“The essence of democracy is its
assurance that every human being should so respect himself and should be so
respected in his own personality that he should have opportunity equal to that
of every other human being to show what he was meant to become.” (Anna Garlin
Spencer)
Since the demise of the Quaid and the murder of Liaqat Ali, our motherland has
been experiencing recurring military coups, instable democracy, crippled
economy, fragile judiciary and social stagnation due to brain dead politicians,
ear jammed bureaucracy, egoistical feudal, religious war lords, profit oriented
industrialists power hunger generals, and illiterate masses.
Pakistan is among few countries of the world where political instability badly
damaged the economic growth despite tremendous resources.
The list of failures surpasses the achievements. Rule of law, an independent
judiciary and respect for fundamental rights, merit-based procedures, and
questioning masses are some of the essential features of democracy.
Unfortunately, these basic rules have openly violated since independence.
The political affairs of Pakistan have constantly been in a state of flux since
inception. Our sixty eight year political history is marred with intrigues,
intolerance, illegitimate use of power, and persistent interference in politics
by both civil and military establishment. The perpetual disruption of democratic
rule and overthrowing of elected governments has enormously weakened the
political institutions, marginalized their effectiveness and alienated the
masses from the political process. The convenience with which force and
illegitimate power has been “successfully” exercised again and again, against
democratic forces, has significantly contributed to the formation of corrupt
attitudes and assumptions which is now making the above interventions even more
effortless and readily acceptable. After all, each illegitimate action is backed
by a reservoir of historic precedents, sanctioned LEGITIMATE by gagged
judiciary, bureaucracy and other corrupt and at times, irrelevant political
entities.
Democratic culture and political maturity do not emerge accidentally. Simply,
democratic governments have hardly ever been allowed to complete their
constitutional tenure and have never been able to transition “normally” from one
democratic government to another. This is a significant factor behind the
political mess that has evolved over the past decades and must be addressed in
order to have any hope of a mature and healthy political and social order.
Conclusion:
Democracy can be revived in Pakistan by taking following steps.
1. Reform the judiciary.
2. Creation of an independent election commission.
3. Internal party elections.
4. Strengthen the free press.
5. Division of provinces.
6. Don’t neglect provincial and local government.
7. Implementation of the constitutions.
8. Continuity of fair elections.
9. Protection of minorities and civil liberties.
The nation political parties should embrace a new spirit of co-operation and
constructive opposition, moving beyond out dated confrontational and
self-defeating street action and walk-outs and boycott politics to engage in
vigorous political debates free of violence.