Whither Democracy? |
| Written by Dr. Moonis Ahmar • Cover Stories • September 2010 |
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By In Pakistan's history of 63 years, the most important issue which seems to have caused irreparable damage to the country is the failure of a viable democratic process. Following the February 2008 general elections which culminated into the exit of President Pervez Musharraf from power and the election of Asif Ali Zardari to the post of presidency with two-third majority, there is still a question mark about the present and future of democracy in Pakistan. Recent floods which caused enormous devastation in Pakistan and the controversial statement of MQM chief Altaf Hussain about inviting ‘patriotic generals' to weed out feudals and corrupt politicians from the corridors of power further deepened the level of frustration and alarm. Pakistan's predicament which has galvanized in the recent past is not only about the failure of politicians to deliver but the manner in which they are unable to take up issues in a professional manner. What is alarming in today's situation is the looming threat of famine because of the large-scale destruction caused by floods in all the four provinces of Pakistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. The total loss of agricultural crops as a result of floods is Rs. 350 billion and in terms of U.S. dollars, a loss of 15 billion has occurred because of destruction of infrastructure and the uprooting of millions of people caused by floods. The dangerous situation in Karachi because of unabated target killings, the collapse of state's writ in some parts of Balochistan and the unabated wave of terrorism particularly in FATA and Khybar Pakhtunkhawa not only deepened insecurity among people but also created serious doubts about the future of civilian set-up in the country. There is also early warning on the potential outbreak of civil war in Karachi because the MQM representing the Urdu speaking community and ANP as the self-styled champion of Pashtun population in Karachi are at war accusing each other of target killings, land grabbing and supporting criminal and drug mafias. With these facts in mind, one needs to examine the depth and originality of threats which exist in Pakistan today and the future of democracy in this country. One also needs to ask why political parties are unable to behave in a responsible manner and how an element of maturity and prudence may become part of their mindset? Better management of democracy is the only answer to those forces who since last several decades are the beneficiaries of democracy but in practice acted in a totally different manner. Following important requirements, which are essential for a better management of democracy, are as follows:
Can a country like Pakistan which has been a victim of democratic mismanagement can hope to move in the direction of a better management of democracy? Unfortunately, as things stand today in the political horizon of Pakistan, there are more chances of further chaos and violence than sanity and wisdom while dealing with critical matters. Contradiction in state and society of Pakistan is the major reason for the deepening of confusion as far as democracy is concerned. To a large extent, at the societal level, neither there is a better sense of understanding about democracy nor is the state amenable to the requirement of a better management of democracy. The confusion and chaos about democracy is, however, deep-rooted in the psyche of Pakistani people because of their inability to comprehend what democracy is all about. All the four military dictators of Pakistan had expressed their reservations and chagrin about democracy and President Ayub Khan who also happened to be Pakistan's only self-declared field marshal argued that democracy cannot be suitable for the people of his country because of the low level of literacy and social backwardness. Three military dictators namely Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf favored basic democracy or what they called democracy at the grassroots level. Pakistan is also considered as a laboratory where since its inception as a new state several types of ideologies are tested but without any positive result. It is perhaps the only state where since the beginning doubts and questions are raised about its survival as a state! Pakistan is also the only post-colonial state which experienced its disintegration only around 25 years of its formation. Even then, there are no systematic efforts for good governance, social justice, rule of law and the justice. It is certain that unless there is a major headway in Pakistan for improving the quality of life of people and giving priority to human development, no system whether it is democratic, authoritarian or religious can succeed. Those who monitor the situation of Pakistan are well aware of the fact that there is not much time left to sort out things which if not settled may lead to something dangerous. There can be more bloodshed, anarchy, chaos and disorder resulting into either control of vast territories by different armed groups or cause external intervention. The alarmists may visualize a dangerous scenario for Pakistan but as a pivotal state can this country afford to become a failed state like various sub-Saharan African countries? After 39 years of the separation of East Pakistan and its transformation as the state of Bangladesh, some of the issues which caused such a great tragedy still remain unresolved like nation building, state building, democracy, religion and sub-national identities. The absence of a charismatic leadership which can strive for the unity of the country and resolving deep rooted conflicts also pose a serious challenge to Pakistan. The leadership vacuum which exists in Pakistan today provides an opportunity to those who want to change the destiny of this country and provide real empowerment to the downtrodden people. Alarmists like Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif have warned of a bloody revolution if the unjust and corrupt system is not liquidated. Altaf Hussain has appealed to ‘patriotic' generals and soldiers to help dismantle the existing corrupt system which only benefits feudals, capitalists and those who have looted wealth of the country. But the question is who is going to bring qualitative change in Pakistan who instead of changing faces is able to change the system? And, one cannot expect any ‘patriotic' general to fix things because the chain of command in Pakistan's military whether army, navy or air force has no such concept of ‘solo flight' to clear up the mess. It is the collective decision, if not wisdom of generals and not one's own act to wrap up the civilian government which must be taken note by those who have expectations from the military to step in and salvage Pakistan. Even if the generals are lured to seize power, it is not their individual act but has the support of chain of command. Furthermore, when the military has all the privileges and perks, why it should again assume a responsibility when it operates from behind? At the critical juncture of Pakistan's history, the situation is ripe for change provided people are led by selfless leaders for the socio-economic and political restructuring of the country's socio, economic and political structures. The writer is Professor at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi and Director, Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.  Moonis Ahmar is a Visiting DAAD Fellow at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt, Germany. He is also Professor of International Relations at the University of Karachi and Director, Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Comments (0)
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Pakistan's democratic process needs a quick and qualitative change in approach and implementation. However, kneejerk solutions like inviting the military to again clear the path is certainly not the way out.
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