in Pakistan and Analyse if a similar movement is possible in Pakistan.

We have similarities, like corruption, inflation, unemployment all are raising in Pakistan and people of Pakistan are still looking to gain their democratic rights and equality despite the fact they have an elected government but a very weak democratic culture and no continuity with challenges such as feudal class domination, involvement of Army and Bureaucracy in governance (which leads to dictatorship and martial laws), rising influence of far right totalitarian ideologies. Hence elimination of the elements must be the objective of any such movement. What is lacking however as the necessary ingredient is presence of a collaborative and organised political entity which must also be very clear in its objectives and goals. As we have seen in above three cases, this political entity must be a collaboration of different political parties, pressure groups, unions and labour syndicates, farmers, students and other elements in society. A demand for equality and democracy cannot be fulfilled without constitutional guarantees and guidelines; hence role of elected constituent assemblies and judiciary is very important and must be carefully crafted so that they can complement each other to safeguard rights of people. At present political scene in Pakistan is very deteriorating, if one simply believes in our free media. Factors such as dominance of feudal and privileged class and corruption have corroded the structure to an extent that people do not have any trust on political parties which goes to the benefit of establishment. Farmers or those who belong to agriculture as mean of living (and majority of the population), are forced to find means to survive let alone any chances of growth. Labour Unions are struggling to survive, and labour class is under stress with weak labour laws, low wages and no securities. Educated and urban middle class is disoriented and largely under influence of far right beneficiaries of present situation, what remains of them is very sceptical on ability of political leadership and parties to bring any change in status (hence what is called the fake civil society in these pages), students have no rights to form unions (which promotes violence, no civic interest, and lack of awareness on real national challenges). In this situation political parties at large are inefficient and filled with self serving interest groups (and personalities) even if they have popular support. So in Pakistan, there are more grass root issues for a sincere political leadership. They have to develop the culture and people which can contribute for an organised mass movement for democracy against establishment; they have to fight against feudal privileges and authority; they have to bring a democratic culture in their own cadre and a revolution beyond personal gains which demands sacrifices, they will be required to create mass contacts and organisation into different elements of society, they have to bring together majority of population which is largely rural. Any such leadership will find institutions and platforms already in place such as farmers and labour unions, student parties, pressure groups and other society organisations. And we have also witnessed, in this country a leadership which can shed its blood but does not leave or turn its back. If they are able to do so, they will be rewarded with a populace support and a civil society (which will no longer be fake).

Pakistan is fortunate to have returned to democracy after long periods of direct and indirect military rule. However, it would be premature to suggest that democracy has developed strong roots in Pakistan It has been less than a year since Pakistan began its current transition to democracy. Yet some political leaders and commentators have already started to predict its doom. Some such elements, known for their anti-PPP disposition, have predicted that 2009 is going to be the year of change, though they did not specify if they were talking about the PPP government or the democratic system or both. Democracy is a delicate system of governance that requires careful nurturing over a long period of consolidation. It faces more problems in a country that has experienced extended phases of authoritarian rule. Invariably, authoritarian rule creates beneficiaries who find themselves irrelevant when the country returns to democracy and thus engage in a whispering campaign against participatory governance. They exploit the lapses and weaknesses of the elected civilian government and question the viability of democracy in Pakistan. Democracy can succeed only if political leaders maintain a strong commitment to democracy in both theory and practice. Despite differences on policies, they must work together to sustain the system by respecting and practicing democracy and constitutionalism. A major weakness of democracy is that it can be destroyed through democratic means. For example, democracy functions on the principle of majority rule. However, winning a majority in the election does not give the government licence to pursue any policies. Majority rule can easily be turned into tyranny of the majority if the legitimate rights and interests of political minorities and the principles and spirit of democracy are violated. Political majorities and minorities have to function within the ambit of law and the constitution, and the majority must respect and accommodate the rights of the minority. Similarly, the minority needs to respect the right of the majority to rule, and should not oppose it for the sake of opposition. The hallmarks of democracy are tolerance, accommodation and the peaceful and constitutional handling of public policy issues. Pakistans return to democracy earlier this year after over 8 years of military-dominated authoritarian rule was a major triumph made possible by the coordinated efforts of societal groups and political parties. The military also contributed to this change by adopting a nonpartisan posture, and the army chief held back the ISI from interfering in the electoral process. Pakistans experiment with representative governance is under pressure from the beneficiaries of the long years of authoritarian rule. These forces have no stake in the continuation of the current political process and are ideologically opposed to the present political and constitutional arrangements.

