
• PML and its major factions, PPP, PTI, JI, JUI Pakistan.
 Political Parties with Provincial Presence
These political groups have a strong footprint in the power structure of the provincial
governments and are frequently in power or constitute the opposition or a part of it.
These parties have the following common traits:
• They have organized presence in provinces of their respective support base.
• They are founded mostly by leaders having origins in the same province.
• They are constituted of the old or recently evolved or restructured well-entrenched
political parties.
• They can have sparse popularity base in other provinces as well.
• They mostly follow agenda of their founders and also have some dynastic elements.
• Baluchistan National Party (BNP), Baluchistan Awami Party (BAP) etc.
 Political Parties with Ethnic Support Base
These political groups with sparse footprint in different regions of the respective
ethnicities around which their politics revolve.
These parties have the following common traits:
• They have organized presence in regions of their respective support base.
• They are founded by leaders championing the rights of their respective ethnicities.
• This group has both old political parties as well as new founded ones.
• Their politics mainly focuses on agendas linked to specific ethnicities.
• They often have grievances against the state policies but do not act against the state.
• ANP, MQM and its factions, PTM supporting politicians, Saraiki National Party etc.
 Political Parties with Small Support Base
These political groups with mostly far-right or far-left agendas and are based both in the
urban and rural areas of Pakistan with low numerical strength of supporters.
These parties have the following common traits:
• They have organized presence as compared to well-entrenched parties.
• They are founded collectively by a group of like-minded people or single leaders
championing a cause.
• These parties evolve and dissolve and have less tendency to make it to the power
corridors due to small support base.
• Their politics mainly focuses on specific rights or promotion of some social agenda, of
the act as pressure groups.
• Awami Workers Party, TLP, PTM supporting politicians, Saraiki National Party etc.
 Critical Junctures in Political History of Pakistan
There are instances of vital importance in the political history of Pakistan that have
weakened or derailed or exploited or strengthened the political system and are still
debated.
• Adoption of the Objectives Resolution (1949) by the constituent assembly- (Put an
end to the fracas over the type of state which Pakistan is supposed to be, consensus
of Left and Right political circles ).
• Federation of Pakistan vs Molvi Tamizuddin Khan case (1955)- (‘Doctrine of necessity’
made inroads under the aegis of judiciary, this paved the way for future dismissals of
the governments and holding the constitution into abeyance by the military
dictators).
 Critical Junctures in Political History of Pakistan
• Early death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah(1948) and Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan(1951)-
(Subsequent fragmentation of Muslim League).
• The East Pakistan’s 1954 legislative assembly elections- (United Front won landslide
victory, still the powerful elements in West Pakistan resorted to ‘divide and rule’
tactics. This resulted in the 1971 Dhaka debacle).
• The Coup d’etat of 1958, 1969, 1977 and 1999 by the military- Created huge political
vacuum in major portion of the country’s political history. Tensed civil-military
relations, political engineering and witch-hunt damaged the political system and is
haunting it till date in one form or the other.
 Critical Junctures in Political History of Pakistan
• Lawyers Movement or Black Coat Protests 2007- CJP removed by then dictator which
sparked the protests that ultimately led to a powerful judiciary that can stand against
the whims of the dictators. Thus, closed the doors of future PCO actions (PCO judges
case verdict 2009).
• Media Transformation as 4th Pillar of the State (2002 onwards)- The mushrooming
growth of media in Pakistan in early 2000’s has given a great impetus to the freedom
of speech on the political system of Pakistan.
• Emergence of 3rd Major Political Party in Pakistan (2011)- The emergence of PTI as a
major political party after its massive rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore. It dispelled
the impression that only dynastic parties have the monopoly over the top echelons.
 Achievements of Political System in Pakistan
The list of the achievements of political system in Pakistan could have been long if the
process has not been impeded for a long time of our history due to weaknesses on both
sides of the civil and military circles. Nevertheless, it has proved to be the bedrock of
promoting unity in times of severe crises and is vital enough to re-establish itself after it
was derailed in the past.
