Pakistan on the path to democratic prosperity – by Syed Abbas

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History of Pakistan has witnessed repeated military interventions, weak civilian governments and institutions. Despite these anomalies, PPP-led previous government   strengthened the democratic dispensation by empowering parliament through a series of constitutional reforms. They not only completed their term, but also successfully transferred the power to next civilian government, a milestone indeed.

I have many reasons to believe that democracy is flourishing in Pakistan. Although, the previous government performed poorly on governance front, they managed to perform well on constitutional plane. They carried out many reforms to consolidate the democratic process in our country.

One of the measures which ensured smooth running of democratic process was the series of constitutional changes, which include 18th, 19th, 20th amendments. Military dictators had introduced many clauses in the constitution which had distorted the 1973 constitution. However, the previous government took a commendable step by repealing controversial and dictatorial clause, Article 58-29(b). This deprived the president of his discretionary power to remove the prime minister. It was a big step towards restoring the parliamentary system of democracy in Pakistan. These dynamic changes are reflection of growing changes in the society, where rising political awareness has empowered democracy.

Second major achievement of previous government was successful enactment of National Financial Commission award. This time multi-factor basis for resource distribution mitigated the risks of inter-provincial conflicts. Previously, NFC awards were population-based and smaller provinces complained of meager resources. Inter-provincial tensions have always encouraged anti-democratic forces to interfere in the political process. However, previous NFC award reduced the chances of such intervention as it developed inter-provincial harmony.

Third important factor which endorsed democratic process was provincial autonomy. Devolution of power to the provinces granted provincial autonomy. This devolution plan was different from Parvaez  Msharraf’s  devolution plan, which was meant to gain legitimacy only. Furthermore, the abolition of concurrent list speaks of provincial autonomy and democratic tradition. It truly empowered the provinces and many subjects were transferred to provinces, which were previously federal subjects.

Forth factor which empowered democracy was making ECP an effective and independent body. Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim was appointed as Chief Election Commissioner after consultation with the opposition parties. And most political parties believed in the integrity of the newly appointed chief election commissioner. Many political analysts believe that this election commission is the most independent and neutral election body in Pakistan’s history .ECP played its role effectively in conducting free and fair elections, which is an essential element of democratic process.

Fifth factor which strengthened democracy was policy of reconciliation followed by PPP government. Decades old policy of political victimization was not followed by PPP. This policy was used by previous governments to suppress the political rivals. However, this policy of revenge led to fissures among political parties which were always exploited by anti-democratic forces. However, PPP’s policy of reconciliation did not provide such a chance to elements which are against democracy. This policy has been an important factor that kept security establishment away from intervention in politics.

Sixth factor which empowered democratic system was transfer of power to next civilian government. For the first time in our history, the elected government completed its term and transferred the power to next elected government. Despite all the challenges, they managed to complete their term. It has set a precedent for the coming governments.

Keeping these things in mind, the current government must not only protect the process of democracy but also take concrete steps to further the process. The previous government performed miserably on governance issues which led to economic and energy crisis. The failure on governance issues dwarfed the achievements of previous government on constitutional issues. The current government must not follow the politics of victimizing their rivals as it will only help those willing to derail the democratic process.

These measures are some major achievements of PPP government .The series of constitutional reforms helped the flourishing process of democracy in Pakistan. Many people believe that failure of previous government on governance issue is a failure of democracy. They tend to forget that governance is only aspect of democracy. After witnessing the coup in Egypt, I strongly believe that democracy is taking roots in Pakistan and previous government must be given the due credit for their role in introducing the constitutional reforms. Democracy and democracy only is the solution to all the crisis that Pakistan faces today.

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