political instability in pakistan essay 200 words

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essay on political instability in pakistan

Political instability refers to a situation in which the government of a country is unable to effectively govern and maintain control over its citizens and territory. This can be due to a variety of factors, including internal conflict, civil unrest, economic instability, and international pressures. Political instability can have serious consequences for a country, including economic decline, social upheaval, and security risks.

Historical Overview of Political Instability in Pakistan

Pakistan has a long history of political instability, dating back to its founding as an independent country in 1947. Throughout its history, Pakistan has experienced numerous periods of military rule, political unrest, and economic crisis, and has struggled to establish a stable and effective democratic system.

One of the main reasons for political instability in Pakistan has been the tension between the military and the civilian government. The military has intervened in politics several times, leading to periods of military rule, and has often been accused of interfering in the political process. Additionally, ethnic and religious tensions have also contributed to political instability in the country.

Causes of Political Instability in Pakistan

There are a number of factors that contribute to political instability in Pakistan, including:

Weak Democratic Institutions: Despite being a democratic country, Pakistan’s democratic institutions are weak, and there has been a lack of political will to strengthen them. This has led to a lack of accountability and has contributed to political instability.
Corruption: Corruption is a serious problem in Pakistan, and it undermines the rule of law, the public trust in government, and the stability of the political system.
Tensions between the Military and Civilian Government: As mentioned earlier, tensions between the military and the civilian government have been a major source of political instability in Pakistan. The military has intervened in politics several times, leading to periods of military rule, and has often been accused of interfering in the political process.
Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Pakistan is a culturally diverse country, and tensions between different ethnic and religious groups have been a major source of political instability. These tensions have led to conflict, civil unrest, and a breakdown of social order.
Economic Instability: Economic instability can be a major contributing factor to political instability. In Pakistan, high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inflation have contributed to social unrest and have weakened the government’s ability to govern effectively.

Consequences of Political Instability in Pakistan

Political instability in Pakistan has serious consequences for the country and its citizens, including:

Economic Decline: Political instability can undermine the economy , as investors become wary of investing in a country that is politically unstable. This can lead to economic decline, with negative effects on the standard of living for citizens.
Social Unrest: Political instability can lead to social unrest, as citizens become disillusioned with the government and take to the streets to protest. This can lead to violence and conflict, with serious consequences for the safety and security of citizens.
Security Risks: Political instability can also increase security risks, as the government may be unable to maintain law and order, and as extremist groups may take advantage of the situation to further their own goals.

Addressing Political Instability in Pakistan

To address political instability in Pakistan, it is important to address the underlying causes, including:

Strengthening Democratic Institutions: This can be done by promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, and by ensuring that democratic institutions are able to function effectively.
Combating Corruption: Corruption undermines the stability of the political system, and it is important to take steps to combat corruption and ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable. This can be done through the implementation of anti-corruption laws, the establishment of independent anti-corruption agencies, and by promoting transparency and accountability in government institutions.
Addressing Tensions between the Military and Civilian Government: The military and civilian government must work together to establish a stable and effective democratic system. This can be done through the establishment of clear lines of authority and by ensuring that the military remains under civilian control.
Promoting Ethnic and Religious Tolerance: To address ethnic and religious tensions in Pakistan, it is important to promote tolerance and understanding between different groups. This can be done through education and public awareness campaigns, and by ensuring that the government is responsive to the needs of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
Addressing Economic Instability: To address economic instability in Pakistan, it is important to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and create jobs. This can be done through investment in infrastructure and human capital, and by promoting a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector investment.

In conclusion, political instability in Pakistan is a complex and multi-faceted issue, and addressing it will require a comprehensive and integrated approach. By addressing the underlying causes, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting ethnic and religious tolerance, and addressing economic instability, Pakistan can work towards establishing a stable and effective democratic system, and a brighter future for its citizens.

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Political Instability in Pakistan: Issues, Challenges, and Way forward

The following article is written by Anam Saba , a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali . Moreover, the article is written on the same pattern, taught by Sir Kazim to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. Therefore, to help thousands of CSS and PMS aspirants, we have uploaded this article so they can understand how to crack a topic or a question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.

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Nothing hurts the world socially, economically, politically, and technologically the way political instability does. It not only hinders economic progress but also distorts the social fabric of a nation. Political stability is indispensable for the prosperity of a nation. Progressive political reforms ensure stability, peace and a thriving human culture. Political stability is the backbone of a nation. It is a fact that the reason for a country’s progress is not its economy; however, it is the political leadership that makes a country prosper and succeed. In the present world, only those countries lag socially, politically and economically, which neglects the importance of prudent political leadership. As a matter of fact, unlike many other developing countries, the economic growth in Pakistan has remained stagnant. Despite having the world’s best canal system, profitable geo-strategic location, and a lot of unexplored natural resources, the leadership has failed to deliver. Pakistan has experienced rising poverty and a shrinking economy for various political leadership reasons, such as fragmented leadership, inefficient political parties, and dysfunction of the federal system. Consequently, the country has faced multiple challenges of a lingering economy, lowering foreign direct investment, and rising inflation. Through the collaborated efforts of government, opposition, public parts and political will, soon Pakistan will surely make its way to the heights of development and prosperity.

“There is no stability without solidarity and no solidarity without stability.”

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Currently, the politicians are more interested in blame games, with the opposition, instead of introducing some unique and good strategies to improve the governance structure in Pakistan. Shortly, the power lust of politicians overpowered the country’s national interest. Nonetheless, collaborated efforts on government, opposition, and public parts are imperative to root out all undemocratic traits to make the country’s political culture consensual.

Table of Contents

There are many factors calling forth the political instability in Pakistan, but some prominent causes are given here.

First, national disintegration is the fundamental one in this regard. In Pakistan, a multi-ethnic society, political instability is more severe due to people of diverse cultural attributes. Additionally, being a part of a multi-ethnic society, all sections of society do not get their due shares and are unsatisfied and powerless, lose their trust in institutions, and they prefer their interests in front of the state, and ultimately society leads to a split.

Second, political instability in the context of the identity and legitimacy crisis in Pakistan has escalated mainly due to the effects of increasing socio-political mobilization and the extravagant and disorganized role of civil and military bureaucracy, which has prejudiced the whole political order of the country. Moreover, due to the splitting of the institutions of leadership into the levels of ethnic, religious, and provincial, the legitimacy and identity crisis started and, by the passage of time, gained momentum, and the theme of national leadership was lost in these various leadership levels. Consequently, the fragmentation in the administration gave birth to the crisis of identity and legitimacy and aggravated it daily.

Third, the inefficient role and weak political organization of political parties in Pakistan are also major contributing factors to the political instability in the country. Moreover, this vulnerable organization and inefficiency of the political parties pave the way for a coalition of governments. Thus, each government exerts their whole energy to maintain the coalition setup and remains under continuous pressure from its partners. In this way, it affects policy-making in both internal and external arenas and hinders the successful implementation of domestic and foreign policy, which requires strong support from people. Resultantly, the inefficiency of political parties does not provide a platform; instead, they split and exploit public opinion for their interest. Moreover, due to a lack of education, people do not have any clear choice among the same parties, and they cannot use their political rights; therefore, they do not depend on old parties and make a party of their own.