A. Political Crises- Movements for the restoration of democracy (1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s,
2000’s) and resilience of the political parties in the face of suppression and political
victimization have prevented the political system from complete abolishment and have
given a unanimous constitution to Pakistan that safeguards the rights of the people.
 Achievements of Political System in Pakistan
B. Natural Disasters- Political parties have mobilized the local communities in natural
disasters throughout Pakistan’s history to come forward and cooperate in rehabilitating
the affected people. Earthquakes (2005, 2015), floods (2010), Covid-19 pandemic (2020)
are few of the recent examples.
C. Social Crises- The political parties have garnered support over issues of vital importance
in Pakistan’s society. Poverty, education, freedom of speech, inequality, tolerance,
corruption, overpopulation, unemployment etc. They have raised mass awareness in
regard to these social issues. The public opinions and polls on the media has a reflection of
this aspect.
 Achievements of Political System in Pakistan
D. External Security Crises- Political consensus in the times of external aggression or
threats of aggression, ( post-Pulwama situation 2019, Salala attacks 2011 ).
E. Internal Security Crises- Development of consensus over the war against terrorism and
efforts for uprooting militancy and extremism from Pakistan even in the face of death
threats or deadly attacks on the politicians ( Operation Raah-e-Raast, Zarb-e-Azb, Raddul
Fasaad, National Action Plan etc ).
 Failures of Political System in Pakistan
The failure of political system of Pakistan to deliver in true sense due to a number of
weaknesses and issues on both the civilian and military establishment and these failures
encompass a variety of areas. Few of the major failures are as follows:
A. Undue delay in framing of the Constitution – It took nine ‘9’ years to frame the first
constitution for the country. The delay due to a number of factors weakened the
political system for decades to follow ( governor general’s assertiveness established).
B. Failure to strengthen the Institutions- The key state institutions has not been made
independent in true sense and it had taken a toll at the performance of those
institutions and have badly affected governance structure (judiciary, economic
institutions, civil and military establishments).
 Failures of Political System in Pakistan
C. Failure in establishing democratic governance- Political setups have failed in realizing
the true potential of democratic governance (dynastic parties footprint, political wrangling
and divisions on policies of national importance, hurdles in legislative functions of the
parliament, strained civil-military relations, failure to devolve power to local governments,
corruption and no logical conclusion to accountability process).
 Challenges to Political System in Pakistan
The political system in Pakistan is still in the phase of establishing itself to achieve the
goals of democratic governance. Some of the major challenges in this perspective are as
follows:
• Institutional imbalance ( civil-military relations, judicial independence and activism ).
• Confrontational politics ( among the pol. parties and also with the state institutions ).
• Constitutional crises ( failure to implement the document in its letter and spirit ).
• Strained center-province relations ( blaming the other side for failure ).
• Separatist and ethnic movements ( Baluchistan , missing persons, PTM etc ).
 Current Picture of Political System in Pakistan
The current picture of political system in Pakistan does present some hopes as well as
hurdles in the way of overcoming the challenges to it. However, the functionality of this
system is heavily dependent upon the executive to deliver.
• Democracy is strengthened ( consecutive civilian governments and completion of their
terms ).
• Political parties are in confrontational mode with each other but are refraining from
supporting any extra-constitutional step.
• The governments on the provincial level remained failed in devolving powers to the
local governments.
• The legislative process is heavily impeded due to polarization in the politics.
 Parliamentary Democracy or Presidential System?
Since people are the final arbiters of their destiny in Pakistan, it is purely the prerogative
of the people of Pakistan to chose the kind of government setup through popular vote.
May it be parliamentary democracy or presidential system. However, some political
realities should be kept in account while going for a change in the form of government:
• Following the Constitutional procedure.
• Consensus of the political parties.
• Taking the key stakeholders on board (state institutions and public).
