The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) latest Democracy Index paints a rather grim picture for Pakistan. In just one year, the country's democracy ranking plummeted from 3.25 in 2023 to 2.84 in 2024, no doubt showing the political chaos triggered by election controversies. This troubling decline is mirrored by Freedom House’s annual report, which shows a three-point drop in political rights and civil liberties, labelling Pakistan as ‘partly free.’ Even more alarming is Pakistan’s inclusion among the countries with the most significant 10-year declines in freedom. These global rankings are a damning indictment of the state of democracy in Pakistan and should serve as a wake-up call for any responsible government. Yet, instead of working to reverse this trend, the ruling powers seem more focused on curbing democratic freedoms and stifling opposition. The recent attempt to block the opposition's 'grand alliance' from holding a conference in Islamabad is a good example of this. In an authoritarian display of power, government authorities sealed off a local hotel to prevent the opposition from gathering. However, the opposition leaders defied these tactics and resumed their two-day conference, turning the government's authoritarian move into a public relations disaster. Rather than silencing dissent, the government’s heavy-handed approach gave the opposition exactly what it wanted: headlines and public sympathy. This episode is just the latest example of how the current administration has systematically undermined democratic freedoms, contradicting its own rhetoric about upholding democratic values, freedom of expression, and fundamental rights.
The irony is hard to miss. The PML-N and the PPP -- two parties that have historically been victims of political vendettas, military usurpations, and judicial conspiracies -- are now repeating the very tactics they once condemned. Their legacy of championing democracy is now tainted by their actions against political opponents, media outlets and even the judiciary. By trying to muzzle the opposition’s voice, the current government is following the same playbook of authoritarianism that they once accused their predecessors of using. If this continues, Pakistan’s democratic framework, already weakened by decades of political engineering and military interventions, risks complete collapse. This situation raises a pertinent question: What is the difference between the current PDM government and the previous PTI administration under Imran Khan? Both have employed the same draconian tactics to stifle dissent and control political narratives. The current government’s actions reveal a disturbing trend of civilian authoritarianism. In a nation where democracy is already fragile, this shift could be catastrophic.
This is a vicious cycle. Elections are marred by controversies; political leaders are jailed on dubious charges, and press freedom is constantly under siege. If this pattern continues, Pakistan’s global standing will only deteriorate further, not just in democracy indices but also in terms of human rights and civil liberties. Pakistan is already teetering on the edge of political chaos. The government must recognise that democracy is not merely about winning elections but about upholding democratic norms, ensuring political pluralism, and safeguarding civil liberties. The PML-N and PPP must reflect on their histories and remember why they fought for democracy in the first place. It is high time for them to act as true democratic leaders. If Pakistan is to reverse its declining democratic ranking, the government must stop viewing political opposition as a threat and start seeing it as an essential pillar of democracy.