‘Quality of democracy’ improved in 2010: Report

Pildat report highlights support for democracy, govt’s shortcomings.

ISLAMABAD: Despite various challenges, there was slight improvement in the quality of democracy in Pakistan during 2011, according to an assessment by an independent think tank.

The country received a score of 49%, compared to 45% last year, according to a report titled “Assessment of Quality of Democracy of Pakistan 2010” launched on Thursday by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat).

The assessment was carried out based on a framework that rests on four pillars including elections, human rights, media and citizenship and 15 sub-pillars.

“As a process, democracy has made tangible progress in Pakistan during the past four years,” the report said. Therefore, public support for democracy, despite poor governance by the executive, needs to be celebrated, it added.

The report also highlights the government’s shortcomings, including poor governance, lack of uniform application of, and adherence to, the rule of law, perceived rampant corruption, situation in Balochistan and Karachi, civil-military tensions, and the inability of parliament to pass an effective accountability law.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2012.