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Last but not least, the dysfunction of the federal system is also a significant factor that worsened the political instability in the country. Moreover, due to faults in the maintenance of the federal system, the people of various cultures exerted to obtain a separate homeland where they could live according to their cultural norms and prosper.

“The murder of Pakistan’s first prime minister heralded the imminent derailment of the political process and the onset of a brutal political culture of assassinations, sustained by the state’s direct or indirect complicity.” Ayesha Jalal

Following are the major challenges, highlighting the severity of political instability in Pakistan.

It is a fact that political stability and economic growth are closely interlinked. On the one hand, political instability may decrease investment, ultimately slowing economic development. On the other hand, a financial crisis may lead to political unrest and government failure or downfall. In addition, political instability also discourages foreign direct investment because social unrest and political turmoil discourage investors, which decreases economic growth.

Moreover, political instability also flourishes corruption. It causes uncertainty in the country, weakens the institutions, and weak institutions are a crucial factor in enabling corruption due to low checks and balances on institutions. Moreover, if a country is politically unstable, the short-term decision-making increases the likelihood of corruption.

Furthermore, political instability is prevailing mistrust in society because it splits society on various grounds. Due to the dissatisfaction of all sections of society with the actions of governments, the situation of mistrust prevails and escalates daily. Consequently, personal interests overcome national interests, making the country more vulnerable to internal and external negative forces.

Last but not least, rising inflation and unemployment is also undesirable and detrimental to the country’s political instability, creating social unrest and uncertainty among the masses. This unrest may lead to violence against government policies. Likewise, the reduction in investments decreases economic growth. As a result, the weak government fulfils the demand for public expenditure through inflation taxes.

“My biggest challenge is how we can improve state institutions and governance, so we can tap our potential.” Imran Khan

Way forwards

The following measures may enhance political stability in Pakistan. To enhance the quality and stability of political system in Pakistan, quality education is a crucial factor that helps the effective implementation of the national policy on education by adequate provision of resources. Moreover, sincere and patriotic leadership is necessary to improve the political stability in the country because sincere leadership provides all basic requirements to their citizens. Furthermore, the state’s prosperity, stability, and economy are interlinked with the strength of the political system. So, a stable political system is a cure for all possible challenges that arise from political instability. In addition, the solution to political instability can be achieved by solving the institutions’ legitimacy and the ruler’s personal legitimacy. Lastly, building trust among provinces is also essential to overcome the instability issue in the country. In this regard, political parties should adopt a positive approach to the national interest.

Critical Analysis

To analyze critically, political instability has become a severe problem in developing countries, especially in Pakistan. It is disturbing the social fabric of the nation and delaying its development. Political instability hinders keeping society united and maintaining legitimacy within the state. The imposing tower of the issue, which today rests in the heart of Pakistan, has its sole foundation in the absence of a stable political system. In a nutshell, there is a dire need for solid determination and political will to strengthen the political system.

In a nutshell, the prevalent political instability issue in Pakistan has eroded the socio-economic fabric, leaving the country into social, political, and economic turmoil. It gives a death blow to Pakistan’s economy. Although the suggested measures cannot bring change overnight, the challenge must be accepted. Progress will likely be frustratingly slow, but these steps will ensure accelerated and visible improvement if appropriately executed.

“Pakistan’s future viability, stability and security lie in empowering its people and building political institutions. My goal is to prove that the fundamental battle for the hearts and minds of a generation can be accomplished only under democracy.” Benazir Bhutto

About The Author

Anam Saba is a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali. . She is Pakistan’s youngest blogger, reviewer, and writer. She loves writing reviews, blogs, and articles on various topics: current affairs, technology, everyday science, history, clothing, and entertainment. Moreover, she writes honest reviews about different clothing brands. Due to her unique writing style, she has been followed by thousands of youngsters in Pakistan. Additionally, she helps competitive aspirants in their studies and exam preparation. Apart from this, she has been engaged in writing articles and blogs on various topics to help her readers always know the best.

CSS & PMS Solved Questions Attempted by Sir Syed Kazim Ali’s Students

The following are the some solved questions attempted by Sir Kazim Ali’s students who scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects. Click on any to land Cssprepforum , Pakistan’s largest CSS and PMS exams preparatory website, and start learning. All the questions have their breakdowns, outlines, and solutions.

Critically examine the Congress Ministries of 1937. How far is it correct to suggest that it paved the way for a separate Muslim homeland in India? (CSS 2019)
Discuss the features of the political culture of Pakistan. (CSS 2020)
Discuss the Significance of Renewable Energy Resources for Pakistan. (CSS 2021)
How the reform movement of Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi influenced the history of Muslim India? (CSS 2020)
The Objectives Resolution (1949) satisfied both orthodox and modernists by combining the features of western and Islamic democracy. (CSS 2020)
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About the author

Anam Saba is a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali.. She is Pakistan’s youngest blogger, reviewer, and writer. She loves writing reviews, blogs, and articles on various topics: current affairs, technology, everyday science, history, clothing, and entertainment. Moreover, she writes honest reviews about different clothing brands. Due to her unique writing style, she has been followed by thousands of youngsters in Pakistan. Additionally, she helps competitive aspirants in their studies and exam preparation. Apart from this, she has been engaged in writing articles and blogs on various topics to help her readers always know the best.

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Democracy in Pakistan Essay with Quotations

by Pakiology | Mar 25, 2024 | Essay | 1 comment

Explore the evolution, challenges, and progress of democracy in Pakistan in this in-depth essay . Gain insights into the nation’s rich history, the influence of the military, the pervasive issue of corruption, and the role of civil society in shaping Pakistan’s democratic landscape.

Title: The Evolution of Democracy in Pakistan: Challenges, Progress, and Prospects for the Future

Introduction.

Pakistan, a country characterized by its rich and diverse history, has embarked on a tumultuous journey in pursuit of democracy. Overcoming numerous obstacles, its citizens have tenaciously defended their democratic rights and worked diligently to forge a more equitable society. In this comprehensive essay, we delve into the current state of democracy in Pakistan, recognizing its historical context, addressing the persistent challenges it confronts, highlighting the progress made, and considering the prospects for the future.

The Historical Landscape

Democracy, at its core, is a system of government grounded in the principle of representation, allowing citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives. Regrettably, the implementation of democracy in Pakistan has been marred by a series of military coups and periods of martial law, intermittently disrupting its democratic trajectory. Despite these adversities, Pakistan now operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a president and prime minister at the helm.

