Sir: I am writing an article on the difference between democracy and dictatorship and how it has been influencing the Pakistan since its inception and in my opinion what have been benefited our nation in true sense. First of all I would like to define both. Democracy is the government of the people which gives right to all the eligible citizens to participate in electing their political leaders by giving them voice in legislation. Dictatorship gives absolute power to one individual, dictator. Both democracy and dictatorship have some pros and cons. Political system in Pakistan has seen in upheavals since its creation in 1947. If we look back in the history Pakistan has been ruled by four dictators under four martial laws and some period of fragile and corrupt democracy system. No doubt democracy system is favourable for the nation but it has only used for personal interest of politicians. As we have heard about and we often say that jesi awam wesa hukmaran. he political instability is not just because of our politicians, it is because of our public who vote for the wrong one despite knowing much about them. In Pakistan democracy is misused by politicians as well as by public too. Democratic system is healthy for any society or nation, but in Pakistan I think and may be some of you agree or may be some of you not that in dictatorship era our country make much progress. So what should we do for a healthy political system. We should held fair and free elections and give power at the grass root level which is democracy in true sense. People must think about nation and elect the people for the prosperity of nation. All pillars of the state, like Judiciary, Media and ECP work in the good or positive manner. Democratic system is healthy for society but in Pakistan it is always the military dictatorship that has brought solace for the people and development for the country. In case any government completes its tenure, it weakens the country so much that for the next government it is very difficult to stabilize the country. NIMRA ZAFAR Lahore Published in Daily Times, November 23rd 2018.