DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN

OUTLINE
1. Introduction
2. Quaid’s vision of Democracy
3. United Nations and democracy
4. What is democracy?
5. Nature of democracy
6. Islam and democracy
7. Democracy in Pakistan
8. Political history of Pakistan
 Assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, 1951
 Martial law of Ayub Khan, 1958
 Transfer of power to General Yahya Khan, 1969
 Dismemberment of Pakistan, 1971
 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as Civilian Martial law Administrator
 Martial law of General Zia UL Haq, 1977
 Restoration of so-called democracy, 1988
 Martial law of General Pervaiz Musharraf, 1999
 Restoration of democracy, 2008
9. Causes of failure of democracy in Pakistan:
 The spirit of unity evaporated after emergence of Pakistan
 Military involvement in politics
 Delayed Framing of the Constitution
 Corruption and nepotism
 Strengthening of bureaucracy
 Leadership Crisis
 Lack of education
 Lack of economic development
 Mutual squabbling of politicians
 Personality-driven politics
 Extremists illusion that democracy is un-Islamic
 No independence of judiciary
10. Impacts of failure of democracy:
 Terrorism
 Fanned separatist movements
 Economic deterioration
 Failure to form independent foreign policy
11. Pakistani Democracy v.s Western democracy
12. Steps for restoration of true form of democracy:
 Military should stop interference
 Reformation of the judiciary
 Effective accountability of the politicians
 Eliminate corruption
 Mature political leadership
 Abolition of 'Jagirdari' and feudal Systems
 Strengthen public institutions
  Keep the constitution intact
 Educate the masses
 Media should play a positive role
 Fair and free election
13. Conclusion

Abraham Lincoln once defined “Democracy as “The government of the people, by the people for the
people”

In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will
of the majority is supreme. –Aristotle

To acquire immunity to eloquence is of the utmost importance to the citizens of a democracy. -Bertrand
Russell

In this possibly terminal phase of human existence, freedom and democracy are just more than ideals to
be followed rather its necessary for survival. ~ Noam Chomsky

Introduction

It means that in democratic form of the government common man plays the pivotal role. The artistry, the
landlords and politicians have to work according to the wishes of the common man. The main object of
their political activities is thus the welfare, betterment and amelioration of poor masses of the country
whose elect them as their duties and responsibilities. Democracy is a process as well as a culture but both
are in their nascent stage in Pakistan. Democracy in Pakistan has shown great resilience. Though it has
been periodically interrupted by military take overs but each time it resurges with a greater force.

Quaid’s vision of Democracy

Mr. Jinnah stated, “I am sure that the Constitution of Pakistan will be of a democratic type, embodying
the essential principles of Muslim democracy. Our salvation lies in following the golden rules of conduct
set for us by the Prophet of Islam. The Quran is the general code for the Muslims, a religious, social, civil,
commercial, military, judicial,criminal and penal code.

Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one
pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form
of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time- Sir Winston Churchill

United Nations and democracy

Democracy is a political form of government in which governing power is derived from the people.
Though there is no universally accepted definition of 'democracy', but eminent scholars have ensured
democracy as equality, fair play and freedom. Even the United Nations endorses the democratic form of
government and has established the “United Nations Democracy Fund” to strengthen democratic
institutions and practices around the world. The democratic values were highlighted in the Charter of the
United Nations, as well as in the Article 21 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It has been
speculated that the aforementioned trajectory followed by the world will eventually lead this world to the
point where liberal democratic nation-states will become the universal standard for human society.
Democracy is good, I say this because all other systems are worse—Jawaharlal Nehru

What is democracy?

According to Dr Hassan Askari rightly defines “democracy in the precise and appropriate manner.
According to him, It is a process which people initiates by conscious decision and sustain by subscribing
to its principle by theory and practices.”

In the dictionary definition, democracy "is government by the people in which the supreme power is
vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral
system."

Nature of democracy

The nature of democracy is evolutionary. It is not achieved at once. It is the long process. It needs strong
collaboration.

Islam and democracy

It is said by some that democracy has no place in the political system of Islam. Islam is not only
a religion; rather it is a complete code of life. All aspects of Muslim society, individually or
collectively, are covered by the social structure of Islam.

Hence a political system, an important aspect of human society, also comes very much under the
banner of the Islamic hemisphere. The great Muslim thinker and poet Allama Iqbal has rightly
said, “Juda ho deen siyasat se to reh jaati hai changezi” (take religion [morality] away from
politics and you have despotism), for religion is the source of all morality, individual and
collective.

The important manifestation of a political system is vindicated through the establishment of a

state and the way of its governance. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) established a state at Madina, of
a unique type, based on consultation, justice, equality and accountability. After his passing his
righteous successors maintained the same system of governance. The Holy Quran has mentioned
the word ‘shura’ for governance. “They govern with mutual consultation.” The essence of a true
democracy is also consultation.

