Monday, February 16, 2015

Session 6: Democracy and Pakistan

Session 6: Democracy and Pakistan   


Regardless of how weak our democratic system is, it is important to signify the value of a democratic system. Dictatorship was always been introduced in Pakistan when the democratic government failed to deliver properly.  In the 67 years of Pakistan’s presence on the world map, Pakistan has seen 34 years of dictatorship, which is more than 50% of the total time Pakistan has been established. Sadly, only one civilian government was able to complete its tenure of 5 years.

Had the civilian system been allowed to prosper from day one, the situation of Pakistan would have been very different. Things, however, have started to change. The last two Chief of Army Staffs (Gen Kayani and Gen Shareef(present)) have stepped back from the general trend of Army Generals interfering in the country’s politics.  Also, the emphasis of Political Parties in governments to use democratic means for solving their problems is a positive step for stabilizing our democratic system. Former President Asif Ali Zardari is known to have described democracy as the “best revenge”.

However, the question remains whether stable democracy will positively impact the lives of people or not.  If the democratic system again fails to do so, Pakistan might again be in the face of dictatorship in no time.


2 comments:

Unknown said...

It is sad how the youth of our country is constantly comparing and discussing the army and various political parties as rivals. Ideally, they should be able to collaborate and work towards helping the state and the citizens who need both equally. They are natural parallels, the defense should not interfere with political government and vice versa.

Unknown said...

I'll completely agree with rauf, that democacry is the best way to rule a country and through this system (Only) Pakistan can be successful. Though it hasn't been strong enough in our country and unfortunately it has been overthrown due to military coup but in all that, military isn't the one to be blamed but its some chiefs and rulers. Building on what Haya said, I would like to add that Military and Civilian Govt. aren't against each other and no one should think that way. Though this concern which u arose is considerable because some acts in the past have made things look this way. The need of the hour is that military and the govt. should work collectively because one cant get success unless the other helps it.