Pakistan is half democracy, half military rule

Pakistan was one of the greatest, though unreliable, allies of the United States in the war on terror until January this year when President Trump suspended all security aid to it. The United States had promoted democracy in Pakistan. However, Pakistan has been under military rule for half of the period since its creation as an independent country in 1947. Even during democratic rule, Pakistani military, especially the army, has exerted influence over the civilian government.

A recent example of the power of military is its ability to control media and deny freedom of expression in the country that supposedly is a democracy. When Dawn, a major newspaper, published an interview with the former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, soldiers confiscated copies of the newspaper in parts of the country they have a greater control over and harassed its distributors because of their opposition to Sharif.

Unlike most other democracies, Pakistan is one of the most violent societies. Suicide bombings are common and political violence, including assassination of those aspiring to power, is almost an accepted rule of the game.

No civilian government in Pakistan has functioned without the support of the military. In the past, the army has staged a coup following a period of rising instability, deteriorating economy and political corruption. These conditions are often present. Pakistan’s economy is currently performing reasonably well. However, the other two conditions are present.

Pakistani military claims it does not interfere in the political governance of the country; however, it openly supported a political party and its leader in the parliamentary election held last month.

Some Third World countries, notably Pakistan’s neighbor, India, have developed stable democracies. Those countries have adopted rules and are in the process of establishing political traditions that are essential for the continuation of democracy.

India, for example, has constitutional rules requiring the representation of disadvantaged groups and women in many political offices. India also has a growing middle class, currently estimated at nearly 300 million out of its population of 1.3 billion. Pakistan pays little attention to its minorities and women who often face discrimination. While middle class has grown in Pakistan, it is no where near the stage of India’s middle class.

Growing religious fundamentalism in Pakistan makes it even more difficult for democracy to take root. An Islamic country of 200 million people, 97 percent Muslim, Pakistan has experienced an enormous growth in religious fundamentalism since the 1980s.

Military influence and the lack of factors that sustain a democracy have made Pakistan half democracy and half military rule.