The founding fathers of Pakistan have very unequivocally stated that Pakistan should be a modern democratic welfare country, where every citizen irrespective of his caste, sex or creed would enjoy equal rights as free citizens of this country. There should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that neither military dictatorship, nor a nominated technocratic set-up can provide the solutions to our problems and keep the federation intact.
It is very unfortunate that this elected coalition government has failed to deliver on good governance and has not made any institutional effort to strengthen rule of law in Pakistan. The problem is neither of democracy nor is it true that democracy cannot work in this country. If those elected consider that they have a lease for five years to do as they please in violation of laws, ethics or morality and in total disregard to basic constitutional rights of every citizen, then the problem is with individuals and not the democratic system.
The essence of democracy is the right of dissent, accountability, transparency and respect for public opinion, meritocracy, rule of law and an independent judiciary. If those elected do not adhere to democratic norms and are guilty of failing to perform their roles as honest custodians of tax-payers money and public funded organisations, they are guilty of having violated their constitutional oaths and must either reform, or resign. There is a need for a constitutional change of guards within the defined perimeters of our constitution. Individuals cannot hold the constitution to ransom, nor should the elected constitutional office holders have any conflict of interests.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
