11 May, New Delhi, India (ANI): Around the same time, India and Pakistan both became independent countries, and since then, their trajectories have been different.
Sadly, Pakistan has seen decades of political instability and military intrusions, eroding its democratic framework, while India has risen as one of the region’s most important economies, a developing powerhouse, and a powerful worldwide influence. Dr. Shenaz Ganai authored.
The civil-military competition that has characterized Pakistan’s political history has bred mistrust and disrupted civilian leadership. The nation is still dealing with the legacy of power struggles between elected officials and the defense establishment, which has seriously weakened its democratic institutions.
Pakistan has had a constant struggle between civilian and military forces for power, starting with Liaquat Ali Khan and continuing with the previous prime minister Imran Khan. According to the author, this hampered the growth of the democratic system and constitutional governance.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council member, the author.
The bumpy road to democracy in Pakistan has been a history of lost chances, political unrest, and institutional tensions. The nation has had many military takeovers since its founding in 1947, widespread corruption, and an ongoing conflict between the democratically elected civilian administration and the influential defense establishment. The country’s democratic institutions and advancement have suffered greatly as a consequence, and the current administration has been unable to break free of the defence establishments’ sway and assert its authority. The unfortunate reality is that the country’s present state is dreadful, with the average citizen suffering the brunt of this political unrest.
India, Pakistan’s neighbor and sister nation founded the same year, has distinguished itself as a thriving democracy, characterized by a peaceful transfer of power and solid institutions. In contrast to Pakistan, which is currently dealing with the reemergence of internal problems including unrest, poverty, and political instability, India has evolved from a developing country to an emerging market and economic superpower.
Pakistan has had democratic rule for seven decades, but it hasn’t been able to create a permanent democratic system that can resolve institutional disputes and exert influence over the defense establishment. The ministry has established itself as a Parallel force by exerting significant influence on domestic policy and governmental choices. As a consequence, elected administrations often remained dependent on the start of their terms, leading to a political impasse where a neighboring party was able to make important decisions on long-term concerns. Additionally, Pakistan’s foreign policy choices have been influenced by the defense institutions, which has resulted in a lack of coherence and harmed its international relations.
the present circumstance Pakistan’s recurrent domestic unrest is very worrying for the area. Political unrest has always had a negative impact on the economy by preventing investment, reducing foreign assistance, and halting infrastructure projects.
Since investors and companies are wary of uncertain circumstances, Pakistan’s political unrest has severely hampered its economic growth. Pakistan trails behind at position 154 in the human development index, whereas India outperforms it with a score of 131 out of 189 nations thanks to its stable climate. on a similar vein, Pakistan ranks 108 and India ranks 63 on the global bank’s ease of doing business index.
The instability in Pakistan threatens not just that nation but also Southeast Asia as a whole, jeopardizing the stability of the area, which is crucial for the growth and development of neighboring nations like India. Building confidence across government institutions would help Pakistan limit internal divides and provide prosperity for its people and the region as a whole. This will help create the conditions for peace and stability. Pakistan has to review its constitutional framework and give civilian leaders more authority if it is to develop into a stable, forward-thinking, and democratic country. For the sake of the area and its people, a commitment must be made to addressing its democratic inadequacies.
The perseverance of its people and India’s strong democratic system have led to the country’s triumphs, while Pakistan’s struggles with stability highlight the need of preserving democratic institutions. The history of these two countries teaches us important lessons and serves as a reminder of the need of democracy for long-term growth, stability, and prosperity.
Pakistan’s path to democracy has been paved with difficulties and disappointments. The government’s policies are subtly influenced by the military establishment, and the political deadlock has had a negative effect on the nation’s stability, development, and position in the area. Pakistan will continue to suffer on the international scene until it can resolve these structural problems. The stark difference between India’s economic trajectory and Pakistan’s highlights the significance of democratic and stable government in developing nations. To emulate India’s achievements, Pakistan must bring in stability and growth.
Chanakya, a famous philosopher from India, reportedly remarked: “State is as strong as its administration.” We can only hope that Pakistan would recognize its democratic deficiencies and set out on a path to address them, bringing wealth and stability to its people and the whole area, for the benefit of Southeast Asia and its residents. (ANI)
