The Evolution of Democratic System in Pakistan: Hurdles and

Solutions for a Better Democratic System

Pakistan, since its inception on August 14, 1947, embarked on its journey as an
independent nation with the adoption of a democratic system of governance rooted in
the British parliamentary model.1 The vision of its founding fathers was to establish a
liberal, moderate, and democratic parliamentary federation.1 However, the nation's
democratic trajectory has been far from smooth, characterized by a recurring cycle of
democratic governments interspersed with significant and prolonged periods of
military intervention.1 This oscillation between civilian and military rule suggests
underlying structural issues or a lack of deeply entrenched democratic norms within
the state and society. Understanding the intricate history of Pakistan's democratic
evolution, the persistent obstacles that have hindered its consolidation, and the
potential pathways towards a more stable and effective democratic system is crucial,
especially considering Pakistan's position as the sixth most populous country in the
world.1 This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of these aspects, offering a
comprehensive overview for those seeking to understand the complexities of
Pakistan's democratic journey.

A Historical Journey of Democracy and Military Interventions

(1947-Present)
A. The Early Democratic Years (1947-1958)
Upon gaining independence, Pakistan adopted a parliamentary system of governance,
functioning under a modified version of the Government of India Act of 1935.1 This
interim arrangement featured a strong central government alongside provincial
governments, giving the nascent state a federal structure.25 The initial leadership
included Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the first Governor-General, and Liaquat Ali Khan, the
first Prime Minister.26 The early years were fraught with challenges, including the first
war with India over Kashmir, the immense task of rehabilitating millions of refugees
displaced by the partition, and the fundamental need to forge a unified national
identity from a linguistically diverse population.28 Pakistan is known to have over
twenty languages and over 300 distinct dialects, which contributed to regional
tensions and difficulties in establishing a cohesive national narrative.31 The process of
framing a constitution proved protracted, with the first Constituent Assembly taking
nine years to produce the first constitution, which was finally enacted in 1956.1 This
constitution declared Pakistan an Islamic Republic and established a parliamentary
form of government with a unicameral legislature.35 However, this initial democratic
phase was marked by significant political instability, with eight successive
governments collapsing within the first eleven years of the country's existence.1 This
rapid turnover in leadership and the failure to establish strong institutional
foundations created an environment of uncertainty. The focus on immediate
challenges like survival and national integration in a diverse nation may have
inadvertently led to a concentration of power, potentially hindering the organic
development of robust democratic institutions and norms at all levels of governance.
The linguistic and ethnic diversity, as highlighted, likely complicated the process of
building consensus on fundamental governance structures.

B. The First Era of Military Rule (1958-1971)

The first major disruption to Pakistan's democratic journey occurred in 1958 when the
then President Iskander Mirza, in collaboration with the army chief General Ayub Khan,
abrogated the 1956 constitution and imposed martial law.2 Just thirteen days later,
Ayub Khan himself exiled Mirza and assumed the presidency.4 Ayub Khan introduced
the "Basic Democracies" system in 1959, which consisted of a network of rural and
urban councils elected by the people, ostensibly for local governance and grassroots
development.13 However, this system also served to consolidate Ayub Khan's power, as
these Basic Democrats formed the electoral college that elected him as president in
1960.26 While presented as a form of grassroots development, the timing of its
introduction and its function in electing the president suggest a strategic move
towards legitimizing military rule under a quasi-democratic framework rather than a
genuine devolution of power. In 1962, a new constitution was promulgated, which
replaced the parliamentary system with a presidential one, granting more
consolidated powers to the President.25 The 1965 war with India led to widespread
criticism of Ayub Khan's handling of the aftermath, contributing to political unrest.28
Facing mass protests, Ayub Khan resigned in March 1969, handing over power to the
commander-in-chief of the Pakistani Army, General Yahya Khan, who imposed the
second martial law and dissolved parliament.2 General elections were held in 1970,
considered relatively transparent, but the results, which saw the Awami League led by
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman win a majority, were not accepted by the military junta.4 The
ensuing political crisis and military crackdown in East Pakistan led to a civil war and,
with Indian intervention, the secession of East Pakistan as the independent state of
Bangladesh in 1971.2

