Democracy has not Delivered in Pakistan


The views expressed in the Youth Parliament Pakistan® (YPP) blogs are solely those of the blogger/author/Member Youth Parliament Pakistan® (MYP) and do not represent the views of PILDAT (Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency) or YPP itself. PILDAT and YPP do not endorse or promote any particular political ideology, agenda, or opinion expressed in the blogs. The blogs are intended to encourage critical thinking and constructive dialogue on issues of public interest among young people in Pakistan.

As an Overseas Youth Parliament Pakistan Alumni, I am deeply concerned about the state of democracy in Pakistan. Despite being a democratic nation for more than seven decades, we continue to witness a lack of progress, development, and prosperity for the majority of our citizens. The current state of democracy in Pakistan is a far cry from what the founding fathers envisioned when they fought for our independence.

The purpose of democracy is to provide a platform for the people to elect their representatives, who will then work towards the betterment of the society they serve. However, in Pakistan, democracy has become a mere façade, behind which the powerful and corrupt continue to exploit the masses. The people have been kept in a state of subjugation, with their fundamental rights trampled upon, and their voices unheard.

One of the biggest challenges facing democracy in Pakistan is the lack of accountability. Despite the presence of institutions to ensure transparency and justice, they have failed to deliver. Instead, they have become tools in the hands of the powerful to manipulate and control the system. The rampant corruption, nepotism, and favoritism in our society have deprived the deserving of opportunities, while the undeserving continue to thrive.

The youth of Pakistan, who form a significant chunk of the population, have been disillusioned by the current state of affairs. They face a bleak future, with limited job opportunities, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. This lack of prospects has resulted in widespread frustration and disenchantment. The youth feel betrayed by a system that has failed to deliver, leaving them with little hope for the future.

In addition to this, it appears that every citizen in Pakistan has been impacted by marginalization and discrimination. The powerful few have suppressed the voices of many, and democracy’s promise of equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens has not been fulfilled. In particular, women continue to face gender discrimination, which leads to inadequate access to education and job opportunities. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these problems are not limited to certain groups but are prevalent throughout Pakistani society.

The current political situation in Pakistan has resulted in political instability, with frequent changes in government, and a lack of continuity in policies. This has adversely affected the country’s economy, with a lack of investment, and inadequate infrastructure development. Inadequate social services and basic amenities have resulted in a decline in the standard of living, leaving a large section of the population living below the poverty line.

Furthermore, the lack of education and awareness of the masses has further exacerbated the situation. Democracy is about empowering the people to make informed decisions and participate in the system. However, the lack of education and awareness has made it easier for the powerful to manipulate and control the masses, with false promises and propaganda.

In conclusion, the current state of democracy in Pakistan is a matter of grave concern for every citizen. The lack of progress and development, coupled with widespread corruption and discrimination, has left the masses disillusioned and frustrated. The youth of Pakistan, who form a significant part of the population, are the worst affected, with limited opportunities and a bleak future. It is time for us, as a nation, to rise up and demand accountability from those in power. We need to ensure that every citizen is treated equally and given the opportunity to participate in the system. It is only through an informed and empowered citizenry that we can hope to achieve a truly democratic society, where justice and equality prevail.

Author profile

Muhammad Ubaid ur Rehman
Member
OP- 16
17th Youth Parliament Pakistan

Muhammad Ubaid ur Rehman from Sialkot, Punjab currently living in Belgium. Having completed my SSC from Army Public School, Sialkot and HSSC from GC University, Lahore. He did his BS Business Administration from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and graduated with an MS in Business Economics from Ghent University, Belgium. Doing own business under the umbrella of MUR.vc. He believes in self-independence, education for all, a powerful judicial system, humanity, and patriotism. Be Honest, Be Real with yourself, Stop Talking & Act is his motto. He is a Deputy Chairperson of the Youth Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.