Political instability

Pakistan has failed to establish a political stability due to constitutional conflict, absence of stable democratic government, economic problems and lack of social growth. Even after 63 years, the country could not rid itself from feudal, tribal system and sectarian segregation.

In this grim situation the public has been left untutored in the kind of vigilance usually needed to hold political leaders accountable.

The territorial issues and border conflicts with India, the socio-economic differences within the country, the struggle for a share of power between the provinces and the early death of the founder of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah, are some of those realities which not only politicised the policy making elites and their willingness in introducing fair democratic procedures but also encouraged the non-democratic elements including the army.

The root cause of Pakistan political woes lies in its feudal and the winner-take-all approach to governing that has been practiced by successive civilian and military leaders. The Muslim League that brought independence to Pakistan, lacked internal democracy. The constitution-less 10-year-history from 1947 to 1956 was an ill exercise of the political actors which invoked the military to interfere in the politics.

The third pillar of the state, the judiciary, has also had dual strategies all over the history. Mostly the role of the judiciary has been vulnerable. It has always provided a so-called legal way to the dictators to assume the power.

In addition to all above given anti-democracy factors, the dynamic structure of the state is also not in the favour of democratic values to be flourished.

For most of its history Pakistan has been divided into provinces drawn basically on ethnic lines. Political loyalties and attitude have a strong ethnic dimension to them, and the central governments desires to manage Pakistans ethnic diversity can have a major impact on resource allocation foreign policy decision, and the game of politics.

Another element which has vitiated the democracy in Pakistan is violence in politics. The patience required for a democratic system is highly lacking in almost all the parties and theirs drivers.

The most important reason for political instability is our economy. We have high inflation, large income inequality, deficit financing and a chronic lack of expenditure for infrastructure and education.

Political stability can be revived in Pakistan by taking some steps. Like reforms in the judiciary, creation of an independent election commission, internal party elections, strengthening the free press, division of provinces, implementation of the constitution, continuity of fair elections and protection of minorities and civil liberties.

The national political parties should embrace a new spirit of cooperation and constructive opposition, moving beyond outdated confrontational and self-defeating street action and walk-outs and boycott politics to engage in vigorous political debates free of violence.

KIRAN TAHIR

Lahore