C. The Second Democratic Era (1971-1977)

Following the debacle of the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh, martial law was
lifted, and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto assumed the presidency, marking the return to
democracy.4 A new constitution, the third since independence, was enacted in 1973,
establishing Pakistan as a parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislature and the
Prime Minister as the head of government.25 This constitution, despite being
suspended later, remains the foundational document for Pakistan's democratic
framework, indicating a societal preference for parliamentary democracy. Its repeated
reinstatement, even with amendments, suggests a consensus on its basic principles,
highlighting its resilience despite periods of authoritarian rule. Bhutto, who
transitioned from president to prime minister in 1973, pursued a populist agenda,
including the nationalization of major industries.26 However, his tenure was also
marked by growing political opposition and allegations of rigging in the 1977 general
elections, which his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won.4

D. The Second Era of Military Rule (1977-1988)

The allegations of electoral fraud in the 1977 elections provided the pretext for
another military intervention. In July 1977, the Chief of Army Staff, General Zia-ul-Haq,
staged a bloodless coup, arrested Bhutto, suspended the constitution, and declared
martial law.2 Zia-ul-Haq later became president in 1978 and implemented a program of
Islamization, significantly altering the social and legal landscape of the country.4
Bhutto was controversially tried and executed in 1979 on charges of conspiracy to
murder.4 In 1985, Zia held non-party elections and subsequently lifted martial law, but
retained significant presidential powers through constitutional amendments.4
Zia-ul-Haq's eleven-year rule came to an abrupt end in August 1988 when he was
killed in a mysterious plane crash.4

E. The Third Democratic Era (1988-1999)

The death of Zia-ul-Haq ushered in another era of democratic transition, marked by
political instability and a power struggle between the two dominant political parties:
the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Benazir Bhutto, and the Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif.4 Between 1988 and 1999, both Bhutto
and Sharif served as prime ministers in alternating terms, none of which lasted a full
five years. Their governments were frequently dismissed by the president on charges
of corruption and inefficiency, often amidst allegations of interference from the
establishment.4 The repeated dismissal of elected governments during this period
highlights the continued influence of the establishment and the fragility of the
democratic process in the face of allegations of corruption and inefficiency. This
suggests that mere elections are not sufficient for democratic consolidation. Issues of
governance, accountability, and the balance of power between civilian and
non-civilian institutions needed to be addressed. Despite the political turmoil,
Pakistan achieved a significant milestone in 1998 by conducting successful nuclear
tests, becoming the first Muslim-majority country to possess nuclear weapons.38 The
Kargil conflict with India in 1999 further strained the already tense political climate.3

F. The Third Era of Military Rule (1999-2008)

The third democratic era was abruptly ended on October 12, 1999, when the Chief of
Army Staff, General Pervez Musharraf, staged a military coup, ousting Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif and imposing martial law.2 Musharraf declared himself Chief Executive
and later President in 2001.3 Following the events of 9/11, Musharraf aligned Pakistan
with the United States in the war on terror.4 Under international pressure and facing
domestic opposition, Musharraf announced a "roadmap to democracy" and held
general elections in 2002.3 However, these elections were held under the shadow of
military rule and amidst concerns about their legitimacy.3 In 2007, Musharraf declared
a state of emergency, leading to widespread protests and further eroding his
legitimacy.5 The assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in December
2007 further destabilized the political landscape.5 Facing impeachment proceedings
by the newly elected parliament, Pervez Musharraf resigned from the presidency in
August 2008, marking the end of the third era of military rule.4

G. The Fourth Democratic Era (2008-Present)

The 2008 general elections brought the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) back to power,
with Asif Ali Zardari, Benazir Bhutto's widower, becoming president.1 Significantly, the
PPP-led government completed its full five-year term, a first in Pakistan's political
history.1 This milestone, while significant, was followed by continued political
turbulence, suggesting that the underlying issues hindering democratic consolidation
persist. Despite the symbolic importance of a completed term, the subsequent
political events indicate that fundamental challenges related to power dynamics,
institutional strength, and democratic norms remain unresolved. The subsequent
elections in 2013 saw the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) come to power,
and in 2018, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former cricketer Imran Khan,
formed the government.1 However, Pakistan has continued to experience political
unrest and instability, including the controversial removal of Imran Khan's government
through a no-confidence motion in 2022 and the deeply flawed general elections of
2024, which were marred by allegations of rigging and manipulation.2

Period Type of Key Leaders Significant Events

Government

1947-1958 Democratic Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Independence,

Khan, Iskander Mirza Kashmir conflict,
delay in
 constitution-making,
first constitution
enacted (1956),
political instability.

