ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) has urged a swift shift from a hybrid system to a fully functional democracy.
According to Pildat’s Quality of Democracy report for 2023, the year has exacerbated the challenges in Pakistan’s transition towards an improved democracy, leading to some international democracy rating think tanks labeling it an electoral autocracy.
Highlighting the persisting stagnation of democracy, Pildat emphasized the evident remedies and lessons necessary for reform. It criticized the lack of appropriate actions taken by those in power over the past ‘seventy years’, echoing former Chief of Army Staff General (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa’s acknowledgment of the military’s interference in the country’s political affairs.
Pildat noted a continuous crisis of confidence among political parties and leaders in Pakistan. It pointed out that their political fate seems more entwined with keeping the military engaged positively rather than their governance policies or public support.
The report lamented the impact of political campaigns shifting between pro- and anti-establishment stances, ultimately leading to the detriment of the people. It criticized both the army’s involvement in politics and the absence of a solid agreement among politicians to refrain from seeking military support.
Regarding the fairness and credibility of forthcoming elections, Pildat expressed pessimism, comparing the outlook to the questionable fairness of the 2018 General Election. The report accused political parties of seeking the establishment’s favor to secure public support and form unstable governments.
Pildat highlighted the vulnerability and manipulation of democracy even after the conclusion of the 15th National Assembly in 2023. It criticized the National Assembly members for allowing themselves to be manipulated by successive governments, controlled by the establishment, hindering basic legislative functions.
The report scrutinized the Senate, labeling it a mere debating club entangled in partisan blame-games rather than leading meaningful policy discussions. Similarly, it criticized provincial assemblies for rubber-stamping legislation and withholding crucial public information from citizens.
Regarding Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the report acknowledged his notable initiatives in office, including nudging decision-makers to set a schedule for the 12th General Election.
Pildat highlighted the lack of improvement in media freedom in Pakistan, citing instances of silencing independent voices and controlling media narratives to sow polarization and dissent in society.
Concerning President Arif Alvi’s performance, the report criticized his failure to uphold a non-partisan role as required by the Constitution. It accused him of favoring the PTI and controversially setting the election date for the dissolved Punjab Assembly without constitutional authority.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
