As the year draws to an end, Pakistan is continuing its long battle with the nagging problems of insurgency, mercurial relationship with its neighbors and key allies, energy crisis and weak economic recovery.
Yet, the country has shown remarkable resilience and willingness to come out on top against all odds. In this respect, Pakistan’s nascent democracy remains a clear winner in 2013. The year 2013 saw the country’s first-ever smooth transition of power from one democratically elected administration to the other. The peaceful change of administration came as a relief to many civilians, who had feared Arab Spring style agitation in the run up to general elections of May this year.
The general elections were a landmark achievement for Pakistan as millions of voters headed to the polling booths despite fear of Taleban threats to sabotage the democratic process. The Taleban emerged as the most influential non-state actor, swaying votes in favor of parties that wanted to extend an olive branch to them. It was heartening to see active participation of youths and women in campaigning and overall voter turnout. These polls were a significant milestone in empowering the masses and strengthening democratic pillars of the state.
After the elections, all political parties in the country have expressed their desire to make the democratic process sustainable and avoid any meaningless confrontations that may weaken democratic institutions. The government has also shown great political resolve by understanding the need for compromise and cooperation with all stakeholders. Opposition parties have pledged to play a constructive role in the Parliament and work with the Sharif-led government in building consensus on issues of national interest. A prime example in this regard was the unanimous denouncement of US drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas in favor of pursuing peace negotiations with the Taleban.
The journey has not been an easy one, though, and faced several challenges on the way. Gripped by several corruption scandals, the PPP government managed to survive its five-year term without the intervention from country’s powerful military. The wave of judicial activism and scrutiny by a liberated media cost the government two premiers, while several other government decisions were also upheld by the court. On a positive note, the restoration of faith in judiciary and growing influence of media herald a new era in which people will ultimately stand to gain. Development and strengthening of these institutions means that a system of check and balance is now fully functional to keep a close watch on the running of a democratic setup.
If these institutions continue to perform their duties in an adequate manner, the military is likely to stay away from politics and instead focus its efforts on winning the war against terror. In fact, the military leadership is now keen to support the democratic process and establish a close relationship with the civilian rulers.
For the sake of democracy’s success in Pakistan, it is crucial that the government delivers on its promises by tackling some of the gravest internal and external threats faced by the country. In case the civilian setup disappoints countrymen, there is a risk that the democratic process may be sabotaged in the name of protecting national interest.
