Democracy: Hopes and Hurdles

Is it relevant?


1. Introduction:
Thesis statement: Democracy is the truest form of people’s power. Pakistan is a democratic country but many aspects of democracy are missing from the country which impedes the nation to fully utilise its potentials.


2. Why democracy?
2.1 Transparent form of governance.
2.2 Represents true will and aspirants of its masses
2.3 Ensures human right and civil liberties
2.4 Promotes Equality and Justice among its masses.
2.5 Provides equal opportunities for all.


3. Democracy : Global perspective
3.1 Democracy is the most prevalent form of governance.
3.2 Transition of Autocratic Governments and semi-autocratic governments into Democratic form is taking place all over the world.


4. Democracy in South Asian Countries.
4.1 Most of the South Asian countries are democratic in nature (which are high in governing and low in serving).
4.2 Quaid-e-Azam M.A Jinnah vigorously propagated democracy in Pakistan.


5. Story of Democracy in Pakistan. (Brief discussion about democracy and military’s coups in Pakistan: Black law)


6. Challenges to Democracy in Pakistan
6.1 Direct threats:
6.1.1 Contemporary challenges: Terrorism and Extremism:
6.1.2 Military interventions under the pretext of national security.
6.1.3 Corruption (undermines social, political and economic fabric of a society)
6.1.4 Slow and ineffective Justice System (people taking law into their own hands instead of relying on law-enforcement institutions)
6.1.5 Uneven implementation of law (changes rate of crimes in different areas)
6.2 Indirect Threats:
6.2.1 Poverty
6.2.2 Women subjugation
6.2.3 Social and Moral decline


7. Prospects of Democracy
7.1 Education (advocates Democracy).
7.2 Accountability (strengthens Democracy).
7.3 Women empowerment (brings Equality)
7.4 Rule of Law (gaining strength to maintain Peace and root out terrorism and extremism)
7.5 Social Reforms (inculcating more tolerant and pluralistic aspects into a society such as madrassah reforms)
7.6 Vibrant Civil society (is a manifestation of democracy).



8. Conclusion