DEMOCRACY IN PAK

Background

The Pakistan movement or Tehrik-E-Pakistan while addressing the concerns of a Muslim nation never sought the idea of an autocratic nation with a dominant military power hanging on its lips. The roots of its formation can be traced back to the Indian Independence struggle. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, espoused the two-nation theory, leading to the formation of an Islamic parliamentary republic in 1956. However the state suffered its first military incursions into civilian politics in 1958, lasting for two decades. Under the eleven year dictatorship General Zia ul Haq, disbanded the idea of "Parliamentary democracy” after he banned all political parties in Pakistan; and political structure built by Bhutto was destroyed, hampered, and non-existed by the 1980s. Growing intolerance in socio-cultural spheres, alongside a growing crisis in Indian border, and Pak supported insurgency movements, are black marks in the history of the nation. In 1997, Nawas Sheriff was elected the democratic ruler. To the dismay of democracy, in 1999 General Pervez Musharaff declared the office invalid and continued another realm of military dictatorship. Only after a decade,in 2008, the state of Pakistan touched the ballots to elect Asif Ali Sardari, whose regime revoked the presidential powers and changed Pakistan from a semi-presidential system of government to a parliamentary republic.

Sharif’s election and outcomes

A transformed man – as is described by his (Sharif’s) friends and foes, a best hope for Pakistan’s shattered democracy. The way he transformed in his years of exile, will definitely influence the course of country’s future. This year Sharif told the Caravan magazine that, India and Pak had become trapped in arms race. The statement should imply that a de-militarization of border provinces (implied defence cuts) can only forcefully improve the worsening economic conditions. Years of military rule has shattered the economy apart from terrorism and insurgency in Baloch. Taliban the strongest non-elected force of the Pak province has long exerted its infamous role in political arena. This is well criticized, particularly in India; say for example, the 2008 Mumbai attack chief Hafiz Saeed access issue. Such deep rooted causes are a hindrance to the state, in case Sharif withhelds strong action.

Indo-Pak relations flagged of in the first term of Sharif administration, however veined in course of time. This ought to be re-started to the benefit of both nations. The Most Favoured Nation status to India, as well as Sharif’s goal of regional economic infrastructure covering Afhan,Pak and India- a Kabul to Kolkata highway gives a fillip.

Pakistan has a strategic role in South Asia, sharing borders with India, Iran, Afghanistan, and China. The much hyped Iran-Pak-India pipeline has again come up in the wake of general elections. Once realised, it can solve issues of power-gas shortages in both the countries. Baloch insurgency, indicatively favoured by India, presents a deeper crisis than border issues. Afghanistan, settling with its autonomy, is in bitter relation with Pak as is inclined to India. However, Pak-China relations are scoring high, China being its largest trading and strategic partner in the world.

Democratic progress and regional stability co-exist. Swift actions in controlling the numerous terrorist groups, is the first step into this act. Sharif, learned from his experiences should address this issue in a time bound scale. Once stability is restored in the region, it can bring its stand in resolving border issues. The infamous role of ISI, who hand cuff the provincially elected government, should be questioned. The support of independent judiciary and media can be realised. The 55.02 voter turnout is a sure sign of expected change, and hope Sharif fits the space.