Assignment # 4
Submitted by:
Name Registration No.
Eman Fatima SP24-BAI-015
Safia Mahnoor SP24-BAI-046
Submitted to: Mam Munaza
Subject: Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan
Dated: 27 May,2025
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Q: Pakistan Studies as a major subject enables us to understand the political setup of
Pakistan through the major events of the country’s political history. In this regard identify
what are the major aspects of a good political system which is today’s dire need of Pakistan.
Introduction:
A stable and just society is the result of a functional political system. The
importance of a sound political system is undeniable in countries like Pakistan whose
political history has included instability, military coups, weak institutions, and interruptions
to democracy. The core aspects that define a good political system include:
1) Rule of Law:
According to the rule of law implies that all individuals, including
government officials, are bound by the law. It ensures justice and equal rights of legal
protection.
"If the rule of law perishes, freedom is doomed."
(Dwight D. Eisenhower)
Case Study: The legal system is weakened by selective justice and elite’s freedom from
punishment or consequences. The 2007 judicial movement led by lawyers and civil society
successfully restored Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, highlighting the public’s demand for
judicial independence. But there are still problems with turning legal wins into long-lasting
changes. Police brutality, slow law enforcement in rural areas, and postponing of court
cases all point to the urgent need for institutional changes.
2) Democratic Governance:
Free elections, representative institutions, and peaceful transitions of power are all
necessary for a democratic state.
"The best logic of democracy is a five -minute conversation with the average voter."
Case study: Military intervention in 1958, 1977 and 1999 has disturbed Pakistan's efforts
to develop towards a democratic state. However, the general elections in 2013 were an
absolute turning point for the country being able to peacefully hand over the power from
one civilian government to another. But the continuous claims of previous manipulation of
results have hindered Pakistan’s progress through democracy. Therefore, organizations that
ensure the fairness of elections, such as the Election Commission and the courts, are
important to this process.
3) Accountability and Transparency:
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Government people and institutions should be responsible for the public with open
decisions. These principles form the basis for the belief between the state and its inhabitants
and prevent abuse of power, reduce corruption and promote good governance.
"Openness is the currency of faith."
Case Study: In 2016, the Panama Papers scandal offshore property exposed Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif, thus causing his incompatibility. The case emphasized the
importance of accountability.. Whistleblower protection laws and independent media can
enhance transparency.
4) Separation of Powers:
This means that rights should be shared between officers, legislators and the judiciary, so
that the abuse of powers can be limited. This division ensures that no branches are very
powerful.. Each branch has specific functions and checks the power of the others.
Case Study: During the Musharraf era, the judiciary was often under executive control.
Although the judiciary today asserts more independence, concerns persist in political
pressures, especially in high-profile cases. True separation requires constitutional
guarantees and a political culture that respects institutional boundaries.
5) Political Stability:
Stability ensures continuity in policy and peace among institutions . The regular political
system provides a predicted environment where economic growth, foreign investments,
social development and democratic progress can flourish.
"Stability is not immobility."
(Klemens von Metternich)
Case Study: Uncertainty is brought about by frequent motions of no-confidence,
demonstrations, and conflicts between the military and civilian leadership, such as those
that followed Imran Khan's overthrow in 2022. Long-term policy decisions can be made
more effectively by stable governments. Stability depends on institutional trust-building
and political reconciliation.
6) Public Participation and Political Awareness:
Residents should actively participate in politics, including enrolling in political parties and
understanding their rights and responsibilities as a citizen of the state and understanding
their rights and responsibilities. A healthy democracy thrives when the people are
politically active and well informed.
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Case study: Smaller voters prevent voting and political intervention in democratic
involvement. The rise of social media activism, especially during PTI events and protests,
shows the potential for changes, among young people. Initiatives such as voter education
campaigns can promote political awareness.
7) Protection of Fundamental Rights:
People should have the right to live life independently, and they must have the right to
express their opinion and worship according to their religion. A good political system
ensures that these rights are preserved by law and respected in practice, giving people the
opportunity to express themselves and live with dignity.
"Freedom to speak is the mother of all freedom."
(Salman Rushdie)
Case study: Attacks on journalists such as the disappearance of Matiullah people and
oppression of disagreement show weak security. Minority communities have continued to
face discrimination, as seen in the Gojra Rockers (2009), and there is a public violence in
Jaranwala (2023).
8) Strong and Independent Institutions:
A good political system depends on the autonomy and professionalism of institutions such
as the judiciary, NAB, Election Commission, Civil Services and Law Enforcement Bodies
such as Anti -Corruption Agency. These institutions should be free of any form of political
intervention and are able to maintain laws, ensure justice and protect democratic processes.
"Good governance depends on the strength of the institutions, not the charisma of the
leaders."
(Fareed Zakaria)
Case study: In the 2018 election, the role of the nomination commission was strongly
criticized for showing prejudice. NAB also faced accusations of being used for political
victimization. Institutional reforms such as merit-based appointments can restore public
confidence.
9) Civil Military Balance:
A democratic system requires the military to be under civilian control. In other words, the
military is subordinate to elected civilian leadership. The armed forces must focus on
national defense, while policymaking, governance, and foreign affairs remain the domain
of civilian institutions.
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Case Study: The military has long influenced foreign and domestic policy. The
Balochistan provincial government’s removal in 2018, allegedly orchestrated by
establishment figures, showcases this imbalance. Civilian oversight of defense budgets,
policy formulation, and internal security decisions is needed for democratic maturity.
10) Effective Policy Making and Implementation:
Everyone’s apparently agreed that a good political system should come up with evidence-
informed, good quality policy, as well as being able to facilitate the implementation of that
policy. Clear communication of public expectations, stakeholder engagement, and
evidence-based plans are all components of evidence-informed policymaking.
"Good policy, poorly implemented, is bad policy."
Case Study: Policies such as the Ehsaas Program that focuses on poverty reduction have
vast latent potential but are deformed by implementation challenges related to bureaucratic
hurdles and corruption. Coordination between the federal and provincial governments
remains a bottleneck. Moreover, the Sehat Sahulat Program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may
inform pathways for replication nationwide.
Conclusion:
Particularly in Pakistan, political history is rarely linear. Institutional change, democratic
principles, and citizen participation are all necessary for political development and a
healthy political system. Pakistan must strive toward accountability, civil primacy, and the
actual rule of law given the numerous economic, security, and social issues it faces today.
In order to prevent this from happening again, a deliberate attempt must be made to learn
from the past and develop a political culture that is committed to justice and, in the end,
allows it to move forward and beyond a better and more secure future.
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