DEMOCRACY AND

IT’S
CHALLENGES
Assignment# 01

REGISTRATION NO:
F20-BED-1028
F20-BED-1013
F20-BED-1009
F20-BED-1022
Course Instructor:
Sir Mudasar Jahengir
Group:
01
Abstract challenges of Nazism, Fascism,
Democracy is a form of government that
supports and promotes broad participation of
the people in government. Ideas of citizens
for smooth functioning of society. Pakistan
has an excellent form of democracy. There
are unique democracies in the world but
unfortunately its future is bleak due to what it
is. The true essence of democracy, informed
choice. This is due to the main reasons for not
making an informed choice. People's
ignorance about the form of democracy,
feudalism, martial law, election process and
legal pluralism in Pakistan.
Keywords:
Democracy, Education, Political culture,
Martial Law, Legal pluralism.

Introduction
In democracy, people elect their
representatives to govern, or citizens govern
themselves.
Although, it is believed that ancient Greece
was the origin of this form of government.
However, the concept Democracy began
mainly after the Treaty of Westphalia (1648).
Democracy became more social. After the
French Revolution in 1789, it was also
advocated and written by thinkers such as
Favor and Rousseau. Democracy as a
legitimate form of government. Monarchy
and supremacy on the other hand the church
was challenged and widely criticized. Since
then, these ruthless forms of government. In
Europe and many countries in the West,
migration began with democratic forms of
government. Despite the entry of so much
spark into the world's system of governance,
the concept of Democracy in Europe,
especially after 1648, could not prevent the
penetration of nationalism. Thus, leadership
Distorting the true concept of democracy.
Hence, democracy by the middle of the 20th
century It was not smooth sailing. Partly
because democracy had to meet the

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and totalitarianism until the end of World War eligible to vote. While the politics of the
II. Ultimately, post-1945 standards contemporary world is several Types of
Democracy became more popular and spread
throughout the world. Democracy is derived
from the Greek word demos means people.
In this form of government, superior powers
are vested. People Moreover, democracy in
large societies can be exercised directly by
the people of that society/state. Or it can be
exercised by elected representatives of
citizens. According to President Abraham
Lincoln,
“Democracy is the government of the people,
by the people, and for the people (Pitkin,
2004)”.
Democracy is more than just a set of some
government institutions; it depends on some
well-
understood set of norms, values, mindset,
and practices. However, all these may take
several types and interpretations amongst
diverse traditions and civilizations
throughout the globe. Democracies rest upon
some essential values and, not identical
practices.

Literature Review
The literature found on this topic can be
divided into three main sections. Where
everyone is served.
Aim to highlight the basic principles of
democracy along with the possibilities of
success and failure. The first type is based on
the literature that emphasizes the importance
of democracy. in this
Philip C. Schmitter, Terry Lynn Carl (1991)
states that in a democracy the rulers are
accountable.
Their actions reach the common people and
that is the major difference between
democratic and non-democratic. Democratic
system of government. However, stricter
restrictions were partially imposed earlier.
Democracy and only a few people were

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democracy are prevalent. On the other hand, have ruled the country.
Lisa Muller says that dynamic media has a
role to play. Important as free media helps to
promote democratic principles in a society
which further motivates the people.
Participation in politics. Media also helps in
election promotion as candidates publicize
their manifestos. and policies on newspapers,
social media, and television.
In this regard, the second group argues that
democracy is not the only system that
guarantees this.
Welfare of States Aristotle has presented the
most important views in this regard. Aristotle
says that
Democracy is the worst form of government,
and he was not in favor of democracy.
Furthermore, the Muslim thinker Allama
Iqbal was also not in favor of western style
democracy. However, it is worth noting that
Iqbal dislikes democracy and not
representative government. As a Westerner In
the prescription of democracy, all powers
should be obtained, which is contrary to the
Islamic concept of sovereignty. As in Islam,
all authority and sovereignty belong to Allah
alone and the people and leaders. Accountable
to Allah. Adam Przeworski, Michael E.
Alvarez, Jose Antonio Chebob analyzed that
in the meantime. In the 1950s, Romania's
economy grew rapidly and it was a
communist state. During the 1970s, a stable
Brazil recorded economic growth and
development under military rule. Similarly,
during the 1980s revealed the economic
growth of economic tigers including China,
Singapore, and South Korea the rest of the
story; Jahan and all these countries hosted
authoritarian regimes and were not far away.
democratic practices (Halperin, Segal, &
Weinstein, 2009). The third group highlights
democracy. In the context of Pakistan, in this
regard, Hasan Askar (Rizvi, 1974) states that
Pakistan since independence Political
instability and both civil and military rule

