1. Introduction
2. An Overview of Political History of Pakistan
- Inception of Pakistan and initial problems
- The game of musical chair during the first eleven years
- Imposition of martial law by Ayub Khan
- Secession of East Pakistan
- Democratic Pakistan in the 70s
- Overthrow of democratic government by General Zia-ul-Haq
- Miracles of 58-2(b) in the 90s
- Entry of Pervez Musharraf and partial restoration of democracy
- Charter of democracy
- Revival of democracy
3. Hopes Pertaining to Democracy in Pakistan at the Moment
- Very promising and high
4. Factors that Indicate Promising Future of Democracy in Pakistan
A. Political Factors
- Emergence of new national-level political parties
- Successful completion of democratic tenures in the last decade
- Increasing political awareness among the masses
- Improved voter turnout in 2013 elections
- Responsible role of politicians
B. Social Factors
- Improving literacy rates
- Increasing role of women in political, economic and social sectors
- Presence of wide-awake and relatively independent media
- Apparently more responsible role of judiciary
C. Administrative Factors
- Engagement of military in counterterrorism activities and on eastern border
- More professional and cautious approach of military leadership
- Revival of the institution of local government
- Improving situation of national integration
D. Economic Factors
- CPEC-related projects and funds
- Improving economic indicators
5. Hurdles in the Way of Democracy in Pakistan
A. Political Hurdles
- Weak role of Election Commission of Pakistan
- Absence of true democratic spirit in political parties
- Lack of public interest in electoral process
- Irresponsible and short-sighted role of opposition
B. Social Hurdles
- Illiteracy and poverty
- Class disparities and gaps
- Backwardness of women
- Irresponsible and motive-driven role of media
C. Administrative Hurdles
- Clash of institutions
- Corrupt, unpatriotic and unprofessional role of bureaucracy
- Inequitable development and growth
- Poor performance of democratic governments
D. Economic Hurdles
- Deteriorating situation of economic growth
- Persistently-rampant corruption
- Increasing foreign debts
- Destabilization of currency
6. Recommendations for the Best Handling of Hurdles
a. Devising sharply-focused, meticulously-planned and thoroughly-integrated policies
b. Tapping of indigenous mineral, geographical and human resources to enhance the availability of funds with the government
c. Unfaltering, inflexible and incorruptible role of judiciary
d. People-oriented, sharply-focused and highly- equitable performance of democratic governments
e. Strengthening of local government. system, regular conduct of intra-party elections and holding of political activities at educational institutes to promote new leadership
f. Professionally mature, responsible and objective role of media
g. Initiation of scrupulously-designed poverty- alleviation programmes
h. Structural reforms, institutions buildings and use of technology for the eradication of corruption
I. Introduction of civil service reforms to improve the bureaucratic structure
7. Conclusion