ROLE OF OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN (2008-2013)

GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY, LAHORE

Political Science

By: Sahar Sarwar, Ahmad Taj

Supervised By: Ma’am Sadia Rafique

Academic Level: MA

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Abstract

This study aims at to analyze the role of opposition parties in parliamentary democracy, by examining the constitutional history of Pakistan that has observed many self-centered civilians as well as dictators (who refused to act as a ceremonial head under the sacred book of the state after assuming the legitimate power entitled them as military chiefs), thereby creates impediments in the evolution of parliamentary culture in Pakistan. Under parliamentary democracy the role of opposition in politics is crystal clear: their task is to decide matters pertaining to public demands and, at the same time, to keep a wary eye on government policies under which the general interest is not safeguarded and is taken as for granted. Therefore, it can safely be assumed that opposition leaders are the custodian of public interest and their primary aim is to legislating public-oriented policies. However, in Pakistan, the role of opposition has always been contained by non-democratic forces owing to their growing political dispensation and also due to lacking of mature and competent political leadership to putting the democratic cart before the horse , and unstable institutional development, the parliamentary democracy is badly failed several times in Pakistan. Though the legacy of taking over governments by military dictators comes to an end after Zardari’s regime in 2008, yet the varying constitutional models -from Parliamentary to Presidential and then Quasi Presidential along with the then amendments in 1973 Constitution (especially 8th and 17th) – have not only distorted parliamentary democracy, but also have challenged the Parliament’s sovereignty by denying people’s inalienable rights. After the transition of power from military to civilian rule in 2008, it was imperative to correct the democratic course by restoring 1973 Parliamentary Constitution since political turmoil hampered the democratic evolution. However, the 5-year tenure of 13th constituent assembly successfully regains its original spirit through strong collaboration amongst heterogeneous political parties. Therefore, the collaboration of opposition parties with the then ruling party was the need of the time and in the general interest of the public. So, they get acclimatized to obstruct the illegal trend of exercising military power over the civil institutions of a democratic state. For instance; the emancipation of parliament is achieved by adding provisions relating to delineate its role using a constitutional body- parliamentary committee. The provision of due share in parliamentary committee certifies the role of opposition for the smooth functioning of parliamentary dealings. Further, matters pertaining to the appointment of judges, chief election commissioner and caretaker government show a sign of maturity and seriousness from political representatives. Under 18th amendment, the central-provincial relation is revised to guarantee participatory federalism. The renewal of CCI and NEC, headed by Prime Minister,
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gives the sign of parliamentary strength as well as provincial autonomy. All these broad steps clearly indicate the Prime Minister as the real chief executive of the country and to ensure sovereignty of the Parliament. The responsibility of the parliamentary committee in the appointment of judges, Chief Election Commissioner and care taker Prime Minister too is a viable step towards strengthening the role of Parliament. Besides that, the researcher also touches upon the salient features of a historic document which is popularly known as the Magna Carta of Pakistan i.e. Charter of Democracy- that not only entails the very foundation of parliamentary democracy to be strengthened- but it also ensures provincial autonomy, independent judiciary as well as transparent elections. Apart from this, it also guarantees a tangible socio-economic development of the state. For that reason, the researcher, in this regards, inquires about the constructive role of opposition in making legislative decisions and devising constitutional policies by the then government that may lead to reinstate the parliamentary spirit of the Constitution under landmark “Charter of Democracy”. Therefore, this study provides its readers a deep insight into the constitutional role of opposition parties participated in the state affairs so as to pave the way for its smooth and fair functioning of legislative bodies.

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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.