The Military’s Influence: A Persistent Challenge

A major impediment to democracy in Pakistan has been the enduring influence of the military on the political landscape. Pakistan’s history is replete with instances of military interventions in civilian governance, including several coups and martial law declarations. This persistent interference not only undermines democratic principles but also erodes public trust in the democratic system. Additionally, intelligence agencies have faced accusations of wielding substantial influence in the political sphere, further eroding democratic institutions and processes.

Corruption as a Hindrance: A Deep-Seated Issue

Another significant challenge is the pervasiveness of corruption within Pakistan. Corruption has become deeply ingrained in the country, with numerous politicians and government officials implicated in embezzlement and bribery. This deeply rooted issue corrodes the legitimacy of the democratic process and erodes public trust in the government. The adverse effects of corruption are most acutely felt by marginalized communities, who suffer from a lack of essential public services and resources.

The Resilience of Democratic Aspirations: Signs of Progress

Despite these formidable challenges, the citizens of Pakistan persistently strive to defend their democratic rights and fortify democratic institutions. In recent years, the country has seen a notable rise in the number of civil society organizations dedicated to advocating for transparency, accountability, and the promotion of awareness regarding democratic rights and freedoms. Additionally, the media has played a pivotal role in promoting democratic values and holding the government accountable for its actions.

The Role of Civil Society

Civil society organizations have emerged as vital agents of change in Pakistan’s democratic landscape. They tirelessly work to bridge the gap between the government and the governed, acting as watchdogs for accountability and transparency. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and public mobilization, these organizations have managed to shine a spotlight on the pressing issues of democracy and governance in Pakistan. Their activities range from monitoring elections to exposing corruption and advocating for the rule of law.

Media as the Fourth Estate

The media in Pakistan has undergone a transformational journey, evolving into a vibrant fourth estate that plays a crucial role in promoting democratic values. While media outlets often grapple with challenges such as censorship and intimidation, they continue to serve as a check on government power and a forum for diverse voices. Investigative journalism has uncovered corruption scandals, challenged authoritarianism, and provided a platform for citizens to engage in political discourse.

In conclusion, democracy in Pakistan remains an imperfect yet indispensable system, despite the numerous setbacks and challenges it has encountered. The people of Pakistan ardently safeguard their democratic rights, and the fortification of democratic institutions and processes is pivotal for the nation’s future. The enduring challenges posed by military influence, corruption, and public mistrust can only be surmounted through persistent efforts and sustained citizen engagement in the democratic process. As Pakistan continues its journey towards a more robust democracy, the world watches with hope and anticipation, recognizing the nation’s potential to overcome its challenges and achieve democratic excellence. The path may be long and arduous, but the resilience and determination of Pakistan’s people offer a promising outlook for the future of democracy in the country.

Quotes Related to Democracy

Here are a few quotes related to democracy and its challenges in Pakistan:

“A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither. A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both.” – Milton Friedman, Economist

“The greatest threat to democracy is not the enemies from without, but the enemies from within.” – Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States

“I believe that the real solution to the problems facing Pakistan lies in true democracy and the rule of law.” – Imran Khan, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” – John Philpot Curran, Irish Orator and Statesman.

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Sir you have used a lot of bitter words in this essay which are enough to awake a nation.😭😭😭😭 But It’s reality I think inshallah one day we will achieve that original democracy which will prevent our basic rights and our motherland…..

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political instability in pakistan essay 200 words

Analyzing Political Instability in Pakistan

By Muhammad Younus

Pakistan, a country no stranger to political instability and terrorism, finds itself once again grappling with a deepening crisis of political uncertainty, economic volatility, and resurging terrorism.

The late tensions between former Prime Government PTI and the army chief Gen. Asim Munir have only exacerbated an already precarious situation. Pakistan’s political landscape has long been characterized by a tumultuous nature, with periods of instability interspersed throughout its history. However, the previous year has been particularly turbulent, as the ousting of Prime Minister Imran Khan through a vote of no confidence and the subsequent formation of a new government have plunged the country into a severe economic and political crisis. The power struggle between different political factions has caused widespread political uncertainty and public unrest, exacerbating the already fragile state of affairs. As the country navigates through these tumultuous times, it becomes imperative to analyze the underlying causes and consequences of political instability in Pakistan.

The influence of the military on political affairs has been a recurring theme in Pakistan’s history. Pakistan was formed as a democratic country in 1947, but its first decade was marked by political instability, weak governments, and a power struggle between different political forces, including the military and bureaucracy. In 1958, the military staged a successful coup, overthrowing the elected government and establishing military rule, which continued for several decades.

The military has played a prominent role in shaping the country’s political landscape, often exerting its influence behind the scenes. This military intervention has resulted in power imbalances, weakened democratic institutions, and hindered the country’s path towards stable governance. The constant power struggle between civilian governments and the military has created a cycle of instability, where political parties, once in power, are reluctant to challenge military interference, fearing retaliation or a loss of support. This dynamic not only undermines the democratic principles but also perpetuates a culture of political uncertainty and mistrust among the general public

During the 1980s and 1990s, there were sporadic attempts to restore democracy, but these were often hampered by political unrest, corruption, and the continuing influence of the military. It was not until the late 1990s that a more sustained effort was made to establish a stable and functioning democratic system in Pakistan.

Since then, Pakistan has had several periods of democratic rule, with alternations of power between different political parties.

The impact of political instability extends far beyond the realm of politics. It directly affects the country’s internal security, with dire consequences for the safety and well-being of its citizens. Pakistan already grapples with a volatile security situation, exacerbated by the recent Taliban takeover of neighboring Afghanistan. The power vacuum created by the Taliban’s resurgence has emboldened extremist groups within Pakistan, posing a significant threat to national security. The rise in terrorism activities has not only claimed innocent lives but has also undermined the efforts to establish peace and stability within the region. Abdul Basit, a prominent security analyst, warns, “The ongoing political instability in Pakistan has further strained the country’s internal security apparatus, making it more vulnerable to terrorist activities.” The heavy presence of troops on the streets of major cities indicates the gravity of the security situation, as they are prime targets for terrorist attacks.

Years of propaganda and distorted narratives have shaped the understanding of the country’s challenges among its citizens, leading to a skewed narrative that focuses primarily on political corruption while overshadowing other pressing concerns such as low literacy rates, inadequate healthcare, and poverty. This narrative problem has created an environment ripe for conspiracy theories and misinformation, resulting in a misalignment of priorities and hindering efforts to address the root causes of political instability. Overcoming this narrative problem requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the media, civil society, and educational institutions, to promote a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Pakistan.

A robust and inclusive democratic system is crucial in mitigating political instability. Creating a level playing field for all political parties, allowing fair competition and representation, is an essential aspect of strengthening democratic institutions. The International Crisis Group highlights the importance of enhancing democratic institutions and promoting electoral reforms, as it can help reduce political tensions and enhance the credibility of the electoral process. By ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in elections, Pakistan can lay the foundation for a more stable and democratic political system.