1958-1969 Military Ayub Khan 1958 coup,

abrogation of 1956
constitution, Basic
Democracies system,
1962 constitution,
1965 war, Ayub
Khan's resignation.

1969-1971 Military Yahya Khan 1969 takeover, 1970

elections, civil war in
East Pakistan,
creation of
Bangladesh.

1971-1977 Democratic Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Return to democracy,

1973 constitution,
nationalization
policies, allegations
of rigging in 1977
elections.

1977-1988 Military Zia-ul-Haq 1977 coup,

Islamization policies,
execution of Bhutto,
non-party elections
(1985), Zia's death in
plane crash.

1988-1999 Democratic Benazir Bhutto, Alternating

Nawaz Sharif governments,
dismissals due to
corruption, Pakistan
becomes a nuclear
power (1998), Kargil
conflict (1999).

1999-2008 Military Pervez Musharraf 1999 coup, roadmap

to democracy, 2002
elections, 2007 state
 of emergency,
assassination of
Benazir Bhutto,
Musharraf's
resignation.

2008-Present Democratic Zardari, Gilani, Return to civilian rule,

Ashraf, Sharif, Khan, completion of first full
Sharif term by PPP
(2008-2013),
subsequent elections
(2013, 2018, 2024),
political unrest and
instability.

Shaping the Democratic Path: Key Political Events and

Constitutional Developments
A. The Objectives Resolution (1949)
The Objectives Resolution, passed by the Constituent Assembly in March 1949, served
as a foundational document that outlined the basic principles for the future
constitution of Pakistan.28 Influenced by religious scholars and the Jamaat-e-Islami,
the resolution declared the sovereignty of Allah, affirmed the principles of democracy,
and emphasized the role of Islamic teachings in the governance of the state.35 It has
been included as a preamble in all subsequent constitutions of Pakistan, highlighting
its enduring significance in shaping the nation's ideological foundations.35

B. The Constitution of 1956

Pakistan's first constitution was enacted on March 23, 1956, marking the country's
transition into an Islamic Republic.1 It established a parliamentary system of
government with a unicameral legislature, comprising a National Assembly with equal
representation from East and West Pakistan.35 The constitution guaranteed
fundamental rights to citizens, including freedoms of movement, speech, and
religion.35 However, this first attempt at a constitutional framework was short-lived, as
it was abrogated in 1958 following the military coup led by General Ayub Khan.25

C. The Constitution of 1962

The second constitution of Pakistan was promulgated on June 8, 1962, under the rule
of President Ayub Khan.25 This constitution introduced a presidential system of
government, concentrating significant executive powers in the hands of the President
and abolishing the office of the Prime Minister.34 Controversially, it also
institutionalized military involvement in politics by stipulating that for the first twenty
years, the president or defense minister must have held a rank no lower than
lieutenant-general.35 This constitution was eventually suspended in 1969 following
widespread protests and abrogated in 1972 after the secession of East Pakistan.35 The
shift from parliamentary to presidential systems and back reflects the ongoing debate
and struggle for the optimal form of governance in Pakistan. These constitutional
experiments likely stemmed from dissatisfaction with the existing system and
attempts by different power centers (like the military) to establish a framework more
conducive to their influence.

D. The Legal Framework Order (1970)

Following the suspension of the 1962 constitution, President Yahya Khan issued the
Legal Framework Order (LFO) on March 30, 1970.35 This order outlined the
fundamental principles of a proposed new constitution and defined the structure of
the national and provincial assemblies for the upcoming general elections in 1970.35
However, the constitutional crisis that ensued after the 1970 elections prevented the
LFO from fully materializing as the country's constitution.35

E. The Constitution of 1973

The Constitution of 1973, also known as the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan, remains the current supreme law of the country.25 Drafted under the
government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto with input from opposition parties, it was
unanimously approved by the National Assembly on April 10, 1973, and ratified on
August 14, 1973.35 The 1973 constitution established a federal parliamentary republic
with a bicameral legislature consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate.35
Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, while
the President serves as the ceremonial Head of State.35 The constitution emphasizes
the role of Islam, stating that all laws should conform to the injunctions of Islam as laid
down in the Quran and Sunnah.35 It also guarantees fundamental rights to citizens.35
The constitution has been amended numerous times since its enactment. Notably, the
Eighteenth Amendment in 2010 significantly curtailed the powers of the President,
shifting the balance of power more firmly towards the Prime Minister and the
parliament.5 The amendments to the 1973 constitution, particularly the reduction of
presidential powers, indicate a gradual strengthening of the parliamentary system,
albeit with persistent challenges. These amendments can be seen as responses to
past experiences with concentrated presidential authority, aiming to rebalance power
within the democratic framework.

