Democracy: shamelessly sham
Pakistan’s farcical edifice of National Assembly and Senate recently made headlines with their whirlwind passage of six major bills, taking only 24 minutes in the National Assembly and 16 minutes in the Senate. This debate-free session concluded with lightning speed, leaving many deeply perplexed about the democratic process and implications of such hasty decision-making.
The bills included significant reforms: extending the retirement age of the three Services’ Chiefs and expanding the judiciary exponentially, which will put additional strain on the exchequer. The remaining amendments were typically aimed at usurping the internal administrative functioning of the Supreme Court and the newly carved out Supra Constitutional Bench.
Typically, such changes would spark lengthy debates, weighing potential consequences and ensuring amendments align with national interests. Instead, they breezed through as if on an assembly line, with lawmakers nodding approval without a single question.
Key amendments upped the Supreme Court’s seats from 17 to 34 and added three judges to the Islamabad High Court. The chiefs of the armed forces were given five-year term without limiting their retirement age.
Critics argue that skipping debate reduces Parliament to a rubber stamp for decisions made elsewhere. This undermines the democratic process, disregarding lawmakers’ roles as representatives of the people.
Insiders speculate that the legislative sprint aimed to anticipate Donald Trump’s return to the White House and potential support for Imran Khan, potentially realigning power dynamics.
Pakistanis expected transparency and thoughtful debate, especially for decisions of this magnitude. Without these, many question if their legislature prioritizes people’s interests or secures its own.
For democracy to thrive, Pakistan’s parliament needs to reclaim its role as a forum for meaningful discussion. Laws passed in haste risk eroding democratic integrity and alienating an already skeptical public.
A vast majority of Pakistanis feel this hurried legislation falls short of even a sham democratic process.
Sure enough, Pakistan’s parliament badly needs to improve its credentials and wipe off the stain of rubber stamping and acting like a spineless institution. Like Allama Iqbal has said: Tou agar mera nahin banta na ban apna to ban.
Faisal I. Siddiqi
Mississauga, Canada
