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