Pakistani democracy may be noisy but it delivers

Wajid Shamsul Hasan

Why Pakistan needs strong institutions is amply demonstrated in recent events of monumental importance. However, these events did not get enough attention either because of indifference by analysts or their lack of comprehension about these issues. It is a tribute to the democracy that despite challenges of security, economic down-turn due to fight against extremism and terrorism, the government of Pakistan has succeeded in meeting major challenges. Of course, in doing so it enjoyed the support of the masses and major political forces of the country.

Let us talk about those monumental events at the international and national level that have taken place ever since the democratic government took over in the country in March 2008. Seven such major events and/or developments are discernable.

First, the government succeeded in its campaign against war on terrorism. Just imagine, a war called America’s war or Musharraf’s war became the whole Pakistani nation’s war with brave Pakistani armed forces putting their heart and soul to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. The international community no more questions Pakistan’s sincerity in this war. The whole nation has turned the tables against the Taliban while a year ago even some of our friends described the Taliban “onslaught as a mortal threat to Islamabad”. Taliban are not only on the run they are considered to be an anathema to a common Pakistani’s way of life.

Second, there is a marked improvement of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Unlike Musharraf-Karzai tiff, there is a positive chemistry between Presidents Zardari and President Karzai. President Karzai appreciates that the current leadership in Pakistan means business and is sincere in the stability of Afghanistan.

Third, Pak-US strategic dialogue although in its fourth session during the past five years, entered into forward gear for the first time with structured discussion on ten substantive issues encompassing security, economic, defense and cultural cooperation as also cooperation in the energy sector. Clear benchmarks have been decided by the two sides in order to achieve tangible results. On war on terror, it is no more a “do more” demand by the US but a real appreciation of Pakistan’s role in tackling extremism. Not only that, Pakistan’s participation in the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington has re-asserted the confidence of the international community in the safety of Pakistani custodial controls over its strategic assests.

Fourth, the Balochistan Package (Aghaz-e Huqooq-e Balochistan-(Initiation of Balochistan’s Rights) is a historical initiative by the government which enjoys the support of all the political forces in the country. For the first time in the history of Pakistan a government has taken extraordinary measures to address the deprivation of the people of Balochistan. The government has also succeeded in sensitizing the international community towards Indian machination in the province in the garb of its reconstruction work in Afghanistan.

Fifth, NFC award is another major success of the present government which enjoys the support of all the provinces as well as all major political parties. The award has also removed a major irritant amongst smaller provinces regarding their share in the national income.

Sixth, the unanimous adoption of the Eighteenth Amendment by the National Assembly and the Senate is another major feat of the government which steered the constitutional reforms process after President Zardari’s first address to the joint session of the parliament in 2008.  A number of objective analysts have described the passage of the 18th Amendment as a ‘miracle’ after the adoption of the 1973 constitution because of divergences grappled by the Parliament’s Reforms Committee. Nevertheless, these amendments would prove to be a precursor to laying the foundations of a stable democratic order in the country.

Seventh, although part of the constitutional amendments, the renaming of NWFP province to Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa is the fulfillment of a longstanding demand of the people of the province. Unfortunately, a section of the people of Hazara has expressed their dissatisfaction over the renaming of the province. But a democratic order always has the capacity to address such grievances.

Given the challenges faced by Pakistan, the achievements of the democratic government in a short span of two years cannot be underestimated. Our brand of democracy may be noisy but it delivers.

 

 

April 15, 2010

 

Last updated: 15 April 2010