Challenges of Democracy in

Pakistan
DR KASHIF KHUHRO
The Concept of Democracy

 The word, democracy derives from the Greek word a demo which means people.
 In this form of government, the supreme powers are vested in people. Moreover, in large
societies democracy can be exercised by the people of that society/state directly or it can
be exercised through the elected representatives of citizens.
 According to President Abraham Lincoln, “Democracy is the government of the people,
by the people, and for the people ( Pitkin,2004)”.
 Democracy is more than just a set of some government institutions; it depends on some
well understood set of norms, values, mindset, and practices. However, all these may take
different types and
Democracy through Constructivism
Perspective

 US is democractic, but only for itself.

 India is the largest democracy but fails to provide basic necessities to people.
 China is not a democratic state but is progressing rapidly.
 Is it a constructed reality?
Core Democratic Characteristics

 Free and fair elections

 Independent role of media
 Education
 The role of the judiciary
 Freedom of expression and
 Religious freedom and tolerance.
Free and Fair Elections

 For the success and progress of democracy, free and fair elections are prerequisites.
 Free and fair elections mean that all citizens have equal access to the electoral process
and ballots which are secret and free.
 Additionally, fair elections will help citizens to elect the representatives of their own
choice and if they do not work for the welfare of citizens than voters can reject them in
the next elections.
Role of Media and Democracy

 In the Modern States, the role of media, newspaper and television is very important to create
awareness among the public as free media will encourage citizens to take part in politics.
 Moreover, highly public participation in politics has been observed in those countries where
media is free. For the success of democracy and good governance, the role of mass media is
vital.
 Media shapes public opinion creates awareness and provides a platform for discussions on
political and social issues, helps to educate voters and also encourages tolerance for others
which can play a positive role in the progress of democracy. Furthermore, for the election
campaigns and coverage, the media can play both positive and negative roles.
 Though, even in the U.S, the presidential candidates spend a huge amount on their
advertisement on television and in newspapers. (Müller, 2014).
Role of Judiciary

 Judiciary is regarded as one of the fundamental essentials of democracy. It ensures timely

and fair justice to each and every citizen of the society irrespective of any status or
privileges.
 Fair judicial practices are vital for peace and economic progress because it establishes the
rule of law and prevents the exploitation of the poor.
 Carl Gershman explains that there are two distinct variables that enhance economic growth
which includes institutions and policies that are characterized by the ‘rule of law enforced
with fairness and justice (Cook &Westheimer, 2006).
 However, the role of the judiciary should not cross the boundaries set by the constitution but
be limited to fact-finding. This is because the judiciary is to determine any particular
happening based on factual pieces of evidence (Muñoz, 2006).
Freedom of Speech

 A democratic government is supposed not to restrict the different voices, opinions and
contrary ideas on public and political issues.
 Besides the fact that freedom of expression and speech is the basic right of all citizens in
democracy but the governments cannot allow anyone to use this freedom for negative
purposes or against the State
 Therefore, many democratic governments ban hate speech against any community,
religion or group.
 Therefore, this is the challenge for all democratic countries to deal with freedom of
speech carefully.
Religious Freedom and Tolerance

 In a democracy, all citizens should be free to follow the religion of their own choice.
 It also includes that all citizens have the right to worship publicly or in private or not to
worship. The citizens should not be the fear of harassment from the government or any other
community or group.
 While religious freedom is not created by the State, but a democratic country must protect
this right of its citizens without any discrimination.
 In the 17th and 18th centuries, many American colonies developed the concept of secular
democracy and religious freedom.
 On the other hand, many totalitarian dictators in the 20th century had wiped out religion from
State, for instance, Mussolini in Italy (1922-1943) did this during his regime (Millon, 1993).
Democracy in Pakistan

