KARACHI:
Since its inception, Pakistan failed to create a citizen-centric political environment. In the early days of independence, the country faced grave issues concerning administration, an influx of refugees, and resettlement. Unity among the diverse masses was greatly affected after the demise of the Father of the Nation. The loss of the leader further pushed the nation into chaos of instability.
Although the seed of democracy germinated in the political culture, the country is still deprived of the normative dimensions of democracy. For over sixty years, Pakistan has faced a tumultuous political culture and manoeuvre of the dominant party system. Consequently, democratic parties have gained some legitimacy amongst the masses. However, these are not truly representative of the democratic culture or the people’s interests.
The entire history of democracy in the country reveals that every political party, after gaining power, had and has been suppressing other political opponents. The dominant political culture stifles the democratic norms in the country. A culture of respect and tolerance, for any opponents, still needs to be developed. Although all institutions play an integral role in the development of the country, they should work within their boundaries as outlined in the Constitution. When all institutions work coherently without any interference or dominance from others, the country will be able to move towards development and growth through a democratic path.
Hatim Baladi
Karoondi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2022.
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