Essay: Democracy Has Failed to Deliver in Pakistan
Introduction “The cure for the ills of democracy is more democracy,” remarked H.L. Mencken. Yet, in Pakistan, the diagnosis and prescription seem perpetually mismatched. Despite over seven decades of democratic experimentation, the country remains entangled in poor governance, institutional decay, and recurring elite manipulation. Elections are held, constitutions drafted, and parliaments assembled, yet the outcomes remain dismal in justice, equity, and national cohesion. While democracy exists in form, it falters in substance. This essay argues that democracy in Pakistan has failed to deliver due to institutional fragility, elite domination, the erosion of public accountability, and a persistent disconnect between democratic processes and the lived realities of its citizens.
1. Institutional Fragility: A Weak Foundation The strength of democracy lies in robust institutions that uphold the rule of law, ensure checks and balances, and enforce accountability. In Pakistan, however, institutional dysfunction remains pervasive. The judiciary is often accused of selective justice and succumbing to political pressure. The bureaucracy, instead of serving as a meritocratic backbone, is frequently politicized. The Election Commission of Pakistan, despite constitutional protections, has faced criticism for failing to ensure free and fair elections. The civil-military imbalance is perhaps the most damaging feature: civilian governments remain subservient to the military establishment, which exerts undue influence over policy and national security. Periodic constitutional derailments, such as martial laws and presidential takeovers, have further eroded institutional credibility, preventing democracy from taking root.
2. Elite Domination: Democracy Captured by the Few Democracy promises equal representation and participatory governance, but in Pakistan, it has become a vehicle for elite entrenchment. Dynastic politics dominates the major political parties, with leadership passing within families rather than emerging through internal democratic processes. Feudal and tribal elites continue to exercise disproportionate control over electoral outcomes, particularly in rural constituencies. Political patronage and vote-buying remain widespread, distorting democratic participation. The economic elite, through media ownership and lobbying, shape public discourse and policy in their favor. This elite capture marginalizes youth, women, and religious and ethnic minorities, thereby depriving democracy of its inclusive spirit.
3. Erosion of Public Accountability Accountability is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. In Pakistan, however, the lack of institutionalized accountability mechanisms has led to rampant corruption and impunity. Successive governments have weaponized anti-corruption bodies like the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against opponents while shielding allies. Parliamentary oversight is often ineffective, with question hours and committee systems either underused or manipulated. Political financing lacks transparency, and intra-party decision-making remains opaque. The media, once a watchdog, is increasingly compromised by censorship, intimidation, and corporate interests. As a result, public officials rarely face consequences for misgovernance, deepening public cynicism.
4. Disconnect Between Democratic Practices and Public Welfare Democracy, at its core, should translate into tangible improvements in citizens' lives. In Pakistan, this link has been profoundly broken. The periodic exercise of elections and parliamentary debates fails to address systemic issues such as poverty, unemployment, poor healthcare, and lack of education. Public trust in democratic institutions continues to decline as citizens witness unfulfilled promises and superficial governance. Regional disparities, especially in Saraikistan, Balochistan and the former FATA areas, highlight the uneven distribution of democratic dividends. The democratic process has become a ritualistic cycle of elections rather than a mechanism for social justice and development.
5. Counterarguments and Nuanced Perspectives While democracy in Pakistan is fraught with dysfunction, it has not been devoid of progress. The 18th Constitutional Amendment was a significant step in devolving power to provinces, reflecting a move towards federalism. Peaceful transitions of power since 2008 suggest a maturing political culture. Judicial activism and the assertiveness of civil society point toward emerging democratic resilience. However, these developments remain fragile and overshadowed by deeper structural issues. Cosmetic reforms cannot substitute for the systemic overhaul needed to make democracy functional. The form exists, but the substance remains elusive.
6. The Way Forward: Reform, Not Rejection Rather than discarding democracy, Pakistan must invest in its reform. Institutional autonomy must be ensured through legal safeguards and merit-based appointments. Electoral reforms, including biometric verification and transparent campaign financing, can restore public trust. Political parties must democratize internally to become representative platforms. Accountability institutions must be depoliticized and empowered to operate independently. Most importantly, democracy must become people-centered—emphasizing participatory governance, grassroots decision-making, and inclusive development.
Conclusion Democracy in Pakistan has failed not because it is inherently flawed, but because it has been hijacked, weakened, and hollowed from within. Despite the outward appearance of democratic structures, the lived reality for most Pakistanis remains one of exclusion, disempowerment, and disillusionment. Without structural reforms and a genuine commitment to democratic norms, the promise of democracy will remain unfulfilled. Pakistan does not need less democracy; it needs better democracy—rooted in institutions, accountable leadership, and responsive governance.
