Democracy in Pakistan : Hopes and hurdles

1. Introduction
2. An Overview of Political History of Pakistan
 Inception of Pakistan and initial problems

 The game of musical chair during the first eleven years

 Imposition of martial law by Ayub Khan

 Separation of East Pakistan

 Democratic Pakistan in the 70s

 Overthrow of democratic government by General Zia-ul-Haq

 Miracles of 58-2(b) in the 90s

 Entry of Pervez Musharraf and partial restoration of democracy

 Charter of democracy

 Revival of democracy

3. Hopes Pertaining to Democracy in Pakistan at the Moment

 Very promising and high

4. Factors that Indicate Promising Future of Democracy in Pakistan

A. Political Factors
 Emergence of new national-level political parties

 Successful completion of democratic tenures in the last decade

 Increasing political awareness among the masses

 Improved voter turnout in 2013 elections

 Responsible role of politicians

B. Social Factors
 Improving literacy rates

 Increasing role of women in political, economic and social sectors

 Presence of wide-awake and relatively independent media

 Apparently more responsible role of judiciary

C. Administrative Factors
 Engagement of military in counterterrorism activities and on eastern border

 More professional and cautious approach of military leadership

 Revival of the institution of local government

 Improving situation of national integration

D. Economic Factors
 CPEC-related projects and funds

 Improving economic indicators

5. Hurdles in the Way of Democracy in Pakistan

A. Political Hurdles
 Weak role of Election Commission of Pakistan

 Absence of true democratic spirit in political parties

 Lack of public interest in electoral process

 Irresponsible and short-sighted role of opposition

B. Social Hurdles
 Illiteracy and poverty

 Class disparities and gaps

 Backwardness of women

 Irresponsible and motive-driven role of media

C. Administrative Hurdles
 Clash of institutions

 Corrupt, unpatriotic and unprofessional role of bureaucracy

 Inequitable development and growth

 Poor performance of democratic governments

D. Economic Hurdles
 Deteriorating situation of economic growth

 Persistently-rampant corruption

 Increasing foreign debts

 Destabilization of currency

6. Recommendations for the Best Handling of Hurdles

a. Devising sharply-focused, meticulously-planned and thoroughly-integrated policies
b. Tapping of indigenous mineral, geographical and human resources to enhance the availability of funds with the
government
c. Unfaltering, inflexible and incorruptible role of judiciary
d. People-oriented, sharply-focused and highly- equitable performance of democratic governments
e. Strengthening of local government System, regular conduct of intra-party elections and holding of political
activities at educational institutes to promote new leadership
f. professionally mature, responsible and objective role of media
g. Initiation of scrupulously-designed poverty- alleviation programmes
h. Structural reforms, institutions buildings and use of technology for the eradication of corruption
I. Introduction of civil service reforms to improve the bureaucratic structure
7. Conclusion