F. Constitutional Coups and the Doctrine of Necessity

Throughout Pakistan's history, constitutional processes have been frequently
subverted or circumvented by military interventions.37 Often, these
extra-constitutional actions have been legitimized by the judiciary through the
invocation of the "Doctrine of Necessity".37 This doctrine, which essentially allows for
the validation of otherwise illegal acts if they are deemed necessary to restore order
or stability, has been used to justify military takeovers and the suspension of
constitutions.37 The failure of courts to consistently uphold representative institutions,
as seen in the early years, established a pattern where military interventions could be
justified under this doctrine.37 The invocation of the "Doctrine of Necessity" by the
judiciary to legitimize military interventions has been a significant impediment to the
rule of law and the consistent functioning of democracy. This practice has historically
provided a legal avenue for extra-constitutional actions, undermining the supremacy
of the constitution and weakening democratic institutions.

Year Enacted Name of Key Features Status Significant

Constitution/O Amendments
rder

1956 Constitution of Islamic Republic, Abrogated None significant

1956 Parliamentary
system,
Unicameral
legislature,
Fundamental
rights

1962 Constitution of Presidential Abrogated None significant

1962 system, Strong
presidential
powers, Islamic
Ideology Council

1970 Legal Outlined Not fully Precursor to the

Framework principles for Implemented 1973
Order new constitution Constitution
and structure of
assemblies
 1973 Constitution of Federal In Force Eighteenth
1973 Parliamentary Amendment
Republic, (2010) -
Bicameral Reduced
legislature, PM presidential
as head of powers
government,
President as
head of state,
Islamic
emphasis,
Fundamental
rights

Impediments to Consistent Democratic Functioning

A. Political Instability
Pakistan's democratic journey has been significantly hampered by persistent political
instability.1 A recurring issue has been the failure of elected leaders to complete their
full five-year terms, with numerous governments being dismissed prematurely due to
various reasons, including allegations of corruption, inefficiency, or conflicts with the
establishment.4 This frequent change in government has created an environment of
uncertainty, hindering long-term policy planning and undermining public confidence
in the democratic process. The fact that no prime minister completed a full five-year
term until 2013 underscores the depth of this instability.1

B. Military Interventions
A major impediment to the consistent functioning of democracy in Pakistan has been
the recurring interventions by the military.1 The military has directly seized power
through coups on multiple occasions, ruling the country for over three decades of its
history.4 Even during periods of civilian rule, the military has often wielded significant
influence behind the scenes, particularly in areas of foreign policy, security, and
defense.3 This persistent involvement has disrupted democratic transitions and
hindered the development of strong, independent civilian institutions. The military's
self-perception as the guardian of national ideology and security has often been used
to justify interventions in civilian affairs, hindering the consolidation of democratic
governance. This narrative, coupled with periods of political instability and economic
crises, has allowed the military to present itself as a more capable and reliable
institution compared to civilian governments.
C. Corruption
Pervasive corruption at various levels of government has been a significant challenge
to Pakistan's democratic system.3 It has undermined the effectiveness and legitimacy
of political institutions, eroded public trust in leaders, and contributed to economic
instability.3 Allegations of corruption have frequently been cited as a reason for the
dismissal of elected governments and military interventions.4 The lack of transparency
and accountability in government operations has made it difficult to combat
corruption effectively, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and hindering the development
of good governance.7

D. Weak Institutions
The absence of strong and independent democratic institutions has further impeded
the consolidation of democracy in Pakistan.7 Institutions such as the parliament, the
judiciary, and the election commission have often been perceived as weak, lacking full
autonomy, or susceptible to external pressures.7 The parliament has at times
succumbed to external pressures, and the judiciary's independence has been
questioned, particularly in cases involving the military or the establishment.16 A robust
democratic system requires these institutions to function effectively and
independently to provide checks and balances on executive power and uphold the
rule of law.