Corruption, another significant contributing factor to political instability, needs to be addressed effectively. Implementing measures to promote transparency and accountability is vital in combating corruption and restoring public trust in the political system. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index underscores the correlation between corruption levels and political stability. By enacting and enforcing strong anti-corruption laws, establishing independent anti-corruption bodies, and ensuring their effective implementation, Pakistan can tackle this critical issue and create a more transparent and accountable governance framework.

Political instability often arises from a lack of communication and cooperation among state institutions and political actors. Encouraging dialogue and consensus-building is instrumental in fostering a unified approach towards governance and policy making. The successful implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in Pakistan, aimed at countering terrorism, serves as an example of the positive outcomes achieved through collaborative efforts among political parties, the military, and civil society. Such consensus-building measures can strengthen governance, improve decision-making processes, and contribute to long-term political stability.

Extremist ideologies and sectarian tensions pose significant threats to political stability in Pakistan. To address this challenge, comprehensive efforts must be made to counter radicalization and promote tolerance and inclusivity. Drawing from the example of the National Counter Extremism Policy in the United Kingdom, targeted interventions, community engagement, and de-radicalization programs can play a vital role in countering extremism. Customizing such programs to the Pakistani context and fostering a more tolerant and inclusive society can help mitigate the risks of political instability associated with extremist ideologies.

Addressing the underlying causes of political instability in Pakistan necessitates comprehensive reforms to improve governance, economic stability, and social welfare. Strong governance structures, equitable economic policies, and investments in education and healthcare are crucial in tackling the socio-economic disparities that contribute to instability. Research conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasizes the positive correlation between good governance, socio-economic development, and political stability. By implementing structural reforms, promoting equitable economic growth, and prioritizing investments in key sectors, Pakistan can create a more stable and prosperous society.

To conclude, addressing political instability in Pakistan requires concerted efforts to overcome the narrative problem, strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, foster dialogue and consensus-building, counter extremist ideologies, and implement comprehensive reforms. These collective actions, guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and democratic values, can pave the way for a stable and prosperous Pakistan. As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Let us remain hopeful and resolute in our pursuit of a brighter future, where political stability, economic prosperity, and social harmony prevail. Together, we can overcome the challenges and forge a new narrative of hope, resilience, and progress for Pakistan and its people.

Author: Muhammad Younus – Student of International Relations at university of Balochistan. His areas of interest are foreign policy analysis, Diplomacy, Strategic studies, international political Economy, National security policy and cyber warfare.

(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or views of World Geostrategic Insights ).

Image Credit: AFP

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Pakistan’s political and constitutional crisis

Subscribe to the center for middle east policy newsletter, madiha afzal , madiha afzal fellow - foreign policy , center for middle east policy , strobe talbott center for security, strategy, and technology @madihaafzal fahd husain , and fahd husain columnist and political commentator - dawn @fahdhusain michael e. o’hanlon michael e. o’hanlon director of research - foreign policy , director - strobe talbott center for security, strategy, and technology , co-director - africa security initiative , senior fellow - foreign policy , strobe talbott center for security, strategy, and technology , philip h. knight chair in defense and strategy @michaeleohanlon.

April 8, 2022

On April 8, Brookings Fellow Madiha Afzal and Fahd Husain, columnist and political commentator for Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, discussed the implications and future of Pakistan’s government following the Supreme Court decision to allow a vote of no confidence to proceed against Prime Minister Imran Khan. The conversation was moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon.

FP_20181212_madiha_afzal.jpg?crop=180px%2C287px%2C2149px%2C2149px&w=120&ssl=1

I think there still is a lot of work to be done in order to solidify Pakistan’s democracy. But at this moment one can say yes, the constitution has been prevailing in its letter. Pakistan’s civilian governments always spend their time in power with this threat of political instability, with the opposition being out to oust them… they spend their time in power … putting out political fires, if you will, rather than engaging in governance … reform and meaningful institutional change that the country so desperately needs.

Yesterday was a very a big and a very significant day in terms of the Supreme Court judgment because before that, frankly, there was a fall of depression because of the blatant way that the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan violated the constitution. It was seen as a brazen attempt to bypass the basic requirements of the constitution… The last couple of days there was a lot of confusion, ambiguity, and fear that we [Pakistan] were sliding into a very dangerous fail in our politics. But yesterday’s decision not only turned this confusion into clarity, but it also made it clear that any deviation from the constitution was not permitted.

Pakistan election results in political instability when the country needed it least

Senior Lecturer: Politics, History and International Relations, Aston University

Disclosure statement

Parveen Akhtar has previously received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council and the British Academy.

Aston University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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Shock results in Pakistan’s national election threaten to see the country free-fall into political crisis. Days after the election, it remains unclear which party (or parties) will form a government and who the next prime minister will be.

Independent candidates affiliated to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice/PTI), the party of former prime minister, Imran Khan, won 95 of 264 seats. This puts it in the lead, ahead of Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in second place. However, with 75 seats, PML-N is the largest single party in the national assembly.

It’s fair to say Pakistan doesn’t have a brilliant track record when it comes to putting democracy into action. No elected prime minister has completed a full term in office. The country has been under military rule for nearly as much time as it has been under a civilian government. And the military has long directed the country’s politics from behind the scenes.

Allegations that the election was likely to be rigged were rife months before voters headed to the polls on February 8. Khan, who remains widely popular, was barred from running in the election and is currently in prison having been sentenced on three separate occasions in recent weeks. Many candidates for his party were imprisoned or otherwise harassed and hounded out of politics.

The Election Commission of Pakistan also banned PTI candidates from using the electoral symbol of a cricket bat. They had to stand as independents with individual symbols, a sure impediment in a country of large rural constituencies where high numbers of voters cannot read .

As voting got underway, the interior ministry suspended mobile calls and data services – a move it said was essential to “maintain law and order” after a string of terrorist attacks in the days leading up to the election. The internet blackout meant it was not possible for many urban voters to book taxis to go and cast their vote or coordinate plans with other family members. Violence on election day itself left 28 people dead .

Polling officers sat on the floor counting ballots at a polling station.

Close contest

Once the results started trickling in, independent candidates aligned to PTI were out ahead. There were then significant delays in the processing and announcing of further results, leading to fears that the outcome would be manipulated by the military who PTI supporters feared were intent on suppressing Khan’s party.

Despite the military’s interference, the elections have resulted in political uncertainty. Behind the scenes, Sharif and his PML-N is negotiating power-sharing with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan People Party (PPP). He is also hoping to co-opt some of Khan’s PTI-backed candidates, and is showing some success .

If he manages to put together a coalition, Sharif will come to power with much baggage. He was dismissed as prime minister in 2017 over corruption allegations – and accusations of nepotism have, in the past, landed both he and his daughter Maryam in prison .

The army, who many believe selected Sharif as their man, seem to have weighed the baggage and decided to hedge their bet – a wager they may be coming to regret. The Pakistan military is often referred to as the army that has never won a war and never lost an election: 2024 may have disrupted that.