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Furthermore, Pakistan has experimented with they do. Do not work for the welfare of the
parliamentary system of government under citizens only
the 1956 and 1973 constitutions. and a
presidential form of government under the
1962 constitution. Also, the country several
periods of martial law were faced but the
law-and- order situation continued to
deteriorate. Therefore, Due to the
undemocratic attitude of politicians, Pakistan
is facing serious problems even today.
However, Ahmad Hussain Shah (2013) says
that Benazir Bhutto fought a lot for the
development of democracy. He further
analyzed that Benazir Bhutto fought against
the military dictator Zia-ul-Haq. Restoration
of democracy. He tried to provide basic
amenities and ensure welfare throughout his
life to the Pakistani people.
Aim Questions
1. What are the key characteristics of
Democracy?
2. What democracy is and is not?

Aims and Objective

The purpose of this study is to explore the
concept of democracy and to explain the
major features of democracy. This study is
also highlighting what democracy is and
what is not. The one key aim is to critically
analyze the democracy in Pakistan.
Core Democratic Characteristics
There are some key characteristics of
democracy, for instance, free and fair
elections, education, the role of the judiciary,
freedom of express and religious freedom
and tolerance.

Free and fair elections

Free and fair elections are a prerequisite for
the success and development of democracy,
free and fair elections this means that all
citizens have equal access to electoral
processes and ballots that are secret and free.
Furthermore, fair elections will help citizens
elect representatives of their choice and if

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to be rejected by the voters in the next role of the judiciary should not be
election. If there are no elections in a country, overstepped. Be
it means that there is no democracy.

Education and Democracy

Democracy has never been a natural process
that came out of nowhere. It certainly
happened.
Cultivation is done by several forces. One of
the key forces includes education as educated
citizens can play an active and positive role in
state affairs. Benjamin Barbar, a political
scientist at the University of Maryland argues
that "democracy is not the natural form of
association. It is an unusual and rare one a
conspiracy of the cultivated imagination."
Also, humans are not born democrats, but
they engage there is no sign of democracy in
centuries of war and conflict. Tried to get the
values of democracy only after educating
ourselves and our generations. So, education
is at the heart it is essential for democracy and
its survival in human society (coronal, 2003).

Role of Judiciary
Judiciary is considered as the basic essential
of democracy. It ensures timely and fair
justice. To every citizen of the society
irrespective of any status or privilege. Often
stressed on judges, even in democratic
societies, but judges must 'withstand' such
pressures. Fair judicial practices without any
"distance from the rule of law" are
indispensable for peace and economic
development. Because it establishes the rule
of law and prevents exploitation of the poor.
Carl Gershman explains
that there are two distinct variables that drive
economic growth which include institutions
and policies. characterized by 'the rule of law
enforced with fairness and justice (Cook &
Westheimer, 2006). Alexis de Tocqueville
called the American jury an important
political institution, for one reason it plays a
key role in social management. However, the
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limited to fact-finding as prescribed by the
Constitution. Because the judiciary must
determine someone. Especially factual events
of evidence (Muñoz, 2006). It adds beauty.
Democracy as it demoralizes illegally with
no exception for unfair means.

Freedom of Speech
One of the key essences of democracy is
freedom of speech and expression, especially
social and political issues. A democratic
government should not ban different voices,
opinions. Conflicting views on public and
political issues. However, democracy
depends on educated, knowledgeable and
informed people. Conscientious citizens who
support them, and who criticize oppressive
and unjust policies. Besides that, the fact is
that freedom of expression is a fundamental
right of all citizens in a democracy, except
for governments No one can be allowed to
use this freedom for negative purposes or
against the state. So, many Democratic
governments prohibit hate speech against
any community, religion, or group. So, it is
the challenge for all democratic countries is
to deal carefully with freedom of expression.

