KARACHI:
The recent political upheaval in the Punjab Assembly that resulted in Hamza Shehbaz’s election as the Chief Minister of Punjab has once again exposed the fragilities of our democratic system. Despite calling for the supremacy of democracy, all political leaders and parties have failed to abide by the essentials of democracy. Our political leaders have constantly shown immaturity by toying with democratic norms and manipulating one another for personal gains and agendas.
The absence of education coupled with a lack of awareness among the masses about the democratic process has made it easier for political parties to continue violating democratic norms. The masses have failed to hold their elected representatives accountable for their poor governance and inability to bring any relief to the public. Resultantly, the political leaders are constantly involved in a tussle to maximise their benefits. They have paid little attention to reforming and developing the country, which is exemplified by our fast-deteriorating economy. We are dependent on imports of almost everything with a small export output. Pakistan has struggled with unemployment for decades, which has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. Today, only a handful of individuals occupy leadership positions in both economic and political arenas. Without widespread education and employment, it is unlikely for the masses to move up the social ladder.
Given our poor socio-economic conditions, the future of democracy looks bleak in the country. The worsening economy will also threaten the country’s sovereignty. It is high time that all political leaders set aside their interests and work with each other maturely to resolve the country’s socio-economic problems and put the country on the path of progress and development.
Ghazanfar Soomro
Shikarpur
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2022.
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