Democracy is no more Vulnerable in Pakistan
1. Introduction:
2. An Overview of Pakistan’s Political History:
– The game of musical chair in first nine years.
– Martial Law of General Ayub Khan.
– Revival of democracy after the secession of East Pakistan.
– The murder of democracy and Zia regime.
– Era of 90s –the miracle of Article 58(2b).
– Plane Hijacking case and martial law of Musharaf.
– Controlled democracy during Musharaf regime.
– Charter of democracy and revival of democracy in Pakistan.
3. Factors behind the derailment of Democracy in Past:
– Absence of patriotic, nationalist, competent and better styled leadership.
– Overdependence on Army under the influence of antagonistic and uncongenial relations with neighboring countries.
– Anemic, impotent and spineless political institutions.
– Frail, feeble
4. Is Democracy still Vulnerable in Pakistan?
No the Situation is changed as now we have:
– Sovereign, watchful and well founded media institution.
– A vigilant and proactive civil society extremely alive to the importance of democracy.
– A judiciary that appears to be contrite and remorseful for its past character.
– Political leadership which looks conscientious enough to protect democracy even at the cost of personal gains.
– Military leadership that appears to have more inclination towards fulfilling its professional responsibilities.
– A recent experience of bitter repercussion of dictatorship in Musharaf regime.
5. Indispensability of the Sustenance of Democracy to the Development of Pakistan:
Democracy is important because it:
– Bestows upon the people political maturity and wisdom and enables them to choose the best lot for managing their affairs.
– Ensures consensus-based decision making and helps in the formulation of coherent and practicable policies.
– Promotes the culture of accountability and wipeout the malaises of corruption, inefficiency and nepotism.
– Confers the sense of participation in the various sections of society and thus promotes national integration.
– Confers the sense of freedom upon citizens and wins their loyalty to the state.
– Fosters the culture of equality before law and investigators public faith in institutions.
– Brings political stability and provides an environment conducive to development and growth.
6. Recommendations for the Future Strengthening of Democracy in Pakistan:
– Introduction of meaningful electoral reforms.
– Strengthening local government institutions.
– Improve the performance of democratic government.
– Bringing in purposeful regulation of media to make it more responsible and sensible.
– Enhancing contributory role of educational institutes.
– Ensuring independence of judiciary.
– Reform the civil service to improve the performance of beaurucracy.
7. Conclusion