E. Socio-economic Disparities and Lack of Education

Significant socio-economic disparities and a low literacy rate have also hindered the
strengthening of democracy in Pakistan.7 A large segment of the population lacks
access to quality education and basic necessities, which can limit their ability to
participate meaningfully in the political process and make informed choices during
elections.8 The combination of socio-economic disparities and low education levels
creates a vulnerable electorate that can be easily manipulated, undermining the
principles of free and fair elections. Lack of awareness and economic dependence
can make citizens susceptible to patronage networks and electoral malpractices,
hindering the development of a politically engaged and informed citizenry.

F. Political Polarization and Lack of Consensus

Deep political polarization and a lack of consensus on fundamental democratic norms
have further complicated Pakistan's democratic journey.7 The political landscape has
often been characterized by intense rivalry and mistrust between major political
parties, hindering cooperation on crucial national issues.4 This lack of consensus has
made it difficult to establish stable governments and implement consistent policies,
contributing to the overall instability of the democratic system.7

G. External Influences
Regional dynamics and the involvement of international actors have also played a role
in shaping Pakistan's political trajectory.3 Pakistan's complex relationship with
neighboring India, particularly the unresolved Kashmir dispute, has historically led to a
strong emphasis on national security and a prominent role for the military.11
Furthermore, Pakistan's alliances and partnerships with global powers have at times
influenced its domestic political landscape.3

V. The Role of Key Players in Pakistan's Democracy

A. Political Parties
Political parties in Pakistan have played a crucial role in the country's democratic
processes, serving as platforms for citizen participation and vehicles for policy
formulation and governance.76 From the early dominance of the Muslim League,
Pakistan has evolved into a multi-party system with various national and regional
parties representing diverse ideologies and constituencies.1 They play a vital role in
representing citizens' opinions, formulating policies, and holding the government
accountable.76 However, Pakistani political parties have also faced numerous
challenges, including allegations of corruption, dynastic politics, internal divisions, and
an inability to consistently deliver good governance.1 The dominance of a few major
parties, often characterized by dynastic leadership, can limit political pluralism and
hinder the emergence of fresh leadership and ideas. This pattern can create a system
where power is concentrated within families or a small elite, potentially leading to a
lack of responsiveness to the broader public and perpetuating existing inequalities.

B. The Military
The military has historically been the most dominant institution in Pakistan's political
landscape.9 It has directly intervened in politics through multiple coups, ruling the
country for extended periods.2 Even during periods of civilian rule, the military has
often exerted significant influence over government policies, particularly in matters of
national security and foreign affairs.3 The reasons for the military's prominent role
include a perceived threat from external adversaries, particularly India, weak civilian
institutions, and a historical legacy of military involvement in governance.3 These
interventions have had a detrimental impact on the development and consolidation of
democratic institutions and norms, often leading to the suspension or abrogation of
constitutions and the suppression of political activities.1 The military's self-perception
as the guardian of national ideology and security has often been used to justify
interventions in civilian affairs, hindering the consolidation of democratic governance.
This narrative, coupled with periods of political instability and economic crises, has
allowed the military to present itself as a more capable and reliable institution
compared to civilian governments.

C. The Judiciary
The judiciary in Pakistan plays a crucial role in interpreting the constitution and
resolving legal and political disputes.52 Its relationship with the executive and the
military has been complex, marked by periods of both cooperation and
confrontation.52 The concept of judicial activism has seen the judiciary increasingly
intervene in matters traditionally considered within the domain of the executive and
legislature.52 While at times the judiciary has upheld democratic principles by
challenging military rule and executive overreach, there have also been instances
where it has been accused of legitimizing extra-constitutional actions through the
"Doctrine of Necessity" or exhibiting political bias.37 This inconsistent role has
contributed to the fragility of democratic institutions, as the judiciary has not always
acted as a consistently strong and independent check on other branches of
government.

D. Civil Society
Civil society organizations, including NGOs, the media, and various advocacy groups,
play a vital role in promoting democratic values, accountability, and civic engagement
in Pakistan.70 They act as watchdogs, monitoring government actions and advocating
for policy changes.71 A vibrant and independent media can contribute to raising public
awareness and fostering informed political discourse.21 However, civil society
organizations in Pakistan often face challenges, including restrictions on their
activities, pressure from state and non-state actors, and limitations on freedom of
expression.2 Restrictions on media freedom and the activities of civil society
organizations limit their ability to play their watchdog role effectively, potentially
contributing to a less transparent and accountable political system.