Democracy in Pakistan

Democracy in its true spirit has never been allowed to take roots in Pakistan. Since its independence in
1947, a military-bureaucratic establishment has always governed the country. Army generals usurp power
at their own convenience and quit only when they are forced to quit by mass political movements or by a
sudden unexpected death. When forced by external or internal pressures, democracy is given a chance but
in reality a group of army generals keep controlling the decision making. This direct or indirect military
influence is the greatest impediment to the evolution of a stable governing system in Pakistan. Besides,
army is not solely responsible for this mass but it is our inefficient politicians who provide opportunity to
army to take over.

Political history of Pakistan

Exploring the last 63 years of Pakistan, democracy is taken as a comic relief between military regimes.
Assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, the first elected Prime Minister, was in fact the demise of democracy
in Pakistan. Since then, the balance of power tilted in the favor of the military. A comparison depicts this
shift. From 1951-57 India had one Prime Minister and several army chiefs while during the same period
Pakistan had one army chief and several Prime ministers. The same army chief, Ayub Khan promulgated
the first martial law in 1958. General Ayub Khan could not withstand a popular national movement and
transferred power to General Yahya Khan in March 1969. Under him Pakistan lost its half, which is now
known as Bangladesh. Power was then transferred to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as the first civilian martial law
administrator. Bhutto pursued an independent policy, but he was charged for compliance in murder, and
hanged by the next martial law administrator, General Zia UL Haq. Hanging of an elected Prime Minister
perturbed the whole world. The general died in a mysterious plane crash. Then came a ten years fad of the
so-called democracy. During this period, none the elected government completed its term on account of
being ousted by the special discretionary powers of the president. An end to this ten-year spell came with
a new general, who ousted the incumbent elected government. This time the Prime Minister was charged
for conspiring against the state and was expatriated from the country. Democracy was again restored in
2008 and now it has been hijacked by the dictatorial democrats.

Causes of failure of democracy in Pakistan:

1. The spirit of unity evaporated after emergence of Pakistan

The spirit of unity, cohesion and commitment shown during Pakistan movement evaporated just after the
emergence of Pakistan, and self centered knavish politician indulged themselves in the cruel politics that
was against the true spirit of democracy.

2. Military involvement in politics

Having ascertained the weakness and egocentric attitude of the politicians, the military-bureaucratic
nexus crawled out of the woodwork and took the de-facto control of the country. Since then military-
bureaucratic establishment directly or indirectly governed the country. Army generals usurp power at
their own convenience and quit only when they are forced to quit by mass political movements or by a
sudden unexpected death.

3. Delayed Framing of the Constitution

The immediate and foremost requirement of the Constituent Assembly was to frame a democratic
constitution for the country. The constitution had to lay down the form of government, the role of
judiciary, military, and bureaucracy. It had to decide the basic issues about provincial autonomy, religion
and the state, joint or separate electorate, representation of minorities and women in assemblies,
fundamental rights and civil liberties. The debate over the representation of eastern and western wings of
the country and religion versus secularism were the two main hindrances in the way of framing the
constitution. As against India, which was able to frame the constitution of the country within two years of
independence in 1949, Pakistan took nine years to finalize the constitution in 1956, which did not work
for more than two years and was abrogated.

4. Corruption and nepotism

Corruption in bureaucracy and among political leaders poses a grave threat to good democratic
governance. Quaid-i-Azam had termed corruption as "poison'' and asked to put that down with an "iron
hand". Now that the National Reconciliation Ordinance, .which had withdrawn from prosecution any
person "falsely involved for political reasons or through political victimization" between 1986 and 1999,
has lapsed on November 28, 2009, the concerned individuals should get themselves cleared in a court of
law in a transparent manner. The tribal nature of society in Pakistan is susceptible to nepotism. As an
antidote, accountability and transparency are necessary. It is a challenge to the people to reject those
leaders and political parties which indulge in corruption and nepotism.

5. Strengthening of bureaucracy

In addition to this, the military rulers strengthened the bureaucracy for securing their own rule. Having
established a permanent role in the establishment, the bureaucrats and generals preferred to compromise
with the feudal system. The military rulers were thought to curb them in the beginning but instead of
nipping them in the bud they also compromised with them to prolong their own rule.

6. Leadership Crisis

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation and the first Governor General, died just
one year after the establishment of Pakistan on September 11, 1948 and his right hand lieutenant Liaquat
Ali Khan, who was the first Prime Minister, was assassinated on October 16, 1951. About the capability
of other leaders of Pakistan Muslim League (PML), the party which had successfully piloted the
movement for Pakistan, Jinnah had ruefully remarked that "he had false coins in his pocket".
Consequently, several ministers appointed initially were not politicians and did not have a seat in the
Assembly. Similarly, in 1954, there were several members of Prime Minister's cabinet without a seat in
the Parliament. "The cabinet and other high political appointments reflected a paucity of talent among the
politicians."