Religious Freedom and Tolerance

In a democracy all citizens should have the
freedom to practice the religion of their
choice. It includes that of all citizens have
the right to worship or not to worship in
public or private. Citizens should not be.
Fear of persecution by the government or
any other community or group. While there
is no religious freedom created by the state,
but a democratic country must protect this
right of its citizens. Discrimination In the
17th and 18th centuries, many American
colonies developed the concept of
secularism. Democracy and religious
freedom on the other hand, many totalitarian
dictators in the 20th century purged religion
from the state, for example in Italy

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under Mussolini (1922-1943) during his reign part of Islamic criminal law, not Islam as a
(Millon, 1993). whole, and can

Challenges in Pakistan
Unawareness about the Nature of
Democracy Democracy is government by
popular choice good and informed choice can
be made only on this basis of Knowledge
(Griffiths, Government of India, 1997).
Democracy in Pakistan is deprived of its true
essence due to ignorance. People about the
shape of democracy in Pakistan. Democracy
in Pakistan is a mixture of Islamism.
Secularism is what makes it unique. Pakistan
is a country where people have different
ideas. Some people are secular while others
are Islamist. But none of them are aware of
democracy in Pakistan which has stopped
democratic system. Pakistan's democracy is
designed to allow people with different
ideologies to participate in politics and bring
to power those who want to govern them. In
fact, democracy in Pakistan is the only
democracy that has opened the door to
political revolution. The cause of the current
chaos in Pakistan by terrorists in the name of
Islamic revolution is the ignorance of the
people about real democracy in Pakistan.
Since majority of the people of Pakistan are
Muslims, they want an Islamic government to
rule over them, terrorists are taking advantage
of these simple people by brainwashing them
that Pakistan is a secular state, and they want
it to be a secular state through the
implementation of Sharia law. They will
change it into an Islamic state. Laws
Although Sharia laws are already in force in
Pakistan in the form of statutes of limitations,
laws of inheritance etc., and Tazir laws are
applicable only when the crime is not proven
by the standards prescribed by Islam. These
terrorists have given the name of Islam to
stoning, flogging in case of adultery, cutting
hands in case of theft etc. In fact, these are
only Shariah punishments, which are only a
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only be imposed against criminals after the of our political leaders act as feudal lords
Prophet (PBUH) has allegedly proven them and
guilty. laid a solid evidence base. Quran and
Sunnah. On the contrary, Islam is a whole
the code consists of several features such as
the purpose of Islami State, Democracy in
Islam, Executive and Legislature, Civil.
People ignorant of laws and criminal laws
etc. Be part of the conspiracy against
Pakistan in Pakistan. Although the name of
Islamic revolution is democratic. In Pakistan,
the system itself has left a door open for
Islamic Political revolution. Pakistan has its
own constitution. Support for Islamic
political revolution. In Chapter 2 of the name
written there for the constitution Parliament
is "Majlis Shura", the word "Parliament"
After that is written in parentheses. A
parenthetical phrase is an explanatory or
qualifying word, clause, or phrase inserted
into a passage used to clarify meaning. So,
the focus is on Majlis Shura. The origin of
Shura is Islamic. It was made by Hazrat
Umar to elect the Caliph after Hazrat Umar.
Although most of the Muslims at that time
were the Companions of the Prophet (may
God bless him and grant him peace), the
members of the Shura were scholars and
jurists. After that, the members of the Shura
elected Hazrat Uthman as the Caliph. This
means that today's Majlis Shura is
functioning like the Shura created by Hazrat
Umar. Therefore, those who want Islamic
revolution in Pakistan do not need to adopt
any illegal strategy. A legal mechanism for a
peaceful Islamic revolution, protected by the
Constitution. All they need is to vote and
send the ulema (scholars) to the Majlis Shura
who then choose the head of state to rule the
country.

Feudalism
Feudalism is the main reason that leads to the
failure of democracy because it is feudalism
that inflames the situation. We see that most

