Institutionalization Challenges of Democracy in Pakistan. A Case Study Parliamnet (2002-10)

International Islamic University Islamabad

Department of politics and international relations

By: Zahoor Ahmed

Supervised By: Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed

Academic Level: PhD

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Abstract

Democracy is a “word” which has common meaning in entire world but it has to face different challenges whether it is in established democratic states or in the developing democratic states. Understanding of democracy is associated with the credibility level of the institutions. It would be correct to say that the democratic regimes have more potential to meet the challenges of states as compare to authoritarian regimes. Since independence, Pakistan has problems in democratic transition process although it has tasted all forms of government. No doubt in saying that political leaders are in continuous struggle to grip the problems of democracy in Pakistan but still their efforts are not producing the required results. Process of democratization could not be successful unless the attributes of democracy are properly examined and addressed. In Pakistan, the authoritarian regimes had introduced controlled democracy whereas the political regimes had neglected the basic concepts of democracy. Institutionalization process in Pakistan is week because the political culture is not strong. Each segment of society is important to consolidate the democracy. It is the civil society which will point out the inability of institutions, weakness of the institutions and the corrupt leadership. Effective role of judiciary could conclude the performance of the institutions. Efforts are done to control the judiciary by the military and political leadership time to time. The political imbalance has reduced the efficiency level of the institutions within Pakistan. Instead of owing the credibility of the institutions, the attention as spayed to personal power gaining strategy which had weakened the institutionalization process in Pakistan. The political and constitutional history of Pakistan is filled with democratic compromises which altogether damaged the leadership. Soft corner preferences at the expense of democracy should not be tolerated. Now there is growing feeling within all stake holders of state that the weak institutions could not be able to cope the current challenges.

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On the direction of the Chairman Senate/President PIPS Board of Governors, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and responsible utilization of public resources, on the same lines as notified and adopted by the Senate and National Assembly Secretariats.

Under the new measures, the Institute has adopted a four-day working week (Monday to Thursday), while introducing a hybrid working model whereby 50% of staff will perform duties from the office and 50% will work remotely on a rotational basis. Employees working from home will remain fully accessible through digital communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice, ensuring uninterrupted institutional functioning.

Significant steps have also been taken to promote energy conservation. These include a target of achieving up to 70% reduction in energy consumption through minimizing unnecessary use of electricity and ensuring that official meetings, trainings, and events are scheduled during daylight hours. Foreign tours are banned and international meetings are being held virtually.

In the transport section, PIPS has introduced strict measures to curtail expenditure and 70% official vehicles have been grounded as part of this initiative.

As part of broader austerity efforts, 20% reduction has been imposed on the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The officers drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, shall surrendered two days salary or 5% to 30% salary on gross as per Federal Government decision.

The Institute has also discontinued all non-essential procurements with immediate effect. Official functions such as dinners and receptions will not be hosted, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations, and even then, strictly in accordance with austerity protocols.

These measures have been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Under the guidance of President PIPS Board of Governors, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PIPS remains fully committed to maintaining its core functions of parliamentary support, capacity building, and research while contributing proactively to national austerity and sustainability goals.