Hafiz Mudassir Rizwan
The notion of democracy often invites a great deal of debate, particularly when it comes to distinguishing between its ideal form and its practical realities. A key challenge in this discussion is the confusion between the theoretical concept of democracy and its actual implementation. In many countries, including Pakistan, what is labeled as democracy does not always operate in accordance with democratic principles, leading to widespread disillusionment and frustration. This disparity between form and substance is particularly evident in Pakistan, where the political system resembles democracy but frequently fails to deliver its promised outcomes.
Pakistan’s democratic system has been described as both illusive and elusive. On the surface, it may appear to be a democracy, with regular elections and a functioning legislature, but its practical functioning often falls short of democratic ideals. Democracy is a dynamic process, constantly evolving and adapting, but in Pakistan, the system seems to be stuck in a loop, unable to move forward in a meaningful way. While some have attributed the country’s challenges to a lack of civilian supremacy or frequent military interventions, it is increasingly clear that the very system of democracy in place may be part of the problem, rather than the solution.
The Crisis of Democracy in Pakistan
The current political crisis in Pakistan serves as a stark reminder of the shortcomings of the existing democratic framework. The intense political infighting, coupled with the preoccupation of politicians with power struggles, has resulted in a fragmented and ineffective government. The country has witnessed numerous instances where elected governments failed to deliver meaningful change or address the fundamental issues faced by the populace. In fact, the persistence of bad governance has been legitimized under the guise of democracy, with weak governments too fearful of electoral repercussions to introduce the necessary reforms.
A true democracy, however, is not merely about the structure of elections or the existence of political parties; it requires substance—good governance, the rule of law, constitutional liberalism, and a commitment to social justice. Without these elements, democracy becomes hollow and lacks the capacity to address the needs of society. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s version of democracy often fails to meet these standards, creating a system that may look democratic in form but lacks the fundamental components that make democracy functional.
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Form vs. Substance in Democracy
Democracy, at its core, is a balance between form and substance. The form refers to the outward structures of democratic governance—free and fair elections, political participation, and peaceful transitions of power. These are the visible aspects of democracy that people often associate with the system. However, form alone does not guarantee a functioning democracy. The substance is equally crucial: it includes good governance, the protection of individual rights, equality, accountability, and a commitment to the common good. Without substance, democracy remains superficial, and its potential to improve the lives of citizens is severely limited.
In Pakistan, the liberal and secular intelligentsia often advocates for the Western model of democracy, emphasizing the importance of free speech, an independent judiciary, and electoral processes. While these are vital components of any democratic system, the focus on these issues often ignores the deeper, more systemic challenges facing the country. The reality is that many Pakistanis, especially the impoverished majority, are less concerned with theoretical democratic ideals than with their immediate survival. For them, access to basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education is far more pressing than the intricacies of political freedom or civil liberties.
The Misunderstanding of Democracy as a Path to Progress
The connection between democracy and progress, especially in Western countries, is often cited by Pakistan’s liberal class as a justification for emulating Western democratic models. However, this perspective overlooks the historical and societal context that made democracy successful in those regions. In Western democracies, democracy was not just a political system; it was part of a broader societal transformation that emphasized equality, fairness, and the rule of law. These values were deeply embedded in the culture, and democracy was an expression of these principles, not just a set of political processes.
The challenge for Pakistan is that simply adopting the form of democracy—such as elections and free speech—without addressing the deeper societal issues will not lead to the same outcomes. The poor cannot “feed” on democracy alone. In Pakistan, the masses seek social and economic justice, human dignity, and security. If democracy does not deliver these basic needs, it risks becoming irrelevant to the people. Development, not just political freedoms, is what they want. As one official aptly put it, people in Pakistan would choose development over democracy if the former was guaranteed to improve their quality of life. A democracy that does not deliver on the aspirations of its citizens is doomed to fail, regardless of its electoral processes.
Democracy as a Tool for the Elite
In Pakistan, the concept of democracy has been exploited as a tool for maintaining the power and privilege of the elite. Both civilian and military rulers have used the framework of democracy to legitimize their rule, even as they perpetuate a system that primarily benefits the powerful. The political class, the military, and the business elite form a powerful nexus that controls the country’s resources, ensuring that their interests remain protected, while the needs of the broader population go unaddressed.
This phenomenon is not unique to Pakistan. In their book Why Nations Fail, Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson argue that political and economic institutions play a critical role in a nation’s success or failure. Extractive political institutions, which concentrate power in the hands of a few, tend to create extractive economic systems that benefit the elite. Pakistan’s political system, marked by feudal structures and military influence, is a clear example of such extractive institutions. These institutions prioritize the interests of the powerful, ensuring that the majority of the population remains marginalized.
The Cycle of Political Dysfunction
Pakistan’s political history is marked by a cycle of civilian and military rule, with each group taking turns to govern, often at the expense of the public. The military uses the failures of civilian governments as a pretext to intervene, while civilian leaders blame military dominance for their inability to govern effectively. In both cases, the system remains largely unchanged, benefiting the same elites and perpetuating the status quo. The lack of accountability and the absence of genuine political reform have left Pakistan stuck in a loop, with each cycle of governance failing to address the country’s core challenges.
Even if a truly democratic system were implemented in Pakistan, it is unlikely to solve the country’s problems unless it addresses the underlying structural issues. As pointed out by Nicolas Berggruen and Nathan Gardels in Intelligent Governance for the 21st Century, democracy alone is not a panacea. A successful governance model requires a balance between liberty and order, as well as a commitment to the well-being of the people. In Pakistan, the emphasis on political freedoms has often come at the expense of social and economic development, leading to a situation where the country’s progress is stunted.
The Path Forward for Pakistan’s Democracy
The road to a true democracy in Pakistan will be long and difficult. As Fareed Zakaria suggests in The Future of Freedom, democracy must be rooted in a culture that values human rights, equality, and accountability. Without these foundational principles, democracy risks becoming a mere formality, rather than a system that truly serves the people. The path to democratization in Pakistan will require a revolutionary struggle—a shift in mindset that goes beyond political rhetoric to address the country’s economic, social, and cultural challenges.
This transformation will not come from the political elite but from grassroots movements that push for change. Pakistan’s vibrant civil society, its talented youth, and its intellectual community are key to this process. These groups must work together to challenge the entrenched power structures and push for a political system that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens. In doing so, Pakistan has the potential to build a democracy that is not only functional in form but also rich in substance, ensuring a better future for its people.
