The public pronouncements made thus far by the Chief Justice Iftikhar have emphasised two themes viz. Supremacy of the Constitution and, the Rule of Law. He has left his own restoration and that of the superior judiciary to his minions, Aitzaz and Nawaz to pursue. Together his two themes represent the foundation and the essence of any Democratic system.
What we have witnessed since the 18th February are the diktats of some individuals having no electoral credentials and not even the protective cover of an Oath under the Constitution. The media pundits and the so-called civil society are entranced in a deafening silence over this version of Democracy, either through some ulterior motives or sheer ignorance. Perhaps both.
Major national issues are being tackled by some individual’s declaration or decided upon away from the country in the dark, secretive back-rooms of Dubai and London. The most recent example is the declaration by a minister that KalaBagh Dam is buried forever. Such pronouncements have been the hallmark of Dictators, not behoving the elected Parliamentary Governments.
The 3D’s of Democracy are Deliberation, Disagreement and Debate. All of the three are unfortunately missing in the manner of governance these days witnessed here.
Indeed, Democracy is an expensive and possibly the slowest system of government. Nevertheless due to its deliberate and collective wisdom, sharing of ideas and the spirit of give and take, at the end of the day it always comes ahead. A Democracy runs based on mastering the art of flexibility and compromise and not the dogmatic behaviour of only one ‘Right.’ A working democratic polity allows a million flowers bloom.
Back to the issue of KalaBagh Dam. A proper democratic discourse in the Parliament would have brought out all its pros and cons – Political, Parochial, Social, Environmental, Economic, Agricultural, Energy-related and above all its Scientific and Technical feasibility. Unfortunately for Pakistan, the democratic government through the pronouncement of one minister showed its total ignorance and understanding of such a complex issue. A parliamentary debate might have led to the same decision. But, having expressed their positions, no one would feel cheated and all would be on board.
If dictatorial rulers are bad, how could this tyranny of democracy be any better?
In my earlier ATP Posts – Pakistan Elections 2008: Awam Express has arrived and, Who will stop this mayhem in Pakistan, plus several comments on other relevant guest-posts, I have pointed out, perhaps in not forceful enough terms, that the comfortable Civil Society and the Media should wake-up to deliver on their social responsibilities. They have a role to play towards educating and helping the “AWAM” understand the major issues of the day, so that in the next elections they do the right thing once again. They have the numbers which the civil society does not possess and Democracy is the game of numbers.
Let us not forget that it is these “AWAM” who have brought about this monumental change in the political landscape of Pakistan. They can also resort to other, unpalatable means if their wishes are not fulfilled. The media revolution has resulted in giving them a level of understanding of issues we donot give them credit of. So don’t push them over the precipice. Their patience cannot be limitless. Not doing so would be to the peril of the civil society and the media. Therefore, the blame for what may follow as the consequence of this neglect is also to be exclusively theirs.
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Maybe we are asking too much from democracy. Decisions made democraticlly will never please everyone. They will please most people. We have to learn to live with those democratic decisions that we ourselves may not like.
CJ’s machismo approach contributed significantly to the mess. He needs to step down from the pedestal as well along with Mush and co. I am also baffled by the current state of affair and that is how come all the non-elected people are calling the shots and formulating policies?
Democracy aside, people first must learn to be civil otherwise it is rule of the mob (classical definition)
I find this post somewhat ridiculous. If this is a dictatorship, when was the coup, where are the arms, how is the press being suppressed, when was the emergency opposed, when were the judges arrested like common criminals and shoved into confinement? the list goes on….
Zardari’s certainly not an angel, and he is obviously looking out for his own future interests, so it must be quite disappointing for those who expected immediate miracles.
@Beena
Yes the democratic gov. isnt doing any wonders but
You waited 9 years to judge a military ruler and NOW you have started judging a democratic gov. in 2 months?
Thats amazing !!
This issue shows you the real face of the so called “democracy” in Pakistan. Before March 9th, 2007 the opposition parties had absolutely NO issue to speak of. The “bright bulbs” in Musharraf’s camp handed them an issue to elevate public emotions against Musharraf and the Q-League, giving Mr ten percent and Mr ten years (or was it five?) another chance to ruin the country.
PPP played him like a pawn in the big game. They organized the rallies, they brought in the people. The leaders of the movement are all card carrying members of the PPP, and now when the power is in hand, who wants that hard headed judge restored who may become a hurdle in the future deals Zardari and Co. is comtemplating for the betterment of Pakistan?
Justice choudhry has boxed the PML(nawaz) into a corner with one agenda. His restoration. If he is tryly a patriot and also understand politics, then he knows his removal by Musharaff is due to privitisation of pakistani steel and nothing to do with democracy or dictatorship. The same cause is driving the present dichtomy between PPP and PML(N). He should gracioulsy advice that the smokescreen created by PPP of constitution proposals has long term benfit for pakistan and democracy. Zardari has benefittted from NRO and wants the present chief justice to continue. Why not allow that but insist on the good pooints in the proposals and also removal of Musharaff which also suits zardari politically?
This article highlights a very important point which is a MUST have in order for a democracy to flourish and people voices to be heard.
As pointed out, Democratic system, by design and purpose, is a “slow” and deliberative process resulting in long discussion, compromises. As someone brilliantly stated, it is art of possibility.
This is essential to balance needs of whole country at Federal level and needs of each region etc.
Now we have democracy but Party Chief’s are making decisions. That is fine and they have right to do it as they have won the majority. We must remember you not only elect people, you elect their judgment too.
I am very pleased to see dialogues with Balochs, FATA Tribes, India, renaming of NWFP and Constitutional amendment package.
We need to complement Democracy by lobbying on behalf of people so they are heard because politicians have habit of forgetting after they are elected.
It also needs to be complemented by solid research from Pakistani Think Tanks.
K-Street’s and Think Tanks’ (RAND, CATO, Brookings, AEI etc) influence on Washington DC is well known.
Right now common person is deeply buried in economic issues, high food prices, electricity etc so it is very difficult to expect or even fathom that they want anything else other than reprieve from these issues. Restoration of democratic institution is important but immediately common person wants food for his family. 1 in 3 people in Pakistan cannot earn more than Rs. 60 per day and there
I know it is few months since we have democracy, but to date I am very disappointed with educated elite and media. They are hung up with Restoration of Judges issue and don’t focus on other issues.
At Immigrationvoice.org, a non-profit, I have small experience on ‘educating people and politicians’ on Permanent Residency Issues (delays etc) faced by highly skilled legal Professional Immigrants to USA. If you visit website, you can see how simple it is to take action, we read bills and provide precise actions to members. We even have webfax there and made huge list of media contacts available to concerned.
It takes huge amount of money; resources to just educate lawmakers, people about issue. We arranged first ever protest in Washington DC to create media awareness etc. But with persistence efforts we have 25000+ strong groups constantly working on this issue and were able to influence Senator and Congress.
Point is that I don’t see this happening in Pakistan to help common people. I am hopeful but I doubt that democracy can bloom without intense lobbying or media awareness.
This needs to come from educated people who have well paying jobs and enjoying great lifestyle and can spare time to help elected officials and common people of Pakistan.
We are those people.
Justice is also a requirement of democracy and must be respected