Four factors have created doubts about the viability of the current arrangement: growing confrontation between the two major parties the PPP and the PMLN; unsatisfactory performance of the government; the economic crisis; and the escalating threat posed by terrorism to internal security and stability. The most disturbing development is that many, including those who held top civil and military posts in the past, do not see militancy as a threat to Pakistan due to their ideologically tilted worldview, political expediency and linkages with various militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban. The PPP and the PMLN maintain a multi-track relationship dominated by mutual distrust and acrimony that often cancel out their efforts to strengthen democracy and constitutionalism. The Sharif brothers are cautions in commenting on the PPP government, especially on the latters refusal to restore deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. However, several close associates of the Sharifs miss no opportunity to take on the PPP. The November 12 National Assembly speech of the PMLNs Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was a stinging censure of the PPP government and President Asif Zardari, alleging misrule and personalisation of power. Chaudhry Nisar maintained that there was hardly any difference between the Musharraf regime and the PPP government. Similarly, the PPP leadership is favourably disposed towards maintaining a working relationship with the PMLN. However, some leaders of the PPP in the Punjab have engaged in sharp criticism of the PMLN, and have tried to extract as much political dividend as possible to stay in the Shahbaz Sharif-led coalition government in the province. If the current working relationship between the two parties breaks down in the Punjab, they would literally be at each others throats. The periodic manifestation of distrust and acrimony between the two major parties is a major obstacle to the consolidation of democracy in Pakistan. Even if they continue to diverge in their political agendas, they need to recognise that unrestrained confrontation would equally undermine the interests of the two parties and threaten the future of democracy. Poor governance on the part of the PPP-led government is another cause of the current dissatisfaction. The high-flying people-oriented rhetoric of the PPP leadership has not been backed by effective policies to realise their promises. Two major examples of poor governance are the inability of the government to control the prices of essential items, and the raise in electricity rates that had to be lowered after protests broke out in many cities. The working of the federal government creates the impression that it lacks an operational plan to move in a specific political direction. The presidency seems to be commanding the government

rather than the prime minister. This partly explains why the government has so far not initiated the promised constitutional changes, as they would clip the wings of the presidency. Similarly, the government has so far not given any indication that it will enhance the administrative and financial autonomy of the provinces. The economic crisis and the governments helplessness to cope with it without foreign assistance limits the governments capacity to cope with internal socio-economic problems. Pakistans dependence on external assistance limits its domestic and foreign policy options, reinforcing the impressing that the government is not the master of its own house. The economic crisis calls for a serious economic austerity drive by the government, however, it is doubtful if it is seriously working towards reducing unnecessary expenditures. The final challenge to the endurance of the current democratic order comes from religious intolerance and militancy that threatens internal security and stability. Militants based in the tribal areas are openly flouting the authority of the state and they have turned the area into a sanctuary for elements that perpetrate violence in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Democracy cannot flourish in a strife-ridden and violent socio-political context. However, several political leaders do not recognise this inverse relationship between terrorism and democracy. Some well-known parties are opposed to the governments efforts to control extremism and terrorism, and demand the immediate suspension of military action against terrorists based in the tribal areas. Pakistan is fortunate to have returned to democracy after long periods of direct and indirect military rule. However, it would be premature to suggest that democracy has developed strong roots in Pakistan. It faces many challenges that cannot be addressed unless major political and societal groups work together within a democratic framework to deal with acute socio-economic issues, control religious and cultural intolerance and neutralise militants that are using violence to advance their agenda.

Why Has Democracy Always Failed in Pakistan? Why has democracy always failed in Pakistan? India and Bangladesh, which sharing a number of cultural and demographic traits with Pakistan, have enjoyed a number of subsequent democratic governments chosen through free and fair elections. A Pakistani democracy NGO named Pildat suggests four explanations:

1. Insufficient assertiveness by legislators - The elected representatives were by and large not aware of their rights and responsibilities and no effective system was evolved to make these representatives aware of their responsibilities. 2. Cultivation of democratic elites disrupted by military governance - During the periods of military rule, the political process which on its own momentum develops new leadership in the country came to a halt. Whenever democracy was restored, the process did not continue long enough to allow new leadership to emerge. 3. Alienation and disengagement of educated middle classes from politics - The educated classes mostly from the middle class remained largely unconcerned about the political process. They were either ignored or got disillusioned because they saw no prospects for them in the process. The political activity remained largely confined to the moneyed class or the street toughs. The educated middle class, professionals, scholars, minorities and women need to be encouraged to join the political process more actively. 4. Lack of active citizenry exercising accountability - There had been no initiative taken by the citizens to monitor the performance of the elected representatives and elected bodies and to hold them accountable to their voters on the basis of their track record. 5. Future of democracy in Pakistan 6. Outline Democracy and Pakistan Present, Past and Future Importance of democracy Threats to democracy 1. Weak political institutions 2. Influence of Military 3. Economic difficulties 4. Social Norms 5. Illiteracy lack of political of awareness 6. Unemployment and poverty 7. Image of political leadership 8. Power politics 9. Foreign interference 10. Unbridled media 11. Feudalism and racism 12. Grievances of small provinces 13. Relation with India 14. Terrorism and extremism

