Pakistan’s political quicksand seems to be pulling the entire political landscape into itself. Amid all the chaos also come different prescriptions by different politicians – many of which are wildly contradictory and, more alarmingly, challenge the spirit and ethos of democracy. One politician has suggested that politicians should sit with the establishment to resolve political issues. While other suggestions about a ‘new charter of democracy’, a consensus and a stronger parliament resonate with many observers who agree that Pakistan’s fractured political system desperately needs a renewed commitment to democratic norms, the suggestion of inviting the establishment to the negotiating table is highly contentious. One school of thought argues that in Pakistan’s hybrid political setup, it is pragmatic to include all stakeholders in discussions to define their roles clearly. This argument hinges on the belief that formalising this interventionist tendency might bring transparency and stability, rather than allowing shadowy backchannel interventions to continue unchecked.
On the other side of the debate, staunch democrats argue that granting such a ‘formal’ role in politics to an unelected entity fundamentally undermines the essence of democracy. The fact is that politicians alone should lead any charter of democracy, working collectively to diminish unnecessary influence on politics rather than legitimising it. There is indeed a need for political leaders to reclaim democratic space and strengthen civilian supremacy. The uncomfortable reality, however, is that Pakistan’s political system is already operating under a hybrid model. Political leaders have repeatedly ceded space instead of asserting their authority and safeguarding democratic institutions. The lack of political unity and an unwillingness to engage in genuine dialogue have further weakened democratic governance.
Amidst this political turmoil, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has spoken up – uncharacteristically, one might add given that the former prime minister has chosen to keep a rather low profile of late – accusing unnamed actors of fueling unrest and condemning ‘attempts at creating an artificial political crisis’. His remarks are perceived by many as referencing the PTI. There has been a strong argument by historians, political analysts and senior journalists that, while the PTI’s reluctance to engage in political dialogue is problematic, the PML-N and other parties aligning themselves with the powers-that-be makes them equally culpable in shrinking the political space. Under the current hybrid government, freedoms of the media, social media and judiciary have been severely curtailed through draconian legislation. When a government shows little regard for democratic norms, the possibility of meaningful political reform becomes bleak. Worse, if political parties continue to accept hybrid governance as the new normal, they will be complicit in undermining democracy. Pakistan’s political quagmire cannot be resolved by seeking refuge as blue-eyed parties of the powerful. Political dependence on non-democratic forces has only destabilised Pakistan’s political system over the years. If political leaders want to restore democratic integrity, they must place their faith in democratic dialogue, not in the arbitration of unelected power brokers. If only Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari and other political leaders could look beyond their rivalries and recognise the importance of political consensus, we could hope for a genuine charter of democracy. Until then, we – and Pakistan – are stuck flailing around in this quicksand of our own making.