Feasibility of democracy in Pakistan

Abstract

The emergence of Pakistan in 1947 was accompanied with horrific mass migration of twentieth century. With these miseries there was a hope that in the new country life of subcontinent Muslims would change for better socially, economically and democratically. Unfortunately very first decay after independence proved otherwise for Pakistanis as its failure with democracy and the unsettled socio-economic issues. Families supported by tribe, Bradrism and shrine elites as non political elements have used the electoral process to maintain their dominance in the state governess. Dynasty and democracy are entirely opposite terms but still they have coexisted around the globe raising concerns about unfairness of power distribution in political process. Usually these families are carrying the legacy of one of their charismatic personality and rest of family member using his name to remain in political power. They are professional politician and certainly will have economic pursuits ignoring very basic of democracy that is self less service to a nation. Pakistan is one of those countries where election has played a vital role even before its inception in August 1947 to its disintegration in 1971. Indian subcontinent has experienced the long spell of kingship and then colonial rule of British Empire which is resulted in lack of institutional building. Kind of political maturity we are looking forward in Pakistan will need some time as the political history of Pakistan is a continuous struggle against military coups, conspiracies for power and influence of non political charters in power politics. Irrespective of all the social, economical and technological changes that might have occurred in 21st century Pakistan but still the electoral politics has remained largely a family business. Limited number of political families have changed Pakistani parliament into oligarchy.

Keywords

• politics
• elections
• electoral process
• non political elements
• pakistan