 Suggestions to meet the challenges 1. Strengthing of political parties and political culture 2. Sovereignty of parliament and other statuary 3. Independence of judiciary 4. Eradication of illiteracy 5. Political awareness 6. Democratic norms 7. Economic uplift 8. Emergence of new leadership 9. Participation of youth in political process 10. Mature and tolerant politics 11. Independence of media 12. Accountability Our strengths 1. Presence of pro-democracy leadership 2. Active Civil Society 3. Independent Media 4. Determined and dedicated nation 5. Pakistani Youth Conclusion

Essay In this possibly terminal phase of human existence, freedom and democracy are just more then ideals to be followed rather its necessary for survival. Noam Chomsky Pakistan was the result of a political and democratic struggle but democracy could not flourish during 62 years of its existence. The founder of Pakistan was a great democratic statesman who envisioned a democratic and progressive Pakistan. Unfortunately his illness couldnt let him to contribute much for democracy. His death was a fine blow to the political stability of Pakistan. Liaquat Ali Khan, a devoted prime-minister elected from Eastern Pakistan was unacceptable to the ruling elite of West Pakistan and was subsequently eliminated from the political scene in 1951. These initial problems of Pakistan gave him little time to focus his attention on democratic and constitutional development of newly born state. His sudden death proved a serious blow to the nation. His successors dedicated their efforts to perpetuate their rule showing little concern to democratic development. The early years were marked with conspiracies, unethical and

undemocratic tactics in power corridors of the country. This situation provided opportunity to military to intervene in politics and Ayub Khan imposed first Marshal Law in 1958. After this, army became a stakeholder in power game and ruled the country four times through coups. The recent government has assumed power through an electoral process but after 9 years of military rule. It has not completed even two years of its formation and threats have surfaced to its existence. The current democracy is facing multifaceted challenges on economic, social, political and international fronts. This needs a sagacious approach to ensure continuance of democratic rule in Pakistan. Today the respect of a nation in the international community is directly linked to prevalence of democracy. Pakistan has to strengthen democracy in order to earn a respectable place in the world and head towards the road of progress and prosperity. The clouds of uncertainty are hovering over the democratic set-up in Pakistan. The major threat is absence of sound political infrastructure. Frequent Military interventions prevented growth of political culture. Political parties could not be established on modern and democratic lines. Political parities are nursuries of democracy. In Pakistan these parties are plagued with outside influence, short term goals, one man show and family politics. Political culture cannot flourish until political parties start functioning in democratic manner. Military has emerged as a stakeholder in political process that is against the very spirit of democracy. Where it is permanent threat hanging over the government on one hand, it encourages the undemocratic forces to destabilize democracy on the other hand. Economic difficulties are the barriers to Govt performance causing public discontent. Pakistan government is facing financial difficulties. Its economy is under developed characterized by huge trade deficit, heavy debt burden and deteriorating currency. Government lacks the requisite economic resources for public uplift. Consequently common men remain indifferent to national politics and democracy that induce undemocratic forces to intervene. The democratic system derives its strength from people. As former American President, Abraham Lincoln, had said, Democracy is Govt of the people, by the people, for the people. Where half of the Pakistani population is illiterate and stands unaware to democratic concepts, even the major chunk of educated people remains also indifferent to political developments in the country. This allures undemocratic forces to assume the power and

