Democracy in Pakistan

It has been 60 years since Pakistan got the independence- But independence from what? I believe we have got the land only not the nation. Pakistan has always been exploited by its own leaders for the power- The leaders who even don’t the actual meaning of Power. And because of it people have lost the actual meaning of “Democracy”. There have 21 prime ministers in time period of 60 years. The major reason behind the lack of democracy is the weak Constitution of our country. Constitution is the backbone of a nation. There had been 3 constitutions (1956,’62,’73). And already 21 amendments have been in current constitution (’73). Every leader played with it to make it in own favor.

We can’t put whole blame on leaders because they alone couldn’t do that without the judiciary. Every time any leader wanted to make a Pakistan as its own property, Judiciary supported it. And because of that common people has lost the faith in the weak justice system of Pakistan. But current wave of chief justice has brought the new hope to Pakistani people.

It is well said by President Reagal that : “ The democracy is the standard by which governments are measured”. But where is the democracy here?

As far as Musharaf’s promise of bringing the true democracy in Pakistan isn’t possible till he leave his army post or presidency. How can one bring the democracy on the basis on guns and bullets? Musharaf has brought the sustained economical, social development in the country which haven’t been seen in last few decades but Democracy is yet to brought by him.

The third major factor behind the lack of democracy is the Army. Army is the strong institution of any nation which has very huge responsibility of serving the nation. But remaining in its own boundaries. Unfortunately army of Pakistan has no boundaries. This has caused the massive damage to image of army. And this can be seen from the current wave of suicide bombing on Armed forces.

As far as fighting the so called “terrorism” is concerned. It is impossible to fight this war without the support of people of Pakistan of which Musharaf can only dream of in his current position. People aren’t in favor of terrorism but majority are against the policies of Musharaf whether the policy is right or not.

So, by understanding the overall situation of Pakistan after so-called 60 years of independence, it can be said People of Pakistan has yet to experience and witness the real Independence. And I hope that’s what the 2007 election will do for this needy nation.