Stability is unlikely

Pakistan has precedence for not honouring the will of the electorate. In December 1970, at the country’s first direct national election, the Awami League won 167 out of 169 seats in East Pakistan, while The PPP won 87 out of 138 seats in West Pakistan. These results meant the Awami League had won an outright majority to govern the whole of Pakistan.

However, the national assembly was postponed, leading to protests, a civil war and eventually to a national split and the end of the bifurcated era. East Pakistan became Bangladesh and West Pakistan simply became Pakistan.

Over half a century later, it is unlikely that Khan will stay quiet if his party is denied power. He enjoys, for now, the enduring popular support of Pakistan’s 128 million voters. And Khan has managed to shift the zeitgeist, leading to the unprecedented open criticism of Pakistan’s all-powerful military.

But the country’s political uncertainty comes at a time of severe economic crisis. Strong and stable leadership is required to steer Pakistan’s struggling economy.

A supporter holding up a placard depicting Imran Khan on a clear, sunny day.

Pakistan’s economy is in crisis

Figures released by Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics in January 2024 revealed that inflation was nearly 30% higher than at the same point the previous year. The cost of essentials such as wheat, sugar and vegetables are now unaffordable for many ordinary people whose wages are being stretched to breaking point.

The number of people living in poverty in Pakistan has climbed to nearly 40% . And price hikes for electricity and fuel in September 2023 led to protests , with thousands taking to the streets and burning their electricity bills.

On top of this, Pakistan will have to repay its substantial external debt – US$77.5 billion (£61.4 billion) over the next three years, with a currency that is depleted of value. In August 2023, Pakistan’s rupee fell to a record low of 299 to the dollar.

With increased economic hardship and little opportunity at home, many Pakistanis are making perilous journeys out of Pakistan. Young people especially are being driven to find a better life elsewhere, sometimes with deadly consequences. In June 2023, more than 300 Pakistani migrants died when an overcrowded fishing vessel sank off the coast of Greece.

Pakistan’s new leader will need new ideas on how to get their country out of economic trouble and improve the lives of his countrymen. Whoever it may be.

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Political Instability in Pakistan

December 12, 2022

Political instability has become a rather threatening and serious problem among the developing and third world countries. It is the root of most of the issues and is causing massive problems by hindering the development of the countries.

For any country to prosper, political stability is required. It plays a key role in the integration of the society and maintains legitimacy within the state. It is the basic element needed for economic development, supremacy of the law in the country and social integration.

“The essence of democracy is its assurance that every human being should so respect himself and should be so respected in his own personality that he should have opportunity equal to that of every other human being to show what he was meant to become.” Anna Garlin Spencer.

Pakistan is a nation which has faced a lot of crisis. The dense territorial conflicts with India, the epic struggle for power between the provinces, the socio-economic differences among the people of this country and the early death of the father of this nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah are some of the many political problems Pakistan had to face. Such events not only gave power to the elite to make policies but also encouraged non-democratic elements to come into power such as the army.

The Muslim Rulers and the Hind Maharajas encouraged art, music and literature but were weak when it came to democracy. Controlled democracy was introduced by the British and that strengthened some chosen people belonging to the elite class. Hamza Amir stated in his book that “Pakistan-an overdeveloped state”. This refers to the fact that after independence, the class in control was highly educated on the pattern of the British mind set while the masses were miserably illiterate. This huge difference between the citizens gave rise to management crisis.

If the history of Pakistan is overseen it can be witnessed that many non-democratic individuals began exploiting their positions and tried to intervene in the governing power of the country. Many army Generals maneuvered the political instability crisis of the country in their own favour and implemented such policies that made their illegal hold stronger. The dictators got many cooperative judges and friendly politicians to prolong their rule.

The army has the highest power and remains in charge for all practical purposes. The army has slowly but steadily strengthened its footing since the military coup in 1958. They have veto over the most critical decisions which affect the security and foreign policies and during Zia’s regime the army extended its reach into some of the domestic issues as well.

The absence of a rigid and complete constitutional system has allowed people with power to exploit the situation and manipulate the constitutional and political institution as they please.

The political parties in Pakistan have no just system in their ways. The intra-party election is absent. The leaders are autocrats. The political parties are not famous for their own name rather they stand behind the name of an influencial leader.

Judiciary, the third pillar of the state is no different. The role of the judiciary is very vulnerable in Pakistan. The judiciary has always found one way or another to provide power legally to dictators. Apart from the judiciary and the army, intelligence agencies have become major influences on the governing body.

The whole political instability situation has adverse effects on the economy of Pakistan. Before the global recession occurred, there was a lot of investment in the country as it had a liberal investment policy. Now due to the rapid change in government policies and the unpredictable situation of the market, many investors have stopped investing in Pakistan.

The political situation in Pakistan can be improved by taking steps such as reformation of judiciary, division of provinces and continuity of fair elections etc.

Welcome to the official author account of words.pk! I am a passionate writer and researcher who loves exploring the rich and diverse culture of Pakistan. Through my writing, I aim to showcase the beauty and complexity of this vibrant nation, from its history and traditions to its art, music, cuisine, and more. With years of experience in blogging, and content creation, I have honed my skills in storytelling and crafting compelling narratives that captivate readers

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Political Instability In Pakistan – OpEd

By Muhammad Younus

The recent tensions between former Prime Government PTI and the army chief Gen. Asim Munir have only exacerbated an already precarious situation. Pakistan’s political landscape has long been characterized by a tumultuous nature, with periods of instability interspersed throughout its history. However, the previous year have been particularly turbulent, as the ousting of Prime Minister Imran Khan through a vote of no confidence and the subsequent formation of a new government have plunged the country into a severe economic and political crisis.

The power struggle between different political factions has caused widespread political uncertainty and public unrest, exacerbating the already fragile state of affairs. As the country navigates through these tumultuous times, it becomes imperative to analyze the underlying causes and consequences of political instability in Pakistan.

Since then, Pakistan has had several periods of democratic rule, with alternations of power between different political parties.

Political instability often arises from a lack of communication and cooperation among state institutions and political actors. Encouraging dialogue and consensus-building is instrumental in fostering a unified approach towards governance and policymaking. The successful implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in Pakistan, aimed at countering terrorism, serves as an example of the positive outcomes achieved through collaborative efforts among political parties, the military, and civil society. Such consensus-building measures can strengthen governance, improve decision-making processes, and contribute to long-term political stability.

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Muhammad Younus

Muhammad Younus is from Kalat, Balochistan and a student of University of Balochistan in final semester department of International Relations. His areas of interest foreign policy analysis, diplomacy, strategic studies, international political economy and national security policy.

An Economic Impact of Political Instability: An Evidence from Pakistan

Article history Received: April 04, 2021 Revised: April 22, 2021 Accepted: April 26, 2021 The economy of Pakistan has been badly damaged by the political instability in the country. Despite its enormous economic resources, Pakistan’s economy remained under dark shadows during most of its historical discourse. The economic indicators describe a significant relationship between politics and the economy of Pakistan. The following study, by reviewing previous studies, concludes that there is a negative relationship between political instability and economic growth in Pakistan from 2000 to 2019. Political instability flourished corruption and reduced the economic growth of the country. Moreover, a weak political system and government institutions could not resist the political tension in the country. The study finally concludes that political instability reduces economic growth in the country and economic growth reinforces political stability in the country.