to their pleasure they are accorded warm welcome by the nation when they assumed the charge. Political unawareness amongst the masses poses serious threat to democracy. Democracy can flourish only if public at large get involved in the political process. The image of political leadership has been rotten over the time. Common men tend to dislike the political personalities. They are held responsible for all the afflictions Pakistan facing today. There are deficiencies in politicians, but these are projected to the public with exaggeration of some facts along with certain myths. This mistrust of public prevents them to concern about the political process. Political instability along with economic difficulties pushed the country towards foreign dependence. Resultantly, the international powers, in pursuance of their own goals, care little to the democratic stability of the country. All the military rulers enjoyed foreign support. 75% of financial aid by USA was received during the military regime. Purportedly, these foreign players intrigue to destabilize the political set up, when their interest require doing so. Media independence is vital to democratic stability but it must be subjected to some ethics, rules and regulations. Unfortunately, media scarcely follows the ethical and legal limits. Commercialism some time allures it to pursue yellow journalism putting aside the national interest. In order to catch public opinion, media manipulate the facts and misrepresent it to the public where constructive criticism play a positive role, undue castigation arouse public wrath for the sitting government. Consequently people start desiring change whether democratic or undemocratic. Feudalism is negation of equality and freedom. Democracy is not just happening of electoral exercise, it is set of principles based on the concept of freedom, liberty, equality and tolerance. Elections are just one of the manifestations of democracy. While feudalism does not hinder the electoral process, it put curbs on the peoples right of freedom. Masses are restrained to freely participate in the democratic process. Feudalism is still prevailing in Pakistan and people falling under its jurisdiction are treated like subjects. They can never become the active participants of political process. Small provinces have lost their confidence on federation. Military rulers suppressed their demands. They were denied the genuine legal and constitutional rights. Though the present democratic government sought apology from Balouchs, no substantial efforts has been evinced yet to redress their woes, their anti-centre feelings, if not addressed aptly would aggravate in the days ahead. Pakistan unfriendly relations with India overpower its domestic and international policies. Both the countries remained at logger heads since their inception. Pakistan, in order to counter the menace of Indian adventures, had to allocate major chunk of her resources for military development at the cost of negating other socio-economic sectors of the country. She has to maintain a large army in spite of having limited economic

resources. Pakistan annually allocates 33% of her budget to defense on average. If relations with India are normalized, these resources may be better spent on public uplift, social welfare, education and health. If it happens it would bring prosperity that strengthens the democratic foundations of the country. Terrorism is one of the biggest threats to survival of entire humanity. The entire world is intimidated of this menace and making efforts to counter it. Its afflictions are pervasive and engulfing the peace and prosperity of the nation. The multiple challenges lingering on democracy thus requires a multipronged struggle to counter them. Political parties are the primary institutions of democracy in order to provide a solid foundation to edifice of democracy. Political parties have to re-organize and function on democratic lines. These have to establish their roots at gross root level and develop them like institutions open to public. Only political parties can ensure public participation in political process and inculcate the democratic values. A dedicated involvement of people at large would provide a solid base to democracy in Pakistan. Parliament is representative institution of public. Executives must be accountable before the parliament. If all decisions are made through the parliament, it would strengthen democracy. Judiciary is a foremost pillar of state. An independent and efficient Judiciary ensure prevalence of social justice in the society. It provides a plat-form to aggrieved citizens to seek redressal of their griveneces. If people get legal way to their redressal, it reduces the likelihood of illegal adventures. So independence of judiciary is key to strong democracy. Educational uplift of the society makes its members well conversant to the concepts of freedom, liberty and democracy. People learn the blessings of public rule. It enhances their commitment to democracy and they can stand against the efforts to derail the political process. Ironically, a considerable majority of educated people lack awareness to democracy. This issue must be addressed through transformation of syllabus on modern lines. Democracy, its need and its blessings must be incorporated as part of the syllabus at all levels of education. Besides this, government must join hands with media, civil society and other pressure groups to inculcate the values of freedom, liberty, human rights and democracy amongst the masses. Political players must set good norms to strengthen democracy. Power thrust, intolerance and corruption have plagued the politics of Pakistan. Time has come to stop the old practices and follow the democratic values prevailed in developed societies. Political parties need revision regarding their structure as they lack democracy.

Economic growth brings prosperity in the life of common. A prosper society is more likely to adopt democracy and actively engage in political process. Leadership provides new direction to society and led them to the destination. Pakistan desperately needs trustworthy leadership that people follow dedicatedly. Our youth constitute 30% of the society they are representative of new generation. Their participation may ensure structural improvements in national paradigm. It has been witnessed that during Pakisan movement youth played vital role in opinion formation and mass awareness and so is the time now. There is a need to guide our youth to take the responsibility of our tomorrow. Its the high time when youth is active and willing to welcome the dawn of democracy and it should be utilized to its fullest. An impartial system of accountability enhances public trust on the political system. It provides enormous strength to democratic process. Moreover, it compels thousand who are charged with governance, to transparently discharge their official responsibilities. It ensures good governance and strengthens the political set up. Inspite of facing innumerable challenges and showing unsatisfactory performance, Pakistanis has the capability to emerge as a democratic and progressive nation. Pakistan can road to democracy with dedication, determination, commitment, courage and patriotism of its political leaders. If they are aptly inculcated with the true spirit of democracy, they are potent enough to change the destiny. There is no second opinion that democracy is pre-requisite for Pakistan to earn a respectable place in the international community. Its track record during 62 years of existence portrays a gloomy picture. The current challenges and threats further aggravate the scene. But this does no imply there is no room for improvement. A glance at the history reveals that difficulties always appear in the life of surviving nations. But these adversities are proved blessing in disguise when these are faced gallantly. This moment becomes starting point in their journey towards success. It has all the potential to overcome the mountainous challenges; the required is unity, faith, discipline and guidance.

