Daily Times

The people of Pakistan are optimistic for an ideal democracy in the country. Since decades, several forms of governments have been experienced but the real essence of democracy is distant dream in Pakistan. However, another election is scheduled on July 25,the next elected parliament will form the government through democratic way.

Moreover, former prime minister has been punished by the accountability court for ten years. Public has mix reaction, the echoes of relief and political victimization are up in the air. Their expectations are uncountable regarding prevalence of real essence of democracy in Pakistan

Human welfare is the hallmark of the democratic system. Around the globe, democratic countries are catering fundamental needs of its citizens. Albeit, we have a democratic system, frequently disturbed—-yet present. But ordinary people are worst suffering. There exists a big difference between democratic system of Pakistan and the democratic system of developed countries.

Pakistan’s democratic system is the victim of extractive institutions. Unfortunately, Institutions are designed to serve the interest of few bigwigs and status-quo. This inherent biasness of institutions has led us to the worst democracy. Both, the extractive institutions and mafia groups have established a strong and complicated nexus. Extractive institutions have paved a way for cliques to get a stronghold in the system. This dichotomy is salting the nation’s wounds since  the very beginning.

The game of interest is another sticky reason for the underperformance of our democratic institutions. In Pakistan, democracy is the best form of government until the interest of bourgeoisie is protected. In this theory of interest generals, politicians and bureaucrats are the leading actors. This troika has enlarged roots in the institutions. When there is an imbalance in the equation of trio, the nation was destined to face a military coup.

In addition to it, Politics is a highly profitable business in our state. Dynastic politics has been the part of our political system since long. All mainstream political parties are the glaring example of this phenomenon. Democratic parties are utmost undemocratic in term of electing their own leadership. No meritocracy in the ranks and files of parties. On the basis of favoritism, dulls and dummies have occupied senior positions. Personal luxuries grasp development funds. Private welfare prefers over public welfare. Legitimate public grievances have taken as conspiracy and the questions of ill performance portray plot against the democracy.

Any hope of improvement in the existing status quo is counter-productive. The system can only be made efficient if the institutions introduce true democratic reforms.

Pakistan needs to emphases on institutional development to become successful democratic state. To improve the public service delivery mechanism, inclusive economic institutions are prerequisite. Inclusive institutions are those that allow and encourage participation by people in economic activities that make the best use of their talents and skills and that enable individuals to make the choices they wish. To be inclusive, economic institutions must feature secure private property, an unbiased system of law and justice, and a provision of public services that provides a level playing field in which people can exchange and contract. Inclusive economic institutions will foster economic activity, productivity growth, and economic prosperity.

An institutional balance is mandatory for the smooth running of national affairs. No institution permitted to encroach the powers of other. A watertight compartment among the public sector is binding. It will be achieved through strong political will and productive reforms. Citizens need sensitizing about their constitutional rights. Institutions need to grease its energies. The door of institutional intrusion needs to be permanently shut down.

Meaningful political reforms are pending since the emergence of Pakistan. These reforms are vital to block the modus operandi of corrupt practices.  A universal accountability mechanism is crucial in which no one has impunity to damage the national exchequer. Political parties need to make their own house in order. The true spirit of constitutional politics should immediately introduce to regain the lost public trust.

The road of democracy passes through inclusive institutions. Any hope before introducing evocative political reforms is fruitless. The hollow slogans of change are not sufficient antidote to ease public sufferings. The change of faces through political engineering cannot resolve nation’s lesions. The solution of many problems in Pakistan  lies in institutional reforms.

The writer is lawyer