PAKISTAN may have been created in accordance with the principles of democracy, but it is regrettable that since it became an independent state in 1947, it has been ruled by either members of the feudal elite or army generals. These regimes have been authoritarian in one way or another. Their disregard for democracy is considered legendary.

These regimes invariably sought to concentrate on strengthening their power and even used suppressive tactics to this end. The way that self-serving rulers treated the people of the country has been utterly ruthless and reminiscent of a colonial mentality. In such a situation, where successive regimes in the country were able to exercise their authority it was devoid of moral force and hence they could not enjoy popular public support.

The result of this unsavory situation has been that the people, who have been thoroughly disillusioned with the governments in power, adopted a complacent attitude towards politics. However, now a change in their attitude is discernible and the educated middle class, in particular, now appears keen to take part in the country’s politics. Evidently, after suffering at the hands of highly oligarchic regimes during the last 60 years, the people are no longer prepared to forgo their right to managing the country’s affairs.

The time has come when rulers in Pakistan, who for decades have remained overly relaxed about the people’s sensitivity to the denial of their legitimate rights also need to change their attitude. They must read the writing on the wall and, sooner than later, realize the fact that the future of Pakistan and its people hinges on democracy. They must also realize that a tiny ruling class cannot hold down indefinitely a population many times bigger its size.It is indeed heartening that the people, fueled by the need to vent their anger and frustration against successive totalitarian regimes and their callous attitude, want to set the country on the road to democracy. It would not, however, be easy to attain this goal in the face of likely opposition to the same by the vested interests that want to maintain the status quo.

Moreover, experience has shown that the evocation of political aspirations by the people in the absence of a strong-willed and principled leadership gets them nowhere. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, notwithstanding the claim made by every political party that its ultimate aim is to establish genuine democracy in the country, instances are not lacking of prominent political leaders, motivated by personal gain and self-aggrandizement, openly pleading with the military to play a permanent role in the governance of the country. Needless to say, this is an illogical and impracticable suggestion that can only result in the sterility of the government for all times to come.

Pakistan is now at a crucial turning point of its history. The grave political situation that now exists is hurting economic development as a result of which economic pressure all over the country has reached a crisis point affecting particularly the poor segments of society.

The simmering disaffection in Baluchistan, the NWFP and the tribal areas has undermined national unity and cohesion. Religious extremism and political terrorism have reached new heights. The law and order situation in the country has assumed epic proportions. The ongoing judicial crisis has aggravated the situation further.

For many years, there have been serious problems between the government and the opposition parties in the country. The prospect of democracy in the country that is linked with true stability in politics remained bleak owing to continued government-opposition confrontation and also led the nation into troubled periods all these years.

A harmonious relationship between the government and the opposition parties is the essence of democracy and vital to promote national interests. It is reasonable to assume that in spite of a legacy of mutual mistrust the two sides can find an amicable solution of contentious issues. Polarization that unfortunately persists among various political parties in Pakistan is an additional impediment to the development of a democratic culture in the country. Sometimes even ill will that develops between these parties makes matters worse and causes damage to the political fabric.

Estrangement between the political parties is not always attributable to their different perceptions on vital national issues. These are generally related to the promotion of narrow party interests or to the desire to satisfy the caprice of leaders. In a country where the relationship between the government and the opposition parties remains tense, mutual recrimination among political parties is neither desirable nor conducive to strengthening democracy.

It is a historical fact that virtually all the countries that now have a democratic system were able to install one through peaceful evolution without recourse to hostility and violence. The people of Pakistan who have a pronounced interest in promoting the cause of democracy in the country should also follow suit and act in a mature manner, even if their efforts in this direction are countered by those who want the status quo to remain. There is every reason to hope that their perseverance and democratic rectitude will pay off eventually.

Taken from Daily Dawn

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