Although many reasons can be quoted for the failure of democracy in Pakistan including military interventions, childish behaviour of the politicians themselves but the most important reason in my opinion is illiteracy. High percentages of vote being cast are from the rural areas having almost no considerable literacy rate. Due to this illiteracy and ignorance, people are not aware of the real fruit of real democracy. Votes are cast merely on the basis of personal acquaintances and castes. As a result people having no motivation to play their role for the welfare of the people get elected, making no effort to improve the conditions of the people.
Countries where democracy flourishes are a clear indication of the fact that democracy and education go hand in hand. No society can achieve real democracy without achieving respectful level of education and awareness. Our politicians need to work on this crucial issue. Pakistan will never be able to achieve real democracy without addressing this problem.
Mariam Riaz
Lahore
