XV. EVOLUTION OF DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN | PAKISTAN AFFAIRS | CSS EXAM | CSS PMS TIMES
Introduction
The democratic system in Pakistan has witnessed a turbulent journey since its independence in 1947. Despite being established on democratic ideals, Pakistan’s political history is marked by interruptions, military takeovers, weak institutions, and political instability. The evolution of democracy in Pakistan is a story of resilience, highlighting the struggle for civilian supremacy, constitutionalism, and the role of judiciary, media, and civil society.
1. Foundation of Democracy (1947–1958)
Democratic Beginnings
At its inception, Pakistan was envisioned as a democratic state by its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who emphasized principles of equality, rule of law, and minority rights. However, the early years were marked by challenges:
Institutional Weakness: Pakistan inherited a fragile institutional framework, with a lack of experience in governance and administrative infrastructure.
Leadership Crisis: The early demise of Jinnah in 1948 and the assassination of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951 created a leadership vacuum.
Political Instability
Between 1947 and 1958, Pakistan saw frequent changes in government, with seven prime ministers in eleven years. The Constituent Assembly struggled to frame a constitution, reflecting ideological divisions between secular and Islamic visions for the state.
Constitutional Milestones
1956 Constitution: Pakistan’s first constitution was adopted in 1956, establishing a parliamentary system of government. However, it failed to provide political stability due to internal political conflicts and power struggles.
2. First Military Rule and the Erosion of Democracy (1958–1971)
Ayub Khan’s Regime
In 1958, General Ayub Khan staged the first military coup, marking the beginning of military interventions in Pakistan’s politics. He abrogated the constitution, imposed martial law, and introduced a controlled democracy through the 1962 Constitution, which established a presidential system.
Key Features of Ayub Khan’s Rule:
Centralization of power in the presidency.
The introduction of the Basic Democracies system, which aimed to create grassroots participation but concentrated power in the hands of the executive.
The Decline of Ayub’s Rule
Public discontent over economic disparities, regional inequalities, and the 1965 war with India weakened Ayub Khan’s regime, leading to political unrest and his resignation in 1969.
Yahya Khan and the 1971 Crisis
General Yahya Khan took over in 1969, promising free and fair elections. The 1970 general elections, the first under universal suffrage, led to a political crisis when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a majority but was denied power. The ensuing civil war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, marking a catastrophic failure of democracy and governance.
3. Democratic Revival Under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1971–1977)
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Leadership
Following the 1971 debacle, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto emerged as the civilian leader tasked with rebuilding the nation. His Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) pursued policies of social justice, nationalization, and constitutional reforms.
1973 Constitution
Bhutto’s government introduced the 1973 Constitution, which remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s democracy. It established:
A federal parliamentary system.
The role of Islam in governance.
Fundamental rights for citizens.
Challenges to Democracy
Despite democratic advancements, Bhutto’s authoritarian tendencies, such as curbing political dissent and manipulating institutions, weakened democratic norms. His government was overthrown in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1977.
4. Military Dominance Under Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988)
Martial Law and Islamization
Zia’s rule marked one of the darkest periods for democracy in Pakistan. Under martial law, Zia suspended the constitution, banned political parties, and introduced a process of Islamization to legitimize his rule.
Pseudo-Democracy
Zia held non-party elections in 1985, creating a controlled democracy under his supervision. The Eighth Amendment to the constitution gave the president sweeping powers, including the authority to dissolve the National Assembly.
Political Repression
Zia’s era saw severe curbs on civil liberties, media freedom, and opposition activities, leaving a lasting impact on Pakistan’s political culture.
5. Democratic Transitions (1988–1999)
Return to Civilian Rule
Following Zia’s death in 1988, Pakistan returned to civilian rule under Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, alternating power in the 1990s. This period, often referred to as the “democratic decade,” was marked by:
Competitive politics between the PPP and PML-N.
Corruption allegations and political instability.
Weak coalition governments.
Challenges to Democracy
Presidential Powers: The Eighth Amendment allowed successive presidents to dismiss elected governments, undermining democratic continuity.
Judicial and Military Interference: Frequent interventions by the judiciary and military weakened civilian authority.
6. Musharraf’s Military Rule (1999–2008)
Military Coup
In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf overthrew Nawaz Sharif’s government, citing corruption and mismanagement. He suspended the constitution and introduced military-led governance.
Controlled Democracy
Musharraf sought to maintain a façade of democracy by holding elections in 2002 and introducing constitutional amendments through the Legal Framework Order (LFO). However, power remained concentrated in his hands.
Key Developments
Media Expansion: Musharraf liberalized the media, which later became a powerful voice for democratic reforms.
Judicial Activism: The judiciary, under Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, began asserting its independence, playing a crucial role in challenging Musharraf’s authoritarianism.
7. Democratic Consolidation (2008–2018)
Return of Civilian Rule
Following Musharraf’s resignation in 2008, Pakistan entered a new phase of democratic governance. The PPP, under Asif Ali Zardari, and later the PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif, oversaw significant milestones:
Eighteenth Amendment (2010): Restored the parliamentary system by curbing presidential powers and enhancing provincial autonomy.
Peaceful Transitions: For the first time, democratic governments completed their terms and transferred power peacefully.
Challenges
Persistent corruption and governance issues.
Civil-military tensions, with the military retaining significant influence over foreign policy and national security.
8. Contemporary Democratic Landscape
PTI Government and Political Polarization
In 2018, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) formed the government, promising reforms and anti-corruption measures. While his tenure was marked by ambitious initiatives, political polarization and economic challenges persisted.
Civil-Military Relations
The military continues to play a dominant role in shaping Pakistan’s political and security landscape, raising questions about the true autonomy of civilian governments.
Judicial and Media Activism
An active judiciary and a vibrant media have emerged as key players in promoting democratic accountability, though both face criticism for overreach.
Challenges to Democracy in Pakistan
Civil-Military Imbalance
Frequent military interventions have disrupted democratic continuity, weakening civilian institutions.
Judicial Overreach
While judicial activism has supported democracy, it has also sometimes undermined parliamentary supremacy.
Corruption and Governance Issues
Corruption and weak governance have eroded public trust in democratic institutions.
Economic Instability
Economic crises have fueled public dissatisfaction, creating opportunities for anti-democratic forces to exploit discontent.
Political Polarization
Deep divisions among political parties have hindered the development of a unified democratic culture.
Conclusion
The evolution of democracy in Pakistan has been marked by resilience in the face of adversity. While the country has faced repeated interruptions and challenges, there is a growing awareness of the importance of democratic norms, civilian supremacy, and constitutionalism. Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability, and fostering political consensus remain essential for Pakistan to achieve its democratic potential.
The journey of democracy in Pakistan reflects not only its struggles but also its aspirations to create a stable, inclusive, and prosperous political system for future generations.
