Pakistan no longer an exception in the list of democratic countries, where democracy has been hijacked multiple times
LAHORE: The UN International Day of Democracy is observed on 15th September globally, including Pakistan. The day observed annually under varying themes pertaining to democracy is aimed at strengthening of democratic institutions, rule and political values in regimes. However, contradictory to the ever celebrated democratic values being continuously emphasised upon, democracy is being sidelined and overpowered by authoritarian, dictatorial or even military leadership across regions.
The brawl to takeover one another is more evident in countries which were once considered the epitome of liberal democratic political values. Pakistan is no longer an exception in the list of democratic countries, where democracy has been hijacked multiple times. The failed coup in Turkey last year not only resulted in unjustified restrictions upon institutions like press, but also an overpowered, authoritarian presidential regime with unprecedented ruling powers. Similarly, Egyptian coup of 2011 which toppled President Hosni Mubarak’s regime and the recent attempt in Venezuela against President Nicolas Maduro’s government are few among the many examples affirming to the fact that despite the crumbling of communism, democracy hasn’t won either. And the threat to democracy is no different in the Eastern or the Western spheres of the globe. Also, use of hard power and militaristic policy stances can be commonly observed to have taken an upper hand among relations between the states as diplomacy and dialogue now stand secondary.
Moving onto another realm of democratic rule, that is freedom of expression and exercising basic human rights. Genocidal conflicts, civilian killings in armed conflicts, intolerance towards different opinions and most importantly, religious extremism show the extent to which human beings are denied of their basic fundamental rights.
Observing Democracy Day might be an overture expressing commitment towards betterment of situation, however, what is equally needed is implication of the aforesaid in real sense.
Madeeha Yousaf
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2017.
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