akistan is experiencing a major existential crisis. But crises are mixed blessings which can lead to regression or progression. They can cause a breakdown or become a fertile ground for a breakthrough. Some Pakistanis are worried that Pakistan, like Iraq, is heading towards a civil war where thousands of innocent men, women and children will be killed because of the violent confrontation between different ethnic and religious groups. It is so sad that, even in the 21st century, millions of innocent Pakistanis are caught between religious fundamentalism and Western imperialism while the Pakistani military and government are unable to provide safety and security to their citizens. Since September 11, 2001, Pakistanis have been pushed into

international religious, economic and political wars. In the eyes of many foreign powers Pakistan, a nuclear power, has become a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any time. Pakistan has taken the centre stage in world politics not only because of its geographical position but also its historical love/hate relationship with the four other nuclear powers in the world India, Israel, England and America. Pakistan is experiencing a major political crisis. Many Pakistanis are concerned that over the next few years their mother land might again be divided into religious and secular states similar to the events in 1971, when East Pakistan became Bangladesh. Can Pakistan survive? has become once more, a million dollar question, as maintaining independence this time might be as difficult, if not more difficult, than gaining it half a century ago. Abul Kalam Azad had predicted in 1947 that if Pakistan separated from India on religious basis, it would further divide fifty years after its birth. It is ironic that Pakistanis, as a nation, even today, have not been able to find satisfactory solutions to the following problems. 1. SOCIOECONOMIC PROBLEMS Even after decades of existence there is no equal distribution of wealth and resources. Pakistan remains a feudal society where 90% of its wealth is owned by 10% of people. Industrialization has suffered because of the unpredictable economy and politics. None of the governments, military or civil, had any effective plan of action to decrease the gap between the rich and the poor. Military not only uses most of the national budget, but many army officers have been running many civilian organizations. Those Pakistanis who went to work in the Middle East in 1970s and 80s, and brought back foreign currency, have also created an economic imbalance and uneven social growth in the country. 2. EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS Rather than increasing, in the last sixty years, the literacy rate has decreased as the schools have not kept up with the population explosion. Sadly, most people in the villages cannot read or write. There is no national standardized educational system. Because of the large number of children, many poor parents, who do not practice family planning, send their children to madrassas, religious schools, as they get free food and shelter in those institutions. It is ironic that many of these madrassas are funded by Saudi Arabia to promote their fundamentalist interpretation of Islam and literal interpretation of Quran. For children to accept blind faith rather than learn critical and creative thinking can be a serious concern for any nation. Pakistan is the only country I know where many children do not get their primary education in their native language. Rather than studying in Punjabi, Pushto, Balochi and Sindhi, many children are taught in Urdu, English and Arabic which are not their mother tongues. 3. HEALTH CARE PROBLEMS

While many Pakistanis suffer from physical and emotional problems, there is no adequate health care system in place. Many pregnant women remain anemic and there is a high infant mortality rate. Children still suffer from malnutrition because of pervasive poverty. Many patients with emotional problems only see a psychiatrist when they get violent and have a nervous breakdown. Mental illness is still surrounded by visible stigma. Because of lack of health education there is less emphasis on prevention. When I was working in Zanana Hospital in Peshawar I met many infertile couples who went to holy shrines rather than consulting infertility clinics. 4. RELIGIOUS PROBLEMS Because of religious teachings in the families, schools and communities, many Pakistanis have grown with a religious rather than a secular world view. This trend intensified when Pakistan transformed into Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Ironically in Zulfiqar Ali Bhuttos time Ahmedis were declared non-Muslims. The process of Islamization of Pakistan accelerated during Zia-ul-Haq period when religion was introduced to all aspects of life. The more religion entered politics and the separation of mosque and state became blurred, the more Pakistan traveled on the path of becoming a theocratic state. 5. IDENTITY PROBLEMS There was a time when some of my Pukhtoon friends used to say that they have been Pathans for 5000 years, Muslims for 1500 years and Pakistanis for 50 years, but the identity of Pakistanis has changed over the decades. There are many Pakistanis who identify with Arab and Muslim culture far more than their own ethnic and native culture. Their names are Arabic and they greet now with Allah Hafiz rather than Khuda Hafiz. They know more about Mohammad of Arabia than Buddha, Bullay Shaha and Guru Nanak of India. Many Pakistanis do not realize that the land and culture of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa existed far before 1947, when Pakistan was born. The issue of identity for many Pakistanis is still a major unresolved issue. 6. POLITICAL PROBLEMS It is unfortunate that after all these years an autocratic political system prevails in Pakistan. People are more familiar with army generals and dictators than democratic minded political leaders. Democracy has not thrived in Pakistan since many religious leaders consider it a Western and un-Islamic system. Social, political and religious intolerance has increased over the decades. It is also sad that popular political leaders like Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto did not die natural deaths, one was hanged and the other assassinated. Many Muslims still dream of a Khilafat where one religious leader will be the life long leader. In 1500 years of history Muslims have not developed any unique political system that can be considered democratic.

