Democracy, dictatorship failed: Pak politician eyes new system

Democracy and dictatorship both have miserably failed in Pakistan, according to senior vice president of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Sen. Chaudhry Mohammad Jafar Iqbal.
Talking to Urdu News yesterday, Iqbal said the system needed an overhaul to stem corruption and ensure the country’s development. He said the existing setup has been unable to bring about concrete changes that could lead to prosperity. “The only option is the presidential system of government.”
Iqbal, who is here for Umrah, said even Mohammad Ali Jinnah had indicated that Western-style democracy would not succeed in Pakistan. “A system in which the president is elected by the people can only succeed in our country.”
He said his party had extended full support to the PPP government by playing the role of a friendly opposition “because we wanted democracy to take root, but unfortunately this democracy turned out to be worse than dictatorship.”
Pakistan, he said, is rich in natural resources but its benefits have not trickled down to the common man. “The primary reason is rampant corruption at all levels.”
He said there have been conspiracies to postpone elections, but they have failed. He said the PML (N) will have a grand alliance and may explore the opportunity of having seats adjustment with Jamaat-e-Islami.