Tahir Maqsood Chheena
Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has faced persistent challenges in establishing a stable democratic system. The country’s political trajectory has been repeatedly disrupted by unelected institutions, including the military establishment, bureaucracy, and judiciary. Among these, the military has historically posed the most significant challenge to democracy. From direct military rule on three separate occasions to subtle interventions through political engineering, the military has repeatedly shaped the country’s governance structures. Politicians and observers often refer to this as “political engineering,” where governments are influenced, installed, or removed to suit institutional preferences rather than the will of the people.
Over the decades, Pakistan has experienced a hybrid political system. At times, civilian governments have shared power with the military and other unelected institutions; at other times, the military has exercised unilateral control. This duality has prevented the emergence of fully autonomous democratic institutions, creating a cycle of political instability and recurring interruptions in governance. Despite these challenges, political parties have made persistent attempts to strengthen democratic norms.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has historically been at the forefront of democratic struggles. Its founder, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was executed following a controversial judicial process widely criticized as politically motivated, marking a significant blow to democratic momentum in the country. Similarly, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has endured political challenges, including government dismissals, legal battles, and pressures that constrained democratic consolidation. More recently, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also faced political turbulence while attempting to navigate the complexities of Pakistan’s political landscape.
All three major parties—PPP, PML-N, and PTI—have had opportunities to strengthen Pakistan’s democracy. However, both PPP and PML-N appear to have lost significant ground due to internal weaknesses, elite dominance, and the inability to institutionalize democratic practices within their party structures. PTI, while gaining popularity among certain demographics, also faces challenges in sustaining democratic norms internally and across the broader political spectrum. The consistent failure to develop robust internal party democracy reflects a broader pattern: political leadership has often prioritized elite consolidation over grassroots empowerment.
This structural weakness within parties has limited the growth of a political culture rooted in democratic values. In many cases, second- and third-tier leadership within these parties lacks incentive or capacity to challenge elite dominance. This concentration of power at the top prevents merit-based political mobility and undermines the development of a broader democratic culture, which is essential for long-term stability. Without systemic reform and institutionalized internal democracy, political parties are unlikely to serve as effective vehicles for broader democratic consolidation.
Amid these structural and institutional challenges, Pakistan’s youth have emerged as a potentially transformative force. The younger generation, increasingly politically aware and connected through social media and civil society networks, is expressing a strong interest in democratic governance. Public discourse suggests that the youth may take on a central role in shaping democratic norms and practices in the future. Their engagement could foster greater accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in political processes. Yet, this transformation will not be immediate. Pakistan’s historical record shows that rapid political revolutions or swift democratic transitions are rare. Cultural, social, and institutional factors contribute to a slow pace of change, suggesting that democratization will likely be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
Developing a democratic culture in Pakistan will require patience and long-term commitment. Citizens, political parties, and institutions must work collectively to institutionalize democratic practices at every level—from grassroots engagement to national policymaking. Cultural adaptation to democratic norms is equally important; society needs to embrace the principles of pluralism, tolerance, accountability, and civic responsibility. Only through sustained cultural and institutional evolution can Pakistan achieve a functional and resilient democracy.
An additional hurdle is the interaction between unelected institutions and political parties. Historically, the military, judiciary, and bureaucracy have exerted influence over elected governments, constraining their autonomy and shaping political outcomes. While direct military rule has been intermittent, its indirect influence through political engineering has persisted. Civilian governments often navigate this landscape by balancing institutional pressures with democratic obligations, but this compromise has limited the ability to implement long-term reforms.
Political parties themselves have also contributed to the slow progress of democracy. Elite-centric leadership structures, lack of internal party elections, and nepotism have prevented the emergence of merit-based political systems. Without opportunities for rank-and-file members to ascend to leadership positions, parties fail to cultivate a democratic ethos internally, making it difficult to model democratic behavior at the national level. Strengthening internal party democracy is therefore critical for the broader consolidation of democracy in Pakistan.
Despite these challenges, there have been notable achievements. Pakistan has seen the peaceful transfer of power between civilian governments on several occasions, the passage of key democratic reforms, and increased representation of marginalized groups. Constitutional and legal safeguards, such as the establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), reflect progress in institutional strengthening. These bodies operate with increasing independence and accountability, highlighting the potential for governance reforms to take root even amid institutional constraints.
The road ahead remains long. Democratization in Pakistan is likely to be gradual, shaped by incremental reforms, cultural change, and political engagement from citizens and institutions alike. It requires the cultivation of political leadership that prioritizes public interest over elite consolidation, internal party democracy, and the strengthening of institutions capable of upholding democratic norms. Efforts to empower youth, enhance civic education, and promote inclusive governance will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of democracy.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s democratic evolution depends on a combination of institutional reform, party modernization, and societal adaptation. While the pace may be slow, the growing political consciousness among youth, coupled with incremental progress in governance and civil rights, offers hope for a more resilient democratic system. Citizens, political elites, and institutions must remain committed to this long-term journey to ensure that democracy becomes deeply rooted and reflective of the people’s will.
Pakistan’s history demonstrates that democratic progress is neither linear nor swift. Yet, through sustained effort, cultural adaptation, and institutional development, the country can evolve toward a system where democratic norms, accountability, and citizen participation are the guiding principles of governance. The journey may be challenging, but with commitment and patience, Pakistan can build a political culture capable of sustaining meaningful democracy for future generations.