There are many Muslims who dream of converting others by preaching their brand of religion and there are others who support holy wars. 7. HUMAN RIGHTS PROBLEMS Pakistanis have suffered for decades because their human rights have not been protected in the communities as well the courts. Whether they are women or children, Ahmedis or Christians, Shiites or atheists, the rights of minorities are always threatened. The Pakistani Constitution does not ensure equal rights and privileges to all citizens. Pakistan still struggles between the secular British and religious Arabic laws and traditions. Pakistan has not resolved political conflicts between different provinces. FUTURE OF PAKISTAN In the next few years Pakistanis need to make many significant choices otherwise international powers might dictate certain decisions as they see Pakistan as a failed state that exports terrorists and having nuclear weapons, has become a threat to world peace. If the British Empire can lose her colonies, the Berlin wall can come down and the Communist World can disintegrate, Pakistan can also divide further and the map of the Middle East can change in the next decade. POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS While I am discussing the unresolved problems of Pakistan, I am also reflecting upon the possible solutions. In this introductory article I can only enlist the solutions as each of them is deserving of a detailed discussion. For Pakistanis to make sure that Pakistan not only survives but also grows and thrives and joins the modern world by becoming a progressive and democratic state, they need to take following steps: 1. The gap between the rich and the poor has to decrease. 2. The curriculum of schools need to be reviewed so that children can receive scientific and secular education in their mother tongue. In addition, they need to develop critical and creative thinking. 3. Health care education and free health care needs to be provided to all citizens. 4. The Pakistani Constitution has to become secular and humanistic so that all citizens, especially women and minorities have equal rights and the blasphemy law is abolished. 5. Pakistanis need to become aware of their own cultural traditions and Asian identity rather than primarily identifying with a Middle Eastern identity.

6. All political parties need to present their 5 to 10 year plan to deal with serious economic, religious and social problems so that people know which party will serve them the best. 7. All political parties and citizens need to make sure that army officers stay in the army barracks and not take over the parliament in the future. For some people it might seem like a dream but all nations have to dream before the dream comes true. If Pakistanis did not fulfill that dream, I am afraid their dream might turn into a violent nightmare in the not so distant future.

Failure of democracy in Pakistan

Democracy can be defined as the government of the people by the people and for the people. It is an ideal form of the government in which all the strata of the population has great say in the internal and external affairs of the country. Significance of the democracy can be gauged from the fact that in the countries where it works and exists full well, they have well organized or disciplined states before and mostly peaceful political, social weather is prevailed so farm. However, it is rather unfortunate that democracy is derailed every now and again since the inception of Pakistan by dint of certain causes. Bad governance is the first and the foremost reason responsible behind the non delivering of the democracy in the country. It is the bad governance that had been paving the way for the emergence of military regime after the establishment of Pakistan. Furthermore, mass illiteracy and feudal system being both present in the country, the democracy is reduced to an empty show. Lack of democracy has pushed the country into a vicious circle by landing it into the state of quandary and arising multidimensional crises on the surface. Due to weak democracy, the character of Pakistan has been blackening in the world comity and putting the national integration at stake. In short, lack of democracy, eats up into the vitals of the nation by plunging it in the state of uncertain. Therefore, good governance should be restored to deliver democracy or true democratic system in the country. Literary rate should be raised in the multitudes to make them politically educated. Democracy is the only solution to the internal or external problems of the country and is the only way whereby the nation can attain positive amendment or amelioration by all accounts. To begin with, after the demise of the Father of the Nation, QUID E AZAM Pakistan had been becoming the barren and sterile in the terms of leadership. Politics became a bad game or an effective means to promote vested interests. Just after the getting independence, corruption soon took hold of the society. The Rehabilitation Department accepted the fake claims of the Muslims coming from across the Indian border that gave stimulus to the forces of bribery and other social

