Topic:

History Of Democracy In Pakistan

 1.1 Introduction to Democracy

As we know that constituting the state we need four essential elements like ,
Government, population,treaty and sovereignty.

⮚ Government is one of the important element. It is political institution through which

the will of the state expressed. Government is also working agency of the state.
⮚ It works on the behalf of the state.

Types of government:
There are several types of government like:
▪ Monarchy.
▪ Aristocracy.
▪ Democracy.
 Meaning and Definition

Meaning:
The term democracy derived from Greek word ‘demos’ and ‘ kratos demos means people and kratos
means government,which means government of the people .
Definition:
According to Abraham Lincoln:
“government of the people,for the people and by the people”

According to Plato:
“rule of ignorance”

According to selly:
“democracy is government which everyone has share”
 Characteristics Of Government

⮚ Rule of People.
⮚ Opposite to Dictatorship.
⮚ People are Supreme.
⮚ Right to Vote.
⮚ Equality.
⮚ Fundamental Rights.
⮚ Criticize to Government.
⮚ Shadow Cabinet.
⮚ Opposition Benefits.
 Merits And Demerits

Merits:
⮚ Responsible government.
⮚ Promote equality.
⮚ Fundamental rights to people.
⮚ People are supreme.
⮚ Little scope of violence.
⮚ Peaceful change of government.
⮚ Opportunity to a part of government.
Demerits:
⮚ More expensive.
⮚ Emphasize on quantity not quality.
⮚ Unstable government.
⮚ Lack of qualification.
⮚ Illiterate people.
1.2 History of Pakistan’s Democracy

Slide No: 1
⮚ Substantive and procedural democracy.
⮚ Democracy and the battle between being Islamic and Muslim
state.
⮚ Democracy and polity.
⮚ Democracy and Army.
⮚ Democracy and ethnic-discord/ the Balochistan conundrum.
Slide No:2
⮚ The battle between moderate and theocratic Islam.
⮚ The polity and dynastic politics.
⮚ Lack of intra-party Democracy.
⮚ The difference between authoritarian and powerful leadership.
⮚ Clientelism and patronage politics.
⮚ Seeking extra-constitutional support for ascending to power.
Slide No:3
⮚ Factors responsible for the predominance of Army
⮚ The anti-democratic culture in the Army
⮚ The judicial activism and state-controlled media
⮚ Political leadership excessive reliance on Military
Establishment
1.3 Army and the Democracy

➢ What is Martial law

➢ Martial law
➢ Military government, involving the suspension of
ordinary law
➢ Martial law in Pakistan
Pakistan has spent several decades under military rule
(1958–1971, 1977–1988, 1999 – 2008 ).
First martial law in Pakistan (1958- 1969)
❖ On October 7, President Iskander Mirza declared martial law in Pakistan. He
dismissed the government of Sir Feroz Khan Noon, dissolved the National
Assembly of Pakistan and the provincial legislatures
❖ General Ayub khan martial law 23 October 1958
❖ Abolish 1958 constitution
➢ Presidential form of government
➢ Banned political parties
➢ Interference in judiciary
➢ Abolish Provincial autonomy
➢ India Pakistan war 1965
General Yahya khan martial law (1969 – 1971)
❖ Rather than resigning and allowing a constitutional transfer of power,
Ayub Khan requested that Yahya Khan, Commander-in-Chief of the
Army, utilize the military's supra-constitutional authority to declare
martial law and take power. On 25 March 1969, Yahya did so.
❖ 1970 elections
❖ Delayed in power to Sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman
❖ Military action against East Pakistan
❖ Ordered the army to surrender
❖ East wing become Bangladesh (16 December 1971)
General Zia-ul-Haq (1977-1988)
After deposing Prime Minister Bhutto on 5 July 1977, Zia-ul-Haq declared martial
law, and appointed himself Chief Martial Law Administrator, which he remained
until becoming president on 16 September 1978.

•Repression of press and journalist

•Religious person involvement in legislation
•Islamization program
• in 1979 Soviet invasion in Afghanistan
General Pervez Musharraf (1999-2008)

