The executive branch of the government is
responsible for execution and implementation of laws. This branch is the
dominant one among the three in which the power of a government is divided
namely executives, legislature and judiciary. On the other hand the bureaucracy
is responsible for administering the working of a state. It aids the executives
in implementing laws.
In Pakistan, executive powers not clearly
laid out. For instance, it is a norm for the constitution to be changed (a
relatively rigid framework) where either the president or the prime minister is
awarded more power than the other, leaving the other person as a mere
figurehead. Such a scenario has left uncertainty in the distribution of power. The
voting procedure is such that the leader of the party with most votes takes the
seat as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the head of state. However, the President
is chosen by the Electoral College for a period of five years, it is a
ceremonial positon.
Recently, following the 2008 elections Asif
Ali Zardari, the president made himself more powerful under the constitution,
leaving the Prime Minister powerless. Such actions lead to loss of faith in the
political system, especially the executive body. This gives the impression that
despite the voting system, the public is being made to play simply, a game of
cards.
It is important to note that constant amendments transferring power from prime minister to president makes our legislative system seem fragile and inconsistent. Similarly, the amendment under which party politics in the parliament has started to get practiced widely makes us question the credibility of our system. These breaks in our system are a threat to democracy where the interest of political parties are served rather than the national interests.
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