vices. In the sequel, justice became a rare commodity in the Pakistan's society and paralyzed people had to purchase justice through bribery. The Muslim league fell a prey to internecine intrigues that gave birth to the political and economic scramble. All of the above gifts of bad governance had been making the avenue for the emergence of the military government. Thus, in 1957 for the first time Material Law took place and democracy was derailed. In this wise, delay in the constitution making played a paramount part to non delivering of democracy in Pakistan in the early years. The case of India can positively and sufficiently be mentioned in this manner. The democracy has dug its roots deep in India because the constitution there was enacted soon after its establishment that resulted in democratic process by making India a well democratic state. In Pakistan, however, the constitution making body became a tool in the hands of the knavish politicians who were engaged in palace intrigues making and dissolving the cabinets. The sacred or prime task of framing a workable constitution was thus crucified at the altar of power politics which ultimately leaded to the derailing of democracy in the country Furthermore, feudalism is one of the greatest barriers responsible behind the failure of democracy in Pakistan to a large extent. Institutions can not work freely or independently in the presence of feudalism. Moreover, in feudalistic societies democracy represents a specific group of society that is ruling class that is why democracy never delivers in Pakistan. Feudal system stops the way of new leadership which comes from gross root level by perpetuating its hold and rule, so the existence of workable and true democracy in the presence of feudalism is not at cards. Similarly, illiteracy fosters mediocrity. Much of Pakistan's inhabitants are illiterate and live below the line of poverty or squalor. In fact, democracy is reduced to an empty show if the citizens or the multitudes behave like dumb driven cattle and develop crowd mentality of being driven which every way the leader direct. On the other hand, illiterate masses can hardly select a solemn candidate for themselves on the confidence of their own. They hardly think out of the four walls of their village so that they choose the leader what their landlord chooses often. Therefore, mass illiteracy reduces the standard of the democracy by choosing shaky leadership. Besides it, lack of sense of responsibility and self aggrandizement among the politicians and the ruling class, corruption, terrorism, unemployment, economic inequality, favoritism in politics and other social injustice have reduced the confidence of the masses and the classes from ruling class. Even coming government is shackled with its interests of own and no any relief delivers to the poor or indigents. Therefore, the name of democracy is reduced to its name only. Imbalance role of media has not put any good show to make Pakistan a democratic state by favoring the rulers frequently. The media is the greatest source whereby the people can know truth of every thing, so the media of the present is a great propaganda missionary. However, in our country it is always utilized as a weapon. Since the birth of the Pakistan it has been dancing to the tune of ruling regime. The masses can not express themselves according to their wants. Thus, democratically process is there hardly experienced. All of that have made democracy ineffective in Pakistan. That is why democracy is merely named here not in working. The first and foremost effect of derailing of democracy is that it had seceded East Pakistan from this Pakistan. It was lack of democracy that separated the right arm of Pakistan and held it into