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treat the people as their slaves and servants. Jamaats are a source of popular movement
People under the influence of these so-called and patronage in Pakistan. However, the
feudal lords could not vote for their favorite major challenge for political Leadership is to
leader, so they had to vote according to the change the role of political parties to interest
orders of their masters. Such leaders treat the representation and advocacy in the legislature.
state as their property and act as if they are Unfortunately, politicians adopt dictatorial
above the law. Feudalism also leads to policies and attitudes instead of
another problem which is inherited politics. encouragement. Promote democratic values,
As if we look at the example of inherited policies, practices, rule of law and tolerance
politics, we can see the example of the Bhutto for opposition parties. In November 1997,
family in which Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the PMLN supporters attacked the premises of
leader and he became the Prime Minister, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, but the
then his daughter Benazir Bhutto also became leadership did not discourage its supporters.
the Prime Minister and now probably Next
will be Bilawal Bhutto, regardless of whether
Lack of Credibility of Elections
he deserves it or not. When these landlords
Free, fair, and regular elections are the
see that the situation is deteriorating and
essence of true democracy. However,
beyond their control, they manipulate the
Pakistan's record The polls are a bit poor in
electoral process. In this system, millions of
this regard. So, after the elections, all the
people are landless, living below the poverty
defeated parties blamed the winning party. He
line, they don't even have a house and their
called the elections allegedly rigged and
status in society is no more than that of a
unfair. Furthermore, Parties also manipulate
slave. About 70 percent of the people of
election results. When he came into
Pakistan are living in feudal system and rural
government. Due to the multi- party system, it
traditions. Our leaders are not concerned with
is difficult for any party to get a clear majority
the betterment of the people, so they usually
in Pakistan. As a result, a mostly coalition
visit their constituencies few times, which is
government had to be formed and many
why our leaders are not aware of the problems
parties remained involved despite its small
arising at the grass root level.
number of seats in the elections, the Govt. For
Constitutions and Ruling Parties
example, in the May 2018 elections, the PTI
Since independence, Pakistan has experienced
won a majority
three constitutions in 1956, 1962 and 1973.
Votes and Pakistan Muslim League Noon
Includes two interim constitutional
(PMLN) has emerged as the second largest
arrangements (in 1947 and 1972) and two
party in the country. After 2018 Elections
major attempts. Constitutional Engineering
PMLN alleged that the elections were rigged;
(in 1985 and 2002). The bottom line is that all
Thus, fundamental questions arise on
these attempts were swings. Pendulum of
transparency in this important political
power towards government.
activity.

Role of Political Parties Martial Law

and Democracy Martial laws are also the important challenge
The role of political parties is important for of democracy. The question is that why the
the growth and development of democracy. military Generals imposed martial laws? The
Political thing is that the failure of administration of
different governments created vacuum for the
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military and we all can agree on this point
that

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the military is more organized than the rests on
civilian administrations. The failure of
administration leads military to take over. The
first involvement of military into civilian
administration was took place in 1953 at
Lahore to control the violence between the
Ahmedis and Sunnis. After that military has
started to rule the country from 1958 for a
different period. In 1958, General Ayub Khan
took over the charge and he ruled till 1969.
Then from 1969 to 1971, General Yahya
Khan ruled. Then from 1977 to 1989, General
Zia ul Haq ruled the country and then from
1999 to 2008, General Pervaiz Musharraf
imposed martial law. During all the four
military governments some characteristics
were constants and same as, ban on political
parties, dissolution of assemblies, suspension
of constitution, etc. These types of acts badly
influenced the political institutions.

Communication Gap
Civil and military leaders have ruled Pakistan.
Despite this fact, almost all political leaders
are in favor of it. Regarding democracy, they
take little interest in the development and
advancement of true democratic principles
and behavior in this democratically deprived
country. Political leaders come to the people
to get votes but once They come to power and
try to distance themselves from the common
citizens.

Legal Pluralism
Another challenge to informed choice or it
can rightly be said a challenge to democracy
in Pakistan is legal pluralism. Legal pluralism
is a term used to refer to the existence of more
than one legal system in a community or
geographical area. Democracy is a system of
rule by law and unity of law is essential for
the proper functioning of the rule of law. The
supreme law should be the law of the state
and should be the same for all the subjects.
The responsibility for its implementation
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the shoulders of state institutions ( (Griffiths, elections because they believe that their state
What is Legal Pluralism? Journal of Legal laws do not solve problems. Usually Don't
Pluralism and Unofficial Law, 1986). A cast
democratic state should not have legal
pluralism. But unfortunately, most of the
developing countries like Pakistan are facing
legal and cultural pluralism due to the
presence of different races in the country. If
we study the developed countries of the
world, we will find that they are pluralistic
both legally and culturally (Moore, 2001).
Almost all countries of the world have faced
this problem but strong and developed states
managed to get rid of this problem by
making laws according to their customs and
traditions. Although developing countries are
still unable to solve this problem, the gap
between official law and customs in
developed countries is very narrow. Great
Britain, Germany can be cited as examples
because they have adapted their laws to suit
their customs and cultures. Developing
countries and especially countries with a
colonial past like Pakistan and India have
adopted and styled their laws after the laws
of developed countries and thus failed to pay
due attention to their own customs (Peterson,
1997). Pakistan has an unfortunate colonial
past and was under British rule for a long
time in the form of United India. After the
independence of Pakistan in 1947, the first
duty of the state authority was to legislate for
the newly born country, which was inhabited
by people of different castes and religions
and had their own distinct cultures and
traditions. The authority had to keep all these
things in mind while making the law. But
unfortunately, he could not complete the
condition. Handed over the task to them and
introduced the present Laws with minor
changes, which were not met. Society
demanded and hence people followed it.
Their own customs and traditions for
administration Justice. In a legally plural
society, people usually don't. Participate in