Nevertheless, it is better to address the weakness of the existing system rather than
replacing the whole system with another one. The system in itself is not inefficient but the
structural weaknesses in the political system of Pakistan constrain it to deliver in way like
that in the developed countries.
 Islamic Political System and Pakistan
Efforts has been made since inception of Pakistan to move towards a political system that
is in accordance with the fundamentals of the political system of Islam or Islamic Political
system. Some of the major steps in this regard are as follows:
• Objectives Resolution (1949)
• Council of Islamic Ideology (CCI)
• Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan (FSC)
• No concept of dictatorship/monarchy/autocracy.
• Ideological conditions for Head of the State and Prime Minister
• Conditions for the highest political office holders and representatives ( Article 62 and 63
of the constitution ).
Future Trajectories of Political System in Pakistan
Political systems have element of change in itself and they do change per the need of the
society and the state. These changes are either short-lived or long-term, depending upon
the stakeholders’ of the system. It is difficult to predict the exact course of political system
but some of the major trajectories could be as follows:

A. Existing political system will further entrench itself. (Less likely)

B. Existing political system will be undermined to the point of failure. (Least likely)
C. Return to the highly centralized unitary state. (Less likely)
D. Overhauling of the existing political system to address the structural weaknesses.
(Likely)
 Way Forward for Political System of Pakistan
The key to the success of the political system in Pakistan is ensuring the ‘rule of law’. It
required overcoming the failures and challenges of this system to deliver. This is possible
after serious overhauling measures of this system with the consensus of the stakeholders
within the constitutional domain.
 Critical Analysis
• The politics and political system in Pakistan has the capacity to deliver and overcome
the challenges to governance but it will take steady efforts on part of the politicians and
the public as well along with the condition of time for the realization of these steps.
• The state institutions are among the key stakeholders of this system. Therefore, no
effort can bear fruit for democratic governance unless and until the state institutions
are on board.
• The journey to a robust and productive political system is full of challenging conditions
and is an iterative process as evident from the developed countries. However, the
lessons from those countries could save the country the time wasted in failed
experiences.
 Suggested Questions
Q. 01. What are the major traits of the political system of Pakistan? Evaluate.
Q. 02. The parliamentary democracy in Pakistan has failed to produce results in terms of
governance. What form of government do you suggest for Pakistan and why?
Q. 03. The culture of political parties in Pakistan is the major hurdle in establishing true
democracy. Critically analyze.
Q. 04. What are the structural weaknesses in the political system of Pakistan? How can
they be addressed? What are the current steps being taken in this regard.
Q. 05. The political history of Pakistan is full of strained civil-military relations. What are
the major trends in this regard and how you assess the current picture of these relations
for the political process in Pakistan?
 Suggested Essays

1. The political system of Pakistan is not compatible with the political culture of Pakistan.
( Persuasive Essay )
2. Has democracy failed to achieve any significant results in the political history of Pakistan?
( Argumentative Essay )
3. Effectiveness of Political System in Pakistan: Hopes and Challenges.
( Expository Essay )
4. The cure for bad democracy is more democracy.
( Literary Essay )
 Suggested Readings
1. Ch#02, Party politics and military dominance in Pakistan 1947-1971, p#48-62,
Democracy and Authoritarianism in South Asia by Ayesha Jalal.
2. Ch#03, Bhuttoism or populism? The case of Pakistan, p#77-84, Democracy and
Authoritarianism in South Asia by Ayesha Jalal.
3. Ch#02, 03, 07, 11, 13 and 19 of the book ‘We’ve Learnt Nothing from History’
by M.Asghar Khan
4. Ch#06, Politics, Pakistan A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven.
5. Ch#06, Praetorians and the People (Saeed Shafqat), Pakistan Beyond the Crisis State by
Maleeha Lodhi.
6. Ch#04, 06, 07, and 16 of the book ‘Governing the Ungovernable’ by Ishrat Hussain.