7. Lack of education

Lack of education has remained an important impediment to the democratization of countries. This is not
just a problem of Pakistan but of the whole Third world. Laski, a famous political thinker,said that
education is the backbone of democracy. Democracy is a system of governance in which the people
choose their representatives through elections. Their strength lies in the ballot box. If people are not
vigilant and educated enough to make a better choice, the democracy will not flourish in that country.
This is the main reason that even in the countries apparently practicing democracy but with majority of
uneducated people are among the under-developed nations. Masses in Pakistan have not found ways of
compelling their rulers to be mindful of their duty. Their failures in this regard results from insufficiency
of experience and training in operating modem democratic politics. Democracy puts the highest premium
on constitutionalism, which is possible only with the predominant majority of people. Pakistan's
democracy can neither improve nor become viable as long as the majority of population remains
uneducated.

8. Lack of economic development

Paul Collier in "5 myths about the beauty of the ballot box" has cited $2,700 per capita income as a
threshold to democracy. Researchers have found democracies to be more effective and less prone to
violence above this threshold, but below that, less effective and more violent. The same study shows that
election misconduct is more likely in countries with low per capita incomes, rich in natural resources, and
a lack of institutional checks and balances. Pakistan has a nominal per capita income of just $1, 067 and
about one-fifth of population lies below the poverty line that struggles more for earning sustenance rather
than concentrating on the political issues, and if they ever do, they believe more in the conspiracy theories
rather than underlying issues. Consequently they are oblivious of major developments and prove to be
credulous masses.

9. Mutual squabbling of politicians

The political leaders lack a clear vision and they never had the capacity to alleviate the status of
democracy and strengthen it, in fact the mutual squabbling of the political leaders excited the other
players to assume a role.

10. Personality-driven politics

In Pakistan the politics is more personality-driven rather than issues-driven, which has an overall negative
impact on the evolution of independent institutions and has fanned the vested interests.

11. Extremists illusion that democracy is un-Islamic

The current stream of extremism and terrorism has brought forth a new ideology. The bearers of this new
ideology of governance consider democracy as non-Islamic. They only harbor the westernized concept of
democracy and they misguide people by pleading them to abandon democratic system and demand for
imposition of Sharia, they are unmindful of the fact that a democratic system can flourish under the aegis
of Sharia.

12. No independence of judiciary

Judiciary is one of the most important pillars of a state and a country where judiciary is not
imparting justice, democracy cannot develop. During Second World War someone asked British
Prime Minister Winston Churchill whether the British would win the war. The Prime Minister
laughed and replied that if the British courts were dispensing justice, no one would trounce the
United Kingdom. In Pakistan since 1954 judiciary has remained docile to the wishes of
executive. As Shelley says, "If the winter comes; can spring be far behind".

Impacts of failure of democracy:

1. Terrorism

Absence of Democracy is a significant reason for nurturing terrorism in a country. A democratic

government is supposed to represent the people and provide political means to voice grievances, hence
essentially providing a sphere where terrorism has no place. Democracy is necessary to peace and
undermining the forces of terrorism—Benazir Bhutto. For this reason, in theory, there 'cannot' be an
aggrieved group that is not adequately represented; but absence of democracy and areas outside the realm
of democratic setup in Pakistan has proved conducive to terrorism.

2. Fanned separatist movements

History is witness to the fact that Pakistan has lost territory while under direct military rule. The dictators’
hawkish attitude has fanned various separatist movements across the country.

3. Economic deterioration
Democratic setup through different checks and balances ensures transparency, fair play and good
governance. But these characteristics do not pop out with just the imposition of democratic system rather
these evolve over time. Since democratic setup was de-railed again and again, so these fruits of
democracy were never seen in Pakistan and consequently, the institutions are underdeveloped and
resultantly sporadic democratic periods were infested with bad governance. With the weak institutions
and rampant interference in other institutions’ portfolios have resulted in massive corruption, which is a
peculiar stigma to democracy in Pakistan. As an outcome of these mal-practices, national economy has
gone virtually bankrupt and national budget has become dependent on foreign aid.

4. Failure to form independent foreign policy

In true democracy, political leaders derive their power from the people thus they are intrepid and assume
more audacious visions, consequently the respective country forms an independent foreign policy that
best suits its interests but feeble democracy is devoid of these characteristics. Pakistan has so-far failed to
furnish its independent foreign policy, with faint support in their own country; political leaders are
swayed by the world powers, thus they undermine the national interests and sovereignty of the country.
Wiki-leaks speak high of their sincerity and caliber in this regard.

