By: Dr. Zain Ullah Khattak
Chairman, Pakistan Institute of Political Education (PIPE)
Every year, the world observes 15 September as International Day of Democracy to reaffirm the universal values of freedom, equality, and participation in governance. The day is not just symbolic; it serves as a reminder that democracy is both a right and a responsibility. While many nations have embraced democratic governance as the most viable political system for ensuring justice and equality, the journey of democracy has been uneven, fragile, and at times turbulent, especially in countries like Pakistan.
For Pakistan, democracy is not merely a system of governance—it is part of the nation’s founding dream. Born out of a struggle for self-determination, Pakistan’s creation was rooted in the aspiration of a people to govern themselves according to their will. Yet, more than seven decades later, Pakistan’s democratic experiment continues to oscillate between hope and despair, progress and regression, freedom and authoritarianism.
This article reflects on the significance of International Day of Democracy, examines the historical trajectory of democracy in Pakistan, evaluates its successes and failures, and highlights the challenges that remain. It also explores how the people of Pakistan—especially the youth—can play a vital role in strengthening democratic values for a better future.
From the very beginning, Pakistan’s political system was supposed to be democratic. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a state where citizens would enjoy equal rights, where governance would reflect the will of the people, and where religion would not be used as a tool of division but as a source of morality and unity.
Yet, the early years of Pakistan were marked by institutional weaknesses. Political instability, the absence of a strong constitution until 1956, and the premature deaths of founding leaders created a vacuum quickly filled by bureaucratic and military elites. The dismissal of prime ministers in the 1950s, coupled with the imposition of the first martial law in 1958, set the stage for a cycle that has repeated itself: military intervention, weak political parties, fragile civilian rule, and curtailed democratic freedoms.
The 1973 Constitution stands as Pakistan’s most important democratic milestone. It enshrined fundamental rights, parliamentary sovereignty, and federalism. However, repeated suspensions of the Constitution by military regimes in 1977 and 1999 undermined its sanctity. Instead of building strong institutions, Pakistan’s democracy has often revolved around personalities, dynasties, and power struggles.
Achievements and Failures of Democracy in Pakistan
Despite its turbulent journey, Pakistan’s democracy has achieved notable successes. Regular elections, however contested, have provided citizens with at least a partial sense of agency. The peaceful transfer of power from one civilian government to another in 2013 marked an important milestone in Pakistan’s democratic development. Civil society, the judiciary, and media have also grown in strength, often serving as watchdogs against authoritarian excesses.
At the same time, democracy in Pakistan has been plagued by weaknesses. Political parties have often functioned as personality cults rather than democratic institutions. The electoral system, though evolving, still struggles with issues of transparency, voter disenfranchisement, and political engineering. The parliament has too often been sidelined, while executive authority dominates. The judiciary oscillates between independence and politicization, and accountability mechanisms are frequently weaponized against opponents rather than applied fairly.
Media and social media have provided platforms for public debate, but they have also been manipulated by state and non-state actors. Instead of creating an informed citizenry, disinformation and propaganda have polarized society further.
Challenges Facing Democracy in Pakistan
The biggest challenge to democracy in Pakistan remains the imbalance between civilian and military authority. Since independence, the military has positioned itself as a central political actor, directly ruling the country for more than three decades and influencing civilian governments even when not in direct control. This imbalance undermines parliamentary sovereignty and restricts the space for genuine democratic consolidation.
Other challenges include:
Authoritarian tendencies within civilian governments themselves, where dissent is suppressed and opposition voices are silenced.
Corruption and poor governance, which erode public trust in democratic institutions.
Weak rule of law and selective justice, where laws are applied unequally depending on one’s political or social position.
Religious extremism and populism, which often distort democratic debate and create intolerance for pluralism.
Economic inequality, where democracy fails to deliver social justice to marginalized communities.
Lack of political education, leaving citizens vulnerable to manipulation, propaganda, and dynastic politics.
Democracy in Pakistan and the International Context
The International Day of Democracy reminds Pakistanis that democracy is not just a domestic ideal but a global commitment. The principles of democracy—participation, accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness—are universal. Yet, Pakistan’s democratic system often falls short of these standards.
Globally, democracies are under pressure from rising authoritarianism, populism, and disinformation campaigns. Pakistan is no exception. The struggle between democratic resilience and authoritarian consolidation defines its current political climate.
For Pakistan to align with international democratic values, it must strengthen institutions over individuals, prioritize citizen empowerment, and embrace political education as a national priority. Democracy cannot flourish in ignorance—it thrives when citizens are politically aware, active, and willing to hold leaders accountable.
The Role of Citizens and Youth
Democracy cannot be protected by constitutions alone—it must be lived by the people. In Pakistan, where nearly 65% of the population is under the age of 30, the youth are the real guardians of democracy. They must be empowered through political education, access to platforms for civic engagement, and encouragement to participate in political processes beyond mere voting.
Educational institutions, think tanks, and organizations like the Pakistan Institute of Political Education (PIPE) must play a central role in cultivating democratic culture. By teaching students about constitutional rights, parliamentary systems, and civic responsibility, we can build a citizenry that demands accountability and resists authoritarian tendencies.
The Way Forward
Pakistan’s democracy has survived despite repeated attempts to derail it. The resilience of the people, the vibrancy of civil society, and the growing awareness among the youth offer hope. But for democracy to truly take root, certain reforms are essential:
1. Strengthening Institutions – Parliament, judiciary, and election commissions must be independent, empowered, and respected.
2. Rule of Law – Justice must be impartial, timely, and equal for all citizens, regardless of status or political affiliation.
3. Political Party Reforms – Parties must move beyond dynastic politics, encourage internal democracy, and promote merit-based leadership.
4. Civil-Military Balance – The role of the military must be confined to defense and security, with governance left to elected representatives.
5. Inclusive Governance – Minorities, women, and marginalized groups must have a greater voice in decision-making.
6. Media Responsibility – Free yet responsible media should strengthen public debate instead of spreading disinformation.
7. Political Education – Schools, universities, and civil society must work together to build a culture of democratic awareness.
Conclusion
On this International Day of Democracy, Pakistanis must reflect deeply on the state of their democracy. The journey has been difficult, full of interruptions and betrayals, but it is not without achievements. Despite setbacks, democracy remains the only system that can guarantee the rights, freedoms, and dignity of Pakistan’s citizens.
Democracy in Pakistan must move beyond slogans. It must deliver justice, equality, and prosperity. This requires not only political will but also an active citizenry ready to defend its democratic rights. The people of Pakistan must embrace democracy not as a ritual of elections but as a way of life—where accountability, transparency, and participation become daily practices.
The dream of a democratic Pakistan, envisioned by the founding fathers, can still be realized. But it demands courage, wisdom, and unity from the nation. On this 15 September, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a Pakistan where democracy is not fragile, temporary, or conditional, but permanent, resilient, and reflective of the will of the people.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.