Related Papers

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Shujahat Hashmi

In case of Pakistan, only economic variables are observed as causes to high economic volatility while political variables are completely ignored. Although, it is apparent that the development pattern in Pakistan is highly volatile during the years of political instability that spans almost over the half history of the country. By taking the sample of 1971 to 2008 and using simple OLS technique, we observe how far political instability hampers the economic development of Pakistan. For the political instability measurement, ignoring all traditional measures of political instability, we construct political instability index by using seven different variables for Pakistan by employing Principal Component Technique; while for economic development measurement frequently economic development variables are used. Through analysis, the negative relationship is found between political instability and economic development in Pakistan.

The purpose of this paper is to empirically determine the effects of political instability in Pakistan within compared with India and China. We discussed GDP per capita and their impact on economic growth. By using the standard deviation and co- variance on a sample of 3 countries, and 5-year periods from 1988 to 2014, this study demonstrates that a significant negative relationship exists between political instability and economic growth we find that higher degrees of political instability are associated with lower growth rates of GDP Per capita. While democracy may have a small negative effect.

Prof.Dr.Abdul Ghafoor Awan

The objective of this paper was to investigate the relationship between economic growth and political instability. For this purpose, we selected three variables such as political instability, inflation rate and public debt to measure their impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We used panel data and analyzed it through SPSS software to draw the results. We applied Multiple Regression, ANOVA and Correlation techniques for analysis of data. Our results show that there is a negative correlation between public debt and economic growth. Similarly, there is also a negative correlation between public debt and political instability. Our study suggests that Pakistan must reduce level of public debt and political instability and inflation in order to achieve high level of economic growth.

The political instability is condition for the nation building and nation building is process compulsory for the development of a nation. In most of developing countries the governments are not stable. A new government comes into the power overnight; either through coup data or army takes over. The new government introduces a new system of rules for the operation of business which cause frustration and anger among the people. Political instability now becomes a serious problem especially in developing countries. It is creating enormous difficulties and delaying the development of these countries. Political stability plays an important role in keeping society united and in maintaining legitimacy within the state. It is an essential for the economic development, social integration, and supremacy of law in a state. The stability of political system has direct effects on the procedures of nation and state building. These both require stable political systems for their growth and successful. The development of nation and state without firm and organized system of politics is not possible. So Political instability can be defined at least three ways, first approach is as, the propensity for regime or government change, second is to focus on the incidence of political disorder or violence in a society, such as killings, third approach focuses on economic growth affect by instability. PAKISTAN has spent 34 out of its 68 years, or half its life, in internal political instability as regime instability, political emergencies and constitutional deadlocks. Long-term instability in Pakistan has been significantly higher than in East Asia and post-Partition India. Lack of mature leadership, confrontation between the main organs of the state, poor relations between the center and the provinces, extensive corruption, distrust among the politicians, strong bureaucracy and crisis of governance are the immediate threats to democracy in Pakistan The political instability is directly affected economic growth. How does it affect economic growth and why this is important in developing countries like Pakistan is discussed in brief below? When there is lack of political instability in the county, it directly effects the economic growth. It closes off sources of internal and external investments. The eternal investors does not invest in the countries where there is civil war coups, army take over etc. is either small or zero. The lack of interest by the foreign investors for foreign direct investment, and giving Pakistan access to the productive markets are making economy low and more likely to rely on foreign aid. The improper use of aid on the huge disasters like earth quake in 2005 and on the wake of flood in 2010 has lost the trust of donors to support Pakistan sufficiently even in most difficult times. So that investment remains shy the Growth will remain the dream which leads the high unemployment and poverty. Political instability also limits internal investment. The wealthy classes in under developed countries have enough income to replacement. They can invest their saving in profitable projects. Generally they avoid investing

Journal of Research in Administrative Sciences

Ijaz Bokhari

IJMSBR Open Access Journal

This study analyzed the impact of political instability on financial development of Pakistan. OLS regression is used for the estimation of data. Time series data is used for the study. 40 years are included in the time series from 1972 to 2011. The variable of interest is political instability controlling the effects of trade openness, legal protection and GDP/capita. The regression results showed that political instability has negative significant impact on financial development of Pakistan. Trade openness is positive but insignificant with financial development. Legal protection and GDP/capita showed positive and significant impact on the financial development of Pakistan.

Dr. G H U L A M MUSTAFA , MUSHARAF RUBAB

The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of political instability on economic growth. For this purpose, we measured political instability by means of three proxies: terrorism, govt. type and election year whereas economic growth is determined with GDP annual growth rate. We used data from 1988 to 2016 and applied ARCH model as our dependent variable (economic growth) is subject to heteroscedasticy and ARCH effect. The results showed that political instability measured with terrorism and election year has negative effect on economic growth. However, govt. type is also found to be negative though insignificant. The study adds to the literature of Pakistan and is helpful for policymakers and investors

rafay chaudry

This research paper investigates the impact of politics on Pakistan's economy. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the study explores how political instability, corruption, and government policies have affected the country's economic growth and development. The research finds that political instability and corruption have been significant barriers to economic progress in Pakistan, leading to reduced foreign investment, weak institutions, and a lack of confidence in the government. Additionally, government policies such as tax and trade policies have had both positive and negative impacts on the economy, depending on their implementation and effectiveness. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers to improve political stability, reduce corruption, and implement effective policies to promote sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.

Journal of Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies

Ghulam Muhammad Mangnejo

This research paper empirically investigates the outcome of Political stability on economic growth (EG) of Pakistan for the period of 1988 to 2018. Political stability (PS), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), total labor force (TLF) and Inflation (INF) are important explanatory variables. Whereas for model selection GDPr is used as the dependent variable. To check the stationary of time series data Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root (UR) test has been used, and whereas to find out the long run relationship among variables, OLS method has been used. The analysis the impact of PS on EG (EG) in the short run, VAR model has been used. The outcomes show that all the variables (PS, GFCF, TLF and INF) have a significantly positive effect on the EG of Pakistan in the long run period. But the effect of PS on GDP is smaller. Further, in this research we are trying to see the short run relationship between GDP and other explanatory variables. The outcomes show that PS does not have su...

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The long history of political instability in Pakistan

Menaka guruswamy writes: every elected government has had to contend with the military and judiciary. whether that changes with the imran khan case, in which the supreme court acted in a constitutionally appropriate way, remains to be seen.

