In modern literature, democracy is generally understood as a type of government whereby the people in a society elect their representatives and, in the process, engage in exercising public power. Even though the concept dates back to Greek antiquity, its current form was shaped after the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) and the French Revolution (1789). During this era, philosophers like Rousseau supported the idea that democracy is the only legitimate political power. The most important aspects of democratic practice include free elections, an independent media, universal education, an independent judiciary, and the full protection of human rights.
Although Pakistan voluntarily embraced democratic institutions upon gaining independence in 1947, the country has had a poor record of political development and a procedural view of democracy that lacked substantive content. Although the situation is improving over time, structural obstacles to the creation of a truly democratic, accountable, and representative order still exist.
Historical trajectory and underlying issues
The celebration of Pakistan's Independence Day is a good time to evaluate not only the establishment of a free state but also the course of the development of democracy in the country, which is both promising and uncertain. The democratic history of Pakistan has been marred by frequent bouts of political instability, institutional weaknesses, and vested power politics since 1947. More than half of the country's post-independence history has been under direct military rule, which has strongly influenced Pakistan's political culture. Even under civilian governance, the democratic system has not always been truly democratic, and some scholars have gone so far as to describe Pakistan's system as an establishmentarian democracy, where power is alternately wielded by elected and unelected officials-most notably, the military. These structural imbalances continue to frustrate the country's attempts to develop a truly representative and accountable democratic order.
Fragile governments and political elites
Seventy-eight years after gaining independence, the development of democracy in Pakistan is characterised by fragmentation, resulting not only from insufficient institutionalisation but also from the inability to translate aspiration into reality. Civilian governments have often failed to fulfill their constitutional mandates, either being overthrown by institutional excesses or internal disunity.
The most persistent dilemma concerns the anti-democratic behaviour of political elites-leaders who are democratically elected but exercise authoritarian rule. Rather than reinforcing democratic standards, most incumbents have ignored the rule of law, suppressed opposition parties, and restricted freedom of expression. This trend has not only led to widespread disillusionment with democracy but has also created rising dissatisfaction with those responsible for upholding it. This Independence Day, the gap between the ideal of democratic self-rule and the reality of elite-dominated governance is as stark as ever. The nation finds itself caught between the promise of democratic renewal and the paralysis of its past.
Dynastic politics, Polarization, and electoral distrust
Against the backdrop of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, there is a stark contradiction in political dynamics-marked by old-fashioned dynastic politics and elite polarization. Many major parties are patrimonial institutions where power passes down through generations rather than on merit, transforming them into patronage machines instead of platforms for substantive representation. This deeply ingrained patrimonial culture undermines meritocracy, hinders intra-party democracy, and alienates large sections of the population – especially youth and marginalised groups-from meaningful political participation.
This issue is further compounded by the political exploitation of Pakistan's ethnic, sectarian, and religious diversity. Such identities are used by state and party elites to entrench themselves in power and divide the electorate rather than forge national unity. This top-down polarisation, antagonistic to consensus-building on essential reforms, contributes to institutional paralysis.
The antagonism is reinforced by anomalies in the electoral process. Constant accusations of electoral fraud, the politicisation of the Election Commission, and the disenfranchisement of women and minorities have undermined public trust in electoral legitimacy. Winners frequently face challenges to their legitimacy, and the nation celebrates Independence Day with a widening gap between the symbolic vote and the pervasive distrust in democratic practice. Pakistan's democracy remains suspended between hope and doubt in a fractured political landscape.
Institutional paralysis: The democratic dilemma of parties and the judiciary
Political parties and the judiciary are essential institutions for the democratic fabric of Pakistan, yet they have often played contradictory roles. Instead of promoting internal democracy and fostering accountability, political parties have become centralised entities dominated by dynastic or charismatic leadership, driven by patronage and populism. Their autonomy is also compromised by external influences-particularly from the establishment-which shape party behaviour through selective favour, legal pressure, and implicit threats.
Meanwhile, the judiciary, rather than remaining neutral, has at times adopted overtly political roles by legitimising military coups under the doctrine of necessity and interfering in executive and legislative matters. Politicised courts have eroded judicial credibility and left most citizens without timely, affordable justice due to backlogs and systemic barriers. These institutional distortions reflect a deeper hesitation in Pakistan's democratic consolidation-a system oscillating between the facade of governance and the essence of constitutional integrity.
Freedom denied, trust eroded: democracy at a crossroads
Despite its constitutional framework, democracy in Pakistan is weak— undermined by restricted liberties, institutional decay, and a gradual erosion of public trust. Freedom of speech is curtailed by censorship, intimidation, and discriminatory laws-the most infamous being the Hudood Ordinances and the Law of Evidence, which disempower women and marginalised religious and ethnic groups.
The power of the elite is maintained through endemic corruption and inefficiency, further alienating youth and educated citizens. Their growing detachment reflects frustration, not apathy. As the country celebrates Independence Day, freedom must be redefined-not merely as liberation from colonial rule, but as an unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and equality. A truly democratic state demands inclusion, accountability, and, above all, political will in the spirit of democracy.
Conclusion: The unfinished dream of democracy
As Pakistan marks its 78th Independence Day, it is an opportune moment not just for celebration, but for critical reflection on what freedom really entails: democratic self-rule, the administration of justice, and the guarantee of dignity for all citizens. Pakistan's history, marred by military regimes, weak institutions, and elite dominance, reveals a persistent conflict between democratic ideals and entrenched power.
Yet, the democratic spirit remains alive. Democracy is not a finished product; it must be continually reclaimed. This Independence Day can be a moment to recommit to a shared vision of inclusive, accountable governance.
—Kashif Iqbal is a PhD scholar, Department of
History, University of Karachi. He can be reached at: Kashifone@yahoo.com
