10. WORST DEMOCRACY IS BETTER THAN BEST DICTATORSHIP

“Dictatorship provides temporary relief but true progress of country lies through democracy because it confirms freedom of speech, law acuity and economic equity.”

Democracy is not only a concept but a culture, a code and way of life. The will of people is jugular vein of a democratic system where government is based on people’s consent and functions according to desires of public. Democracy has been regarded as the decisive form of government as it requires active participation of people and cannot flourish properly without public collaboration.

Being the most essential and fundamental element for managing the affairs of society, democracy is considered as backbone of the system. The crucial importance of democracy can be judged by the fact that democracy and participatory governance have become popular political patterns in the modern world. Effective running of system is impossible unless public’s opinions is given due importance. Democracy ensures the practice of the principles of equal citizenship irrespective of religion, caste, ethnicity, and regional background. Equal opportunity is provided to all for advancement in social, political and economic domains in democratic states. Free and fair election process, supremacy of the constitution, the rule of law and freedom for the people guarantee the security of life and property to citizens.

The several countries of East Asian countries observed democratic political system and registered the highest growth rate between 1964 and 1990 and proved it with high living standards. According to Abraham Lincoln, “Democracy is the form of government for the people, of the people, by the people.” As democracy ensures the equal participation of public, it is mandatory in any democratic state that people respect themselves and their viewpoint. The greatest personality Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, being the staunch supporter of democracy, also promoted democratic values in the country.

Democracy needs public collaboration in true sense as it is the complete philosophy which covers all aspects of rights and freedom that is not possible in dictatorial system. Dictatorship may deal with emergencies and critical situations effectively, but this form of government cannot suit normal times. No one is really good enough to be entrusted with absolute power. It is lesson of history that dictatorship generally assumes the form of a reign of terror. Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany ruthlessly suppressed the civil liberties and other rights of the people. Force and fear were the foundation of their rule.

What is created by force cannot last long. Therefore, the dictatorial structure may crumble down at any moment. On the contrary, one cannot deny the fact that democracy is necessary for survival of any society, and ensures the provision of fundamental rights. Hassan Askari Rizvi has been very right in saying that:

“It is a process which people initiates by conscious decision and sustain by subscribing to its principles by theory and practices.”United Nations as an institution has done much work to support and strengthen democracy around the world than any other formal organization. UN has supported civil society to strengthen democratic institutions around the world, and has assisted in ensuring self-determination in decolonized societies so that they can draft the constitution themselves. Democracy has been seen as one of ultimate ideals and solutions in today’s world to strive to create or preserve. At present in the 21st century, democratic movements have been seen across the world. Arab world witnessed the struggle wave for democracy that started with Tunisia and went to Europe, Bahrain, Yemen, Jordan, Syria and other countries whose citizens demanded democratic rights.Democracy cannot become tyrannical as dictatorship can. People are supreme and can’t be exploited by any one. Unfortunately, Pakistan has always faced tilt of power towards military that has resulted in conundrums and are still prevailing in every walk of life. Since its inception in 1947, political instability and frequent military takeovers have not let democracy to flourish. Ayub Khan ruled for 10 years that created political disorder between civilian leadership. Yahya Khan’s rule ended with the split of Pakistan into two pieces. When civilian martial law administrator Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto held the reins of country, he was over-thrown by another military ruler General Zia in 1977. Zia’s rule gave Pakistan gifts of sectarianism, terrorism, drugs, religious extremism, Kalashnikov culture and many other perils that are still hampering the country’s progress.

Frequent breaking of democratic governments in 1988-1999, and military take-over in 1999 again put democracy in tumultuous situation. After 61 years of independence, there was one democratic government that completed its tenure and peacefully shifted power to the next democratic government. But corruption and mismanagement is black mark on such democratic governments here. If any sincere leadership came by the stroke of luck to steer country towards development, either it was ousted by military elite or corrupt civil rulers. Panama Leaks have further worsened the matters. Media’s constant highlights of such issues has defamed the democratic institutions not only in the country but also in the international arena.

Despite the facts, it is only democracy that can be a sole solution to all ills of Pakistan. Democracy, being the best political system, can be the only way for Pakistan that is trapped in various problems i.e. poverty, terrorism, economic crisis, illiteracy, energy crisis, poor governance, and corruption. Everyone has right to vote here so should be very careful while fulfilling this national obligation. People should be fully aware that a real democratic leader takes all decisions and initiatives in favor of common man and does best to win hearts of public. As Churchill has said that “Citizens are the most important component of democracy. They need to strengthen themselves up if they want democracy to be strong, they should choose better.” It is moral duty of every Pakistani to know the qualities and abilities of real democratic leader.