On April 11, Imran Khan, Pakistan’s then prime minister, lost a no-confidence motion against his leadership and was forced to leave office. This was the culmination of a week-long, riveting political crisis, unfortunately, all too familiar in Pakistan. First, a sitting prime minister tried to dissolve parliament when faced with a resurgent opposition.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court of Pakistan intervened to hold the dissolution unconstitutional and ordered parliament to proceed with the vote of no-confidence. Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf lost the vote, with the opposition gathering 174 votes in a 342-member House. Imran Khan’s dismissal continues a long and inglorious tradition — no Pakistani prime minister has ever completed their constitutionally sanctioned five-year term. Khan is the first PM to be voted out of office by a no-confidence vote — a constitutionally-sanctioned method. Others have been executed, displaced by military coups, sent into exile, or imprisoned. What explains this instability of the Pakistani executive?

All elected governments in Pakistan must contend with the military and the judiciary to survive. Let’s start with the role of the military. Apart from being a professional army, the military is also the wealthiest commercial player in Pakistan. In her influential book, Military Inc., Ayesha Siddiqa notes that the military is one of Pakistan’s largest landowners, controlling about 11.58 million acres of land. It is involved in a range of profitable activities — wheat storage, fertiliser production, oil and gas exploration and production, sugar, rice and ginning mills, fish farms, and bicycle manufacturing plants. These and many other commercial ventures have made the military financially independent from other branches of the state. Siddiqa argues that the Pakistani military has a commercial incentive and fiscal independence to wield political influence.

Pakistan’s military has had this power since the country’s inception. The Pakistan army’s first intervention into politics was as early as 1958, led by General Ayub Khan, who abolished the constitutional regime established by the 1956 Constitution and established what K J Newman terms a “preventive autocracy”. Subsequently, the military would stage three coups in October 1958, July 1977, and October 1999. These coups inevitably resulted in the unconstitutional and unceremonious dismissal of elected prime ministers and the obvious breakdowns in constitutional functioning.

Yet, it is not only the military that has contributed to the unstable parliamentary form of government in Pakistan. The judiciary has also contributed to the fragility of elected prime ministers in the country. Soon after the founding of Pakistan, on October 24, 1954, the governor-general dissolved the Constituent Assembly (an elected body). The governor-general had earlier dismissed the East Bengali prime minister who enjoyed a majority in Parliament. The federal court (which would later become the supreme court) upheld the dissolution in Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan v Federation of Pakistan. Chief Justice Muhammad Munir found in favour of the governor-general, concluding that the latter needed to give his assent to provide legal authority to the actions of the Constituent Assembly.

In 1977, the supreme court faced another occasion to test constitutionalism in the context of a military regime in the case of Begum Nusrat Bhutto. Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was imprisoned by Ziaul Haq, the chief of staff of the army, who quickly declared martial law. Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Zulfikar’s wife, filed a petition before the supreme court challenging the prime minister’s detention on highly suspect charges of murder. The court not only found the military coup to be legal, but also did not prevent the execution of PM Bhutto by the military regime.

In contemporary times, Imran Khan’s predecessor Nawaz Sharif was dismissed from his position as prime minister by the supreme court, in the case popularly called the Panama Papers Scandal. The Panama Papers, you will recall, listed the names of many influential persons alleged to possess secret bank accounts with enormous amounts of money. Nawaz Sharif and his family members allegedly had such bank accounts. Hence, petitions were filed — including by Imran Khan and his party — that Nawaz Sharif was not “honest” or “ameen” as warranted by Article 62 (1) (f) of the 1973 constitution. This constitutional provision would disqualify any member of parliament who was found to be dishonest by a court of law.

During the hearings, the supreme court directed the setting up of a joint investigation team (JIT), with nominees from various executive institutions. Eventually, the court accepted the JIT conclusion that Nawaz Sharif “is not honest in terms of section 99 (f) of the Representation of People’s Act and Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution” and disqualified him from membership of parliament. Hence, Sharif also lost the position of prime minister.

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Article 62 (1) (f) of the constitution itself is a remnant from the days of General Zia, who seized power through a military coup in 1978 and remained president till his death in a mysterious plane crash in 1988. He instituted many constitutional and statutory provisions apparently against corruption and Islam. Surprisingly, civilian political parties chose to retain this provision, not displaying foresight that it could eventually be used against them.

In Imran Khan’s case, the supreme court clearly played a constitutionally appropriate role, even if some critics allege that it may have been influenced by the wishes of the military. Whether this is the beginning of an era of more constitutionally appropriate judiciary and military in Pakistan remains to be seen.

This column first appeared in the print edition on April 16, 2022 under the title ‘An Islamabad moment’. The writer is a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India

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no confidence motion

40 Years Ago

”State NCP president Jayant Patil had met me yesterday at my residence. We discussed Satara seat as well as some other seats,” Chavan told The Indian Express but refused to reveal the details of the discussion. Chavan, however, said if he is asked to contest from Satara, he will do it only on Congress ticket. ”I can contest from the Satara seat provided I am fielded on a Congress ticket,” he said.

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Pakistan and its Politics Essay

Introduction, reason for move towards islamic state, impact of islamic state on democracy, works cited.

Pakistan was established as a state in 1947 after a separation from the Indian British Empire. From its beginning, the country has had a turbulent life with political instability and ethnic disputes characterizing its existence. While Pakistan was established as a secular state with a Muslim majority, the country has exhibited over the decades showed signs of evolving into an Islamic State. Such an outcome would have dire consequences for democratization.

The prevailing economic conditions have increased the popularity of Islamic movements all over the country. Farhat notes that most Pakistanis blame bad government policies for the high unemployment, inflation, and lack of access to education and healthcare in the country (121).

Islamists express skepticism over the ability of the secular leadership, which is blamed for Pakistan’s problems. Saudi influence has also been a contributing factor to the evolution of Pakistan into an Islamic state.

Due to the lack of financial opportunities in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has been a major destination for Pakistanis working abroad since the 1970s. When the Pakistani workers return home from this Islamic state, they are influenced by the religious teachings of Saudi clerics (Farhat 122).

Western dominance has also accelerated the move towards Islamic reform in Pakistan. After the events of 9/11, the cooperation between the Pakistani government and the United States has increased with Pakistan becoming a key strategic ally. Radical Islamists see this as a corruption of Islam by the West.

Farhat points out that this challenge of the West has become the single most important factor promoting the renewal of Islamic movements in Pakistan today (129). Western dominance has fueled nationalistic sentiments and many people are in support of an Islamic renewal.

Evolution to an Islamic State will hurt democracy in Pakistan. Politicians have been known to employ religious criteria to justify their actions in Islamic states. This will be to the disadvantage of Pakistanis of other religions and Islamic sub-sects.

Ishtiaq observes that While Pakistan has a Muslim majority with 96% of Pakistanis being Muslims, the Muslim community is not monolithic and it contains different sub-sects (195). An Islamic state would therefore threaten democracy since it would give rise to sectarianism in Pakistani territories.

By adopting an Islamic character, Pakistan has enacted many laws that are discriminatory to non-Muslims. For example, the third constitution of 1973 required the president and the prime minister to be Muslims (Ishtiaq 198). Such laws are not in line with the democratic principles that give each person equal opportunity in the state.