VI. Understanding the Fragility: Reasons for Democratic

Instability
The persistent fragility of democratic rule in Pakistan can be attributed to a complex
interplay of historical, political, social, and economic factors. The historical dominance
of the military-bureaucratic establishment over relatively weaker political institutions
has created an imbalance of power that has consistently undermined democratic
processes.1 Rampant political corruption and the tendency of politicians to prioritize
self-interest over public good have further eroded trust in democratic institutions and
created opportunities for military interventions.3 Deep-seated ethnic and regional
divides have also contributed to political instability, making it challenging to forge a
unified national identity and achieve political consensus.7 The rise of Islamic
conservatism and extremism has further complicated the political landscape, at times
leading to violence and intolerance.7 Perhaps most fundamentally, there has been a
lack of a strong democratic culture and deeply ingrained democratic norms within the
society, making the system vulnerable to authoritarian tendencies and interventions.1

VII. Towards a Stronger Democracy: Potential Solutions and

Reforms
Improving the democratic system in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach
addressing the various impediments that have historically hindered its progress.1
Strengthening democratic institutions, including the parliament, the judiciary, and the
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), is paramount.1 Electoral reforms are crucial to
ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, which are the bedrock of any democracy.1
Measures to strengthen civilian oversight of the military are essential to ensure the
supremacy of civilian authority, a fundamental principle of democracy.1 Promoting
good governance, transparency, and accountability at all levels is crucial for building
public trust and ensuring the effective functioning of democratic institutions.1
Strengthening the rule of law and ensuring the independence of the judiciary are vital
for upholding the constitution and protecting citizens' rights.1 Finally, promoting civic
education and democratic values among the populace is essential for fostering a
strong democratic culture and ensuring informed citizen participation.7 International
assistance and cooperation can also play a supportive role in these efforts.2

VIII. Future of Democracy in Pakistan: Expert Perspectives and

the Way Forward
Expert opinions on the future of democracy in Pakistan present a mixed picture,
acknowledging both the persistent challenges and potential opportunities for
progress.3 The historical dominance of state institutions, particularly the military, over
political ones continues to be a major concern, raising questions about the true extent
of civilian authority.14 However, some experts point to recent political developments,
such as increased political awareness among the people, a more assertive judiciary
(at times), and a more vibrant media landscape, as potential catalysts for
strengthening democracy.1 The ability of elected leaders to effectively address critical
issues such as ethnic and religious tensions, economic vulnerability, and social
disparities will be crucial for the further consolidation of democracy.14 The role of the
military in Pakistan's future remains a key factor. While some analysts hope for a
gradual withdrawal of the military from direct political involvement 14, others remain
skeptical given the historical patterns and the military's continued influence.1
Ultimately, a more sustainable democratic future for Pakistan hinges on sustained
institutional reforms, greater accountability of political actors, and a deepening of
democratic values within the society.8

IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolution of the democratic system in Pakistan has been a complex
and often tumultuous journey since its independence in 1947. The nation's initial
embrace of parliamentary democracy based on the British model was quickly
challenged by political instability and the ascendance of the military. The subsequent
decades witnessed a cyclical pattern of democratic governments punctuated by
prolonged periods of military rule, highlighting the deep-rooted structural challenges
and the fragility of democratic institutions. Persistent hurdles such as military
interventions, political instability, widespread corruption, weak institutions,
socio-economic disparities, political polarization, and external influences have
consistently impeded the consolidation of a stable and effective democratic system.

Despite these significant challenges, Pakistan has also demonstrated a resilience in its
pursuit of democracy, with the enactment of multiple constitutions, the holding of
numerous elections, and the eventual completion of a full democratic term by a
civilian government in 2013. Key players such as political parties, the military, the
judiciary, and civil society have all played complex and often contradictory roles in this
ongoing evolution.

Looking towards the future, expert perspectives suggest that while the path ahead
remains fraught with challenges, there are also opportunities for progress.
Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, establishing
civilian supremacy over the military, promoting good governance and accountability,
upholding the rule of law, and fostering a strong democratic culture through civic
education are crucial steps towards a more stable and prosperous democratic future
for Pakistan. The ability of the nation's leaders and institutions to address the
fundamental issues that have historically undermined democracy will ultimately
determine the trajectory of its democratic journey.

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