Pakistani Democracy v.s Western democracy

If one compares Pakistani democracy with the Western democracy, it is said that for over 50 years,
Pakistan remains occupied by three major interest groups sharing; the time, opportunities and resources of
the besieged nation. The army, civil service and the neo-colonial appointed landlords. If there was any
rational tolerance scale, Pakistani nation would certainly secure high marks on its standard of tolerance
and survival under most unfavorable circumstances.

One of the pivotal factors supporting the notion of Western liberal democracies is that it provides
opportunities for participation to ordinary citizens, right or wrong to culminate a sense of legitimacy for
the election exercise and chose people of their interest to manage public affairs for a specified term. But
the principles and standards for evil and good vary between the West and the Islamic world. Strange as is,
in Pakistan, those who come to occupy the political offices never intend to quit the political power on
their own except implication of military force through a coup. Comparatively, on occasions western
democracies do encourage educated and competent citizens to strive for their high ideas and ideals and
come to the front stage and demonstrate their intentions and wil1 power to seek the goal of ideal public
service agendas.

Steps for restoration of true form of democracy:

1. Military should stop interference

Though democracy has failed many times to establish its firm roots in Pakistan, but every dark cloud has
a silver lining, all these failures actually provide us an insight into what went wrong and how democracy
can be preserved from de-railing next time. The first essential step seems to stop interruption in the
democratic process by military and the elected government must be allowed to complete its tenure in any
case.

2. Reformation of the judiciary

Reforming the judiciary and incorporating the Islamic laws can also soothe the deprived and poor masses
which have been manipulated by the extremists due to sheer negligence of the elected governments and
ruling elite. This natura11y causes bitterness for the present form of political setup.

3. Effective accountability of the politicians

An impartial system of accountability enhances public trust on the political system. It provides enormous
strength to democratic process. Moreover, it compels thousand who are charged with governance, to
transparently discharge their official responsibilities. It ensures good governance and strengthens the
political set up. In spite of facing innumerable challenges and showing unsatisfactory performance,
Pakistanis has the capability to emerge as a democratic and progressive nation. Pakistan can road to
democracy with dedication, determination, commitment, courage and patriotism of its political leaders.

4. Eliminate Corruption

Moving on, corruption and selfish attitudes is eating away the institutional structure of our country and
such practices never a1low democracy to flourish.

5. Mature political leadership

There is also a need for mature political leadership, which can think above its own gains. All this can only
emerge after the formulation and implementation of strict accountability.

6. Abolition of 'Jagirdari' and feudal Systems

Common man was compelled by the existing setup to stay away from contesting an election. Hitherto it
was a prerogative of the affluent and feudal classes; such practices are against the moral, democratic and
Islamic principles. The necessary ingredient for the success of democracy in Pakistan is the emancipation
of the rural areas from the clutches of the local landlords, i.e. to take steps for the abolition of 'Jagirdari'
System.

7. Strengthen public institutions

There is a dire need to strengthen the public institutions, in order to ensure the supremacy of law so that
rules govern the country rather than the personalities. The glaring example of many European countries
may be quoted, where institutions enjoy the ultimate powers. Democracy in actuality can only be
achieved through such measures.

8. Keep the constitution intact

Our constitution has been a source of constant controversy. Now onward, no one in power should be
allowed to change it for prolongation of rule or appeasing any particular section. Absolute power corrupts
absolutely.

9. Educate the masses

The credulous masses were an easy prey to the mercenary politicians, had they been educated, they must
have asked the elected members for their rights denied, opportunities curtailed and for defrauding the tax-
payers money. Imparting education on a national scale will galvanize the masses to form a check on
political leadership.

10. Media should play a positive role

In a democratic state, media has rightly been called the fourth pillar of the state. It can play a more
vibrant, positive and constructive role rather than becoming another compromised
institution. Information is the currency of democracy—Thomas Jefferson

11. Fair and free election

Lastly, general elections will hold on time in free, fair and transparent manner, which is vital to flourish
democracy and democratic values in the country.

Conclusion

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 per cent. Efforts are afoot to improve the standard of higher education.
The economic growth and industrialization has given birth to a vocal urban society and middle class,
which is growing, and gradually lessening the influence of the feudal class. The vibrant electronic and
print media is playing an effective role in constructive criticism of the government and in educating the
masses. Elections are being held regularly, representative political leadership and political parties are
getting stronger and a peaceful mode of transfer of power is becoming the norm. The bureaucracy (both
civil and military), though still powerful, may retreat gradually and submit to the peoples' power and will
and concede to democratic governance. The democratic process is progressing and, hopefully, will not be
obstructed and derailed, as in the past. We could best serve our interests by following Hafiz Shirazi’s
advice for “Kindness to friends”, “courtesy to enemies” with equal faith in Allama Iqbal’s message of
“self-pride, self-confidence and self dignity.”