RAWALPINDI: There is a growing debate in the country about the future of democracy. Once again, a prime minister was unable to complete his term and a similar fate awaits another prime minister. Yet, it should be noted that four years of democracy have seen many firsts in the history of Pakistan. We have seen unprecedented legislative activity in parliament that is bound to bear fruits in the times to come.
There is, indeed, an argument about the poor governance during these last four years but it is important to understand that the democratic process, albeit slow, is vital for mature policymaking as it provides strength to national institutions rather than an arbitrary relief-like atmosphere to self-serving opportunists.
President Asif Ali Zardari should be given credit for the landmark NFC award and the Eighteenth Amendment. This resulted in a significant rise of provincial shares in the NFC award. There was also a considerable reduction in the powers of the president. Even the most vehement critics of President Zardari should understand what it means for an all-powerful president to surrender powers.
The biggest dilemma right now for Pakistani citizens is that provinces are unable to fathom the constitutional amendments and at the same time, take necessary actions to absorb the powers delegated by the federation. There is a greater need for governors in the provinces to take stock of performances on that account.
Democracy is bound to bear its fruit and it is a positive sign that people are criticising the incumbent president and the government in the media. Only a democratic society can endure criticism.
Rizwan Mehmood
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2012.