The Islamic state will ensure that only practicing Muslims can take up key leadership positions in the country. An Islamic state will also hurt democracy since the ruling elite may resort to Islamic rhetoric to undermine the opposition. Farhat demonstrates that Islamic symbolism may be used to legitimize leadership that would otherwise be voted out in a true democracy (127).

Pakistan is a country with a rich Islamic history spanning centuries and the country was created with these religious and cultural bearings in mind. However, Pakistan was created as a Muslim state and not an Islamic State. The trends articulated in this paper are moving Pakistan towards becoming an Islamic State. If this happens, the democratic values currently enjoyed by the country will suffer as Islamic laws becomes adapted all over the land.

Farhat, Haq. “A state for the Muslims or an Islamic state?” Religion and Politics in South Asia . Ed. Ali Riaz. NY. Routledge, 2010. 119-145. Print.

Ishtiaq, Ahmed. “The Pakistan Islamic State Project: A secular Critique.” Religion and Politics in South Asia . Ed. Ali Riaz. NY. Routledge, 2010. 185-211. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2023, October 31). Pakistan and its Politics. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pakistan-and-its-politics/

"Pakistan and its Politics." IvyPanda , 31 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/pakistan-and-its-politics/.

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IvyPanda . 2023. "Pakistan and its Politics." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pakistan-and-its-politics/.

1. IvyPanda . "Pakistan and its Politics." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pakistan-and-its-politics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Pakistan and its Politics." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pakistan-and-its-politics/.

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IMAGES

(PDF) POLITICSL INSTABILITY IN PAKISTAN 1947-1956
Political Instability In Pakistan Essay Example (500 Words)
English Essay on Political Instability in Pakistan: Causes, Impacts and
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Political Instability in Pakistan
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COMMENTS

essay on political instability in pakistan
Political instability in Pakistan has serious consequences for the country and its citizens, including: Economic Decline: Political instability can undermine the economy, as investors become wary of investing in a country that is politically unstable. This can lead to economic decline, with negative effects on the standard of living for citizens.
Political Instability In Pakistan Essay Example (500 Words
Political Instability in Pakistan. Pakistan has been facing political crisis from its birth (1947) till now. From 1947 to 2010, In this long period many government changed but unfortunality they all could not Maintain the political environment stable, after ruling 1, 2 or three year that governments politically instable.
PDF Political Instability: a Case Study of Pakistan
The instability of government, inefficiency of political parties, and a weak political culture create the scenario for a politically instable state. Political instability has become a serious problem especially for the developing and underdeveloped countries. This problem is associated with a series of problems in various fields. The problem of ...
PDF Political Instability In Pakistan: Challenges and Remedies
political instability in certain of those countries (Memon et al., 2011). For this reason, political instability has emerged as a serious problem in a number of nations. Most at risk from this issue are the countries of the developing world. The country's political climate is unstable due to the lack of clarity in the political arena.
Political Instability in Pakistan: Issues, Challenges, and Way forward
In a nutshell, the prevalent political instability issue in Pakistan has eroded the socio-economic fabric, leaving the country into social, political, and economic turmoil. It gives a death blow to Pakistan's economy. Although the suggested measures cannot bring change overnight, the challenge must be accepted.
Democracy in Pakistan Essay with Quotations
Here are a few quotes related to democracy and its challenges in Pakistan: "A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither. A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both.". - Milton Friedman, Economist. "The greatest threat to democracy is not the enemies from without, but the enemies from ...
Analyzing Political Instability in Pakistan
The impact of political instability extends far beyond the realm of politics. It directly affects the country's internal security, with dire consequences for the safety and well-being of its citizens. Pakistan already grapples with a volatile security situation, exacerbated by the recent Taliban takeover of neighboring Afghanistan.
"EFFECTS OF POLITICAL INSTABIITY ON PAKISTAN"
This research paper explores the effects of political instability on Pakistan, with a focus on the period from 2000 to 2023. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both ...
[PDF] Political Instability : A case study of Pakistan
9. Political instability has become a serious and threatening problem especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. It is creating massive problems and hindering the development of these countries. The theme of this article revolves around the problem of political stability in context of identity and legitimacy crisis in Pakistan.
Pakistan's political and constitutional crisis
Pakistan's civilian governments always spend their time in power with this threat of political instability, with the opposition being out to oust them… they spend their time in power ...
Pakistan election results in political instability when the country
Stability is unlikely. Pakistan has precedence for not honouring the will of the electorate. In December 1970, at the country's first direct national election, the Awami League won 167 out of ...
Political Instability in Pakistan
Political Instability in Pakistan. Political instability has become a rather threatening and serious problem among the developing and third world countries. It is the root of most of the issues and is causing massive problems by hindering the development of the countries. For any country to prosper, political stability is required.
Political Instability In Pakistan
Pakistan was formed as a democratic country in 1947, but its first decade was marked by political instability, weak governments, and a power struggle between different political forces, including ...
Political Instability in Pakistan
5-Impacts of political instability in Pakistan. Decreasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Case in point: According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), "Due to the recent ouster of the national government, investors withdrew their investment of $30 Million in the account of FDI.". Rising Terrorism in the country.
An Economic Impact of Political Instability: An Evidence from Pakistan
The purpose of this paper is to empirically determine the effects of political instability in Pakistan within compared with India and China. We discussed GDP per capita and their impact on economic growth. ... 400 miles of railways, and low and corruption increased. From 2008 to 2013 more than 200 health facilities and caused a two corruption ...
The Impact of Political Instability on Pakistan's Internal Security
Presently, Pakistan is confronted with a three-fold reinforcing crisis of political instability, economic volatility, and resurging terrorism. Khan's dramatic arrest by the paramilitary Punjab ...
The long history of political instability in Pakistan
The long history of political instability in Pakistan. Menaka Guruswamy writes: Every elected government has had to contend with the military and judiciary. Whether that changes with the Imran Khan case, in which the Supreme Court acted in a constitutionally appropriate way, remains to be seen. Whether this is the beginning of an era of more ...
Pakistan and its Politics
By adopting an Islamic character, Pakistan has enacted many laws that are discriminatory to non-Muslims. For example, the third constitution of 1973 required the president and the prime minister to be Muslims (Ishtiaq 198). Such laws are not in line with the democratic principles that give each person equal opportunity in the state.
PDF EFFECTS OF POLITICAL INSTABIITY ON PAKISTAN"
This research paper explores the effects of political instability on Pakistan, with a focus on the period from 2000 to 2023. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both
Pakistan's Political Landscape: A Concise Overview
The two major political parties are the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). PTI, led by Imran Khan, emerged as the ruling party after the general elections ...
Political instability in Pakistan, it's Cause, Effects and Solutions
Effects: Economic decline: Political instability can lead to a decline in economic growth and development. Social unrest: Political instability can lead to social unrest, protests, and violence ...