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your vote or cast it as an element that doesn't political process or are used by the main
have one. Value to them or some of them sell political parties to maximize their
it to the candidate. In exchange for money.
Informed choice in casting votes it has no
meaning for them.

Conclusion
In essence, democracy is a form of
government in which power is vested in the
people. Therefore, informed choices are so
important in a democratic form of
government to reduce the abuse of this power.
Citizens can ensure informed choices through
participation in public life, which is indeed
the key role of citizens in a democracy. In
democratic governments, citizens have a
responsibility to be aware of public issues and
to investigate how political representatives
deal with these issues and how elected
representatives exercise the powers
transferred to them by vote. They should
know the political process. Only then they
will be able to make an informed choice of
candidates by expressing their opinion and
interest in the form of voting. Voting is an
important way to determine citizens'
participation in government and the choice of
their leaders. Participation includes
conducting political campaigns, contesting
elections as candidates, debating issues of
public interest, etc. Furthermore, legal literacy
of citizens is essential to ensure their
participation in government and strengthen
democracy. Literacy rate in Pakistan is
extremely low compared to other countries of
the world and the rate is extremely low in
rural areas. The people living in the rural
areas are living the way of their forefathers
and they follow the customs and laws as
followed by their elders and they are not
aware of the new laws and regulations of the
state which are of the time. have been
replaced. And according to the need of the
society. They are unaware of their rights and
duties. They usually do not participate in the
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votes. Similarly, political participation and decreased. Some people also criticize
political awareness can help build a cohesive the monopoly of two political parties
political culture and eliminate the influence in the US and the UK. As more than
of nepotism/caste system in politics that has two
stifled democracy and laid the foundation for
elite rule. Is. People cannot make informed
choices if they are not aware of the basic
issues of the state. Thus, they are likely to
make a wrong choice, the consequences of
which can be extremely dangerous for the
people and the state as well.

Recommendations
Having explored the positive and negative
aspects of democracy, it can still be termed
the famous form of government due to its
concept of the welfare state. However, a
truly democratic State must follow the basic
norms for the success of democracy. For
instance, a democratic state must provide
basic facilities of life to its citizens,
education, food, health facilities and freedom
of speech.
 For the success of democracy, the
role of government institutions such
as the legislature, executive and
judiciary are important. The role of
elected politicians is to work for the
welfare of their citizens. Free, fair,
and timely elections are necessary for
the peaceful transition of power. The
fair role of the judiciary is significant
to build public trust in their
institutions.
 The role of politicians is also
important in this regard, as basic
facilities of life, basic human right,
justice, and economic progress is the
right of every citizen. Democracy is
famous because its works for their
citizens and a democratic state is a
welfare state who works for their
public.
 The role and influence of big money
donors should be controlled and

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 political parties can provide more References
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 For the success of democracy in 2. Griffiths. (1986). What is Legal
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in all institutions and eliminate and Unofficial Law. What is Legal
corruption, especially among Pluralism? Journal of Legal Pluralism
politicians. The only merit can help to and Unofficial Law.
bring talented people in all fields of 3. Griffiths. (1997). Government of
India. Government of India.
life, particularly in politics.
4. Millon. (1993). Juries, Judges, and
 The cooperation between civil- Democracy. Law & Social Inquiry.
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deal with poverty, terrorism, Law & Social Inquiry.
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will also be helpful for our foreign government. Democracy of
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6. Rizvi. (1974). Legal Pluralism and its
 Education is vital to create awareness
Relevance for Women’s Law. Legal
among citizens for their rights and to Pluralism and its Relevance for
elect honest leaders in elections. Only Women’s Law.
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true democratic norms, values, and
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 The date of elections after five years
should be decided once and all parties
must follow that like in the US the
date of the election has been decided
and after every four years, both
political parties must follow that. In
Pakistan, economic growth and
progress is prerequisite for real
change. The betterment in the socio-
economic and political setup will
enhance the public trust in democracy.

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