Democracy in Pakistan Hopes and hurdles

Democracy in Pakistan Hopes and hurdles

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

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