meager small holdings. On the other hand, poverty line instead the showing signs of diminution had been swelling upward. Corruption was let loose in every profession of life. Various socio economic sins stand firmly entrenched in the home soil. Moreover, the smaller provinces stand fort the true kind democracy while the military government rather dividend the gulf between the provinces by arising certain misgivings on the surface. In short, military government not only separated our organs but also thrown national integration on the horns of dilemma. Secondly, lack of democracy in the country has been burying Pakistan under the debris of host of problems. Series of crises grip Pakistan at the present because of failure of democracy in the past. Bereft of democracy Pakistan's institutions had been crippling and crippling of institutions is the predicament of Pakistan. In times of dangers and uncertainty institutions help the country to overcome different types of crises by contributing to stability to the country. The weakness of Pakistan lies in having emaciated institutions which have not been allowed to grow and sustain themselves overtime, by the rulers- especially by military rooftops. All of that has made Pakistan hollow from within and like a malnutrition body. Besides, might governs the country, it has become an orphan child and its dependence on foreign funds and it has become a hub or centre of terrorists activities of outlawed outfits are all the effects of failure of democracy and are the gifts of bad governance, on the part of Pakistan. Non existence of the democracy in the Pakistan has made it a beggar country in the eyes of the world and has loss its reputation that has been built by our ideals in the world. Moreover; Pakistan is not safe place to live and to do business in. the general public has been becoming the victim of fire started by the terrorists. Therefore, the foreign investors and traders do not want to invest in the Pakistan to launch any business so that all has weakened the economy of Pakistan. In this way, to make the country vibrant, viable and burgeoning, drastic measures should be applied. The education should be circulated from the topmost corner to the bottommost corner of the country. It should be had equal for the rich and poor one all alike as education is the only becoming means through which we can attain our cherished goal by making prosperous developed and progressive Pakistan. As the literary ratio is increased in the country, the true democracy and an effective democratic political process would be dispensed. Good governance should be restored to make institutions stabilized and to dig roots of democracy deep in the corners of the countries. Bereft of good governance in Pakistan, our nation can not establish its supremacy in the world comity. It is this good governance that can make democracy at cards in the successive futures. Moreover, feudal system should be razed by the roots to make fair and square elections and whole of the rural and urban inhabitants can choose the confidant able candidate for themselves. The media of radio press or television should play its key role to aware the people about democracy by airing news, views truthfully. It should ever support and second the truth and justice by delivering the reality to the classes of society. All of the realities and facts can be supplied at the door step by the means of effective media in the country. Therefore, it should play its part as best as it can. In the conclusion, it can be said that democracy is the way of running statecraft on the sound lines. it is the only democracy through which we can put Pakistan out of the hole which had been digging its back by military regime in the remote past.

abraham Lincoln once defined'democracy'as the government of the people,by the people for the people'.It means that democratic form of government common man plays the pivotal role.The aristcracy, the landlords and the politicians have to work according to the wishes of the common man.The main object of their political activities is thus the welfare,betterment and amelioration of the poor masses of the country who electthem as their representatives and to whom they are answerable for their duties and responsibilities.In many parts of the world this from of government has been adopted very successfull.Americr and India can be cited tow brightb examples of democracy.The President indirectly Participate in the working of the government.The President is responsible for all his decisions and actions to the Congress that comprises the representatives of the people.The policy of 'check and balance'is followed to prevent the three pillars of government i.e.legislature,executive and judiciary to trespass their limits.Thus the people of America are enjoying the fruits of democracy fully as they have their due share in the functions of the government.They have freedom to express their views and opinions in a proper manner.They have also an easy access to justice and can defend their rights.It is true that the essence of democracy lies in the well being of the masses and their participation in the functions of the government.But it is a pity that in developing and under developing countries like Pakistan democracy is used as a weapon against the people.In these countries democracy has bred and encouraged hatred,hooliganism and witch hunting.The main cause of the failure of democracy in these countries is that education is not common here.People are mostly illiterate and are ignorant of their rights and responsibilitiesThe people they choose in elections as their representatives,the rulers and the law makers of the country are usually the big landlords or industrialists who have no concern with education,independent thinking and pure patriotic feelings.they grab power with the sole aim of making people their slaves so that they may multiply their wealth by fair or unfair means.This wealth is then used for personal ostentation,luxurious living and sensual pleasures.In Pakistan,sectarianism,illiteracy,bradry system and poor economic condition have deteriorated our social and political structure.Most of the so-called politicians and law makers are illiterate.Their pockets are full of money but their minds are devoid of wisdom. The law makers are the law breakers.They themselvesare involved in such heinous crimes as mu No sane mind can deny the fact that Pakistan is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. Democracy calls for unity but also respects diversity. The divisions prevailing in our society can be addressed only through democracy. I am very optimistic about the future of democracy in our country. The reasons why I am optimistic are as follows. We have a population consisting of 65 percent youth that cannot be ruled without their will. This youth will surely protect democracy in our country. We have a vibrant media, which will support democracy to protect its own freedom. We have an independent judiciary, which has already said no to a dictator. We have the kind of geo-political position that our

neighbors and world powers cannot afford dictatorship in our country. Both major political parties of the country have already faced the music due to dictatorships, so it is expected that they will not support military rule in the future. Besides the above mentioned favorable factors, it is an acknowledged fact that bad governance, a faltering economy, the spectra of conflict among state institutions, polarization of society on ethnic and religious bases and the poor human rights situation are the big giants that will pave the way for the next dictatorship. If we want democracy to flourish in our country, we have to address these dangers. Political parties themselves should introduce democratic reforms in their internal structure. The government, along with the Opposition, should pass a bill in favour of elections inside the political parties and it will be appreciated if it is banned to be the president of a political party for more than three terms. The political leaders should do their utmost to give a better performance for gaining the wholehearted support of the masses. Before doing anything illegal, we should keep in mind that this country has no option other than democracy.