 Jinnah believed that Islam taught us about the values of democracy such as equality,
justice, and tolerance almost fourteen hundred years ago.
 “Democracy is in the blood of Musalmans who look upon complete equality of manhood
and believe in fraternity and liberty” (ibid, p. 12),
 “Brotherhood, equality and fraternity of man, these are all the basic points of our
religion, culture and civilization”(ibid, p. 29).
 Since independence Pakistan has experienced different forms of government which include
Parliamentary, Presidential systems, martial law, and democracy.
 Under the constitution of 1956 Pakistan had experienced a parliamentary system but within two
years, the constitution was suspended, and martial law had been imposed by General Ayub
Khan in 1958.
 In 1962 Ayub Khan introduced the presidential system under the constitution of 1962 in which
he launched the system of basic democracies in Pakistan.
 However, due to corruption, rigging in elections and nepotism this system also could not
succeed in Pakistan.
 After the martial law regime, the new civilian government introduced the new constitution in
1973.
 Under the 1973s constitution Parliamentary form of government has been implemented again.
 Moreover, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the first elected Premier of Pakistan who had completed his
five years tenure.
 However, this democratic process was again distorted by Zia-ul-Haq, who imposed martial law
in Pakistan in July 1977. Therefore, Pakistan again remained under the control of an
undemocratic government from 1977 to 1988.
 After the death of Zia-ul-Haq, the election had been conducted in 1988 and Benazir Bhutto
became the premier of Pakistan.
 However, in 1990 the Pakistan people party (PPP) government was suspended under the
allegation of corruption and poor governance. From 1993 to 1996 PPP again remained as a
ruling party but could not complete its tenure and got dismissed due to corruption charges.
 On the other hand, the Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) ruled from 1991 to 1993 and
1997-1999. Here again, the elected government of PMLN could not complete its tenure
and in October 1999 General Musharraf had imposed Martial law in the country.
 The process of democracy was again and again derailed in Pakistan.
 However, President Musharraf had claimed that he will leave a sustainable democracy
set-up in Pakistan which will stop military takeover in the future. He also claimed that his
government will create enough job opportunities, human resources, alleviate poverty and
will improve the basic facilities of life but he also did not fulfill all these promises
 Since the ouster of General Pervaiz Musharraf, Pakistan has seen successive democratic
governments of PPPP, PMLN and PTI.
 However, the economic and political conditions of Pakistan have rather worsened.
 Civil Military imbalance has become conspicuous and the partiality of judicial system
has come to the fore.
Causes of Failure
1. Lack of Democratic Norms

 In Pakistan real democratic norms could not be prevailing due to many factors: such as clashes and
conflicts between governments are very common in Pakistani politics.
 Therefore, the contradictory and undemocratic behaviors of political elites are the major problem in
the development of true democracy in Pakistan.
 From 1988 to 1999 and 2008 to 2013 PPP and PMLN have ruled.
 In May 2013 elections, PMLN made the government again. Though both parties under the
leadership of Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Shareef had struggled for the restoration of
democracy both paid little attention to the rights of the common public especially the rights of
minorities, basic facilities of life and rule of law. Consequently, both have encouraged
undemocratic norms at the societal and political level (Shafqat, 1998). So, in the case of Pakistan,
the real problem is not in the democratic form of government but in the autocratic attitude of the
governments and leaders.
2. Constitutions and Ruling Parties

 Since independence, Pakistan has experienced three constitutions in 1956, 1962 and 1973
which also includes two acting constitutional arrangements (in 1947 and 1972), and two
foremost attempts of constitutional engineering (in 1985 and in 2002).
 Most importantly, all these attempts were to swing the power pendulum towards the
government.
3. Role of Political Parties and Democracy

 For the progress and development of democracy, the role of political parties is important. The
political parties are a tool of mass mobilization and patronage in Pakistan.
 However, the major challenge for political leadership is to alter the role of political parties to
interest representation and advocacy in the legislature.
 Unfortunately, the politicians adopt authoritarian policies and attitudes rather than encouraging
and promoting democratic values, policies, behaviors, rule of law and tolerance for opposition
parties.
 In November 1997, the supporters of PMLN attacked the premised of the Supreme Court of
Pakistan but the leadership did not discourage their supporters. Same goes for the various long
marches and protests by almost all the parties during last decade.
 Rise in political polarization
Institutional Imbalance

 The rift between the military and political forces

 The recent indignation of security institutions and the cry of Neutrality
 Partisan judiciary
 Manuovering of the Transparency and Accountability institutions
Recommendations