IS DEMOCRACY THE RIGHT FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR PAKISTAN?

Since its inception, the land of Pakistan has been torn between political parties of conflicting school-of- thoughts. While one edge pertains to the upholders of democracy, the members bearing the other regard democracy to be a preposterous system to be executed in Pakistan. They have argued relentlessly that this system does not cater to the necessities emerging from the existing circumstances prevalent in their homeland. Inarguably though, Pakistan from the beginning has only had adversity to relish and its masses have been downtrodden by employment crisis, dearth of an appropriate educational system, surging inflation and other anomalies. Corruption is of course a cofactor for the apparent and undistinguished oppression and breakdown. This is a flashback of all the malignant activities rampant in our Land of the Pure. The question is, at this time of need, is democracy substantial to serve the suffering masses? Now lets have an overview of what democracy actually is. Democracy, people might put up, is a form of government which obstinately dictates the authority of the people only. It is a system in which the government is selected by the citizens themselves and it works for their causes. It not only promotes healthier relations amongst the government and the people but even the economy moves towards an egalitarian system. But then there are too many opposing factors in the application of a truly democratic government. The instability widespread in the country can only be extinguished by military rule. Even the potential threats can be overpowered by administering control on the foundation of a powerful armed backup. Moreover, Democracy would hardly be of any value in a country where sixty percent population is categorized under the illiterate label. And around three-fourth of the existing population is unfamiliar with the term democracy itself. What had India achieved, he asked, with its long years of near-uninterrupted democracy, to reduce the gap between rich and poor? What of the Maoist rebellion eating away at its heartland? Its desperate poverty? The human rights abuses from Kashmir to Manipur, when Indian forces were called in to quell separatist revolts? Maybe, he said, democracy was just not suited to countries like India and Pakistan. (Reuters, 2010) Today, Pakistan is neither sovereign nor independent. It is a rentier state, an American lackey, ill-led, ill-governed by a corrupt, power-hungry junta supported by Washington. (Khan, 2009) There is a reason why corrupts and criminals love democracy and I will tell you why The answer is in one word: Feudalism. In Pakistan, unlike real democracies, there is a system which we call Feudalism. Feudals rule in Pakistan (80%). Lets say, a fair election is held in Pakistan, Do you think that 80% Pakistanis who live in rural areas will be FREE to cast their vote?

We are arguing whether democracy is worthwhile or not, where another question pops up: Does democracy exist anywhere in Pakistan? Democracy seems to be evident almost nowhere. What we actually witness instead is a very different picture of money-hungry politicians who have made Pakistan a slum. As mentioned in The Express Tribune, 2010, Islamabad hosts the parliament but the city itself is not governed democratically, agreed the participants of a roundtable conference organised by the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan (CCEP) in collaboration with Forum of Federations here on Tuesday. The Express Tribune, 2010) As Lieutenant Talat Masood mentions President Zardari in the following words: He has no feel of the pulse of the people - he has become completely detached from reality and living in a bunker." (Farfield Champion, 2010) Moreover he also faces consistent criticism from the military generals, Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is reported to be unhappy with the current leadership, and not enthusiastic about its possible replacement. (Business Recorder, 2010) Now consider the circumstances in which democracy can be rendered pertinent. Political injustice can be evaded only when education of the politicians is restricted to at least graduation. I have heard some people argue that the people of Pakistan are not ready for democracy and only a dictator can handle this mob of illiterate and unorganised people. (Tribune, 2010) Democracy can hold on its popularity with the public once they are aware of what the term stands for. So lets enlighten the people through education first. Education with accompany wakefulness and that would automatically solve around all our problems except lust. Democracy might trigger prosperity and consort a country international name, economic progress and eminent social boost but incase of Pakistan, it stands to be irrelevant and unnecessary form of government. References: Reuters. (2008). Pakistan, India and the value of Democracy. Retrieved from http://blogs.reuters.com/pakistan/2010/09/12/pakistan-india-and-the-value-of-democracy/ Shah, R. (2010). Democracy in Pakistan. The Tribune. Retrieved from http://wondersofpakistan.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/democracy-in-pakistan/

Democracy teeters in Pakistan as President falters. (2010). Farfield Champion. Retrieved from http://www.fairfieldchampion.com.au/news/world/world/general/democracy-teeters-in-pakistanas-president-falters/1465587.aspx?storypage=2 Geomush, T. (Writer and producer). (2008). Democracy in Pakistan: It's the feudalism stupid! [Motion picture]. Islamabad, Isb: PTV. Retrieved from, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY4a0IxcL0s Khan, A. (2010, December 8). 50 years of Islamabad: the undemocratic seat of democracy. The Express Tribune. http://tribune.com.pk/story/87226/50-years-of-islamabad-the-undemocraticseat-of-democracy/ Where does military stand? Business Recorder. p. 4. http://www.brecorder.com/news/generalnews/pakistan/1139401:where-does-military-stand-.html