❖ Pakistan's fourth martial law was imposed on October 12, 1999, when the military
took control of the country and dissolved the government of Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif. General Pervez Musharraf became Chief Executive and suspended
Parliament. In 2001, Musharraf became president after President Rafiq Tarar
resigned.
❖ Military oppression in 2006 in Balochistan
❖ Murder of Baloch nationalist
❖ Dissolve the government of JUI ANP NAP
❖ Local government
 1.4 Challenges to Democracy in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION:
Democracy, as a system of governance, plays a vital role in ensuring
political stability, safeguarding human rights, and fostering socio-economic
development. However, like many developing nations, Pakistan faces
numerous challenges in consolidating and sustaining its democratic
institutions. In this essay, we will explore the key challenges to democracy
in Pakistan
Challenges to Democracy in Pakistan
1. Military Intervention:
One of the primary challenges to democracy in Pakistan is the recurring interference
of the military in political affairs. Frequent military coups have undermined
democratic institutions, weakened civilian leadership, and created an environment of
uncertainty and political instability. The military's influence in policy-making and
national security matters often overrides the democratically elected governments,
hindering the establishment of a truly democratic system.
2. Weak Political Institutions:
Another significant challenge to democracy in Pakistan is the weakness and
inefficiency of political institutions. Political parties often lack strong internal
democracy, transparency, and a clear ideology, leading to a lack of public trust in the
political process. Moreover, corruption and nepotism within political parties further
erode public confidence in the democratic system.
3. Lack of Accountability:
The absence of effective mechanisms to hold politicians, civil servants, and other
influential actors accountable compromises the foundations of democracy. Widespread
corruption and a culture of impunity have weakened state institutions, hindered the rule of
law, and perpetuated a sense of injustice among the populace. A lack of accountability
creates an environment conducive to the erosion of democratic values and ethical
standards.
4. Ethnic and Sectarian Tensions:
Pakistan's diverse ethnic and sectarian landscape poses a significant
challenge to democratic governance. The country has faced recurring
ethnic and sectarian tensions, which have often escalated into violence and
political crises. These divisions hamper the formation of a united polity,
impede consensus-building, and undermine the effectiveness of democratic
institutions
5. Poverty and Socio-Economic Disparities:
Persistent poverty, socio-economic disparities, and unequal distribution of resources are
major obstacles to democratic consolidation in Pakistan. Such inequalities create social
unrest, as marginalized communities feel alienated and excluded from the democratic
process. Economic disparities breed discontent, leading to political instability, and providing
fertile ground for populist and anti-democratic sentiments.
6. Extremism and Terrorism:
Pakistan has been grappling with the challenges posed by extremism and terrorism, which
threaten its democratic fabric. Militant groups, operating both regionally and domestically,
undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions through acts of violence and
intimidation. These extremist forces exploit social grievances, erode trust in democratic
processes, and pose a considerable challenge to the attainment of a sustainable democratic
system.
 1.5 Solutions to the Challenges to Democracy in
Pakistan

Introduction:
⮚ Pakistan's democratic journey has been riddled with challenges, from
military interventions to weak institutions and social inequalities.
⮚ Addressing these complexities requires a multi-pronged approach.
We’ll discuss the solutions to the challenges to democracy in Pakistan as
follows:
Political and Institutional Reforms:
● Strengthening civilian supremacy: Implement mechanisms that ensure the
military’s subordination to civilian authority. Independent oversight bodies
and clear demarcation of roles are crucial.
● Electoral reforms: Address gerrymandering, improve voter registration,
and ensure independent election commissions. Foster a culture of peaceful
transition of power.
● Judicial independence: Uphold judicial autonomy and protect judges from
undue influence. Strengthen access to justice, particularly for marginalized
communities.
● Strengthening political parties: Encourage internal democracy within
parties, promote transparency in funding, and address dynastic politics. Build
public trust by focusing on policy and service delivery.
● Decentralization of power: Devolution of authority to local governments
can increase community participation and address regional disparities.
Socio-Economic Development:
● Improve education and literacy:
Investing in education empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in the
democratic process. Focus on critical thinking and civic education.
● Reduce poverty and inequality:
Address economic disparities through inclusive growth strategies and targeted
social safety nets. Empower marginalized communities through education and
affirmative action.
● Ensure gender equality:
Expand women's political participation, economic opportunities, and access to
education. Address discriminatory practices and promote gender-sensitive policies.
● Promote religious tolerance and freedom of expression:
Protect the rights of minorities and foster interfaith dialogue. Counter hate speech
and extremism through education and legal frameworks.
Civil Society and Media:
● Empower civil society: Support independent NGOs and citizen groups working
on democracy, human rights, and accountability. Foster civic engagement and
public discourse.
● Protect media freedom: Ensure independent journalism and freedom of
expression. Counter disinformation and promote media literacy.
● Promote responsible use of social media: Address online hate speech and
manipulation while protecting freedom of expression.
❖ International Cooperation:
● Dialogue and partnership: Engage with democratic nations to share best
practices and provide technical assistance.
● Promote regional stability: Address cross-border issues like terrorism and water
scarcity through cooperation.
Challenges and Considerations:
● Implementing these solutions requires sustained political will and commitment
from all stakeholders.
● Addressing vested interests and overcoming historical legacies can be difficult.
● External actors should avoid interference while providing constructive support.
Conclusion:
Strengthening Pakistan's democracy is a long-term process, demanding collective
effort and a commitment to democratic values. By addressing the complex
challenges and implementing comprehensive solutions, Pakistan can move towards
a more stable, just, and inclusive society.
 Allama Iqbal’s message for the individuals of a nation
and the individual’s role in deciding the fate of the
Nation :

‫افراد کے ہاتھوں میں ہے اقوام کی تقدیر‬

‫ہر فرد ہے ملت کے مقدر کا ستارہ‬

Mohandas Gandhi:
“If you want to change the world, start with you...”